Spring in Vancouver

There's nothing quite like Vancouver in the spring. From our cherry blossom-lined streets to the scent of seawater crashing against the seawall, our temperate climate makes this the best time of year to experience the city's outdoor spaces. This two-day itinerary is guaranteed to put a spring in your step.

Day One:

A SPRINGTIME STROLL

You'll start your day in the beautiful coastal campus at the University of British Columbia. Just 30 minutes from downtown, the easily accessible grounds are home to the Museum of Anthropology, where you can discover much of our city's deep Indigenous roots. NOTE: The Museum of Anthropology is temporarily closed for renovations until June 2024.

After exploring our history it's time to learn about the nature that helped shape it. A visit to the Beaty Biodiversity Museum will help you understand Vancouver's wildlife, environment and connection to the world around us.

TREES AND TRANQUILITY

After lunch it's time to explore the lush campus gardens. UBC Botanical Garden & Greenheart TreeWalk is a hidden Vancouver gem, a stunning natural setting with 310 metres of suspension bridges strung high up in the rainforest.

Looking for space to reflect? You'll find it at the Nitobe Memorial Garden - a tranquil Japanese "stroll garden" and traditional tea house that's considered to be one of the most authentic examples outside of Japan. Cherry blossoms shower the garden in spring, making it the perfect time to visit this magical pocket of Vancouver.

A TASTE OF VANCOUVER

You've seen our city and learned about its history, now it's time to get a taste for what Vancouver has to offer - literally. On the menu tonight is a gastronomic tour of historic Gastown, one of Vancouver's hippest neighbourhoods. With the help of Vancouver Foodie Tours you'll live like a local, sampling local cuisine and craft drinks.

Day Two:

VANCOUVER'S PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Here, we don't just embrace diversity, we exist because of it. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Vancouver's Chinatown, a historic neighbourhood that's stood for more than a century. Spend your morning strolling the streets of this vibrant hub, browsing the unique mixture of traditional Asian markets and hip boutique stores.

A must see on your visit is the iconic Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which was the first classical garden of its type built outside China when it opened in 1986.

A BURST OF COLOUR

After a traditional dim sum lunch, head south to VanDusen Botanical Garden. Opened in 1975, the 55-acre site comes alive during springtime when the Rhododendron and Japanese cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Alongside impeccably planted species from across the globe, the garden is also home to the Shaughnessy Restaurant, a relaxing retreat that's perfect for a late lunch or afternoon tea overlooking relaxing natural displays.

EAT FRESH

It's not just the gardens that come to life in spring, with an abundance of fresh seasonal ingredients, the city's culinary scene does too. We don't just think sustainability, we grow, cook and taste it too thanks to restaurants like Forage, that pride themselves on farm-to-table fare that showcases the very best the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

❐ INSIDER TIPS:

• Experience our city at its Instagrammable best at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place every year in April.
• Use Westcoast Sightseeing's hop-on hop-off tour to get around the city and visit top attractions like VanDusen Botanical Gardens and Queen Elizabeth Park.
• Don't miss the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel's Hives for Humanity apiary. Over a quarter million honeybees produce over 200lbs of honey each season from the hotel's rooftop garden and nearby green spaces