Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Vision Photography
Spring in Vancouver is spectacular: cherry blossoms dripping from tree branches, sunshine in the forecast, and warmer weather. Time to get outside! Add these Vancouver outdoor activities to your 2022 spring bucket list.
Visit a Garden
Vancouver is home to over twenty gorgeous gardens that are spectacular in spring. From sprawling show gardens to community-oriented rose gardens, there’s something for everyone. Use our guide to Vancouver’s gardens to find one near you.
Photo: VanDusen Botanical Garden
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching season in Vancouver runs from March to October. You can spot killer whales (also known as orcas) as well as humpback, grey, and minke whales. You also have a good chance of seeing seals, sea lions, river otters, porpoises, eagles, and lots of water birds.
Photo: Prince of Whales
See the Cherry Blossoms
Did you know that Vancouver has over 40,000 cherry trees? Each year, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the season with walking tours and other events. Use our guide to find the best places to take cherry blossom photos. You can also bike to cherry blossoms.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Vision Photography
Go Spring Skiing or Snowboarding
It might be spring in the city, but it’s still winter in the mountains. Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, and Cypress Mountain on the North Shore are usually open until the end of March, but if the snow lingers, they may be open through April. Whistler Blackcomb plans to stay open until May 23, 2022.
Photo: Grouse Mountain
Take a Hike
While snow lingers on the peaks, Vancouverites are busy hiking on the lower slopes. Some of our spring picks include Seymour River and Lynn Creek Loop, Cypress Falls, and Cascade Falls. Or use lists of spring hikes or rainy day hikes to pick a trail.
Hiking the Stawamus Chief. Photo:Tourism Squamish
Sign-Up for a Running Race
Spring is the start of race season in Vancouver. The city’s most famous races, the Vancouver Sun Run and the BMO Vancouver Marathon are back for both in-person and virtual races. There are also several races for trail runners including 5 Peaks Races at both Alice Lake and Golden Ears. Chilliwack is also home to a new multi-sport race that incorporates stand-up paddleboarding, gravel biking, and trail running called Conquer the Vedder.
Photo via Conquer the Vedder/Coast Mountain Trail Running
Visit a New-to-You Park
Vancouver is home to dozens of parks that make great nature escapes from the hustle and bustle of the city. In the spring we recommend Capilano River Regional Park, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, and Lighthouse Park. Or dig into our Park of the Month archives to find a park you haven’t visited yet.
Photo: WestVancouver.ca
Go Forest Bathing
Forest bathing is a form of Japanese nature meditation that involves sitting or slowly walking in nature, being mindful of what you see, hear, smell, and touch. Scientific research shows that spending time forest bathing can lower stress, increase mood, and reduce fatigue. Use our list of the best forest bathing spots around Vancouver to try it out.
Forest in Minnekhada Regional Park. Photo: Syl Pierce/Unsplash
Learn to Forage with Swallow Tail Tours
Follow Chef Robin Kort as she teaches you how to forage for plants, fungi, and sea life. Swallow Tail Tours offers both in-person and online foraging courses where you will learn how to identify wild foods as well as how to prepare them.
Chef Robin Kort of Swallow Tail Tours. Photo: Angela Fama
Visit a Farmers’ Market
Warmer weather signals the return of Vancouver’s farmers’ markets. Browse through the stalls to find locally grown produce, baked goods, and prepared foods like jams and beverages. Most markets re-open in April and May.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Vision Event Photography Inc.
Go on a Bike Ride
With warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to take the bike out of the garage and go for a spin around the city. The Stanley Park seawall is the city’s best-known bike route (and perhaps its most beautiful), but there are tons of other safe routes for easy bike rides around Vancouver.
Biking on the seawall at English Bay. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Cycle City Tours
