15 Great Things to do in Vancouver in March 2024

March is still technically winter in Vancouver but offers a mix of winter activities as well as signs of spring! While the skies are mostly grey, locals take advantage of those sunny days that do occur often in Vancouver in March. While it is necessary to pack an umbrella or raincoat, there are often sun and springlike days sprinkled between the rainy ones!

Vancouver March Events Calendar:

March 8th – International Women’s Day

March 17th – St Patrick’s Day

March 16th – 31st Spring Break (for most school districts in British Columbia)

March 29th – Good Friday (start of Easter Long Weekend)

March 29th – Start of Cherry Blossom Festival

March 30th – Easter Sunday

March 31st – Easter Monday (Government/Bank/School holiday)

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 it’s grey and drizzly outside, step into the steamy jungle-like atmosphere and watch the birds flying around the dome and snap some photos of the beautiful flowers.

Location: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver

Admission Tickets: Online Here

Watch a Canucks Game Live

The Canucks are vying for the president’s trophy (that is the best in the NHL for those who do not follow hockey) in March in Vancouver this year! Across Canada, Canadians cheer for their favorite hockey team as they get to the end of the season. Ask anyone about hockey and you will always have something to talk about.

For the 2023/24 season catch home games at Rogers Arena on March 9th, 13th, 16th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 28th, 31st

Look for Cherry Blossoms

The 2024 Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival begins in late March this year. March 29th is the first day of the month-long festival. You can find the best locations for cherry blossom viewing here

Vancouver Cocktail Week

Vancouver Cocktail Week is March 3rd to 10th for 2024. Look for events around the city

Vancouver Art Gallery

March is one of the best times to visit the Vancouver Art Gallery. Check out their current exhibitions.

Location: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver

Hours: open daily except Tuesdays

Tickets: Online here

Monster Jam (March 8-10)

Monster Jam roars into the Pacific Coliseum on March 8-10, featuring the most approachable and family-friendly sport in the world. With loyal fans across the globe who crave bigger, faster, and louder experiences, this event promises to be a must-see spectacle for all ages. Don’t miss your chance to see iconic Monster Jam trucks come to life, with male and female athletes behind the wheel demonstrating their rare combination of physical strength, mental stamina, and dexterity in front of screaming fans.

Location: PNE, 100 North Renfrew Street

Dates: March 8, 9, 10

Vancouver Whitecaps

Catch a Vancouver Whitecaps Game as the season begins! The Whitecaps are home at BC Place on March 9th and 16th in 2024

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art Presents: XIÁM

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents the Canadian premiere of XIÁM. Curated by BRG guest curator Jordanna George, the striking exhibition combines traditional storytelling and the contemporary medium of comics through the work of five Indigenous artists who come from a range of backgrounds across the Northwest Coast: Jordanna George (T’sou-ke), Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas (Haida), Gord Hill (Kwakwaka’wakw), Whess Harman (Carrier Wit’at), and Cole Pauls (Tahltan).

While comics have only recently begun to be widely seen as a sophisticated form of art and literature, they have a long history of acting as a tool for people on the fringes of society to share education, news, lived experiences, opinions, or a much-needed laugh. XIÁM includes traditionally drawn works alongside digital pieces, both English and native languages, humour, and drama. XIÁM in the SENĆOŦEN language means “to tell stories, specifically fictional or traditional stories.”

Location: 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver

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 Wednesday through Sundays in March, 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 $72 per person ($40.00 for children 12 and under) and begins with a selection of loose-leaf tea, along with sweet and savory bites such as

Location: Notch8 at Fairmont Vancouver, 900 W Georgia, Vancouver

Dates: Wednesday through Sunday in March

Reservations: available on OpenTable

Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic (March 16-17)

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic

A symphonic celebration of Disney music! Your favourite characters and soundtracks from the Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Parks come to life on the concert hall stage and big screen in a live-to-film concert like never before.

Performed live by the VSO, this live music concert takes you on a magic carpet ride through the most memorable song, score and movie moments of the first 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, including Peter Pan, Moana, Aladdin, The Jungle Book, Frozen, The Lion King, Fantasia, Encanto, Disney Parks classics, and more.

Location: 649 Cambie St

Dates: March 16th and 17th

Festival du Bois

Experience music and dance concerts, workshops, roving performers, delicious French-Canadian food, artisans and more in this Metro Vancouver festival. It is an under the radar festival, but one of the fun things to check out if you have never been!

Location: Makin Park 1046 Brunette Ave, Coquitlam

Dates: March 8-10, 2024

Rock and Gem Show (March 16th and 17th)

The Hastings Centre Rockhounds Club’s 63rd Annual Gem & Jewelry Show returns this March for a dazzling display of gems and jewelry. Get ready to explore a wide variety of precious stones, unique jewelry pieces, and expert craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your gem journey, this event is sure to spark your interest. There will be activities for children, refreshments, door prizes, demonstrations, displays, and fun for all ages.

Admission: by donation.

Dates: March 16th-17th

Location: 3096 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

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.

Location: 150 Copper Dr, Brittania Beach BC

Tickets: Online here

Ski at The Local Mountains

A Vancouverite pastime, skiing on the local mountains in North Vancouver is what so many adults remember about growing up in Vancouver. Spring break is a popular time of year on the ski hills as locals love to enjoy the warmer ski temps and those bluebird days!

Grouse Mountain features 33 Ski and Snowboard runs, 15-night runs, 4 chairlifts, and 6 terrain parks. Single Lift Tickets include access to the Skyride, chairlifts, and mountaintop activities.

Besides just skiing, you can grab a mountain admission ticket that will get you up and down the mountain on the sky ride, as well as access to the on-mountain activities. These include sledding lanes, snowshoeing, skating pond, and the light walk.

Get your mountain admission ticket here (If you plan on snowboarding or skiing, make sure you purchase a lift ticket which includes your mountain admission ticket)

Mount Seymour is the closest to downtown Vancouver. It has 4 chair lifts, 5 terrain parks, a tube park, snowshoeing, and a toboggan area. It has 40 marked runs, about half of which are available for night skiing.

Cypress Mountain is the biggest of the local mountains and has cross-country skiing in addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding. Cypress mountain also has snow tubing and snowshoeing.

Shop at Granville Island

Wander Granville Island or False Creek and check out the local shops (the kid’s market is a favourite if you have kids) and fresh produce. This is one of the popular tourist spots in Vancouver so locals enjoy having it to themselves in the spring months. Granville Island Public Market is a great place for fresh products from veggies to meat and more! There are lots of farmers market style items to purchase. This is also one of the best places to find Vancouver souvenirs. 

Location: 1661 Duranleau Street, Granville Island

Fly Over Canada

During the ultimate flying ride, you will see numerous cities and vistas across the country. The production team for FlyOver Canada was 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. This is a great activity on a day when the weather is not so great.

Tickets: Online Here

Dates: Open Daily

Location: 201 – 999 Canada Place Vancouver, BC

Take a Food Tour in Gastown

One of the best things to do in Gastown is take a food tour down the cobbled stone streets. This legendary 2.5 hours Gastown Walking Food Tour is a great way to enjoy yourself and excite your taste buds. The food tour offers the opportunity to explore the culinary riches of this neighborhood through its very fantastic restaurants. From enjoying local craft beers to trying out Canadian Poutine and Japanese Karage-style chicken, this food tour has 9 tastings for you to enjoy!

Tickets: Online Here

Dates: Daily in March

Vancouver International Dance Festival

Now in its 24th year, the VIDF has presented 330 dance artists/companies to more than 100,000 people. We celebrate and focus on the diversity of contemporary dance expression, its individuality, and its astonishing capacity for touching one’s heart and soul. Our mission is to build audiences and appreciation for equity-seeking contemporary dance artists and marginalized contemporary dance practices through programming a spectrum of kinetically exciting work that broadens definitions of the form.

Location: 111 West Hastings St, Vancouver

Dates: March 1-9 2024

Take a Float Plane Trip

There should be plenty of opportunities for decent weather in March for those who are flexible. If you want to see Vancouver and the lower mainland from the air, you can take a very popular scenic float plane trip. Depending on the weather, you can see fresh snow on the mountains as well as views of the city and the iconic Stanley Park!

Tickets: Online here

Hop On Hop Off Bus

First time in the city? Get your bearings with a hop on hop off bus pass. . These are a popular way to learn where to find the best things in the city. It is nice to be able to get off and explore knowing that another bus will come back. March is considered the winter season and the busses run every hour. There are 1 or 2 day passes available.

Tickets: here

Explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge

March will see little crowds as you explore the 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. This is always a popular one of the Vancouver outdoor activities for all ages! Appreciate nature from 3 breathtaking perspectives: the world-famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Treetops Adventure, and the thrilling Cliffwalk.

If you are new to Vancouver, consider taking this popular day tour which includes the Capilano Suspension Bridge!

Tickets: Online here

Day Trip to Vancouver Island

With Spring Break occurring in March, it is the perfect time to go over to Vancouver Island and visit Victoria and the surrounding area!

Where to Stay in Vancouver in March

LUXURY: Pan Pacific Vancouver, Fairmont Pacific Rim 

BOUTIQUE: Blue Horizon Hotel

MIDRANGE: Sandman Suites on Davie

The good thing about booking hotels in March 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 March

The weather in Vancouver in March is still cool. The average temperatures are between 4°C and 10°C (39°F to 50°F). Depending on whether or not you live close by, that could be cold, or warm! The one sure thing, you will want a waterproof layer with you! I personally wear these waterproof running shoes all winter and spring long! They are comforatable and perfect for Vancouver weather!

Is March a Good Time to Visit Vancouver?

March is considered the off-season or possibly shoulder season to visit much of British Columbia unless you plan on hitting the ski hills. Atop Whistler, the mountain is full of fresh powder and is still a winter wonderland perfect for Spring Break travel! Much of British Columbia is still covered in snow so it is a popular time to visit the ski hills. 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, March is a good time to come into the city.

March in Vancouver: What to Pack

As mentioned above, it does not get extremely cold, but expect wet and cool weather. You are unlikely to see frost or snow in the city, but it does happen on occasion. You will want to ensure you have waterproof clothing including sweaters, hoodies, and a waterproof jacket. Bring closed-toed shoes and some type of waterproof footwear. Vessi runners are what I recommend for anyone in the city! If you come from a warm climate, you may want a light pair of gloves and a toque. If you do not have a packable umbrella, I suggest you buy one. If you do not like the cold and wet, grab yourself some of these Canadian-made reusable hand warmers. They are perfect from fall to spring!

Catch More Vancouver Events:

Things to do in Vancouver in January

Things to do in Vancouver in February

Things to do in Vancouver in April

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