Flowers are blooming all over Vancouver and April brings a welcome sign of spring. The sun is warm when it comes out from behind the clouds and new blossoms are everywhere. Locals are seen outdoors now that the winter weather is gone and everyone is eager to enjoy the outdoors. There are so many things to do in Vancouver in April, here are some of the best!
April Calendar of Events & Holidays
April 7 – Good Friday
April 9 – Easter Sunday
April 22 Earth Day
Go Whale Watching
April is the start of whale watching season in Vancouver. There is not much more thrilling than seeing these majestic whales in their natural habitat off the coast of Vancouver. It is a bucket list item for not just visitors but locals as well. The waters off British Columbia’s coast are rich with marine life and orcas, humpback, gray and minke whales are the most common whales that you will see on a Vancouver whale-watching trip! April until October is typically the best time to go whale watching in Vancouver.
There are several tour options, I have an entire post on the best whale-watching tours from Vancouver. You can book these online here.
Location: 1666 Duranleau St
Tickets: Online here
Check out the Cherry Blossoms
April transforms Vancouver into one of the most beautiful cities to see cherry blossoms. It is celebrated annually with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival that runs for the first three weeks of April! The Festival celebrates 43,000 cherry trees that burst into bloom across the city. There are over 20+ cherry blossom themed community events every year during March and April.
Did you know that they have an interactive map to find the perfect Vancouver cherry blossom blooms?
Website: https://vcbf.ca/
Dates: April 1-23, 2023
Enjoy a Cherry Blossom Inspired Afternoon Tea
Notch8 at the Fairmont Vancouver is back with spring-inspired decor afternoon tea. The Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea will be available in Thursdays through Sundays in April, with seatings held at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. The special Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea Menu is available for $74 per person ($37.00 for children 12 and under) and begins with a selection of loose-leaf tea, along with sweet and savoury bites such as Konbini Egg Salad Sandwich, Albacore Tuna Tataki, Sakura Pork Katsu, Black Sesame Cookies, Cherry Mascarpone Verrine, and Matcha Profiterole. For every afternoon tea sold through the season, Notch8 will plant one tree through One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization committed to helping the environment by planting trees across British Columbia.
Location: Notch8 at Fairmont Vancouver, 900 W Georgia, Vancouver
Dates: Thursdays through Sundays in April (goes until May 21st 2023)
Reservations: available on OpenTable
Check out Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N at Brentwood Mall
The Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. is an interactive exhibition with superhero equipment and technology at Brentwood mall in Burnaby in 2023. Based off the popular Marvel series of comics and movies, Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. stands for Scientific Training And Tactical Intelligence Operative Network. It’s a family-friendly experience perfect for all Marvel and superhero fans.
Although there are no live actors or characters on-site, there are plenty of things to see and do at the attraction. Guests are greeted as “new recruits” and get to explore the technology and profiles of the Avengers. The place is full of original equipment and props used by the Marvel heroes.
The exhibition opens on March 3rd and runs until May 28th.
Location: Brentwood Mall, Burnaby
Take a Hike
Spring in Vancouver can be lovely and sunny! When you get a dry day, hit up one of the popular local hikes! The summer crowds are non-existant and there is new life in nature all over Metro Vancouver. Check out these easy hikes in Metro Vancouver to get yourself started!
Some alpine hikes do not open until late spring (like the Grouse Grind) so keep that in mind when you are planning your hike!
Explore Capilano Suspension Bridge in April in Vancouver
April will see little crowds as you explore Capilano Suspension Bridge. You can get up close to Vancouver’s Giant trees as you explore the park at your own pace. Cross Vancouver’s Capilano River on a 450-foot-long suspension bridge with this entry ticket. Appreciate nature from 3 breathtaking perspectives: the world-famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Treetops Adventure, and the thrilling Cliffwalk.
Location: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Important Notes: Strollers are not allowed. Dress for the outdoors.
Tickets: Online here
See Spring Blooms at Van Dusen Gardens
Vancouver’s most popular botanical garden bursts with colour, particularly in April. You’ll encounter dozens of species of rhododendrons, beautiful magnolias and the ever-popular cherry blossoms – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Their spring events include the Eggciting Easter Hop, which takes place on Easter weekend and the Sakura Days Festival, which celebrates the peak of cherry blossom season in mid-April.
Location: 5251 Oak St
Hours: 10am to 5pm
Tickets: Online here
Staycation in the City
Are you local? April is a great time of year for a Vancouver Staycation. Hotel deals are abundant at this time of year and crowds are minimal in the city. Check out some of the best Vancouver hotels with pools if you are looking for the perfect weekend getaway.
If you want to get out of town, check out these getaways from Vancouver.
Shop on Robson Street
In its prime area roughly between Burrard and Jervis Street, Robson Street has every store that you could desire for your fashion wants. All the major national and international chain stores are located here, from more casual and athletic wear companies such as to well-known clothing retailers. Popular footwear retailers, lingerie and beauty products are all here. You can also pick up some popular Vancouver souvenirs and things you can only get in Canada at souvenir shops Grand Maple Gift and Canadian Crafts on Robson.
Take a Half Day Tour in Vancouver
Spend half a day touring Vancouver’s natural and urban highlights on this sightseeing bus tour. Your savvy guide escorts you to key attractions such as Canada Place, Robson Street, and across the Lions Gate Bridge. Listen to interesting commentary as you wind through vibrant neighborhoods and tree-lined paths in Stanley Park. Then head to Capilano Suspension Bridge for an exhilarating walk along the cliff-hanging footpaths.
Location: 999 Canada Pl
Tickets: Online here
Britannia Mine Museum
If you are looking to get out of the city, the Britannia Mine Museum, one of Canada’s National Historic Sites, is located on the way to Whistler. It is worth a visit if you have a vehicle. Featuring authentic underground mining tunnels, kids of all ages will get a thrill as they ride underground at the museum. Boom! their latest multi-sensory experience is awesome as well!
You can read more about what to expect on a visit here.
See Vancouver from A New Perspective on a Float Plane
On a clear day, a floatplane tour offers unbeatable views of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains.
Location: 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Booking Details: Online here
April Events Vancouver: Fly Over Canada’s Original Production
If you have never seen Fly Over Canada, then you are in for a treat. During the Ultimate Flying Ride, you will see numerous cities and vistas across the country. The production team for FlyOver Canada were able to select 18 scenes from over 100 hours of footage to represent Canada in the ride film. There are no subtitles or voice-overs during the experience, as we did not want to detract from the flying sensation
Tickets: Book your tickets online in advance here for the lowest price and to ensure availability.
Dates: Offered Year Round and can be combined with seasonal productions.
Location: 201 – 999 Canada Place Vancouver, BC
Important Notes: The queue is partially exposed to the elements. Ensure you wear proper attire. It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance. For those looking for Holiday Fly Over events, Soar with Santa starts in December this year!
Related: While at Coal Harbour, check out these popular Vancouver waterfront restaurants!
Blodel Conservatory
Blodel Conservatory offers beautiful flowers and exotic birds inside a giant dome in Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park. Escape Vancouver’s often inclement March weather for a taste of the tropics and view over 500 species of flowers and over 200 species of birds.
If its grey and drizzley outside, step into the steamy jungle-like atmosphere and watch the birds flying around the dome and snap some photos of the beautiful flowers.
Day Trip to Victoria and See Butchart Gardens
If you are visiting Vancouver or even you are a local, get out of town and take a day trip to Vancouver Island. It can easily be done in a day and you can enjoy Victoria’s waterfront, or local attractions like Butchart Gardens.
If you want to take an organized tour, there are tours online that start from downtown Vancouver.
Tickets: Here
Lost Souls of Vancouver Walking Tour
Walk through alleyways and the back streets of Gastown and get a glimpse into Vancouver’s rough and rowdy past on a walking tour of the historic neighborhood. Hear haunting tales of the city’s darkest days, when fires, smallpox, and gold dust fever swept through the frontier outpost. Visit the neighborhood’s landmarks and historic sites as your guide evokes the thieves, hustlers, and vagabonds that made the west so wild.
Location: 356 Water St
Tickets: Online here
Where to Stay in Vancouver April
LUXURY: Pan Pacific Vancouver, Fairmont Pacific Rim
BOUTIQUE: Blue Horizon Hotel
MIDRANGE: Sandman Suites on Davie
The good thing about booking hotels in April is that it is low season. It is one of the cheapest times to be staying in the city. If you are a local looking for a staycation, check out this article on the best hotels in Vancouver with pools! Look for the ones with indoor pools if you want to enjoy a soak!
Weather in Vancouver in April
The weather in Vancouver in April is pleasant. The average temperatures are between 6 degrees Celcius and 13 degrees Celsius (40F to 51F). Depending on whether or not you live close by, that could be cold, or warm! The one thing that is sure, you will want a waterproof layer with you!
Is April a Good Time to Visit Vancouver?
April is considered the off-season and crowds are minimal. Warm spring days and blooms all over the city bring a welcome end to winter. The summer months are the peak season to visit Vancouver and take in the city activities, but if you want to visit without crowds or are not flexible about when you are visiting then, April is a good time to come into the city.
Catch More Vancouver Events:
Things to do in Vancouver in January
Things to do in Vancouver in February
Things to do in Vancouver in March
Things to do in Vancouver in May
Things to do in Vancouver in September
Things to do in Vancouver in October
Things to do in Vancouver in November
Things to do in Vancouver in December
Vancouver Travel Resources for 2023
If you are from out of town these resources should be helpful for your trip to Vancouver!
RENTAL CAR: You definitely want to rent one in advance and grab it at the airport. Start with a rental car comparison company like this one or this one.
LOCAL TOURS: Looking for the perfect city tour, whale watching tour, bus tour, brewery tour (these are awesome) Start with Get Your Guide and Viator Tours.
BOOK A PHOTOSHOOT: Capture those memories! Book a romantic or family photoshoot while on holiday! Click Here to find a local photographer. Use code LINDSAY to save $25 off your first photoshoot!
HOTELS: Find the best hotel selection on booking.comor hostelworld.com
CRUISING? If you are cruising from Vancouver or even considering it in the future, find information and cruise reviews on cruisecritic.com
PACKING TIPS:
A good rain jacket is always a good idea, even in the summer. While you are not likely to get wet in July and August, late august almost always sees a wet day, and May, June and September will also get rain.
A good power bank to charge phones and other devices while out for the day. After a day of videoing, GPS and taking photos, the last thing you want is a dead cell phone. These are inexpensive and come in handy during the day.
A Universal Adapter is going to be handy for International Visitors. Canada uses the same plugs as the USA but if you are coming from somewhere else abroad, grab yourself one before you arrive.
Most stores have gone away from plastic shopping bags and those who do have them likely charge for them. Either buy a cute reusable one (makes a great souvenir) when you arrive or bring a small one with you!
Reusable water bottles are also a good idea. Tap water is drinkable all over Vancouver and there are plenty of water fountain options to get water. You can buy and recycle water bottles anywhere, but why shell out wasteful dollars when you can drink the tap water all over British Columbia?
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!