Robert WebbHey, Vancouverites! Did you know that our city is home to more than 2,500 cherry trees? These trees burst into a breathtaking display of pink and white blossoms during the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.
In this guide, we’re unlocking the secrets of this floral celebration—from the best places to see cherry blossoms in the city to what to do during the festival. Read on for the full floral experience!
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- How to Get Around
- What is the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival?
- Why did Japan give Vancouver cherry blossoms?
- Where to Stay near the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
- Where to Eat near the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
- Activities during the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
- Best Places to View Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver
- Apps to Download for a Trip to the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to go and see cherry blossoms in Vancouver is between February and May, as this is when the trees turn into pink and white blooms.
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival usually takes place in April, so that’s also a good time to go and visit.
Things to Know
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Language: English
Calling Code: +1
How to Get Around
Trains: The Skytrain is a comprehensive rail system that can take you to different parts of the city.
Buses: Vancouver has many bus stations along its streets. Check out the Translink page for more detailed bus schedules.
Taxis: Vancouver offers diverse taxi options. Yellow Cab, the city’s largest taxi company, boasts over 355 cabs, including eco-friendly options. Black Top & Checker Cabs provides an alternative with 6-seater vans.
Car service: For a more personalized and convenient transportation choice, consider services like Excel Limousine or Bookalift.
What is the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival?
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (VCBF) is an annual spring festival that’s all about celebrating our cherry trees, which runs from late-March to the end of April.
From late March to mid-April, the city comes alive with the VCBF. It’s not just about gawking at the cherry blossoms (though that’s a big part); there’s a whole cultural lineup waiting for you.
We’re talking artsy stuff, community bike rides, cherry blossom tours, and even some cool traditional Japanese vibes.
Why did Japan give Vancouver cherry blossoms?
Japan gave Vancouver cherry blossoms to honor the Japanese Canadians who served in World War I. Back in the 1930s, the cities of Kobe and Yokohama in Japan decided to give Vancouver a whopping 500 cherry trees for Stanley Park.
Fast forward to 1958, and the Japanese consul added another 300 trees to the blossoming friendship.
The cherry tree craze didn’t stop there. Vancouver’s park board caught the planting bug, and soon enough, they were adding more cherry trees to the mix. By the 1990s, 36% of the city’s 89,000 street trees were flowering cherries or ornamental plums.
Today, there are many places to find cherry blossoms in Vancouver, including Queen Elizabeth Park, Ambleside, Deep Cove, and many more.
Where to Stay near the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Hotel At The Waldorf
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Address: 1489 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1S4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-253-7141
Pricing: $
The Hotel At The Waldorf puts you just a breezy 15-minute stroll away from the vibrant parks hosting all the buzz of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.
Nestled in the heart of East Van, this charming dive offers not only fantastic transit access but also a taste of the city’s lively atmosphere. While it may not boast super-quiet luxury, it’s the go-to spot for the best bang for your buck in town.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton
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Address: 111 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2A8, Canada
Phone: +1 604-602-1008
Pricing: $
This 16-storey high hotel located on Robson Street may be located in a bustling street, but step inside, you’ll find a serene haven. The modern vibe is set with stylish wooden furniture, cozy carpeted rooms, and generously sized windows.
Conveniently, you can stroll to most downtown spots, and the waterfront and Stanley Park are just a delightful walk away, making it a prime location for exploration.
Residence Inn by Marriott
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Address: 1234 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1W2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-688-1234
Pricing: $
A few blocks from English Bay and the edge of Stanley Park and Granville Island, the Residence Inn by Marriott is undoubtedly another great choice to be close to the festivities during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
The rooms here are quite posh, featuring modern decor like what you’d normally see in a luxury boutique hotel—sleek furniture, stylish artwork, and elegant lighting fixtures.
OPUS
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Address: 322 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5Z6, Canada
Phone: +1 866-642-6787
Pricing: $$
Right across the Skytrain Canada Line, OPUS exudes character and comfort. This luxurious boutique hotel is designed in a way that feels like you’re inside a painting— with its vibrant colors and unique artwork adorning the walls.
The rooms are in tip-top shape, loaded with mini features. The addition of heated tiles in the bathrooms adds a luxurious touch. And, as a delightful surprise, stumbling upon a welcoming glass of champagne during check-in was a nice touch.
Granville Island Hotel
Address: 1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-683-7373
Pricing: $
If you’re into timeless charm, the Granville Island Hotel is also minutes away from all the festivities during the Cherry Blossom Festival. You’ll love the classic plantation shutters inside the rooms.
Plus, you get the chance to stay in the heart of Granville Island so you’re close to excellent restaurants and the infamous public market.
Where to Eat near the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Burdock & Co
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Address: 2702 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E8, Canada
Phone: +1 604-879-0077
Pricing: $$
There wasn’t a dish we didn’t like at Burdock & Co. The cuisine draws inspiration from the local treasures of British Columbia, weaving in the flavors of its islands and coastlines.
For the ultimate experience, we suggest going for the standard 6 courses. It’s a culinary journey that seamlessly blends beauty, eclecticism, a hint of familiarity, and a dash of total uniqueness.
Notch8 Restaurant & Bar
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Address: 900 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-662-1900
Pricing: $$$
This upscale hotel bistro exudes a vintage-chic charm. The warm ambiance, featuring rich hues and the interplay of warm woods and brass details, harks back to the grandeur of a bygone era, reminiscent of classic railway hotels.
If you can, try out their brunch buffet priced at $59.99 per person. The spread boasts a delightful variety, including hot breakfast dishes, tempting desserts, a customizable omelet bar, succulent roasts, and a refreshing array of fruits and salads.
Papi’s Seafood and Oyster Bar
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Address: 1193 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2N1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-685-7337
Pricing: $$
Papi’s Seafood and Oyster Bar has a beautiful space where they serve fresh seafood. Seafood was generously served, showered with butter, and as fresh as the ocean breeze.
Among the crowd favorites are the oysters, fish and chips, lobster roll, and mussels. Try to snag a seat on the sunny patio, you’ll be treated to awesome views of English Bay, adding an extra layer of delight to your dining experience.
Guu Davie
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Address: 1239 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-687-8890
Pricing: $$
Guu Davie, known as the pioneer of Izakaya (Japanese tapas) in Vancouver, is a treasure trove of exciting tapas dishes. While the menu falls on the higher end, the food is nothing short of fantastic.
Here’s a pro tip: go for the oysters and sashimi. The freshness is unparalleled, with the chefs hand picking oysters from Granville every morning. It’s a surefire way to elevate your dining experience at Guu Davie
Browns Socialhouse
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Address: 675 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2P1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-620-5545
Pricing: $$
The Browns Socialhouse is a bright and airy restaurant with lots of room, boasting a fantastic bar and those signature beautiful red leather booths the place is famous for.
What sets it apart is the diverse menu featuring culinary delights from 20 different cultures. Our top pick? The blackened chicken with fettuccine Alfredo. However, truth be told, you really can’t make a wrong choice here.
Activities during the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Attend the Sakura Days Japan Fair
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Address: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-257-8463
The Sakura Days Japan Fair, hosted at the Vandusen Botanical Garden, is a delightful two-day extravaganza that immerses you in the best of Japanese culture.
From mouthwatering food stalls to captivating live performances, and a showcase of arts and culture, this event is a vibrant celebration of all things Japanese.
Bike the Blossoms at John Hendry Park
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Address: 3300 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4M4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
The Bike the Blossoms features a delightful bike ride weaving through tunnels of the breathtaking hot pink Kanzan cherry blossoms on the east side.
The ride wraps up with a gathering under a grove of cherry trees, where Scavenger Coffee awaits to serve participants coffee and tea.
Attend the Cherry Jam Concert
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Address: Under Vancouver’s Burrard Street SkyTrain Station
This free event takes place under the Burrard Street SkyTrain Station. It’s a musical celebration of the season, with dance groups, bands, and the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra taking the stage beneath the fluttering cherry blossoms.
The lineup of performances change each year, but you can expect a diverse array of acts, such as performances using traditional Japanese instruments like taiko drums to dances set to the tune of a ukulele ensemble playing Japanese songs.
Join the Big Picnic at Queen Elizabeth Park
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Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
The Big Picnic at Queen Elizabeth Park is a fantastic, free event inviting people to bring their families, friends, picnics, and comfy seating for an afternoon filled with live entertainment and cherry blossom admiration.
There’s also two stages that feature live music and dancing, while in between performances, you can partake in various ceremonies and activities like fabric wrapping, easel painting, and indulge in tasty offerings from food trucks.
Participate at the Haiku Invitational
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If you’re willing to let out your poetic talents, you can join in the Haiku Invitational. All you gotta do is pass your haiku submission based on the year’s theme.
This global online contest proudly displays the winning poems in the Haiku Canada newsletter, an online publication in the Haiku Society of America newsletter, and is also published on the VCBF website.
Best Places to View Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver
Stanley Park
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Vancouver’s stunning Stanley Park isn’t just a pretty face – it’s the ultimate spot to catch nature’s own cherry blossom extravaganza.
You can head to the Rose Garden tucked inside, and you’ve hit the jackpot for the perfect hanami picnic. There’s a dazzling array of over a dozen Yoshino Cherry trees making the garden bloom with beauty.
Burrard SkyTrain Station
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The Burrard SkyTrain Station isn’t just your everyday commute hub – it’s a cherry blossom haven! As you make your way down the station steps, you’ll see the cherry blossom trees lining the streets.
You’re greeted by a breathtaking scene courtesy of thirty-four Akebono cherry trees. Their gorgeous pink blossoms team up to create a mesmerizing canopy, turning the area into a floral wonderland.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
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Home to more than 100 cherry trees and 24 varieties, the VanDusen Botanical Garden is undoubtedly one of the best places to find cherry blossoms in Vancouver.
VanDusen is not just a garden – it’s a wildlife haven. You can also bask in the tranquility of Vancouver’s beating heart.
Granville Island
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Once you’re in Granville Island, take a stroll to the east side along the waterfront. The cherry blossom trees line the walkway next to False Creek, creating a picturesque pathway.
You also have a backdrop featuring the harbor and city skyline, making it the ultimate setting for a relaxing amble while soaking in the blossoms.
Nitobe Memorial Garden
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Nestled at the University of British Columbia, this Japanese garden is the epitome of tradition, boasting a charming selection of cherry trees. The sight of the garden’s sakura mirrored in the pond is simply beautiful.
Granted, it’s a modest one-hectare space, so while the cherry blossom capacity might be cozy, the beauty is anything but limited.
Apps to Download for a Trip to the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Vancouver Transit Live: real time bus schedules and live updates on buses coming to the stops near you.
Uber: book a ride anywhere in Vancouver. Let’s you track the driver’s location in real-time on the app and provide an estimated time of arrival.
Street Food Vancouver App: locate the best food trucks in Vancouver near you.
PayByPhone: pay for parking spots in the city.
