It’s the most Instagrammable time of the year in Vancouver! With the 13th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in full swing, we’ve scouted some of the best spots for you to enjoy these white and pink flowers. This year the festival runs almost a month long from April 4 – 28 and often marks the start of spring for Vancouverites. Here is our guide for the best viewing spots in the city:
Photo Credit: Kappa Pic via Flickr
- The Burrard skytrain station, walking distance of Fairmont Pacific Rim
- Granville Square Plaza: this little plaza in front of Granville Square is right by Waterfront Station and has the iconic Canada Place sails and sweeping North Shore mountains in the background
- Queen Elizabeth Park boasts several varieties of cherry blossom trees
- VanDusen Botanical Garden has more than 100 cherry trees and 24 varieties
- The Nitobe Memorial Garden at UBC has colourful cherry trees in a traditional Japanese garden setting
- Stanley Park near the Rose Garden has cherry blossoms along the pathways leading to the Japanese War Memorial, and around the eastern edge of Lost Lagoon
- Vancouver’s City Hall at West 12th and Cambie
- Along Yew Street in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood
- West 22nd Avenue along West 22nd Avenue from Arbutus Street to Carnarvon Street
These are a few of many places in Vancouver to grab your ‘gram. If you like to plan ahead, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival has put together an interactive map. Click the “Favourites” button on the map to see the best location for your Instagram.
Photo Credit: Vincent C.Y. via Flickr
This year the festival offers community events that are inspired by the cherry tree. On April 27th, join 500 music-lovers for the “The Big Sing” at the Robson plaza. It’ll bring Vancouverites together for a harmonious choral event for an uplifting experience. You can share this experience with your friends or enjoy singing as part of a large group by yourself.
Maybe singing is not for you; you can attend the free haiku workshop>on April 28thin Vancouver Public Library. Explore the world of haiku with an emphasis on the nature and simplicity. While you are in the library do not forget to check out the rooftop garden! For more events in the city, clickhere.
