Museum of Anthropology

Mimicking the post-and-beam structures favored by the Coast Salish, the Museum of Anthropology (6393 Northwest Marine Dr., 604/822-5087, daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. in summer, Tues.–Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. the rest of the year, adult $11, senior and child $9) is home to the world’s largest collection of arts and crafts of the Pacific Northwest native peoples. A ramp flanked with sculptures by renowned modern-day carvers leads to the Great Hall, a cavernous 18-meter-high (59-feet) room dominated by towering totem poles collected from along the coast and interspersed with other ancient works.

A museum highlight is the collection of works by Haida artist Bill Reid, which includes The Raven and the First Men. Carved from a four-ton chunk of yellow cedar, the surrounding seats are a popular spot to sit and simply stare. Other displays include intricate carvings, baskets, ceremonial masks, fabulous jewelry, and European ceramics.

The museum holds more than 200,000 artifacts, most of which are stored in uniquely accessible research collections. Instead of being stored in musty boxes out back and available only to anthropologists, the collections are stored in the main museum—in row upon row of glass-enclosed cabinets and in drawers that visitors are encouraged to open. Details of each piece are noted in binders.

University Gardens

Just south of the Museum of Anthropology is the serene Nitobe Memorial Garden (604/822-9666, daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. in summer, adult $6, senior $5, child $2). Spread over one hectare (2.5 acres), this traditional Japanese garden of shrubs and miniatures has two distinct sections: the Stroll Garden, laid out in a form that symbolizes the journey through life, and the Tea Garden, the place to contemplate life from a ceremonial teahouse. Outside of summer, the garden is open limited hours (Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.), but admission is free.

Also on campus is the delightful UBC Botanical Garden (6804 Marine Dr., 604/822-4208, daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., adult $8, senior and child $6). Set among coastal forest, the 44-hectare (110-acre) site comprises eight themed gardens, including Canada’s largest collection of rhododendrons, the British Columbia Native Garden, a display of mountain plants from the world’s continents, and medieval healing plants in the Physick Garden. From the Museum of Anthropology, follow Marine Drive south for 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) to 16th Avenue.

© Andrew Hempstead, from Moon Western Canada, 3rd Edition