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 definitely sun and springlike days.
Vancouver March Events Calendar:
March 17th – St Patrick’s Day
March 13th – 24th Spring Break (for most school districts in British Columbia)
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.
Watch a Canucks Game
The Canucks are (sometimes) vying for the playoffs in March in Vancouver. 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.
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 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 $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 March (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
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.
Ski at The Local Mountains
A Vancouverite pastime, skiing on the local mountains is what so many adults remember about growing up in Vancouver. Spring break is a popular time 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 is the biggest of the local mountains and has cross-country skiing in addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding. there is also snow tubing and snowshoeing.
Shop at Granville Island
Wander Granville Island and check out the local shops (the kids market is a favourite if you have kids). This is one of the popular tourist spots in Vancouver so locals enjoy having it to themselevs in the spring months. Granville Island Public Market has year round fresh products from veggies to meat and more! This is also one of the best places to find Vancouver souvenirs.
Where: 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 where the weather is not so great.
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.
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 is bound to be a great experience.
Take a Float Plane Trip
There are going to be plenty of opportunities for decent weather in March. If you want to see Vancouver from the air, you can take a scenic float plane trip. Depending on the weather, you will see fresh snow on the mountains as well!
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.
Explore Capilano Suspension Bridge
March 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.
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 is Vancouver in March is still cool. The average temperatures are between 4 degrees Celcius and 10 degrees Celsius (39F to 50F). 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 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
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!