One Amazing Spring Day in Vancouver
Enjoy cherry blossoms and views of the Vancouver skyline from Queen Elizabeth Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver / Vision Photography
Spend an amazing spring day in Vancouver immersing yourself in this floral season with visits to gardens, shopping, and incredible food.
Breakfast in Yaletown
Start your spring day with coffee and pastries in Yaletown. Head to Matchstick for decadent muffins and expertly prepared espresso drinks. Enjoy your breakfast next to one of the many plants in their chic space. Or visit Faubourg to feel like you’ve been transported to Paris. Dig into crepes, flakey croissants, and hearty sandwiches. Afterwards, stroll over to David Lam Park to admire the cherry blossoms and the view of False Creek.
Photo: Matchstick
Spring Blooms at VanDusen Botanical Garden
Next, head to VanDusen Botanical Garden to enjoy the spring blooms. This sprawling garden occupies 55 acres in the centre of Vancouver. Each day in spring is different as there is always something new blooming. Be sure to take a stroll down the Rhododendron Walk, stop to smell the flowers in the rose garden, and wander the paths to see what new growth you can spot. If you’re visiting on April 13 and 14, don’t miss the Sakura Days Japan Fair. This weekend event is part of the larger Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival and celebrates all things Japan.
Enjoying spring flowers at VanDusen Botanical Garden.. Photo credit: Destination Vancouver/Sombilon Studios
Lunch in the Garden
Break for lunch without leaving the garden. If you’re looking for casual fare, head to the Garden Cafe for a quick sandwich, soup, or curry bowl. But if you want to linger, book a table at the Shaughnessy Restaurant to enjoy their seasonal menu. Some dishes are even made with ingredients harvested right from the garden. If it’s nice, ask for a patio table for gorgeous garden views.
Photo: Shaughnessy Restaurant
Cherry Blossoms at Queen Elizabeth Park
After lunch, make your way to nearby Queen Elizabeth Park. This is the best place to see cherry blossoms in Vancouver. The west side of the park near the 33rd Street entrance has lots of cherry trees but you can also spot them all around the park. While you’re there, don’t miss the spring flowers in the sunken Quarry Gardens and the blooms in the Rose Garden. You’ll also want to check out the incredible view of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains at the top of the park near the Bloedel Conservatory.
Admiring the cherry blossoms at Queen Elizabeth Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver / Kazutoshi Yoshimura
Shopping on South Granville with Flower Installations
To continue your flower experience, make your way to South Granville. This shopping district stretches for about ten blocks. It includes some of the city’s best boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. You’ll find everything from luxury clothing to chic home goods and lots more. In the spring look for the impressive flower displays in several storefronts at the Bloom event. Be sure to duck onto the sidestreets to spot colourful murals and seating areas that invite you to linger, perhaps with a coffee and something sweet from Small Victory Bakery.
Photo: South Granville BIA
Dinner with a View on Granville Island
Finish your day with dinner and a view on Granville Island, just down the hill from South Granville. For casual drinks in a great setting, you can’t beat Tap & Barrel Bridges. Their enormous outdoor patio looks out onto False Creek, Yaletown and the Burrard Street Bridge. They have 32 craft beers on tap and an extensive gastropub menu that includes burgers, pizza, and pasta.
Or if you’re craving seafood, head to Sandbar. It’s right on the water at the far edge of Granville Island. Ask for a window table to watch the False Creek ferries buzz back and forth across the inlet while you enjoy fresh sushi, signature seafood dishes, and live music.
Photo: Sandbar/Instagram