Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Rishad Daroowala
Vancouver in spring is a special place. There’s still lots of snow in the mountains, but down at sea level, it’s often t-shirt weather. Plan an epic #VeryVancouver spring day by hitting the mountains in the morning and the beach in the afternoon.
Until further notice, in line with the public health order, non-essential travel into, within, and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents, let’s do our part by continuing to stay small and support local with your immediate household, in accordance with the latest guidelines.
Mountains in the Morning
Start your day in the snow at Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains on the ski runs, the snowshoe routes, the cross country ski trails, or the sledding hill.
Grab your skis or snowboard and head to the slopes early to snag a spot on the first chair of the day. Enjoy the freshies as you shred fresh pow or carve through crisp, new corduroy. Use our guide to nearby ski hills to plan your day.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Dave Delnea Images
If skinny skis are your thing, the Vancouver area also has several cross-country ski areas where you can get a full body workout and practice your skate technique or just go for a casual cruise through a winter wonderland.
You can also strap on a pair of snowshoes and hit the trails for a magical walk through the snowy forest. There are lots of beginner-friendly snowshoe trails near Vancouver. Or book a snowshoe tour and let a pro guide you.
Snowshoeing on Grouse Mountain. Photo: Tourism Vancouver/Rishad Daroowala
Want to play in the snow with your kids? (Or are you just a kid at heart?) Vancouver’s groomed sledding and snow tubing parks will have you grinning from ear to ear. With tube tows and carpet lifts to bring you back to the top, you can focus all your energy on careening downhill.
Beach in the Afternoon
Swap your winter boots for sandals or water shoes and hit the beach in the afternoon. Vancouver has lots of fun water and beach activities you can enjoy in the spring.
Stretch out your sore ski muscles with some beach yoga. Kits Beach, Spanish Banks, and Third Beach are some of the best places to practice outdoor yoga in Vancouver.
Tourism Vancouver / Hubert Kang
Rent a kayak and paddle out to see Vancouver from sea level. It’s easy to explore the shoreline in False Creek, Deep Cove, or other Vancouver paddling destinations. If you’re a beginner, sign up for a kayaking tour to learn the basics.
Have you tried standup paddleboarding (SUP) yet? You’ll work out your core and arms (and give your ski legs a rest) while enjoying great views since you’re standing above the water surface. Book a standup paddleboard tour or check out one of the great places to try SUP around Vancouver
Worn out from your morning in the snow? Chill out on the beach with a picnic. Pack a blanket and a basket of snacks or order takeout from your favourite local restaurant, then hit the sand. Vancouver has many gorgeous beaches to choose from, and most of them have great sunset views.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Emily Cook
