Vancouver is a magnificent cultural haven that makes a fabulous vacation spot all year round. But, if you want to get the absolute best that Vancouver has to offer, you can’t beat visiting in the spring. The whole city seems to get a case of ‘Spring Fever’ which results in events and activities at every corner.
Spring comes early in Vancouver, so plan your vacation between March and May to get the best experience. Don’t forget to pre-book your parking with AirportParkingReservations.com to avoid high parking fees.
If you’re considering a trip to Vancouver and you’re on the fence regarding dates, take a look at these top 10 reasons to visit this vibrant city in the spring.
Here’s our 10 reasons why you should visit Vancouver in Spring:
- It’s the Best Weather
- Stanley Park is an Ecological Beauty
- The Tulips are in Bloom: Abbotsford Tulip Festival
- The Vancouver Autoshow
- It’s Whale Watching Season
- Visit a National Park
- The VanDusen Botanical Garden
- The Amazing National Parks
- Granville Island is the Perfect Day Out
- The DOXA Documentary Film Festival
1. It’s the Best Weather
If you thought you’d have to visit Vancouver when the city rivals Antarctica temperatures in order to enjoy winter sports, think again. Spring has the best temperatures for enjoying all outdoor activities that the city and mountains have to offer. The temperatures hover around 50-60 in the heart of the city, while there is still plenty of snow to enjoy in the higher elevations. It’s the best of both worlds!
2. Stanley Park is an Ecological Beauty
Stanley Park is the ecological pride and joy of Vancouver. The pristine, 1,000-acre park is home to various family activities, including Canada’s largest aquarium and multiple beaches, as well as hiking trails and many opportunities to learn about the indigenous life via tours given at the nature house. This picturesque park is best enjoyed late March-April when the roses are blooming and the wildlife is active.
The park’s sandy beaches, such as Second Beach and Third Beach, offer a serene escape with vistas of the ocean and mountains. Trails wind through lush forests, accommodating hikers of all levels, while horse-drawn carriage tours provide a leisurely exploration option.
The historic Stanley Park Pavilion houses a restaurant and tea room, inviting visitors to savor a meal amid natural beauty. Prospect Point, at the park’s northern tip, provides panoramic views of the Lions Gate Bridge and Burrard Inlet. Lost Lagoon, a freshwater lagoon at the entrance, attracts birdwatchers with diverse avian species.
Stanley Park remains a hub of natural and cultural significance, epitomizing Vancouver’s harmonious blend of outdoor recreation, scenic landscapes, and indigenous heritage. Whether strolling along the Seawall or exploring the trails, Stanley Park offers an enriching experience for all who seek a balance of nature and urban charm.
3. The Tulips Are In Bloom: Abbotsford Tulip Festival
This non-traditional festival is open only from April to May and showcases the most stunning array of colorful tulips. This beautiful sight is only a short drive from Vancouver, but will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a whole new continent!
The Abbotsford Tulip Festival, an eagerly anticipated annual event in the Fraser Valley, transforms the landscape into a kaleidoscope of colors each spring. This spectacle draws visitors to acres of meticulously arranged tulip fields, providing a breath-taking backdrop for leisurely strolls and vibrant photo opportunities.
Beyond the beautiful floral displays, the festival features a range of activities, from family-friendly entertainment to live music and tempting food vendors, creating a joyous celebration of spring’s arrival.
Attendees often have the chance to bring a piece of the experience home by purchasing tulip bulbs, making the Abbotsford Tulip Festival a cherished tradition that beautifully encapsulates the region’s agricultural richness and the spirit of seasonal renewal. For those seeking a captivating celebration of nature and changing seasons, this annual festival remains a must-visit destination.
4. The Vancouver Auto Show
Every spring, the Vancouver Auto Show returns to the excitement of motorheads everywhere. Thousands of people flock to this premier auto event to drool over exotic cars like Ferrari’s and McLaren’s and see cutting edge auto technology at its finest.
The Vancouver Auto Show, a highlight on Canada’s West Coast, annually dazzles visitors with an impressive showcase of cutting-edge vehicles and automotive innovations. Situated in Vancouver, the event provides a first-hand look at the latest models, spanning electric cars, powerful trucks, and luxurious sedans.
Attendees not only witness the sleek designs and high-performance features but also engage with the future of sustainable mobility, as the show serves as a dynamic platform for manufacturers to unveil their advancements in electric and eco-friendly technologies.
Against the backdrop of Vancouver’s cosmopolitan atmosphere, the show stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to embracing innovation in the automotive world, offering an immersive experience for both car enthusiasts and those intrigued by the evolving landscape of transportation.
5. It’s Whale Watching Season
March is the official beginning of whale watching season and there’s no better time to see gray whales or orcas close-up. Warmer weather and mating season makes for more active wildlife during the temperate spring months and Vancouver tour guides are quite adept at getting up close and personal with the migrating animals, (along with a variety of other sea life and birds,) which almost guarantees you’ll capture some great moments.
Whale watching in Vancouver is a captivating maritime experience that allows visitors to witness the majesty of these marine giants in their natural habitat. Vancouver offers excellent opportunities for whale watching due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Several tour operators in the region provide guided excursions, taking participants on boat trips to prime locations where whales and other marine wildlife are commonly spotted.
The most common whale species encountered during these excursions include orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and minke whales. The tours not only offer the chance to observe these magnificent creatures but also provide educational insights into their behavior, migration patterns, and conservation efforts.
These whale watching tours typically operate seasonally, with peak times varying depending on the species. Spring and summer months are often ideal for orca and humpback sightings, while gray whales are more commonly observed during their migration periods. The scenic backdrop of the coastal mountains and tail slaps make whale watching in Vancouver a memorable adventure for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
6. The Amazing National Parks
To celebrate Canada’s Park Service turning 100 years old this year, the park service is issuing free discovery passes that grant complimentary access to over 150 national parks. Quite a few of those parks are located near Vancouver and make great day trips during the beautiful, mild spring days.
The Vancouver region is surrounded by spectacular provincial parks and outdoor destinations, offering diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, situated on Vancouver Island, features rugged coastlines, old-growth rainforests, and sandy beaches, providing a blend of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. While not national parks, Garibaldi Provincial Park to the north presents mountainous wilderness with stunning alpine lakes and panoramic views, and Mount Seymour Provincial Park, easily accessible from Vancouver, offers a mix of winter sports and summer hiking.
Closer to the city, Golden Ears Provincial Park boasts dense forests, mountainous terrain, and inviting lakes, such as Alouette Lake, providing a range of water activities and scenic trails. Cypress Provincial Park, a popular year-round destination, offers skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking and mountain biking in summer, with breathtaking vistas overlooking the city, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains. These natural gems collectively highlight the rich outdoor offerings surrounding Vancouver, catering to a variety of interests and providing locals and visitors alike with a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of British Columbia’s diverse landscapes.
7. The VanDusen Botanical Garden
VanDusen Botanical Garden spans 55 acres and is renowned for its diverse plant collections from around the world. The garden showcases themed areas such as an Elizabethan hedge maze, a Korean pavilion garden, and an alpine garden, creating a harmonious blend of natural beauty and artistic expression with sculptures and art installations scattered throughout.
Visitors can explore vibrant floral displays in spring, featuring cherry blossoms and rhododendrons, while the Medicinal Plant Garden educates on the historical and contemporary uses of plants for medicinal purposes.
The garden’s Visitor Center serves as a starting point for exploration, offering educational resources, a gift shop, and a café. VanDusen actively engages the community through events, workshops, and educational programs, fostering a connection between visitors and the botanical world.
Additionally, the garden plays a role in plant conservation efforts, contributing to global initiatives to protect endangered plant species. VanDusen Botanical Garden stands as a serene and educational oasis within Vancouver, appealing to nature enthusiasts, gardeners, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
8. Granville Island is The Perfect Day Out
Granville Island is a dynamic neighborhood celebrated for its vibrant Public Market, showcasing an array of food vendors and artisan shops. The market offers fresh produce, gourmet delights, and handcrafted items, creating a sensory-rich experience for visitors.
Adjacent to the market, Granville Island’s cultural scene thrives with artisan galleries, theaters like the Granville Island Theatre and Arts Club Theatre Company, and the creative ambiance of Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
The island’s atmosphere is further enlivened by street performers, offering entertainment along its lively streets. Granville Island Brewing adds to the neighborhood’s charm, providing a taste of Vancouver’s craft beer culture.
Families can enjoy the Granville Island Water Park, while diverse dining options, waterfront views, and easy access via Aquabus or ferry complete the island experience. Throughout the year, Granville Island hosts events and festivals, making it a dynamic spot where art, culture, and culinary delights converge, offering a unique and enriching urban escape in Vancouver.
9. It’s Warm Enough to go Kayaking
You haven’t truly seen Vancouver until you’ve kayaked English Bay or False Creek. The juxtaposition of the sprawling city amidst the mountains is a sight to behold, and it can only be done from the water. During the spring months, you can even watch some of the migrating orca or humpback whales from your canoe or spot a menagerie of other wildlife like otters, seals and eagles.
Situated along Vancouver’s west end, English Bay offers paddlers a chance to navigate the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. The bay is known for its beautiful beaches, including the popular English Bay Beach. Kayakers can launch from various points along the shoreline and explore the bay’s clear waters. English Bay is often frequented by both locals and tourists, and paddlers may encounter diverse marine life while enjoying the panoramic views of the city and the North Shore Mountains.
False Creek, located closer to the heart of Vancouver, is an inlet that separates downtown Vancouver from the rest of the city. Kayaking in False Creek provides a unique perspective of the cityscape, including iconic landmarks such as Science World and the Vancouver skyline. Paddlers can navigate the protected waters of False Creek, making it an ideal location for beginners. The creek also offers convenient access to Granville Island, a vibrant hub known for its markets, shops, and dining options.
10. The DOXA Documentary Film Festival
If you are a truth seeker and love documentaries, you’ll want to head to Vancouver this spring for the DOXA Documentary Film Festival. DOXA, which means “truth” in Greek, has established itself as one of the premier documentary film festivals in North America, celebrating the art of non-fiction storytelling.
The festival usually features a diverse selection of documentaries that cover a wide range of subjects, including social issues, environmental concerns, cultural explorations, and personal narratives. Filmmakers, both new and established, have the opportunity to showcase their work to a diverse and engaged audience.
DOXA often includes filmmaker Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and special events, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the films and the issues they explore. The festival contributes to the vibrant cultural scene of Vancouver, fostering dialogue and reflection on important local and global issues.
The festival spans 10 days and showcases dozens of ground-breaking films that are sure to change lives.
Spring time Vancouver doesn’t catch your fancy?
If you need more ideas for your Spring Break vacation, be sure to check out our other favourite places to visit this Spring.
And if you’re thinking of traveling during this period, why not take a look at our Spring Break deals and coupons to see if you can save yourself some money.
Photos by:
Photo by Lee Robinson on Unsplash | JP Holecka – Unsplash | Laurent Beique – Unsplash
