Spring in Vancouver: a season of reawakening, where the city sheds its winter coat and blossoms into a vibrant tapestry of experiences. As the weather begins its gentle ascent, coaxing Vancouverites from their cozy retreats, a sense of anticipation fills the air. Before the throngs of summer tourists descend, spring offers a unique window to explore this coastal metropolis, with its outdoor spaces beckoning with the promise of adventure and its gardens bursting forth in a riot of color. This is the time for hiking, biking, kayaking, and immersing oneself in the natural beauty that surrounds the city. Spring in Vancouver is also synonymous with the return of beloved annual events, most notably the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, a spectacle that transforms the city into a sea of pink and white.
Whether you’re planning a visit in March, April, or May, the city offers a diverse range of activities that cater to every interest and age group. From exploring bustling outdoor markets to carving down the slopes of nearby mountains, from the delicate beauty of blossoming gardens to the thrill of spotting wildlife in its natural habitat, Vancouver in spring is an experience that will captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Vancouver this spring:
1. Head to the Outdoor Markets
After a period of dormancy during the colder, wetter months, Vancouver’s vibrant outdoor markets awaken with the arrival of spring. These bustling hubs of activity offer a diverse array of goods, from fresh produce and artisanal crafts to vintage treasures and international cuisine.
The Vancouver Farmers Market, a cornerstone of the city’s culinary scene, operates in various locations throughout the week, with the largest and most popular markets taking place on weekends at Riley Park and Kitsilano. Here, you can discover an abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, freshly baked breads, and other delectable treats. It’s a true celebration of the region’s agricultural bounty and a chance to support local farmers and producers.
For those seeking unique and handcrafted items, the Eastside Flea is a bi-weekly event that showcases the talents of local artisans. Here, you can browse through a curated selection of vintage clothing, handcrafted jewelry, upcycled furniture, and other one-of-a-kind treasures. It’s a treasure trove for those seeking unique finds and a chance to connect with the creative spirit of the city.
As the days grow longer and the evenings become warmer, the Richmond Night Market emerges as a seasonal highlight. This sprawling market, considered one of the city’s top attractions, transforms into a vibrant spectacle of lights, sounds, and flavors on weekend nights. Here, you can indulge in a diverse array of international street food, browse through countless vendor stalls, and enjoy live entertainment. The Richmond Night Market is an immersive cultural experience that is not to be missed.
On the north shore, the Shipyards Night Market in North Vancouver offers a similar experience, with a particular emphasis on its impressive selection of food trucks. From gourmet burgers and tacos to artisanal ice cream and craft beer, the Shipyards Night Market is a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.
Most markets begin operations in early May and continue until early fall, providing ample opportunity to explore these vibrant hubs of activity.
2. Hit the Slopes for Spring Skiing
While many associate skiing with the depths of winter, the mountains surrounding Vancouver offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the sport well into the spring months. Thanks to its high altitude and abundant snowfall, Whistler Blackcomb ski resort boasts one of the longest ski seasons in North America, often remaining open until the end of May.
Spring skiing offers a different experience than the mid-winter rush. While fresh powder snow may be less frequent, the combination of blue skies, sunshine, and milder temperatures creates an idyllic setting for carving down the slopes. Whistler Blackcomb also hosts the World Ski & Snowboard Festival in mid-April, adding to the excitement of the spring skiing season.
For those seeking a closer option, Cypress Mountain, Mount Seymour, and Grouse Mountain are all within a short drive of Vancouver. While their seasons typically conclude earlier than Whistler’s, these mountains offer a convenient and accessible option for enjoying spring skiing and snowboarding.
3. Smell the Flowers at Vancouver’s Best Gardens
As winter’s grip loosens, Vancouver’s gardens burst forth in a symphony of colors and fragrances, offering a welcome respite from the urban landscape. Spring is the perfect time to explore these verdant sanctuaries, each with its unique character and charm.
The Stanley Park Rose Garden, with its collection of over 3,500 rose bushes, is a fragrant delight from late March through April. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Chinatown, showcases the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms, typically in April. The Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden in Stanley Park boasts a stunning display of rhododendrons in full bloom.
Queen Elizabeth Park’s Quarry Gardens offer lush greenery and blooms throughout the season, while the VanDusen Botanical Garden is a sprawling oasis of diverse plant life. For a truly immersive experience, consider a trip to Victoria on Vancouver Island, home to the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a horticultural masterpiece that is especially enchanting in the spring.
4. Delve Into Color at the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
The annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is a beloved tradition that celebrates the arrival of spring and the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms. Held in April, the festival features a variety of events and activities for all ages, including concerts, cultural performances, and guided tours. The city is transformed into a breathtaking spectacle of pink and white as over 40,000 cherry trees burst into bloom. Mini-events take place at venues across the city, including the free Bike the Blossoms gathering starting at the south side of John Hendry Park (Trout Lake) and the Sakura Days Japan Fair in VanDusen Botanical Garden, which features traditional Japanese food, performances, and cultural arts. The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of nature’s beauty and a reminder of the fleeting nature of life.
5. Play Outside (Again)
With longer days, milder temperatures, and the promise of sunshine, spring is the perfect time to rediscover Vancouver’s outdoor playground. Hiking, biking, camping, golfing, and kayaking are all popular activities that draw Vancouverites out of their winter hibernation.
The Stanley Park Seawall is a popular spot for rollerblading, biking, and strolling, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding mountains. Numerous trails within a few hours of the city offer a range of hiking experiences, from the challenging climbs of Whistler to the leisurely strolls through the rainforest at Lynn Canyon Park, home to an exciting suspension bridge and cascading waterfalls.
6. See Wildlife at Charming Deep Cove
Nestled in North Vancouver, Deep Cove is a scenic village renowned for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Just a short drive from downtown, Deep Cove offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Visitors can rent a kayak and explore the calm waters of the cove, keeping an eye out for seals, sea lions, and eagles. Alternatively, hike along the Baden Powell Trail, a rugged 25-mile trail that stretches from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay. For a more leisurely experience, stroll along the Cates Park gravel paths, where you can admire First Nation totems and canoes.
The village of Deep Cove itself is a charming collection of boutiques, galleries, and local restaurants, offering a delightful blend of natural beauty and urban amenities.
7. Go to Maplewood Farms With the Kids
For a fun and educational outing, Maplewood Farm offers a glimpse into rural life. Home to approximately 200 domestic farm animals, including goats, horses, donkeys, and rabbits, Maplewood Farm provides an opportunity to interact with these gentle creatures.
Children can hold and feed bunnies, chickens, and ducks, watch a cow milking demonstration, and even take pony rides (reservations required). The farm also features a covered picnic area and a shop selling fresh produce grown on-site. Maplewood Farm is a perfect destination for families seeking a memorable and engaging experience.
8. Stroll Around Granville Island
Granville Island, a vibrant 37-acre island located on False Creek, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. This bustling hub of activity features a diverse array of shops, restaurants, theaters, and the renowned Granville Island Public Market.
The Public Market is a culinary paradise, with over 50 vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and other delectable treats. Visitors can stroll through the market, sample local delicacies, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Granville Island offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination in Vancouver.
9. Explore Historic Chinatown
Vancouver’s Chinatown, one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere, is a vibrant and historic neighborhood that offers a glimpse into Chinese culture and heritage. The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and historical landmarks.
Visitors can sample authentic Chinese cuisine, shop for traditional clothing and souvenirs, and admire the intricate architecture of the buildings. Be sure to visit the Sam Kee Building, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the narrowest building in the world. Exploring Chinatown is a journey through time and culture.
10. Drive the Scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway
The Sea-to-Sky Highway, also known as Highway 99, is a scenic route that connects Vancouver to the ski town of Whistler. This breathtaking drive offers stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and waterfalls.
Visitors can stop at viewpoints along the way to admire the scenery, play a round of golf at the Furry Creek Golf and Country Club, or learn about the local First Nations tribes at the Cultural Journey interpretive kiosks. The Sea-to-Sky Highway is an unforgettable journey through some of British Columbia’s most stunning landscapes.
11. Take in the Tulips
Just over an hour outside of Vancouver is Chilliwack, where springtime brings a plethora of color to local fields during the Chilliwack Tulip Festival (also known as Tulips of the Valley). The Tulip Festival lasts about three to five weeks depending on conditions for the specific year, but you can also see daffodils and hyacinths throughout the spring.
The festival has fun components like kids’ coloring contests and crafts plus a festival store that sells fresh-cut and potted tulips, hyacinths, photo cards, and more. When you get hungry, you find food trucks parked nearby on weekends to refuel before exploring more of these vibrant gardens.
12. Eat Spot Prawns
Late spring is the time to enjoy the short-but-sweet spot prawn season around Vancouver. These tasty little crustaceans begin appearing on menus around the beginning of May and are only available fresh for about six weeks, after which they’re frozen to enjoy later and export around the world.
The annual Spot Prawn Festival is held at Granville Island every May, where you can either buy some directly from the boats that fish them or order them already prepared to enjoy on the spot. Local stalls in the market and restaurants around the island serve them up in all kinds of creative styles, from spot prawn pea soup to savory spot prawn Korean pancakes.
In conclusion, Best Things to Do in Vancouver This Spring offers a diverse range of activities that cater to every interest and age group. From exploring bustling outdoor markets to carving down the slopes of nearby mountains, from the delicate beauty of blossoming gardens to the thrill of spotting wildlife in its natural habitat, Vancouver in spring is an experience that will captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories.
