UBC (University of British Columbia), Vancouver

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The UBC can seem like a city unto itself. The campus stretches 402 hectares, flanked by the picturesque University Endowment Lands community and the Pacific Spirit Regional Park forested parklands. The campus itself offers much to see and do with amazing views of the ocean, mountains and city, and wonderful attractions such as the renowned Museum of Anthropology and UBC Botanical Gardens.

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Located in the UBC campus is the Vancouver Museum of Anthropology. Housed in an odd glass and cement building, the museum has exhibits depicting Native North American culture and history. If you are short of time or are not inclined to pay the C$9 admission, you can walk to the rear of the museum through a forest path to admire the longhouse and the totem poles.

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The University of British Columbia is like a city within a city. There are so many things to see & do in this one area alone. At the end of Cecil Green Park Rd is the Museum of Anthropology. Behind this is a staircase, which leads to Wreck Beach, a very popular clothing option beach. Nearby is the Nitobe Japanese Garden, at the ornate Asian Center. Along SW Marine Dr, near 16th Ave, is the Botanical Gardens. The campus is surrounded by miles of beaches on one side & acres of forests on the other. The Studen Union contains a pub & you can pick up souveniers at the Bookstore.

This is a great museum, costs about CAN$10. Although it offers a collection covering the whole world, its star attraction is a collection of wooden sculptures and utensils from local Indian tribes Haida and Cuaciutl. See my travelogues for more photos.

...in the world! Well, I suppose I'm biased, since I went to UBC, but I'm sticking with my story. Various gardens, the museum of anthropology, a nudist beach (sorry, no pictures of that!), and a nature preserve all surround the campus. Trees dot the walking campus (cars are kept out of the core of the campus).

To me, the landmark of the campus is the clock tower. Libraries have been built, and others torn down, over the last few years, but the tower remains.

If you're in Vancouver, make sure you head to Point Grey, and check out the University of British Columbia (UBC).

UBC is situated right on the ocean, and sports some of the most fantastic views in the Vancouver area. All the foilage around UBC is located in the University Endowment Lands (UEL). In the UEL, you'll find dog trails, bike trails, running paths, and nature trails. When I was training for the Sun Run, I used to go on nice long runs on the various trails within the UEL.

If you walk to the North end of the University of British Columbia, you'll eventually be rewarded with am amazing view of the North Shore mountains. If you visit in the summer, or late spring, you can view the roses in the rose garden.

Many of the workers on campus come ot the rose garden at noon to eat their lunch.

The Asian Centre houses the Asian Library, the Department of Asian Studies, and the International Liaison Office, and provides space for the Asian interests of the School of Music.

In 1985, the Pacific Bell Tower was constructed on the Asian Centre grounds. The Bell reflects the strong spirit of peace and friendship between Canada and Japan.

UBC - sooo much to do here !!!!
Well, asside from enjoying our somewhat dated but awesome campus there's lots to do up here ! Access to great recreational trails - Pacific Spirit National Park. The UBC Botanical gardens are always popular.... and if you arrive at the right time maybe you'll catch the apple festival. Drop in at the student recreation centre (an absolute must if your a sports enthusiast....i usually play ball there on fridays, i'll be the one posterizing you in the blue/gold VC's) ---> 822-6000, there's also a dope gym here as well, the Bird Coop (drop in is a rip @ 8bucks though). UBC aquatic centre - great place to take the kids for a nice sunny afternoon, outdoor and indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room and yes, bball nets. Rose Garden, drive up your drop top and catch a sweet sunset. Chan Centre for the Performing Arts - lots of concerts and recitals, check it out if your into the 'culturally enriched' scene.

-> depending on your interests.... we've got great research facilities here, the health sciences division of UBC is very strong and growing, if your coming here to study or for the summer look into one of the labs for a summer job !!

The museum of Anthropology is also great as well, tons of local stuff that is sure to fascinate you, and if it doesn't the architecture certainly will !

There's also a public golf course that is pretty reasonably for this prime location !

--> of course there's summer term here if your not already a full time student, and best of all.... practically everybody can enroll and it's cheap !!!!

University of British Columbia campus.
This is home to over 35,000 students and has a lot to offer for a day's full of sites. It is especially pretty on a clear day when views of the mountains and the ocean surround you. Check out Wreck Beach Warning: long hike up and down the stairs, it is a nude beach and don't go alone- there are some shady characters there Nitobe Gardens (beautiful Japanese gardens) The several museums on campus and just walk around and enjoy the nature and the older architecture (movies are filmed here all the time, especially in front of the Chemistry building and Main library as they have an Ivy League look to them). There are also many restuarants on campus as well as 3 prominent pubs (Koerners, the Gallery and Thunder Bar) and the campus night club (the Pit) which you may want to check out on a Wednesday night for its lively student crowd, cheap cover ($2 for nonstudents) and cheap liquor. Get there early on a Wednesday (the infamous pit night)- definitely before 10 or you will be stuck in a ridiculous line. Sometimes it gets really packed in there.