The Garden Goes Vertical
Cultivara Tree Tours offers a unique way to experience UBC Botanical Garden, from the forest floor to the treetops. Led by experienced climbing arborists, these guided climbs use ropes, harnesses, and modern climbing systems to safely take participants into the tree canopy, where they can enjoy sweeping views and a rarely seen perspective of the forest. Along the way, tours combine hands-on adventure with engaging education on tree biology, forest ecology, and our relationship with trees, inviting visitors to slow down, connect with nature, and see the garden in a new way.
Canopy Expedition
The Canopy Expedition is a guided, self-powered tree climbing experience that takes place in UBC Botanical Garden and offers a rare opportunity to explore the forest from above. Over the course of a 2 to 3 hour tour, 1-4 participants ascend up to 50 m (160 ft) into a grand fir using modern climbing equipment, enjoying expansive views and a new perspective on Vancouver’s iconic forests. The experience combines physical challenge, exploration, and ecological insight, with a battery-powered ascender available to assist climbers if needed.
Sunset Expedition
The Sunset Expedition offers a distinctive evening climb that highlights the forest as light fades and night begins. Over 2 to 3 hours, groups of one to four participants ascend up to 50 m (160 ft) into a grand fir to experience warm golden hour light and sunset views toward the Salish Sea, followed by a headlamp-assisted descent as the forest shifts into its nocturnal state. Designed as a self-powered climb, a battery-powered ascender is available if assistance is needed. This tour includes after-hours access to UBC Botanical Garden for the climbing site only, creating a quiet, immersive setting high in the canopy.
Canopy Intro
The Canopy Intro is a short, accessible way to experience the treetops with minimal time and physical effort. This 30 to 45 minute guided tour is designed for one to four participants and uses a mechanical lift to raise you to approximately 20 m (60 ft) into a western hemlock, where you can enjoy an elevated view of the forest and chat with your guide about what you observe.
About Cultivara
Cultivara Tree Tours was created to offer an outdoor experience that invites people to slow down, look up, and connect with trees in a meaningful way. Founded by certified arborist and climbing professional Tom Zadorsky, Cultivara is built on the belief that the best way to understand trees and forest ecosystems is to experience them up close. What began as a personal passion after Tom left his office career in 2020 has grown into a guided canopy experience that blends adventure, learning, and environmental appreciation, helping participants see forests from a perspective few ever do.
In partnership with UBC Botanical Garden, Cultivara aligns closely with the Garden’s mission to foster curiosity, stewardship, and a deeper relationship with the natural world. Each climb encourages a renewed understanding of trees, their role in healthy ecosystems, and why they are worth protecting. Through hands-on experiences in the canopy, Cultivara creates lasting connections to forests and creates more “tree champions” who leave not only with memorable views, but with a new way of seeing the world around them.
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