I live in Halifax, NS and just got back from my first trip to Vancouver two weeks ago. I had the chance to see so much and fell in love with the wonderful city on my first day. One of my favourite places to visit was the Van Dusen Gardens. I went alone and felt quite safe wandering around the grounds, taking picture after picture of the beautiful flowers, trees, ponds, etc. I also stopped by Shaunessy's Restaurant which is located right on the Van Dusen Garden property and had the best chicken pot pie I've ever tasted! Truly!! The restaurant is beautiful with its glass windows all around so you can people watch and still see the gardens from your table. Staff was warm and friendly and very efficient. A top notch day and I can't wait to go back!