Reap What They Sow At These Amazing Vancouver Hotel Rooftop Gardens
Fiona Tapp Contributor
Farm to table dining helps to ensure that food is fresh and local. But what could be more local than sourcing your vegetables, salad leaves, fruits and herbs from right above your head?
These hotels have installed innovative gardens on their rooftop spaces and balconies which, when open to guests, provide a peaceful place to seek solace and relaxation.
In some cases they also provide a source of delicious and uber fresh produce to liven up meals and beverages right in the hotel restaurant.
These are the best rooftop gardens and green spaces in Vancouver and nearby.
Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver
Rooftop Garden | FAIRMONT WATERFRONT VANCOUVER
The rooftop garden at the Fairmont Waterfront hotel in Vancouver is one of the best examples of this trend and is incredibly well utilized by the culinary team.
Located on the 3rd floor, the 2,100 square foot irrigated garden receives full sun and was one of the city's first green roofs. There are 11 beds growing over 60 varieties of herbs. As well as a selection of vegetables, fruits and edible blossoms, but the real showstopping element of this garden is the presence of bees.
Designated as a Certified Wildlife Friendly Habitat by the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the garden is home to a staggering 250,000 honey bees who produce over 200 pounds of honey annually. There's even a resident bee butler to cater to the hives every need.
Check out the observation hive which allows guests to see what those busy bees are up to!
The on-site ARC restaurant uses rosemary, lavender, basil, mint, bay leaves and sage from the garden as well as garlic, apples, rainbow chard, kale, leeks, tomatoes, lettuces, carrots, peppers, green onion, strawberries, and shallots in their delicious and innovative dishes.
Botanist, Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver
Fairmont Pacific Rim | BOTANIST
At the Fairmont Pacific Rim, greenery, plants and flowers are used in a different way. Although not included in the menu at the restaurant, Botanist for culinary purposes, the living wall is used as decor and as a beautiful design aesthetic.
Enjoy the ambiance as you order from the cocktail lab where incredibly unique drinks are made including the Candy Cap Magic, which features mushroom rye, vermouth, spiced maple, and comes served on a bed of forest moss!
The Douglas, An Autograph Collection Hotel , Vancouver
The DOUGLAS | JEREMY SEGAL PHOTOGRAPHY
The Douglas, an autograph collection hotel and part of the huge Parq Vancouver complex features an enormous 30,000 square foot outdoor park on the sixth floor of the property. More than 200 native pines and 15,000 local plants grow here.
There's also a water feature and a bike path in this urban park, which feels miles away from the city below.
The eco-conscious Douglas hotel also promotes a "conserve together" program where a Douglas Fir tree is planted for every guest who opts out of the daily housekeeping service for two consecutive days.
Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler
Nita Lake Lodge Rooftop Garden | FIONA TAPP
Although not located in Vancouver, the sumptuous Nita Lake Lodge is a nearby retreat to get away from the hubbub of busy city life.
Located in charming Whistler village, just an hour and 40 minutes from town. Whistler is home to two mountains, that can be explored all year long.
The Nita Lake Lodge has a pretty rooftop garden that is put to very good use by the onsite restaurants.
Expect to find herbs, fruits and vegetables from the garden used across the property's three restaurants; Aura, Cure Lounge and Patio and Fix cafe. Try the rhubarb Collins, it's delicious!
Lead Photo: Rooftop Garden | . FAIRMONT WATERFRONT VANCOUVER