PHOTO GALLERY

The best landscapes are those in which water finds a good spot to display its beauty. Lakes, ponds, rivers, they are all amazing in their own way, but the most spectacular form water can take is that of a waterfall. Delicate or tumultuous, waterfalls are always fascinating. See here twenty of the most beautiful ones in the world.

Langfoss in Norway

A pristine waterfall, never used by man as a source of hydro-energy or any other type of hydro production, the Langfoss waterfall in Norway is 2,008 feet high. Its water rushes in a spectacular display of natural beauty.

Yosemite Falls in California

Yosemite is the tallest waterfall in North America and you can find it in the heart of the Yosemite National Park. It boasts a 1,430 feet plunge, then a 675 feet of cascades and finally a 320 feet horsetail.

Mardalsfossen in Norway

With two major falls and a beautiful section of cascades, Mardalsfossen is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. It is tapped for hydro production, so you can only see it rush gloriously during the tourist season (between June 20 and August 20).

Takakkaw Falls in Canada

About 125 feet of water can be seen falling from the Daly Glacier through the Rocky Mountains. This is the Takakkaw Falls in British Columbia, Canada, a glacial melt that falls grandiosely for 853 feet between two sections of cascades.

Angel Falls in Venezuela

Angel Falls is famous for being the tallest waterfall in the world. Up to 3,212 feet high, the spectacular waterfall boasts a drop of 2, 648 feet. Even though all these figures are fascinating, the most interesting about this fall is the fact that nobody knows what is the name of its stream.

Gocta Catarata in Peru

Documented by camera for the first time ever in 2002, Gocta Catarata has been a hidden treasure for a long time. It measures 2,531 feet and is now an irresistible tourist attraction for waterfall enthusiast and nature lovers.

Sutherland Falls in New Zealand

Coming from a glacier lake, called Lake Quill, the Sutherland Fall features three steps of up to 815 feet each. It measures 1904 feet in all and it is known around the world for its dazzling beauty.

Hanging Glacier Falls in Chile Another hidden treasure is the Hanging Glacier Fall in Queulat National Park, Chile. No one attempted to measure it yet, but it is estimate to drop for about 1,400-2,000 feet. This is definitely one of the best falls in South America.

Ramnelfjellsfossen in Norway

The beautiful Ramnelfjellsfossen falls measure approximately 2,685 feet and feature gorgeous cascades and horsetails. Formerly known as Utigardsfossen, this is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

Gavarnie Falls in France

The tallest waterfall in France and one of the most amazing in Europe, the Gavarnie Falls measures 1,348. It is located in the central Pyrenees Mountains.

Engstiligenfäll in Switzerland

Probably the best thing about this waterfall is the fact that you can admire its beauty from a tram  that travels over it from its base to the top. It flaunts two horsetails that drop about 1,640 feet.

Serio Falls in Italy

Serio is the tallest waterfall in Italy. Located in the Lombardy region of the country, this waterfall is a rare sight, as it only flows for five days a year. Since it has been tapped for hydro production, the Serio Falls can only be admired on June 20, July 18, August 22, September 12 and October 3.

Sulphide Creek Falls

Two large glaciers give life to this gorgeous waterfall in the North Cascades National Park, Washington State. After running into the Sulphide Lake, the waterfall starts rushing down for 2,100 feet, surrounded by a rich green vegetation.

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

The gorgeous Victoria Falls are located between Zambia and Zimbabwe, right on the border. Its majesty lays in its width rather than in its height: it is 5,700 feet wide and only 350 feet tall.

Iguassu Falls in Argentina

Also located on a border is the stunning Iguassu Fall. With a width of 8,858 feet, you can find it between Argentina and Brazil. While most of the waterfall is in Argentina, access to it is only possible from Brazil. Its most famous section is known as the “Devil’s Throat”.

Kjelfossen in Norway

With one single drop of 490 feet, the Kjelfossen waterfall in Norway boasts a total height of about 2,477. The thing about its height is that it has never been officially established, but many insist that this is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world.

Kukenaam Falls in Venezuela

Even though it is often considered to be one of the tallest in the world, the lovely Kukenaam Fall is actually not among the top five tallest waterfalls. It measures 2,211 feet and it is located somewhere in eastern Venezuela, near Guyana.

Yutaje Falls in Venezuela

Yutaje Fall is the second tallest in Venezuela, measuring 2,200 feet. Several sections of cascades and plunges make it a gorgeous spectacle to admire.

Basaseachic Falls in Mexico

Probably the tallest waterfall in Mexico, the Basaseachic Fall is 1,023 feet tall, dropping in a giant horsetail. It’s absolutely amazing how it squeezes itself between the mountains and falls with mind-blowing power to the ground.

Tjotafossen in Norway

Coming from the Brisdale Glacier in Norway, the Tjotafossen waterfall boasts a superb 1,837-foot horsetail. Many choose this place for a family picnic spot.

VanDusen Botanical Garden is situated in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Named for local lumberman and philanthropist Whitford Julian VanDusen, it has been a public garden since its opening on August 30, 1975 and is managed by the Vancouver Park Board and run by a large staff of volunteers. VanDusen Botanical Garden is located in the Shaughnessy neighbourhood of Vancouver at the North West corner of 37th and Oak Street. The garden is open to the public every day of the year except Christmas. There are admission fees. The Garden covers 22 hectares  and displays plants gathered from all over the world.

source:  wikipedia.org

In 1970 the Vancouver Foundation, the provincial government, and the city of Vancouver signed an agreement to develop a public garden on part of the old Shaughnessy Golf Course. An early decision not to partake in scientific research enabled the channelling of funds and energy into garden construction and released the staff from the responsibility of building research collections or a herbarium. However, there is a specialized reference library in the Administration Floral Hall Building.

The grounds include a garden shop, a book and seed library, and a restaurant. There are several special attractions, including carved totem poles, large stone sculptures and a Korean Pavilion whose architecture is the focus for the Asian plant collection.

Horticulturally, there is a large collection of Rhododendron hybrids, cultivars of Fagus sylvatica, as well as collections of Sorbus, Fraxinus and Magnolia. There is a Heather garden and a major collection of Ilex acquifolium cultivars.

The garden is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Many of the plant collections are labelled and arranged to demonstrate botanical relationships or geographical origins.

There are guided tours, lectures, and workshops available. Site rentals for events are also offered. It also plays host to the yearly VanDusen Garden Show and the winter Festival of Lights.

R. Roy Forster was recognized with the Order of Canada on April 14, 1999, for his work in creating the gardens.