As the temperatures warm up and the Spring blossoms begin to decorate the city’s landscape, local families are heading outdoors to take advantage of Vancouver’s natural surroundings, adventurous activities, and breathtaking scenery – and you can too.
To commemorate the start of a new season, my family has put together a Spring bucket list – a great way to encourage us to spend time together outdoors, enjoying the beauty of our city, and taking advantage of the warming weather as we kiss the Winter chill goodbye for another year. Here are some of the activities that top our bucket list for Spring.
Visit The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Not only is Vancouver the ideal spot to stroll through the cherry blossom canopies that drape above the city’s tree-lined streets, but from March 30th – April 23rd, Vancouver celebrates Spring with a festival hosted in honour of our favourite blush-coloured blooms.
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival features a full calendar of events and activities that provide fun for the whole family, including the Spring Lights Illumination – a FREE two-night event which includes vibrant projections and multicoloured lanterns lighting up Queen Elizabeth Park’s cherry blossom trees, and live entertainment. On Saturday, April 15th, visitors can also partake in The Big Picnic, a large group picnic where guests can pre-order curated lunch boxes, and enjoy a picnic lunch under the beautiful cherry blossom trees.
Be sure to visit the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival page for updated event details.
Take a Whirl on the New Rides at Playland
Head to Playland – Vancouver’s amusement park in the city, where families can whoosh down the classic Wooden Roller Coaster, spin and soar on The Scrambler, and fill their bellies with sweet treats while trying to win a prize at a game of ring toss. This year, Playland introduces 3 new kid-friendly rides to the mix, including Bug Whirled – a new coaster ride, The Flutterbye – a peddling adventure in the sky, and Dizzy Drop – a belly-twisting plunge of a ride. Playland opens its gates on May 6th, and will be open on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays from 10am – 6pm until June 25th.
For more information including hours, rates, and rides, visit the Playland website.
Enjoy Spring Skiing at Cypress Mountain
Vancouver is enjoying one of the best snow seasons ever, so now is the best time to head up to one of the local mountains to enjoy some Spring skiing – before the season comes to a close. Cypress Mountain is a local favourite, and from April 14th – April 17th, they are offering a great Easter Family Pack, which includes a full day of skiing for a family of 4 for only $99. The downhill area is scheduled to remain open daily until Monday, April 17th from 9AM – 4PM, at which time the slopes will shut down for another year.
Head to Cypress Mountain‘s site for snow conditions, and additional information.
Frolic in the Flowers at the Abbotsford Tulip Festival
Last year I enjoyed my first visit to the Abbotsford Tulip Festival, and I can’t wait to go back again – this time with my whole family! Not only is this family-run farm the perfect spot to snap photos in the flowers, but visitors can enjoy a range of family-friendly activities, including a U-Pick flower field, food trucks (weekends only), and a hay bale playgrounds for the kids. The festival runs from April 10th to May 7th, daily from 9am to dusk.
Check out the Abbotsford Tulip Festival website for updates on their blooms, rates and event details.