Spring has officially sprung on Canada’s west coast, and Vancouver rejoices with its very own annual Cherry Blossom Festival. This year’s event runs through April 30, with a range of activities flowering across the city. Here’s the lowdown on the upcoming festival highlights:
You can join a guided walk to learn more about Vancouver’s roughly 40,000 blossoming trees. This year’s remaining “tree talk” takes place on Saturday, April 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. and explores the cherry trees of the West End and downtown. Meet at the corner of Davie and Denman Streets, in front of the A-maze-ing Laughter sculpture.
Hop on your bike on Saturday, April 27 for this two-wheeled ride to scout out blooming trees across the city. Riders will assemble at 11 a.m. under the trees at China Creek South (1255 East 10th Avenue, at Clark Drive), and a bike repair truck will follow the route should any issues with your ride arise; expect the leisurely cycle to wrap up around 3 p.m.
Plein Air Cherry Tree Painting
Want to capture the cherry blossoms on canvas? Head to the VanDusen Botanical Garden on Saturday, April 20 or Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for an outdoor painting lesson, taught by a local Canadian artist. You’ll need to bring your own easel and paints, but no art experience is necessary.
For more events and a map showing what’s blooming where across the city, visit the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival website.
Photos courtesy of Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival and BC Blossom Watch Photo Contest
