Summer is rapidly approaching and the excellent weather we get in BC makes it a great time for a stroll around campus.
Want to vary things up? Here are a few scenic spots within walking distance from all of the university neighbourhoods that might add a little more colour and variety to your explorations.
The Agroforestry Trail
Enter the main gate of the UBC Farm (3461 Ross Drive), turn right and walk all the way past the market area, the yurt, and farm centre, until you see the sign for the Agroforestry Trail.
This short and uncrowded trail is great if you’re looking for a peaceful walk through the woods. The path is narrow, so watch the signs, and you might need to jump over a few logs. It joins an unpaved road looping past the Timberdome, and back up to the front.
It’s a great side trip the next time you’re attending a farmer’s market, but note that dogs are not allowed at the farm.
The University Centre Courtyard
Located next to the UBC Rose Garden opposite from the Chan Centre, the University Centre courtyard is a quiet, uncrowded place to have lunch or read a book, with benches next to a pond and fountain with an overhanging maple tree.
Access the courtyard from either the UBC Rose Garden or from the left side of the University Centre at 6371 Crescent Rd. Wheelchair access is via the elevator near the flagpole on Main Mall.
Grand Fir Trail
The Grand Fir Trail is one of the newest trails at Pacific Spirit Regional Park. This short trail is in two sections on Old Marine Drive, west of the Botanical Garden, near Trail 7. It runs parallel to the road, overlooking the water and takes you through old fir trees.
It is accessible on foot by starting from the entrance of the Botanical Garden and going north on SW Marine Drive, then turning left and continuing on Old Marine Drive. Watch your step as the terrain is uneven, and note that dogs are prohibited.
Isaac Newton Apple Trees
This is a spot that’s hiding in plain sight.
The seven “Isaac Newton Apple trees” are located at the roundabout next to 4004 Wesbrook Mall.
In 1969, the founders of TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator centre, planted the first apple tree – a direct descendant of the apple trees on Isaac Newton’s family farm. According to the TRIUMF website, the trees are “a representation of the lab’s six-pronged logo, itself inspired by the six magnetic sectors of the TRIUMF main cyclotron” and “the seventh tree in the centre represents the machine’s main injection beamline, the start of the particle journey.”
Check out the plaque in the circle and be careful crossing the street.
Share Your Secret Spot
There are many more, but this is a good start to explore some new places. Do you have your own special spot on campus? Share it with us by writing to editor@thecampusresident.ca
PERMENIA REA IS A GRADE 8 STUDENT AT IDEAL MINI SCHOOL.