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Everyone loves a good cherry blossom, right? That’s certainly true in Vancouver for the Vancouver cherry blossom festival. When the trees start to turn pink, you finally get a glimpse of the summer to come it makes you forget about all those dark winter days and endless rain. If you want to find out where to get that Instagram picture of the cherry blossom in Vancouver, then keep on reading for everything you need to know about the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.
What is the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival?
Quite simply its one of the prettiest Vancouver festivals! The Cherry Blossom Festival in Vancouver, Canada is effectively a celebration of spring and pretty blossom. In Vancouver, there are around 40,000 cherry blossom trees so you’re bound to spot some around the city without even trying!
When is the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival and when do cherry blossoms bloom?
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from March until mid-April which is usually considered to be cherry blossom season. It’s basically from when the trees start to bloom until they no longer are. So if it’s a particularly harsh winter the season might be a bit later, and if it’s been mild then you can expect the cherry blossom season to be a bit earlier.
The official Cherry Blossom Festival takes places from March 30th to April 23rd which just means there are some extra events (apart from spotting cherry blossom) going on during this time.
How long do cherry blossoms last?
Cherry blossoms don’t last that long unfortunately but that’s partly what makes it so pretty. If they were around all the time we wouldn’t appreciate them as much!
Cherry blossom trees tend to be in full bloom for a week or two so you’ll need to get out there and snap them quick!
How can I find the cherry blossoms in bloom?
If you’re hoping to get out there and find beautiful Japanese cherry blossom trees in Vancouver, there are several ways to find them. Here are some of the ways I’ve found gorgeous cherry blossom trees in Vancouver the past few years.
Just walk
Just go for a walk around our beautiful city and you’re bound to stumble upon some cherry blossoms.
Check the festival website
Alternatively, you can check the “Blooming Now” Vancouver map which is kept up to date by the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. This is a great place to check if you’re taking your cherry blossom hunt to the next level.
Use social media
Head to social media for your cherry blossom watch. See where your fellow Instagrammers are posting their cherry blossom pictures from. This is probably the best way to go about finding “cherry blossom trees near me”.
Where are the best places to spot cherry blossom in Vancouver?
It depends on the year as to where the best cherry blossom is. However, there are certain areas of Vancouver where you’re more likely to be impressed by cherry blossoms than others. Here are some top picks for spotting cherry blossom in Vancouver. For my truly favourite areas I’ve added a bit more detail. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is a popular spot for picnics, dates and taking photos of the cherry blossoms. It’s without a doubt one of the best places to find cherry blossom trees in Vancouver. They even have several events at Queen Elizabeth Park during the festival so you know it’s gotta be a good spot.
End of Howe by Ancora restaurant and the Yacht Club downtown
This is one of my favourite places mostly because people around here don’t seem to even realise the beauty! I saw very few people posing for photos here (especially compared to near the Lost Lagoon!).
Hamilton Street near the Vancouver Public Library
If you wander down the hill from the library to Yaletown you’ll be wowed by the cherry blossoms to your right. Especially since they’re also just in front of some super cute looking buildings!
Other beautiful spots to find the best cherry blossoms in Vancouver
- Seabreeze between Hornby and Howe
- Beach & Thurlow
- David Lam Park
- Marinaside and Davie (by the houses on the seawall)
- Burrard Skytrain Station
- Waterfront Plaza by 200 Granville
- Coal Harbour, Waterfront
- Robson Street (side streets west of Thurlow)
- Arbutus Ridge
- W 4th Avenue (Cornwall Avenue and Yew Street)
- The West End up and down Gilford Street
- VanDusen Botanical Garden: The Van Dusen Gardens are great whatever the time of year, especially during spring!
What happens during the Vancouver Cherry Blossom?
This year there are some free online events for the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. For the 2021 Cherry Blossom Festival in Vancouver you can expect the following. See the full event line up for this year’s Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival online.
How to Haiku Workshop
Learn about the important and commonly found elements to haiku writing with an emphasis on the seasonal and nature-focused aspects of this poetry.
Sakura Days
Celebrate Japanese culture, food, and arts in Vancouver with virtual performances and workshops between April 17 & 18.
Sakura at Home
Celebrate spring & sakura with the beautiful take-out menus of our celebrated chefs at our important virtual fundraiser
Short film of the Vancouver cherry blossoms
Take flight in an immersive calming cinematic experience to view our cherry blossoms as never seen before! Coming soon to your screen at the end of April 2021 in partnership with Peacemaker Filmworks fleet of drones.
Will you be seeing Vancouver Cherry Blossom’s this year?
