Your Ultimate Guide to Spring in Vancouver

Springtime in Vancouver is a hidden gem—overflowing with natural beauty and often underrated. As the cherry blossoms bloom, birds sing and the sun peeks through with a light breeze, it’s the perfect season to explore the city’s outdoor wonders. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, there’s no shortage of things to do in Vancouver in the spring.

We’ve put together a must-do list of the best spring activities in Vancouver to make the most of your time!

Explore Vancouver by Bike

^{Photo of visitors biking along the Stanley Park Seawall by Norman Maddeaux on Flickr.}

Vancouver is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Canada, featuring designated bike lanes and scenic cycling routes. Here are six scenic walking or biking paths close to downtown Vancouver that we recommend.

Top Biking Routes in Vancouver:

• Stanley Park Seawall – Ride along the world-famous waterfront path.
• False Creek Loop – Cycle past Granville Island and Olympic Village.
• Arbutus Greenway – A peaceful ride through tree-lined streets.

Want to do it all yourself? That’s wonderful because the City of Vancouver has created a cycling routes map which can be found here.

Where to Rent a Bike:

• Mobi by Shaw Go – Vancouver’s bike-sharing program. Find a Mobi station here.
• Cycle City Tours – Offers guided bike tours covering Stanley Park, Gastown and more. Learn more here.

Experience Cherry Blossom Season

^{Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver by Mike on Flickr.}

Spring in Vancouver wouldn’t be complete without the stunning cherry blossoms that line the city’s streets from February to April.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms:

• Queen Elizabeth Park – A stunning spot with panoramic city views.
• Stanley Park – Home to picturesque cherry tree groves.
• VanDusen Botanical Garden – Features an array of blooming trees and flowers.

Don’t miss the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival in April, featuring free concerts and guided walks. Check out the festival map here.

Catch a Vancouver Canucks or Whitecaps Game

^{Photo of a Canucks game by Dinur on Flickr.}

Get in on the sports-craze and grab a ticket to see a Professional Vancouver team play as local teams are deep into their seasons during spring. Here are two of our most notable home teams during this period:

Ice Hockey

The Vancouver Canucks are the professional NHL ice hockey team that plays home games at Rogers Arena in Vancouver (5 minute walk from YWCA Hotel) and a local favourite. When the Canucks are playing, you'll find many Vancouver bars and restaurants, and not just sports bars, will be showing the game. Pull up a stool and make friends with the rabid Canucks fans that surround you.

The Vancouver Canucks website: https://www.nhl.com/canucks

Soccer

Established in 1974, Vancouver Whitecaps FC is the city’s professional soccer (football) club, playing in North America’s Major League Soccer (MLS) competition. Fans and supporter groups chant, drum, and cheer on their team passionately through 90 minutes of action at BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver located right across from the YWCA Hotel. The MLS season runs from March through October.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC website: https://www.whitecapsfc.com/

Visit Granville Island

^{Photo of Granville Island Public Market by Keith Murray on Flickr.}

Both a locals’ favourite and a huge draw for visitors, Granville Island is one of the city’s most important cultural districts with theatres, artisan workshops and craft studios. There is certainly something special around this neighbourhood. Though businesses and tourism thrives, the destination still retains an old-fashioned, timeless feeling. Quaint shops, outdoor market, artists corner and shops and plenty of food makes the neighbourhood a must-visit. And the food, friendly faces, live music and atmosphere make for an enjoyable destination. Granville Island is only a bus ride or a ferry ride away from the YWCA Hotel.

Plan your visit: https://granvilleisland.com/

Explore Vancouver's Stunning Gardens

^{Photo of Nitobe Memorial Garden by Jennifer C. on Flickr https://flic.kr/p/9MWG9C.}

Wander along the paths at the VanDusen Botanical Garden and check out their bloom guide to learn more. Enter the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in the city’s Chinatown neighbourhood to experience the beautiful architecture and design of an authentic Chinese garden. The garden often hosts art exhibits and you can watch koi swim gracefully in the garden pond. Or you can visit a tropical rainforest at the Bloedel Conservatory, an indoor tropical garden in Queen Elizabeth Park atop the highest point of the city. The conservatory contains over 200 free-flying birds including macaws and Chinese pheasants plus 500 exotic plants and flowers.

For details on these parks and gardens, our top seven recommendations, and how to get there from the YWCA Hotel, check out our post here.

Go for a Spring Hike

^{Photo of the Quarry Rock viewpoint by GotoVan on Flickr.  https://flic.kr/p/2dPDqnU}

Spring is the perfect time to hit the trails and explore Vancouver’s breathtaking outdoor scenery.

Hiking on Grouse Mountain? Walking through the trails at Lynn Canyon? Whatever you choose, your room at the YWCA Hotel is never far from the action. From well-known hikes on the North Shore to a day-trip out to Squamish and the Garibaldi Highlands, Vancouver has it all.

Top Hiking Trails Near Vancouver:

• Quarry Rock (Deep Cove) – A beginner-friendly hike with ocean views (~1-hour round-trip). A short 20-30 minute ride from the YWCA Hotel, this trail begins with a steep set of stairs before easing into a gradual incline, ending with a stunning ocean and mountain vista.
• Lynn Canyon Park – A great option for those who prefer gentler terrain. Walk along the scenic Lynn Loop, which meanders through lush forest and follows the beautiful waters of Lynn Creek. A 30-minute ride from the YWCA Hotel.
• Grouse Grind – A challenging uphill climb that fitness enthusiasts love. This steep trail begins at the base of Grouse Mountain (20-30 minute ride from YWCA Hotel) and takes about two to three hours to complete.
• Stawamus Chief (Squamish) – A must-do for seasoned hikers seeking epic views. Starting near Shannon Falls (~55-minute ride from YWCA Hotel), the Chief offers three peaks to conquer. The First Peak, just over 2km from the base, boasts incredible 360-degree views of the coastal mountains. Bring snacks, water, and time to take in the breathtaking scenery!

^{Photo of Stawamus Chief’s view point by Christopher Porter on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/obvByB}