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Winter’s chill is finally fading, and Vancouver is bursting into life! The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the ocean sparkles under the spring sunshine, and the mountains still hold onto a touch of snow—it’s the best of all seasons in one breathtaking city. Whether you want to bike along the Seawall, paddle through the city’s waterways, soak up the sun on the beach, or head into the wild for epic hikes and whale-watching, Vancouver in spring is an outdoor lover’s dream.
Here’s how to make the most of this spectacular season.
Cycle through Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a true urban oasis, bigger than New York’s Central Park and packed with towering evergreens, winding trails, and jaw-dropping ocean views. The best way to explore? Hop on a bike and ride the Seawall, an 8.8 km waterfront path with unparalleled views of the city skyline, mountains, and Pacific Ocean.
Bike rentals are easy to find near Denman and Georgia Streets, and once you’re on the trail, you can stop at scenic lookouts, First Nations totem poles, and quiet forested paths that make you forget you’re even in a city.
Admire the cherry blossoms
Nothing says spring in Vancouver like streets lined with pink and white cherry blossoms. With 40,000 Japanese cherry trees in bloom from early March to late April, the city transforms into a floral wonderland.
The best spots to see them?
- Queen Elizabeth Park – A stunning mix of blossoms and breathtaking city views.
- Stanley Park – A magical blend of cherry trees and coastal scenery.
- Nitobe Memorial Garden – A peaceful Japanese garden where every petal feels like poetry.
Want to celebrate the season? The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival brings the city to life with bike rides, art workshops, and guided walks under the blossoms.
Kayak the city’s waterways
Vancouver’s beauty is best seen from the water. Grab a kayak at Ecomarine Paddlesports Centre at Granville Island or Jericho Beach and set off for an unforgettable paddle.
Glide through False Creek past floating homes and city skylines, explore the inlets around Stanley Park, or take a sunset tour for a truly magical experience. If you’re lucky, you might spot seals, otters, or even bald eagles soaring overhead.
Hit the beach
Yes, Vancouver has beaches—lots of them. Whether you want to jog along the shore, play volleyball, or just bask in the sun, there’s a perfect spot for you.
- Kitsilano Beach – Where locals come to soak up the sun, play frisbee, and swim in the outdoor heated pool with mountain views.
- Sunset Beach & English Bay – Perfect for picnics, sunset-watching, and the city’s famous Celebration of Light fireworks.
- Second Beach & Third Beach – Hidden gems inside Stanley Park with a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
Savor exquisite ice cream
No spring day is complete without ice cream. And in Vancouver, you’ll find some of the best.
- La Casa Gelato – Home to 238 flavors, from the classics to the wonderfully weird.
- Uno Gelato – Artisanal, made with fresh local ingredients, and crafted by gelato maestro James Coleridge.
Pick a scoop (or three), stroll along the Seawall, and soak in the fresh spring air.
Embark on whale watching
Spring marks the return of orcas, humpback whales, and gray whales to the waters of southern British Columbia. From March to October, whale-watching tours take you into the Salish Sea, where you’ll see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Tours range from luxurious cruisers to high-speed zodiacs—or for the ultimate adventure, try whale watching by kayak.
Explore the British Columbian wilderness
Vancouver may be a world-class city, but it’s also the gateway to some of Canada’s most spectacular wilderness. If you’re craving adventure, Parkbus makes it easy to escape the city and explore nature.
- Garibaldi Provincial Park – A hiker’s paradise with trails leading to glacier-fed turquoise lakes.
- Joffre Lakes – A breathtaking trek past three stunning alpine lakes, with a glacier as your reward at the top.
Spring in Vancouver is pure magic—a time when the city shakes off winter and bursts into color, energy, and adventure. Whether you’re biking, kayaking, hiking, or simply lounging on the beach with a gelato in hand, every moment feels fresh, vibrant, and unforgettable.
