Why Spring is a great time to visit Vancouver BC

Vancouver enjoys some of the mildest temperatures in Canada, particularly in spring-time when the city comes alive. From March to June enjoy diverse sights from gardens blooming to whales migrating, and opportunities to enjoy kayaking along the waterfront to skiing in the last of the snowfall. Let us tell you more!

The cherry blossoms of Vancouver

March
A highlight at the beginning of the month is the Vancouver International Wine Festival with over 100 wineries from 15 countries, offering tastings, seminars and gourmet meals. Towards the end of March the cherry trees start to blossom as the temperatures rise.

April
An explosion of cherry blossom marks April’s place in the calendar, with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival hosting cultural performances throughout the city as well as online maps to spot the best of the displays.

May
Vancouver is at its most lush in May, with the greenery and flowers in full bloom. Discover the VanDusen Botanical Garden and stroll the Queen Elizabeth Park to see the city at its most beautiful.

June
Before the heat of the summer kicks in, June is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor exploration such as cycling along the scenic Seawall, taking in the stunning waterfront views and mountain backdrops.

Aeral view of Stanley Park in Spring

Our Top Tips for visiting Vancouver in Spring

• Join a hop-on hop-off bus tour when you arrive to get your bearings in the city, from the expansive Stanley Park to Queen Elizabeth Parks extinct volcano. Discover Prospect Point, English Bay, and Robson Streets chic vibe.
• Book a whale-watching cruise to spot several different species of whale in the wild as well as myriad sea birds and marine wildlife. We will book you onto a boat which features an indoor heated cabin with snack bar & washrooms so that you can warm up if the Spring weather is a bit nippy on the water!
• Make an early morning visit to Granville Island Public Market to discover the freshest produce and baked goods before the crowds arrive. Create your own bespoke picnic then head over to Ron Basford Park for a peaceful lunch, enjoying stunning views of the city skyline and waterfront, amongst the gorgeous spring flowers.
• Explore displays of cherry blossoms and lush greenery in Stanley Park. The thousand acre oasis is criss-crossed with walking and cycling paths through the towering trees, giving wonderful coastal views.
• Join a hop-on hop-off bus tour to get your bearings in the city, from the expansive Stanley Park to Queen Elizabeth Parks extinct volcano. Discover Prospect Point, English Bay, and Robson Streets chic vibe.
• Take time to visit Vancouver North Shore, and its two key attractions Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain. At Capilano you can immerse yourself in the luxuriant rainforest canopy as you cross the famous suspension bridge. At Grouse Mountain you can walk the trails to enjoy the vibrant wildflowers, active wildlife, and stunning views of Vancouver in the fresh mountain air.

Capiliano Suspension Bridge

• Visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – a place of serene beauty in the Spring, with the blossoming plum and cherry trees framing the traditional architecture and tranquil ponds.
• Experience a floatplane flightseeing trip - fabulous at any time of year but particularly good in Spring to soar over the fresh new colours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which month is spring in Vancouver?

In Vancouver, spring spans across March, April, and May. Because of the city's temperate coastal climate, winter conditions clear up much earlier here than in the rest of Canada. By March, snow is replaced by mild weather, and the entire city begins to burst with colour.

Which month is best to visit Vancouver?

While summer is popular, we highly suggest April or May as the absolute best months to visit Vancouver. Visiting during these late spring months gives you the ultimate "best of both worlds" experience: you can enjoy mild temperatures, lower accommodation prices, and lighter crowds before the summer rush, while still catching the peak of the spectacular cherry blossom season and the start of the whale-watching calendar.

Is it a good time to visit Vancouver in April?

Yes, April is an exceptional time to visit. It is the peak of the world-famous Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, which transforms the city's streets into a massive canopy of pink and white petals.

It is also a unique time for outdoor lovers – our travel experts love to point out that you can literally ski on the spring snow at nearby Grouse Mountain in the morning and go kayaking or cycling along the sunny Stanley Park Seawall in the afternoon.

Is it worth visiting Vancouver in spring?

It is absolutely worth it. Spring breathes a fresh, vibrant energy into Canada's West Coast. We recommend it for travellers who appreciate stunning photography, as the city's premier gardens – like VanDusen Botanical Garden and Queen Elizabeth Park – put on world-class floral displays. Additionally, mid-to-late spring marks the official return of migrating orcas, humpbacks, and grey whales to the local coastal waters, making it an unbeatable season for wildlife enthusiasts.