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Home » Recent posts » We took a tour of UBC—here’s everything you’ll want to know!

We took a tour of UBC—here’s everything you’ll want to know!

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I planned to just check out the University of British Columbia for an hour or so, but somehow ended up on hiking trails, snapping photos of the gardens, and catching the sunset at Wreck Beach. 

What was supposed to be a quick visit turned into a full-day adventure. Trust me, if you’re into epic views, student vibes, and even sneaking in some beach time, UBC’s got you covered!

So let’s find out what this university has to offer!

Best Time to Go

The best time to go to the University of British Columbia is during spring and summer (April to September) when the gardens in the campus are in full bloom, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and beach walks.

If you’re looking for an Instagrammable time to visit, it’s best to visit autumn (October to December) as the campus lights up with fall colors, ideal for scenic walks and photography.

Is UBC worth visiting?

wreck-beach

Yes, the University of British Columbia is definitely worth a visit. The campus offers stunning, ever-changing landscapes where nature blends seamlessly with its buildings. 

You can explore museums, gardens, sports, and more—all with a beautiful view of the Strait of Georgia.

Things to Know

UBC Welcome Centre 

The UBC Welcome Centre is the place to kick off your campus tour of the University of British Columbia. It’s the spot for both tourists and locals to ask questions, find events and restaurants, and help you book a campus tour.

It’s a great place to gather information about the university’s history, academic programs, and student life. Additionally, the Welcome Centre offers maps and brochures to help visitors navigate the sprawling campus.

Parking at UBC

UBC offers 19 parking lots both on and around campus, making it likely you’ll find a convenient spot for your vehicle.

Parking Facilities:

  • North Parkade, Fraser River Parkade, West Parkade, Thunderbird Parkade, and Rose Garden Parkade: Open from 6 AM to 6 PM. Rates are $2 per hour, available to students and staff only.
  • University Blvd and Osborne Lot: Open 24 hours (12 AM to 11:59 PM). Open to all—students, faculty, and visitors—at a cost of $4 per hour.
  • University Centre Lot: Accessible to all at $2 per hour.
  • Michael Smith Lot, Strangway Pay Lot, ACU Lot, C2 Lot, and Armouries Lot: Open from 6 AM to 6 PM, available to everyone for $2 per hour.
  • Health Sciences Parkade and B4 Lot: Restricted to faculty and staff only, with a rate of $2 per hour.
  • Fairview Crescent: A student resident parkade costing $1 for 1.5 hours.
  • Stadium Lot: Open 24 hours (12 AM to 11:59 PM) for faculty and staff only, at $4 per hour.
  • Botanical Gardens Parking: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, costing $1.50 per hour.

Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or visitor, UBC provides a variety of parking options to suit your needs.

Notable Events at UBC

  • Pride at UBC: Held in June and July, this event supports 2SLGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff.
  • Apple Festival: A family-friendly event in October celebrating everything apple.
  • Day of the Longboat: A popular fall event where teams race traditional longboats in False Creek.
  • Asian Heritage Month: Held in May, it highlights the achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent.
  • Harvest Feastival: On September 19, enjoy an evening of food, friends, and arts with a six-dish, locally-sourced feast.
  • International Transgender Day of Visibility: March 31 celebrates and honors the contributions of the trans community.

How to Get to the the University of British Columbia

By car: from downtown Vancouver, cross the Burrard or Granville bridges and head west on 4th, 10th, or 16th Avenue. From the airport, take the Arthur Laing Bridge and follow SW Marine Drive west.

By public transit: from downtown Vancouver, board the 014 towards UBC nd get off at the UBC Exchange.

Where to Stay in the University of British Columbia

West Coast Suites

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Address: 5961 Student Union Blvd

Phone: +1 604-822-1000

Pricing: $$

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West Coast Suites, located on the scenic west side of Vancouver, offers an ideal stay for visitors exploring the University of British Columbia. Each suite comes equipped with a full kitchen, making it a convenient option for longer stays or those who prefer to cook their own meals.

The suites are designed with comfort in mind. Blackout curtains ensure a restful sleep, and pocket doors provide privacy by separating the bedroom from the living room. The rooms are also impressively quiet, with excellent air conditioning and fast Wi-Fi.

Thoughtful touches like an umbrella in the cupboard, high-quality toiletries, and eco-friendly dishwasher tablets enhance the overall experience.

Gage Apartments

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Address: 5959 Student Union Blvd

Phone: +1 604-822-1020

Pricing: $$

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The Gage Apartments offer a prime location near the AMS Nest, the bus loop, and several campus recreational facilities, making it an excellent choice for visitors wanting easy access to UBC’s key spots.

The apartments are well-maintained and clean, with plenty of dining options just a short walk away.

Each tower features laundry rooms for convenience, along with a small convenience store, vending machines, and even ping pong tables for recreation. 

Both student and visitor parking are readily available, adding to the ease and comfort of staying here.

Where to Eat in the University of British Columbia

Mercante

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Address: +1 604-827-2210

Phone: 6488 University Blvd

Pricing: $

Website

Mercante is a must-visit for pizza lovers, offering deliciously fresh pizzas with perfectly textured dough. The Margherita Salami Piccante special is a standout, combining a light, tangy tomato sauce with well-balanced flavors.

The spacious setting offers plenty of seating options, whether you prefer relaxing on the sofas, sitting at a table, or grabbing a spot at the bar counter with high chairs.

Koerner’s Pub

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Address: 1758 West Mall

Phone: +1 604-827-1443

Pricing: $

Website

Koerner’s Pub is a laid-back spot offering both indoor and outdoor seating, with a great selection of drinks. They also cater to non-drinkers with a variety of nonalcoholic options, ensuring everyone feels included.

The smash burgers are tasty and reasonably priced, as are the cocktails, making it a perfect spot for grabbing a few drinks and catching a live music show. Don’t miss out on their fries, which come smothered in vegan mushroom gravy.

Food at the Nest

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Address: 6133 University Blvd

Phone: +1 604-822-2901

Pricing: $

Website

The AMS Nest offers a wide variety of dining options, perfect for enjoying a meal on the campus patio. With multiple food outlets to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

For coffee, tea, and a range of baked goods, sandwiches, as well as vegan and gluten-free treats, head to Blue Chip Cafe. If you’re in the mood for Asian cuisine, Grand Noodle Emporium is a great choice.

Other popular spots include Honour Roll for sushi, Nourish for healthy meals, the Delly for sandwiches, Seoul Hotdog, Fresh Slice Pizza, and El Cartel for Mexican-inspired dishes.

Gallery Patio and Lounge

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Address: 6133 University Blvd 4th floor

Phone: +1 604-827-5660

Pricing: $

Website

The Galley Patio and Lounge, perched on the top floor of the AMS Nest, is a perfect spot to unwind. They offer a diverse menu with everything from shareable plates to filling entrees, alongside a selection of local craft beer, cocktails, and in-house sangria.

Try to go during happy hour from 3-5 PM and 8-9:30 PM. You’ll score discounted drinks and meals!

What to Do in the University of British Columbia

Explore the Lush Greenery of the UBC Botanical Garden

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Address: 6804 SW Marine Drive

Phone: +1 604-822-4208

Website

The UBC Botanical Garden is a stunning, well-maintained spot that’s perfect for a leisurely walk any time of year. With an impressive variety of rhododendrons and towering trees, it offers beautiful sights in every season.

You can easily spend 2+ hours exploring the well-kept trails at your own pace. If you’re also interested in visiting the nearby Japanese garden, be sure to ask the staff about the special combo ticket deal.

Admire the Stunning Views from the Nitobe Memorial Garden

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Address: 1895 Lower Mall

Phone: +1 604-822-6038

Website

The Nitobe Memorial Garden offers a profound sense of tranquility, nestled harmoniously among the surrounding Canadian conifers. This peaceful oasis on the UBC campus is the perfect spot to unwind and reflect.

Photos can’t capture the serene beauty of this Japanese garden, with its babbling brook, small waterfall, and shaded gravel paths. 

Bridges and small alcoves provide peaceful spots to sit and take in the natural surroundings, making it a truly calming escape from the bustling campus.

Discover Marine Wonders at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum

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Address: Vancouver Campus, 2212 Main Mall,

Phone: +1 604-827-4955

Website

The Beaty Biodiversity Museum is a world-class natural history museum where you can easily spend several hours exploring its fascinating exhibits. 

It’s a great destination for young families; be sure to check out the impressive blue whale and then head to the back for the gentle touching gallery, where friendly volunteers are eager to share more fascinating specimens.

Don’t miss the screening room, which features a captivating film about how the whale skeleton was brought into the museum and the meticulous work involved in hanging it from the ceiling. 

Downstairs, you’ll find an array of specimens and taxidermied animals that add to the museum’s intriguing displays.

Wander Through the Tranquil Pacific Spirit Regional Park

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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd

Phone: +1 604-224-5739

Website

Pacific Spirit Regional Park, situated at UBC, is a breathtaking destination that’s perfect for taking your furry friend out for a walk while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

The park features flat paths and trails that are popular among walkers and cyclists, ensuring a lively atmosphere. With numerous sections and intersections, you’ll have plenty of options to explore and create a unique experience every time you visit. 

The park beautifully showcases the distinctive charm of the Pacific Northwest coastal rainforest, making it a serene escape into nature.

Swim at the UBC Aquatic Centre 

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Address: 6080 Student Union Blvd

Phone: +1 604-822-4501

Website

The UBC Aquatic Centre is an impressive facility featuring expansive glass walls that create a modern, airy atmosphere. The main pool offers a refreshing experience with its cool, fast-flowing water.

With four large pools available, it caters to everyone’s needs and is one of the best aquatic centers you’ll ever experience in BC. 

The hot tub is fantastic, especially for kids, with powerful jets that provide a soothing experience. You’ll definitely leave feeling completely relaxed here.

Transit: get real-time information and updates on bus arrivals, bus capacity predictions, real time vehicle locations, and special service alerts.

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Meetup: meet communities of people in your area who share the same interests as you.

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Uber: book a ride anywhere in Vancouver, lets you track the driver’s location in real-time on the app and provide an estimated time of arrival.

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