The best way to learn about and appreciate trees, according to Cultivara Tree Tours, is to climb them, and that’s exactly what their new guided tours are offering. Founded by local certified Arborist Tom Zadorsky, Cultivara offers adventurers and tree lovers the chance to journey to Vancouver’s forest canopy, marking the city’s first (and only) guided tree climbing experience.
If you enjoy exploring places few people have ventured to, this is for you!
Canada’s oldest university botanical garden
Launched in May 2025, the tours take place at Canada’s oldest university botanical garden at UBC, which was established by B.C.’s first botanist (John Davidson) in 1916. Each one varies in difficulty level, combining tree climbing with biology, urban forestry, forest ecology, and, of course, physical endurance.
“Whether you’re climbing 10 or 50 metres, each tour blends physical adventure, forest connection, and ecological insight,” says Cultivara. From quick intro climbs to high-reaching expeditions, you’re guaranteed a memorable time and a thrilling experience outdoors.
Guests ascend into the treetops using ropes, harnesses, and modern climbing equipment, guided by certified climbers and expert arborists.
Situated right next to the lush rainforest trails of Pacific Spirit Regional Park, the garden is home to numerous large trees and suspended walkways. Cultivara Tree Tours offers climbers the rare opportunity to view the surrounding ocean, mountains, and forest from an entirely new perspective.
“Climbing large trees is a truly unique and unforgettable experience,” shares UBC Botanical Garden. “Through Cultivara, we hope to change the way people see and engage with our forests.”
Ready to check it out for yourself? Cultivara operates during and after the garden’s hours from Friday to Sunday, with additional weeknight availability for sunset tours.
Here are all the guided tree climbing tours Cultivara currently offers:
- Canopy Expedition
- 2-3 hours, self-powered
- Ascend a Grand Fir tree up to 50 metres to the upper forest canopy
- Deposit price of $120 per person
- Sunset Expedition
- 2-3 hours, self-powered
- Ascend a Grand Fir tree up to 50 metres to the upper forest canopy
- Descend in partial darkness with a headlamp
- Deposit price of $180 per person
- Canopy Intro
- 30-45 minutes, uses mechanical lifts
- Ascend a Western hemlock up to 20 metres
- Deposit price of $30 per person
Best of all, the 2025 season features a pay-what-you-can model to increase accessibility and engagement. According to their website, the experience-based pricing allows you to set the price of your tour. First, guests pay the recommended price, with the option to easily adjust their payment following their tour.
Note that garden admission is priced at $11 per adult and is not included in the price of a tour.
So if you’re keen on trying something new this summer, we say go for it! Climb a tree and discover an entirely new way to appreciate Vancouver’s urban forest.
When: Availability varies per tour
Time: Times vary
Where: 6804 SW Marine Dr.
Cost: Pay-what-you-can
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