10 Reasons to Visit Vancouver in Spring

I didn’t realise it before, but before moving to Vancouver, I had never truly experienced Spring! In Sydney, the Winter and Spring are very similar. In Sydney you might get a few flowers that will bloom but otherwise you don’t really notice much of a difference because the trees don’t tend to loose their leaves.

In Vancouver, as soon as Spring hits, everything seems to come alive! Flowers bloom, the trees start to grow their leaves back and the very special Cherry Blossom trees appear all over Vancouver. Couple this with more blue skies and sunshine and you see a lot more smiles amongst Vancouverites.

This guide will give you 10 reasons to visit Vancouver in the Spring, along with ideas of what there is to do in Vancouver in Spring.

Things to Know Before Visiting Vancouver in Spring

Spring is absolutely magical in Vancouver because the world comes alive, the patios start becoming busy again and the sun finally graces us with her presence. Everyone starts getting excited about hiking and camping again and Summer plans begin to get discussed during early Spring, especially because this is usually when you need to start booking camping permits in BC.

With the changing seasons, there are so many things to do in Vancouver in Spring! Cherry blossoms and Tulips begin blooming and it feels so good to get outside in the sun with friends. There are also fewer crowds everywhere in and around Vancouver in the Spring than in the Summer which is a huge plus!

10 Reasons to Visit Vancouver in Spring

1. Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom

The Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver really are a sight to see, especially when they are in full bloom which usually happens in around the first or second week of April. The Cherry Blossoms bring loads of amazing photo opportunities around the city. Some of the top places to see them include Queen Elizabeth Park, Granville Square and David Lam Park.

👉 Your next read: Best Cherry Blossom Photo Spots in Vancouver: Ultimate Guide

2. It’s perfect weather for getting outside

The temperatures start to increase in Spring, especially by the end of March. They usually range from 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 60°F) in Spring in Vancouver. The sun also comes out a lot more which makes getting outside SO much more enjoyable.

We enjoy getting out with friends to patios at breweries and walking by the water. Another great way to get outside in Vancouver in Spring is to bike the Seawall, which I’m ashamed to say that we STILL need to do.

3. You can enjoy outdoor adventures without the summer crowds

Summer is extremely busy for outdoor hiking, paddle boarding and camping. Seriously, it’s actually quite annoying because you need to get everywhere super duper early to get a parking spot. Spring, however, is the best of both worlds. Beautiful weather and less crowds! Some trails to make use of during Spring are Lighthouse Park, Lindeman Lake (which is a day trip out of Vancouver but very worth it) and Quarry Rock.

5. Shop at the local markets and get spring produce

Granville Island Public Market is a great place to visit at any time of the year but in Spring, you can get super fresh produce. You can also get seafood, and things from local artisans. Don’t forget to stop by Lee’s Donuts for a delicious sweet treat!

In Spring, lot of the local Farmers markets reopen. Some of these include Kitsilano Famers Market, which opens in May, Riley Park Winter Market, which is still running in early Spring and Trout Lake Farmers Market, which opens in early April.

Don’t leave Vancouver without trying local BC honey, Lee’s Donuts, or wild salmon jerky!

8. Patio season begins

As soon as the sun comes out in Spring, I start craving a good patio session. Some great spots for brunch or drinks are Yaletown, Gastown, Commercial Drive or Lower Lonsdale.

There’s nothing better than chilling out with an ice cold beer at a scenic waterfront patio with mountain views. Some of our favourite patios include:

• Tap and Barrell – Shipyards, North Vancouver
• Beere Brewing Company – North Vancouver
• Lift Bar Grill View – Coal Harbour

9. Day trips from the city

Spring is a great time to do day trips out of the city because of the gorgeous weather and less crowds meaning less traffic! Some ideal places to visit are:

• Bowen Island via ferry from Horseshoe Bay
• Drive the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler
• The Sunshine Coast via ferry from Horseshoe Bay for an oceanfront weekend
• Chilliwack for the tulip festivals

10. Picture-perfect scenery for photos!

Vancouver and BC in general are just STUNNING in Spring with the contrast of snow-capped mountains, blooming flowers, and blue skies. The sunsets and sunrises are also really beautiful during Spring because there are less cloudy days than in Winter.

Make sure you bring your camera because Vancouver is perfect for photographers and Instagrammers during Spring. Even if you’re not snapping for Instagram, trust me: the views will stay with you forever!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather like in Vancouver in spring?

Spring in Vancouver tends to bring milder temperatures ranging from about 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 60°F) between March and May. These can sometimes be hotter or colder depending on the year. The weather is pretty hard to predict in Spring but you will more than likely get a mix of sunshine, clouds and the occasional bit of rain. Make sure you pack layers and a waterproof jacket just in case!

When do cherry blossoms bloom in Vancouver?

Vancouver Cherry Blossoms usually start to bloom in the last week of March. They reach their peak in the first or second week of April depending on the weather. There are a large variety of different kinds of Cherry Blossoms which actually all bloom at slightly different times. We didn’t realise this until moving to Vancouver and trying to get photos at the best Cherry Blossom times.

Is Spring a good time to visit Vancouver?

Spring is an excellent time to visit Vancouver because the weather is pretty good and there are less crowds than during Summer. It is also less likely that there are wildfires around during Spring which can often get awful during the Summer and Fall months.

Is Vancouver crowded with tourists in spring?

Spring is the off-season in Vancouver so is a perfect time to visit! Anytime from June onwards, the Summer crowds arrive and the hiking trails, parks and lakes become super busy.

Are there any special events in Vancouver in Spring?

There are lots of events on the go in Vancouver during Spring such as:

1. Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (April)
2. Tulip Festivals (April)
3. Vancouver International Wine Festival (April–May)
4. DOXA Documentary Film Festival (May)

Can you go hiking in Vancouver in Spring?

You can absolutely go hiking in Vancouver in Spring, however, in the mountains, the snow lingers until about mid-June which makes it pretty muddy and slushy.

There are lots of beautiful hikes over in North Vancouver, which is just across the water.

I’m not a huge fan of this time of year for mountain hiking in BC, but I do love some of the lower elevation hikes such as:

• Quarry Rock Lookout
• Norvan Falls
• Lynn Canyon Loop

Is the Whale Watching good in Spring in Vancouver?

The Whale Watching season actually starts in March in Vancouver so Spring is the PERFECT time to go on a whale watching tour! On a tour, you could see Orcas, Humpbacks, and Gray Whales. I’m DYING to see an Orca in the wild! This is something that we still need to do, but when we do, I want to go on this sunset whale watching tour.

👉 Book your Whale Watching Tour ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss out!

What should I pack for Vancouver in Spring?

The weather in Vancouver in Spring can be unpredictable, so you’ll need to pack for everything. Layers will be your best friend in Spring in Vancouver so that you can strip down when the sun comes out and layer up as it gets cooler into the later afternoon and evenings.

For Spring in Vancouver, I recommend bringing the following:

• A waterproof jacket or raincoat
• Comfortable walking shoes or waterproof boots
• Light sweaters or hoodies
• A light puffer jacket
• Sunglasses

💭 Our Thoughts

My favourite thing about Spring in Vancouver is the sunshine and the Cherry Blossoms! Oh and of course the lack of crowds in the parks and at the lakes. If you are thinking about visiting Vancouver I highly recommend visiting in Spring. April is a great time to visit if you want to see the Tulips AND Cherry Blossoms.

I love how many photo opportunities there are in Vancouver in Spring with everything blooming. Here is a list of my favourite Cherry Blossom Photo Spots in Vancouver along with my settings for each photo.

Have you been to Vancouver in the spring? Do you have a favourite cherry blossom street or hidden hike? Drop it in the comments – I’d love to hear! 🌸

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