Canada, which lies in the northern hemisphere, the vernal or Spring Equinox arrived this year on March 20 at precisely 11:33 am EDT. Scientifically, Spring equinox occurs when the sun crosses the equator line going north. So, expectantly, the coming of Spring transitions to warmer weather, longer daylights, blooming flowers, and regrowing plants, for the next months.
However, the change of season may not necessarily promise a sporadic shift in weather. According to David Phillips, a senior climatologist at Environment Canada, the temperature will be cooler by April – prompting a slow start to the spring season. But, on a positive note, Spring could bring greater access to outdoor spaces.
We can plan and enjoy the birth of this new season leisurely, without traveling far and even breaking the bank. So, now is an opportune time to break some bad habits and bloom along with Spring in the inherently gorgeous Vancouver!
What to do in Spring? Let me count the ways…
S – Stroll along Vancouver’s Beautiful Gardens
Home to over twenty(20) enchanting gardens, Vancouver can be breathtaking in Spring! You can choose from any sprawling show gardens to community-oriented rose gardens. Stanley Park is one of these many stunning places where roses are in full bloom from the end of March through the beginning of April. Located at this park, on the first week of May, you can witness about 4,500 hybrid Rhododendron and Azalea plants at the Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden. Another must-see is the VanDusen Botanical Garden, a 55-acre sanctuary to over 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the world.
P – Pose for a Photo under the Cherry trees
Vancouver has over 43,000 cherry trees that originated as gifts from Japan. The Queen Elizabeth Park offers a variety of these trees that bloom at different gaps from early March to late April. Also, never miss joining the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (V.C.B.F.), which runs from April 1 to 23, 2022. The festival features intra-community arts and outdoor culture activities, including bike or guided walk tours and other annual events. Picnicking under Cherry Blossoms is another activity to look forward to at The Big Picnic, a yearly event on Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at David Lam Park.
You can walk beneath a canopy of Cherry blossoms at these locations: alongside Burrard SkyTrain station, Vancouver City Hall at West 12th and Cambie, and in the Kitsilano neighborhood along Yew Street.
R – Register for a Running Race
Vancouver has over 43,000 cherry trees that originated as gifts from Japan. The Queen Elizabeth Park offers a variety of these trees that bloom at different gaps from early March to late April. Also, never miss joining the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (VCBF), which runs from April 1 to 23, 2022. The festival features intra-community arts and outdoor culture activities, including bike or guided walk tours and other annual events. Picnicking under Cherry Blossoms is another activity to look forward to at The Big Picnic, a yearly event on Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at David Lam Park.
You can walk beneath a canopy of Cherry blossoms at these locations: alongside Burrard SkyTrain station, Vancouver City Hall at West 12th and Cambie, and in the Kitsilano neighborhood along Yew Street.
I – Indulge into an Iceland Adventure at FlyOver Canada
Experience Iceland in the heart of downtown Vancouver! FlyOver Iceland Canada is an immersive flying ride that will make you enjoy Iceland’s landscapes, folklore, and traditions. The film, projected on a 20-meter-high screen, highlights sweeping glaciers, ancient mysteries, incredible geysers, stunning fjords, spectacular natural wonders, and stories of Vikings and trolls. Conveniently located at 201-999 Canada Place, Vancouver, FlyOver Canada opens at 10 am, from February 17 until April 18. The ticket price varies depending on the date (typically between $25-35 for adults and $10 off for children aged 15 and below).
For more information, visit www.flyovercanada.com.
N – Nourish yourself with locally grown fresh produce at the Farmer’s Market
Vancouver boasts of its locally sourced foods and crafts. And that, the warmer weather signals the return of its farmers’ markets, where one can walk through the stalls and find locally grown produce, baked goods, bottled jams, and beverages. Visit one of these markets and have a chance to meet growers, bakers, farmers, and artisans who bring their wares straight from their farm to your eco-bags. You may visit any of these markets for a supply of delicious, local produce: Riley Park, Winter, 50 E 30th Ave. & Ontario St, open until April 16, 2022, 10 am-2 pm (Saturdays); and Hastings Park at Hastings Park – Centergrounds, open until April 24, 2022, 10 am – 2 pm (Sundays).
G – Go for Spring Skiing, Snowboarding, or Skating at North Vancouver
Vancouver has three local hills located in the North Shore Mountains; from west to east, they are Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour. Though it might be Spring in the city yet still winter in these mountains, allowing for a more extended spring ski season. These are usually open until March, but they may be available through April if the snow lingers.
Strap up your skates and show off those axels and spins at the Shipyard Skating Plaza located at 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver. This free outdoor skating rink is Vancouver’s largest, open daily from 12 noon to 7 pm. Come to this giant outdoor covered rink until March 28, before it becomes a splash park in the summer. Skating and helmets are free. Skate rentals are $7 for adults and $5 for children.
As travel restrictions are gradually easing off, take advantage of the season’s incredible energy, and be merry! Wearing a mask in indoor public spaces is now a personal choice. Until April 8, 2022, get ready to show your vaccine passports at indoor attractions, events, fitness venues, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. If you are an international student, bring your passport and the proof of vaccination used to enter Canada.
References:
Featured Image: Cherry Blossoms at Burrard Skytrain Station
Gillham, D. (2022, March 20). Welcome to spring, Canada! Your next three months of weather, here. The Weather Network – Weather forecasts, maps, news and videos. https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/canada-spring-weather-forecast-for-2022-an-outlook-on-expected-temperatures-and-rain-ahead
IRCC. (2020, January 9). When do the seasons start? National Research Council Canada. https://nrc.canada.ca/en/certifications-evaluations-standards/canadas-official-time/3-when-do-seasons-start
National Geographic Society. (2012, October 9). Season. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/season/
Thaw out with these 7 ways to enjoy spring in Vancouver. (n.d.). Destination Vancouver – official source of tourist information, things to do, restaurants for Vancouver BC Canada. https://www.destinationvancouver.com/activities/sightseeing/7-ways-to-enjoy-spring/
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