Cherry blossoms in Vancouver typically bloom from mid-March to late April, with peak bloom around early to mid-April. The timing can shift depending on the weather and the tree variety.
Early bloomers like Whitcomb can appear in late February, while others like Shirofugen bloom into late April.
Quick Guide:
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Early Bloom: Late Feb – Early March
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Peak Season: Late March – Mid April
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Late Bloom: Late April
Why Vancouver Is a Top Cherry Blossom Destination
Vancouver is home to over 40,000 cherry trees, many gifted from Japan in the 1930s. Thanks to the city’s mild coastal climate, the blossoms thrive here every spring.
What makes Vancouver stand out:
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Dozens of scenic spots across the city
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Multiple cherry varieties, so blooms last longer
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Mountain and ocean backdrops for stunning views and photos
From quiet streets in Kitsilano to major parks like Stanley and Queen Elizabeth, cherry blossoms are everywhere — making Vancouver one of the best places in North America to see them.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver (With Exact Locations)
If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, here are the top spots — with precise locations — to catch peak blooms across the city:
1. Queen Elizabeth Park
📍 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC
Head to the top of the park near the Seasons in the Park restaurant. The pink trees line the paths and offer views of the city and mountains.
2. Stanley Park – Rose Garden Area
📍 Stanley Park Dr near Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC
Find Akebono cherry trees blooming near the Rose Garden, close to the Japanese Canadian War Memorial.
3. UBC Campus
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Nitobe Memorial Garden
📍 1895 Lower Mall, Vancouver, BC
A traditional Japanese garden with later-blooming trees. -
Main Mall
📍 Between Agricultural Rd & University Blvd, Vancouver, BC
Lined with pink cherry blossoms in early April.
4. West 22nd Avenue (Arbutus Ridge)
📍 W 22nd Ave, between Arbutus St & Yew St, Vancouver, BC
This quiet residential street becomes a full pink tunnel during peak bloom.
5. Burrard Station & Downtown Core
📍 Burrard SkyTrain Station – 635 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
Cherry trees bloom right outside the station. Walk toward Melville Street and Burrard Street for the best cluster.
6. VanDusen Botanical Garden
📍 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC
Several cherry varieties throughout the garden. Paid admission, but calm and scenic.
7. Yew Street, Kitsilano
📍 Yew St between W 5th Ave & W 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC
Great for peaceful photos with soft pink blossoms and low foot traffic.
8. Graveley Street, East Vancouver
📍 Graveley St between Lillooet St & Windermere St, Vancouver, BC
A lesser-known but stunning street with dense cherry tree coverage.
Self-Guided Cherry Blossom Walking Tour
Short on time? This cherry blossom walking route hits some of the best spots in central Vancouver — all in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
🌸 Downtown Vancouver Cherry Blossom Walk
Start:
📍 Burrard SkyTrain Station (635 Burrard St)
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Admire the Akebono cherry trees outside the station and along Melville Street.
Walk to:
📍 Robson Square & Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby St)
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More cherry trees line Robson and Hornby. Great urban bloom shots.
Continue toward:
📍 Nelson Park (1030 Bute St)
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A short walk into the West End reveals a small park with scattered blossoms and benches.
Walk or take transit to:
📍 Queen Elizabeth Park (4600 Cambie St)
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Option to walk (~30–40 min) or take the Canada Line to King Edward Station.
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Head to the upper park gardens — this is one of the top blossom viewpoints in the city.
Optional extension:
📍 West 22nd Avenue (between Arbutus & Yew)
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If you’re up for more, hop on a bus or drive 10 minutes to this residential tunnel of pink.
🗺️ Tip:
Use the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival’s Blooming Map for live updates on which areas are in bloom during your walk.
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Events
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (VCBF) celebrates the city’s iconic blooms with a variety of events from March 26 to April 28, 2025. Here are some highlights:Vancouver Is Awesome+5604 Now+5Cherry Blossom Fest+5
1. Blossoms After Dark
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Dates: March 28–30, 2025Cherry Blossom Fest+3604 Now+3Vancouver Is Awesome+3
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Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
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Location: David Lam Park, 1300 Pacific BlvdStir+5Vancouver Is Awesome+5century-plaza.com+5
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Description: Experience illuminated cherry blossoms alongside live performances, food trucks, interactive activities, and a licensed lounge with cherry blossom-inspired cocktails. 604 Now+3Stir+3Vancouver Is Awesome+3
2. The Big Picnic
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Date: March 29, 2025
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Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Location: David Lam Park, 1300 Pacific BlvdCherry Blossom Fest+5Vancouver Is Awesome+5century-plaza.com+5
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Description: Inspired by Japan’s Hanami tradition, this community gathering features live music, art workshops, and cultural performances under the cherry blossoms. century-plaza.com
3. Blossom Block Party
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Date: April 5, 2025century-plaza.com+2604 Now+2Vancouver Is Awesome+2
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Time: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PMVancouver’s Best Places
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Location: Bentall Centre’s Dunsmuir Patio, 1055 Dunsmuir St604 Now+4Vancouver’s Best Places+4Vancouver Is Awesome+4
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Description: A new addition for 2025, this free, all-ages block party features DJs, dance performances, a pop-up bar, kids’ activities, and more, celebrating the cherry blossoms in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Stir+1Vancouver Is Awesome+1
4. Sakura Days Japan Fair
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Dates: April 12–13, 2025Cherry Blossom Fest+3century-plaza.com+3Vancouver Is Awesome+3
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Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Saturday); 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sunday)
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Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St
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Description: Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with traditional performances, tea ceremonies, culinary offerings, and cultural workshops.
5. Pop-Up Events
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Yaletown (Bill Curtis Square): March 26, 2025, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
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West End (Jim Deva Plaza): April 6, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
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Description: These free events aim to bring communities together with performances, activities, and festival information under the cherry blossoms.
Tips for Photographing Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver
Vancouver’s cherry blossoms are seriously photogenic — here’s how to capture them at their best:
📅 1. Go Early (or Late)
Shoot at golden hour — just after sunrise or before sunset. You’ll get softer light, fewer crowds, and better colors.
📸 2. Use Different Angles
Don’t just shoot from eye level. Try:
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Shooting upward toward the sky
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Framing trees with mountains or buildings in the background
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Capturing petals on the ground for texture shots
📍 3. Choose Iconic Backdrops
Some top cherry blossom photo spots:
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Queen Elizabeth Park – city skyline views
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Burrard Station – blossoms + urban contrast
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West 22nd Ave – full blossom tunnels
🌸 4. Zoom In on the Details
Use portrait mode or a zoom lens to get close-ups of blossoms, bees, or raindrops on petals.
🌦️ 5. Don’t Fear Cloudy Days
Overcast skies = soft, even lighting. Great for capturing the pale pink tones without harsh shadows.
📱 Bonus: Best Hashtags for Instagram
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#VanCherryBlossom
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#VancouverInBloom
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#CherryBlossomsVancouver
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#NorthWandererSpring
FAQs About Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver
🌸 When do cherry blossoms bloom in Vancouver?
Most cherry trees bloom between mid-March and late April, with peak bloom usually in early to mid-April.
📍 Where are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Vancouver?
Top spots include Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Park Rose Garden, UBC Main Mall, West 22nd Avenue, and Burrard Station.
📷 When is the best time of day to take cherry blossom photos?
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) gives you the best light and fewer crowds.
💡 Is there a cherry blossom festival in Vancouver?
Yes — the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival runs every spring with guided walks, cultural events, and a real-time Blooming Map.
🌧️ What if it rains during cherry blossom season?
No problem — overcast days actually create great soft lighting for blossom photography. Just bring a waterproof jacket and shoot away.
🐶 Are cherry blossom spots pet-friendly?
Most outdoor spots like parks and residential streets are pet-friendly. Just keep your dog on a leash and be respectful of crowds and gardens.
Cherry blossom season transforms Vancouver into a city of pink — and it’s one of the best times to explore it. Whether you’re strolling through Queen Elizabeth Park or finding hidden gems in Kitsilano, there’s no shortage of stunning spots.
Bring your camera, check the bloom map, and enjoy spring in full bloom.
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