Your 2022 Vancouver Outdoors Spring Bucket List

February 23, 2022

6 min read

Pink cherry blossoms in the foreground with a city skyline and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

Spring in Vancouver is spectacular: cherry blossoms dripping from tree branches, sunshine in the forecast, and warmer weather. Time to get outside! Add these Vancouver outdoor activities to your 2022 spring bucket list.

Visit a Garden

Vancouver is home to over twenty gorgeous gardens that are spectacular in spring. From sprawling show gardens to community-oriented rose gardens, there’s something for everyone. Use our guide to Vancouver’s gardens to find one near you.

Yellow hanging flowers on a tree above purple allium flowers in a garden with green foliage and blue sky.

Go Whale Watching

Whale watching season in Vancouver runs from March to October. You can spot killer whales (also known as orcas) as well as humpback, grey, and minke whales. You also have a good chance of seeing seals, sea lions, river otters, porpoises, eagles, and lots of water birds.

Orca whale partially out of the water in the ocean with a clear blue sky.

See the Cherry Blossoms

Did you know that Vancouver has over 40,000 cherry trees? Each year, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the season with walking tours and other events. Use our guide to find the best places to take cherry blossom photos. You can also bike to cherry blossoms.

Street lined with cars and cherry blossom trees in full pink bloom creating a floral canopy over the road.

Go Spring Skiing or Snowboarding

It might be spring in the city, but it’s still winter in the mountains. Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, and Cypress Mountain on the North Shore are usually open until the end of March, but if the snow lingers, they may be open through April. Whistler Blackcomb plans to stay open until May 23, 2022.

A person in black clothing performing a high jump trick on skis above a snowy ramp with a city and water body in the background at dusk.

Take a Hike

While snow lingers on the peaks, Vancouverites are busy hiking on the lower slopes. Some of our spring picks include Seymour River and Lynn Creek Loop, Cypress Falls, and Cascade Falls. Or use lists of spring hikes or rainy day hikes to pick a trail.

Three people hiking on rocky terrain with a lake and forested mountains in the background.

Sign-Up for a Running Race

Spring is the start of race season in Vancouver. The city’s most famous races, the Vancouver Sun Run and the BMO Vancouver Marathon are back for both in-person and virtual races. There are also several races for trail runners including 5 Peaks Races at both Alice Lake and Golden Ears. Chilliwack is also home to a new multi-sport race that incorporates stand-up paddleboarding, gravel biking, and trail running called Conquer the Vedder.

A person running on a forest trail wearing a green cap, pink top, blue shorts, and rainbow socks.

Visit a New-to-You Park

Vancouver is home to dozens of parks that make great nature escapes from the hustle and bustle of the city. In the spring we recommend Capilano River Regional Park, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, and Lighthouse Park. Or dig into our Park of the Month archives to find a park you haven’t visited yet.

White lighthouse with a red top on rocky shore, red-roofed building nearby, ocean and cloudy sky in background.

Go Forest Bathing

Forest bathing is a form of Japanese nature meditation that involves sitting or slowly walking in nature, being mindful of what you see, hear, smell, and touch. Scientific research shows that spending time forest bathing can lower stress, increase mood, and reduce fatigue. Use our list of the best forest bathing spots around Vancouver to try it out.

Two people in a sunlit forest surrounded by tall trees and green moss in the foreground.

Learn to Forage with Swallow Tail Tours

Follow Chef Robin Kort as she teaches you how to forage for plants, fungi, and sea life. Swallow Tail Tours offers both in-person and online foraging courses where you will learn how to identify wild foods as well as how to prepare them.

A person crouching on a rocky, wet beach holding a piece of seaweed with mountains in the background.

Visit a Farmers’ Market

Warmer weather signals the return of Vancouver’s farmers’ markets. Browse through the stalls to find locally grown produce, baked goods, and prepared foods like jams and beverages. Most markets re-open in April and May.

Person in green shirt holding green onions at a market stall with various leafy greens and vegetables.

Go on a Bike Ride

With warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to take the bike out of the garage and go for a spin around the city. The Stanley Park seawall is the city’s best-known bike route (and perhaps its most beautiful), but there are tons of other safe routes for easy bike rides around Vancouver.