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Winter’s chill may be receding, but the welcoming warmth of the sun beckons us outdoors, and Vancouver is the perfect playground for spring adventures. As cherry blossoms herald the season’s arrival, the city and its surroundings offer a myriad of activities from cycling through Stanley Park, kayaking its waterways, to indulging in a beach day followed by a scoop (or two) of delicious ice cream. Venture into the mountains, explore glacial lakes, or embark on a whale-watching expedition. Intrigued? Here are the top spring activities in Vancouver for you and your family.
Cycle Through Stanley Park
Spanning four square kilometers, Stanley Park stands as North America’s largest urban park, surpassing even New York’s Central Park. Its natural West Coast rainforest and surrounding waters provide unparalleled city, mountain, and ocean vistas. The best views are along the Seawall, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
Rent a bike near the park at Denman and Georgia Streets and set off on the 8.8km Seawall trail to soak in the spectacular scenery. Or, delve into the park’s interior on one of the many rainforest trails.
Admire the Cherry Blossoms
Spring in Vancouver is synonymous with the blooming of 40,000 Japanese cherry trees, casting a pink and white hue across the city from early March to late April. Queen Elizabeth Park, Nitobe Memorial Garden, and Stanley Park are prime spots for blossom viewing. The annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates this natural spectacle with bike rides, art classes, and guided walks.
Kayak the City’s Waterways
Vancouver’s coastal setting is best appreciated from the water. Head to Ecomarine Paddlesports Centre at Granville Island or Jericho Beach to embark on a kayaking adventure. Paddle through Vancouver’s neighborhoods or catch a sunset from the water. The Nature Kayak Tour offers a serene escape with potential wildlife sightings and breathtaking sunsets.
Hit the Beach
Surprisingly, Vancouver is home to several beaches. Kitsilano Beach is a haven for joggers, volleyball players, and sunbathers, boasting an outdoor, heated pool with panoramic views. Sunset Beach and English Bay in the West End offer peaceful spots for picnics and viewing the Celebration of Light fireworks. Second Beach and the secluded Third Beach provide further options for beachside relaxation.
Savor Exquisite Ice Cream
No beach day is complete without ice cream. La Casa Gelato offers a staggering 238 flavors, ranging from traditional to exotic. Uno Gelato, founded by gelato maestro James Coleridge, serves creative and artisanal flavors using fresh, local ingredients.
Embark on Whale Watching
Southern British Columbia’s waters are a prime location for whale watching from March to October. Encounter orcas, humpback whales, and other marine life on tours that utilize a variety of vessels, including cruisers and kayaks, for an unforgettable experience.
Explore the British Columbian Wilderness
Parkbus provides easy access from downtown Vancouver to the great outdoors. Garibaldi Provincial Park offers stunning hikes to turquoise glacial waters, while Joffre Lakes Provincial Park features a trail past three glacial lakes, culminating in magnificent glacier views.
Vancouver in spring is a destination filled with life, offering everything from urban explorations to wilderness adventures, making it a must-visit for those eager to embrace the season’s beauty and vitality.
