Spotting the first spring flowers is always a highlight for us. After months of rain and chilly weather, nature’s grand reawakening feels almost magical. From delicate snowdrops, colorful rhododendrons and crocuses to BC’s native fawn lilies, salmonberry blossoms, and shooting stars, Vancouver bursts into color as winter fades.
With longer, warmer days ahead, the excitement of hiking season kicks in—though, let’s be honest, it never really stops (you just swap boots for microspikes or snowshoes). Spring may not outshine summer, but after months of gray skies, it’s a close second!
“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” – Frances Hodgson Burnett
With this quote in mind, let me share some of my favorite Vancouver blooms—beyond the famous cherry blossoms, which deserve (and have!) their own full article.
Vancouver blooming calendar
First, here’s a quick overview of the types of flowers you can find in Vancouver’s parks and gardens throughout the spring months:
- Camellias (January – April)
- Snowdrops (February – March)
- Cherry Blossoms (Late February – April)
- Daffodils (March – April)
- Magnolias (March – April)
- Rhododendrons & Azaleas (May – June)
- Tulips (April – May)
- Wisteria (May – June)
- Himalayan Blue Poppies (Late May – June)
Best accommodations in Vancouver:
- Luxury: OPUS Vancouver (central location)
- Mid-range: O Canada House Bed & Breakfast
- Budget: Samesun Vancouver (central location)
When to look for the first blooming flowers in Vancouver? (January – March)
As early as January!
Vancouver has mild but extremely rainy winters, with abundant precipitation that translates to snow in the alpine areas—some of which lie within the city limits. Early spring on the coast feels much like the springs we grew accustomed to in Europe, and one of its first signs is the appearance of snowdrops, which bloom in late February and early March.
Camellias are also among the earliest flowers to bloom in Vancouver, sometimes appearing as early as January. Their rose-like blossoms range from soft pinks and whites to deep reds, and they can be enjoyed for several weeks.
Snowdrops are tiny, delicate white flowers that often dot parks and forests, adding a refreshing touch of life to the predominantly evergreen landscape. Even the brighter areas of North Vancouver’s rainforests are home to these fragile beauties.
Some of my favorite places to see snowdrops and camellias in Vancouver:
- Stanley Park—the most amazing city park in the world (I may be biased, but it truly has it all)
- VanDusen Botanical Garden—they feature early bloomers starting from February
- Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden—mainly camellias
- Mosquito Creek Park and Mahon Park in North Vancouver—snowdrops along the creeks
Magnolia bloom in Vancouver (March – April)
Magnolias are among the most dramatic spring blooms, with their large, cup-shaped flowers appearing before the trees even sprout leaves. They’re a hallmark of nearly every city I’ve lived in or visited during spring—and for good reason. Who wouldn’t want to fill parks with these stunning trees?
Their elegant blossoms range from soft pinks and whites to deep purples and last for several weeks, giving you plenty of time to admire them.
Some of my favorite places to see magnolia blooms in Vancouver:
- VanDusen Botanical Garden – as always, a must-visit
- David Lam Park – home to a charming magnolia-lined avenue
- Queen Elizabeth Park – features several magnolia trees lining pathways and garden beds
- Park & Tilford Gardens in North Vancouver – a lesser-known garden of Metro Vancouver
Blooming rhododendrons & azaleas in Vancouver (May – June)
If you’re searching for bold, vibrant spring colors, nothing rivals rhododendrons and azaleas. Belonging to the same plant family, these lush shrubs share a similar appearance and bloom around the same time, bursting into massive clusters of pink, red, purple, yellow, and white flowers.
Rhododendrons flourish in Vancouver’s mild, damp climate, blooming for weeks and brightening nearly every city park with their spectacular display.
Some of my favorite places to see rhododendrons and azaleas in Vancouver:
- VanDusen Botanical Garden – home to a spectacular rhododendron walk
- Stanley Park – visit the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden
- Burnaby’s Century Gardens (Deer Lake Park) – features a massive rhododendron display
- UBC Botanical Garden – the Asian Garden is filled with stunning rhododendrons
- Park & Tilford Gardens in North Vancouver
- Hawthorne Gardens in Surrey
Wisteria in Vancouver (May – June)
Just when I think I’ve had my fill of spring’s floral magic, wisteria bursts into bloom—usually in late May. With its long, cascading clusters of purple flowers draping elegantly over pergolas, fences, and old stone walls, wisteria has an almost fairytale-like charm. It wouldn’t feel out of place in a Disney movie, and you’ll often spot it in gardens, courtyards, and climbing up the facades of historic homes.
Some of my favorite places to see wisteria in Vancouver:
- VanDusen Botanical Garden
- UBC Botanical Garden – home to wisteria-covered archways and garden walls
- Fleetwood Gardens in Surrey
A jaw-dropping spring display at VanDusen Botanical Garden
If there’s one thing you can count on at VanDusen Botanical Garden, it’s that something is always blooming—because nature doesn’t do “off-seasons” here. This fabulous botanical wonderland puts on a magical flower display all spring, practically demanding you stop and admire its beauty.
February kicks things off with delicate snowdrops and camellias, soon joined by crocuses, narcissus, spring heath, and even some early rhododendrons (because apparently, they just can’t wait).
By late April and May, Vancouver’s gardens and parks explode with rhododendrons in full bloom. While some start flowering as early as March, most hit their peak in April and May. VanDusen’s Rhododendron Walk is a must-see, a vibrant tunnel of color that reaches its full glory in May.
And of course, let’s not forget the magnolias and cherry blossoms, because no self-respecting spring garden would be complete without them.
Buy your ticket to the VanDusen Garden in advance here.
Discover Vancouver’s native spring wildflowers
If you love spotting wildflowers in their natural habitat, Vancouver’s spring season won’t disappoint. Nature is at your doorstep here.
Here are some of the most common native wildflowers you’ll find blooming in and around the city:
- Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) – This hardy evergreen shrub kicks off the season with bright yellow flower clusters in early spring, later producing deep blue-black berries that birds love.
- Red Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum) – One of the showiest early bloomers, this deciduous shrub bursts into clusters of pink or red flowers in early spring, followed by blue-black berries in summer. Hummingbirds are big fans!
- Salal (Gaultheria shallon) – A native of Pacific Northwest forests, it produces delicate pink or white bell-shaped flowers in spring and edible blue-black berries later in the season.
- Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) – With glossy green leaves and tiny pink-white bell-shaped flowers, this shrub is a springtime beauty. By late summer, its tasty purple-black berries make a great trail snack.
- Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana) – This native wild rose fills the air with its fragrant pink or white blooms in spring and summer, followed by bright red rose hips that last through fall.
- Pacific Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa) – With its delicate, heart-shaped pink or white flowers, this shade-loving wildflower adds a touch of romance to forested trails in the spring.
- Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) – These stunning magenta flowers bloom in early spring and give way to golden-orange or red edible berries by summer.
- Indian Plum, or Ossoberry (Oemleria cerasiformis) – it’s one of the first to bloom in early spring, producing delicate white flowers with a light, sweet fragrance.
If you’re looking for a natural setting to enjoy spring wildflowers, Metro Vancouver offers many regional parks and nature reserves. One of my favorite spots in spring is Iona Beach Regional Park in Richmond. This open, sun-drenched park (I mean, if the weather is sunny) is ideal for early spring outings. Here, you’ll find a mix of native and coastal plants, including stunning wild lupins and fragrant Nootka roses, all set against a backdrop of sandy dunes and ocean views.
Crowley Park in South Vancouver features forested trails, open meadows, and vibrant native spring blooms, including salmonberries, trilliums, and bigleaf maples.
Brae Island Regional Park, located on the Fraser River, is home to open forests where you can spot trilliums, salmonberries, red-flowering currants, and fawn lilies in bloom during early spring.
Maplewood Flats in North Vancouver is renowned for its mudflats and abundant birdlife, but it also boasts stunning wildflower displays. With more deciduous trees than evergreens, the sunlit forest floor bursts with flowers in early spring.
More parks in Metro Vancouver
- Cypress Falls Park, West Vancouver
- Lynn Canyon Park & Lynn Valley, North Vancouver
- 12 kid-friendly parks in North Vancouver: Panorama Park, Cates Park, Strathcona Lookout Park, Hastings Creek Park and more
- Best Richmond parks for families: Iona Beach Regional Park, Terra Nova Adventure Park & Terra Nova Rural Nature Park, Garry Point Park
- 7 kid-friendly parks in Coquitlam: Town Center Park & Lafarge Lake Park, Mundy Park, Como Lake Park and more
Final thoughts
Vancouver may not be the sunniest place in spring, but where else can you admire vibrant blooms with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop? So when the sun does shine, make the most of it—whether capturing the beauty through your lens or simply taking a moment to soak in the sights, scents, and sounds of nature around you.
8 essentials to pack for Vancouver
Waterproof rain jacket: a lightweight, easily packable rain jacket is your best friend when visiting notoriously rainy Vancouver. You don’t want the rain to hold you back from exploring the city and the stunning rainforest trails. Columbia jackets are affordable and effective for the average hiker, here you find them for women and for men. Oh, and don’t bother with an umbrella, more often than not it’s totally useless due to the strong wind.
Waterproof backpack cover: you want to keep all the stuff in your backpack dry even on the rainiest day.
Hats: no matter which season your visit takes place, you’ll probably want some kind of hat. A sun hat (for women and for men) or classic baseball cap (for women and for men) protects you from the sun in the summer, a lightweight beanie keeps you warm between October and April.
Quick-drying, moisture-wicking T-shirts (for women and for men): you’ll likely spend at least part of your time in Vancouver on hiking trails, so a few pieces of technical T-shirts come handy when getting active.
Sweaters: a warm sweater or hoodie is a good idea even in the summer, because evenings get chilly. And it’s not even a question during the colder months. These Columbia fleece jackets (for women and for men) are great as an additional layer both for sightseeing or hiking days.
Waterproof hiking boots: so you’ll go hiking, because the natural attractions are among the highlights of a Vancouver visit. Trails are often muddy due to rain or snow melt, and your waterproof hiking boots will keep your feet dry and provide good traction. Actually, they come handy even in the city parks in wet weather. This Columbia Newton Ridge Plus is a great option for women, and the Newton Ridge Plus II for men.
Binoculars: a pair of binoculars make your whale-watching or bird watching experience so much better!
Waterproof phone case: whether you’re going kayaking, swimming or boating, or simply want to regularly use your phone outdoors for navigation in rainy weather, a waterproof phone case is insanely practical and requires barely any space in your luggage.
Finally, don’t pack bear spray. You’ll need one for hiking safely near Vancouver, but crossing borders with bear spray in your luggage, or boarding a plane while carrying bear spray is not allowed. You have to buy one once you arrive and dispose of it safely before you leave. Canadian Tire is the straightforward store to get bear spray.
