After a long winter full of short days and cold nights there is nothing more exciting than a nice warm day and blue sky's. These are the best ways to get out in the city of Vancouver and enjoy the new found freedom that is brought upon by sunny days!
1. Take a Seaplane tour of the City
Winters in Vancouver can be tough (especially for an Aussie who counts winter as anything under 20 degrees Celcius!), so when the sun finally comes out its time to celebrate! What better way to not only see the city but to also enjoy the blue sky's than to take Seaplane tour of the city with Harbor Air. And taking flight in spring, means you get the views without the long wait times and crowds of summer.
2. Visit Granville Island and take the Aquabus.
Granville Island is a fantastic place to spend the day all year round. With amazing stores and markets this is a great place to buy an assortment of quirky gifts, flowers and an amazing place for all types of food from bakery items to fruits. You can walk around the edge of the wharf almost the entire way around the markets and towards the back of the food markets there is an amazing large wharf area where everyone congregates for lunch while listening to eclectic buskers and musicians. But the absolute must do in spring is to take a ride on the Aquabus. This little boat operates on a hop on/hop off system so you can jump off at any of its stops along the river. So its a great way to jump off at different points around the city to explore further or just to stay on and enjoy to scenery. Plus, with fares starting as low as $2 this is a really cheap and fast way to get around the city.
3. Take a Horse and Carriage ride around Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a truly spectacular place to spend spring in Vancouver. There is so much to see and do, including a great walking and bike path around the sea wall, beautiful rose gardens, picturesque hikes, a miniature train, and the marvelous Vancouver aquarium. A real must do though, is the Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tours. They take you on an hour tour around the park at a leisurely pace so you get the chance to really take in the views and enjoy the sun with the ambient noise of hooves to relax you. The tours run approximately every 30 minutes from around February to November and costs around $45 for adults and $20 for kids with family discounts available.
4. Visit Capliano Suspension Bridge and Cliff Walk
Visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of the most iconic things you can do in Vancouver. Open year round, this exciting tree top adventure has a little something for everyone. A suspension bridge across a deep ravine is your entry to a spectacular tree top experience where you walk throughout suspended platforms in the very height of the tall trees. Then, experience the thrilling views along the cliff walk perched dramatically above the ravine bellow.
5. Take a walk in Lighthouse Park
An easy hike through the forest opens up to a breath taking view of a lighthouse overlooking the Burrard Inlet. Here you will find a quaint little cabin site and various hikes through the forest. Take the small path on the right to climb the rocks overlooking the bay, or simply take in the view from the house of the lighthouse keeper near the camp. Or, if your feeling a little more adventurous, take one of the paths down to the waters edge. Be prepared for a bit of a climb though and a great workout
6. Go to the Vancouver Observatory
The winter clouds are finally clearing and the sky is beginning to open up at night. Perfect for a little star gazing. Visit the Vancouver observatory on Saturday nights and for a small donation get to view the wonders of the Northern sky up close. And while your here, why not take in a spectacular show at the Planetarium. For as little as $13 for adults and $10 for children, you can immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring images of our universe and learn a little something about the constellations while you're at it.
7. Visit the Abotsford Tulip Festival
Located approximately an hour outside of Vancouver, the Abotsford Bloom Tulip festival opens every year from about mid April till early May. With prices starting from as little as $6, its a great way to welcome Spring! Walk among the beautiful new blooms and test out your photography skills. And maybe even buy some tulips to take home so you can enjoy the feeling of Spring in your own home,
8. Ride on the top of a Grouse Mountain Gondola
Ever wished you could sit on top of a gondola while it slowly ascends a mountain? Well I did! And I finally got my chance on the Grouse Mountain Skyride Surf Adventure. For $25 (or $20 for members), you get can stand atop the gondola as it ferries everyone to the top of Grouse Mountain. And don't worry, its completely safe and surprisingly still (not windy at all like I thought it would be). This makes for stunning photos of the city bellow (plus you're not stuck squashed inside with all the sweaty hikers who have just finished the Grouse Grind - added bonus!). By far one of my favorite things to do in Vancouver!
9. Go inside the Grouse Wind Turbine
And while you're up the top of Grouse Mountain, why not take a visit to the Eye of the Wind. This is the worlds first and only wind turbine that allows you to stand at the top in a 360 degree glass viewing pod. From $15, visits to the Eye of the Wind showcase spectacular views of not only the mountains but also the city below. And visiting this remarkable landmark in early spring, also means you get the unique experience of enjoying the snow along with the warmth of spring. Plus, walking through the melted snow paths and seeing the height of the snow around you is absolutely mind blowing. While your up here, also dont forget to look out for the Grouse Bears who should be just waking up from Hibernation!
10. Take a stroll downtown
With the cherry blossoms in bloom all over Vancouver, this is a fantastic time of year to simply take a stroll around the city and enjoy the scenery. Take some time to literally stop and smell the roses, or whatever flower is just coming into bloom around you. Say goodbye to those thick down jackets and cold stormy nights, I see more clear sky's and sunshine in your forecast.
I hope this list has inspired you to get out and go see what Vancouver has to offer.
So what are your favorite things to do in Vancouver in the Spring?
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