I chose this tree – an Ash – among a few others because it is so perfectly formed–without any help from us. Mme Nature did all the design work. There are so many wonderful trees in Vancouver, all of which I’d like to adopt… Personally? I’m pretty sure I have a tree gene so I’d marry one if the law allowed.
This Great Tree is on the west of Fir on the North side of West 12th. In front of the first bldg on that corner.
– Janet H.
She stands so tall, and so stands so long. Literally and virtually and actually unclimbable.
She stands there launching at the buildings around her.
I’m sure you’ve seen her. You can’t help but see her. She’s impossible not to notice.
The Pigeon Park Giant. Never has a tree been decorated and seen so much as the Giant. The downtown, the trials and triumphs… she has seen them. Where we all give up, she cries a little and grows some more.
– Joe C.
Trees are my most favourite Beings on the planet next to whales and dolphins. People take some getting used to.
The first time I became aware I was in love with a tree I was seven years old. My family had recently moved to Vancouver from Port Hardy. This was 1963 and we moved into Kitsilano. I was used to being surrounded by old evergreen forests and large cedars that creaked when the breeze blew through their tops. It was a deeply southing sound and comforts me still.
We moved here in late summer and the first time I went to Kits each I saw the Weeping Willows that stand between the change rooms and the basketball court. Branches swept the ground and tickled my skin as I played with them. I was completely enchanted by these gentle giants that swept down with such majesty, instead of reaching up to the sky I was used to.
– Maureen M.
I used to live in the house at the corner of 19th and Balsam when I first moved to Vancouver. After a few weeks I was happy to find out there was a plum tree right outside my window. Everyday when I left the house I would pluck a few plums and have a delicious snack for the day. It was a perfect way to welcome me to Vancouver and added some sweet-tartness to my first months in the city.
– Rebecca H.
There is a small magnolia tree right on the corner of Haro and Bidwell. There is about 4 magnolia trees lining the street. This one stands out because it is struggling to get bigger. It has huge flowers on it. It is my favourite tree in Van.
– Shawn B.
Vancouver's Great Trees 