Park & Tilford Gardens — Attraction in North Vancouver

A bit of an odd place to have a garden as part of a strip mall; a novel idea for sure—a small escape from suburbia—but an idea that nonetheless detracts from the concept of the garden itself.

I happened upon Park & Tilford Gardens while trying to get off of Brooksbank Ave. I generally dislike busy roads, so I figured I’d take a break at this strip mall before heading further west. When I saw the entrance, I was a bit surprised, but curious. It’s not a big garden, and there’s a map somewhere near the entrance for visitors to peruse. I unknowingly walked through almost the entire garden (except for the Display Garden) because all the paths are connected. The tall trees provide lots of shade and cool air, which is much needed considering the garden’s surrounding areas have short, young trees and shrubbery, and on a hot sunny day it’s a burden just to be outside.

My only complaint, as I stated before, is that the garden is located in a strip mall, and surrounded by two major roads. Hearing traffic subtracts from the experience of the garden. It really breaks any immersion one would otherwise get lost in, because Park and Tilford Gardens is a nice little green space in the city... I just can’t get over the...

There are only 2 main reasons we visit this area, for the Cineplex theatres and the Golden Pearl restaurant. Theatre tickets are less expensive than their other locations due to their age and location. Unlike their other multiplex locations, there is no VIP, IMAX, or D-box cinemas. This keeps the price down if you don't mind watching movies in 2D. We usually like to combine our movie going experience with a dinner before or after the movie. We are never disappointed at the Golden Pearl. The staff know us, there are only certain dishes that we can get there like their mandarin chicken, the the deep fried spicy pork chops or squid and their tepan hot plate with satay beef. There are always leftovers to take home. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and flavor we can't get elsewhere. Medium size restaurant space with tables to accommodate large groups. Excellent service and fast table delivery. Everything cooked fresh to order. They have a liquor license so beer, wine and cocktails...

The garden itself is great, nice place to walk around and a cool hidden gem but beware of the blonde lady, middle age with a European accent who works or volunteers there. I went to just take a quick look at the Rose Room to potentially book it for next year. As soon as I walked in the gate she yelled at me coz I had my dog. I didn’t see their small sign hidden behind the gate and amongst all their big signs about COVID. I apologized nicely as It was my fault and tied my dog up outside of the garden. I went back in and she physically blocked my path and started aggressively going on about how I need to watch my dog (who is a senior dog and very well behaved). I tried to explain to her that I just wanted to get a peek of the room and I would be less than 5 minutes. She went on about rules and COVID and all this BS. She clearly was using all her energy to block me out. If that’s what their job is then be ready to feel like you’re intruding into their private space, even if the...