A province of a multitude of sceneries and adventures, British Columbia offers fantastic spring activities and opportunities to celebrate the season. From flower festivals to beer, wine and food extravagances, children’s activities to outdoor adventures, there is something to please everyone. The beauty of the province and the excitement of spring will bring chances to create memorable experiences.
TULIPS OF THE VALLEY
Held in Chilliwack, just an hour outside of Vancouver, this festival is much more than just tulips. Fields of beautiful Tulips, Hyacinths and Daffodils create a feast for the eyes, and the on-site food trucks and traditional Dutch treats offer treats for the mouth. Kids will enjoy the tractor rides, crafts, and the whole farm experience. 2018: March 29 to Mid May
BC CIDER WEEK
VANCOUVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
Running for almost the entire month of April, this festival is so famous it brings people from all over to visit the city. A variety of events makes this a fun month, as you can experience everything from a gala night to a Japanese Fair, a picnic in Queen Elizabeth Park, to a free concert downtown. Check out the neighbourhood maps section of the website to find out where the best blossoms are right now. 2018 Dates: April 3 to 29
FEAST TOFINO
A twist on the culinary “field to fork” concept, this “boat to table” celebration offers three weeks of fantastically delicious creations and fun food events. Indulge in intimate dinners or participate in the community events or restaurant takeovers. Check out the list of well known chefs, restaurants and event sites on the website. 2018: April 20 to May 6
MEADOWLARK NATURE FESTIVAL
If you are a nature lover then this is definitely the spring festival for you. Held in the stunning Okanagan and Similkameen valleys, this event connects people with nature and inspires participants to protect the unique habitats and species of the region. Let by experts, this festival offers opportunities for canoe trips, guided hikes, film screenings, Aboriginal culture, inspirational speakers, bird watching tours, back-country horseback riding, geological tours, astronomy events, art exhibitions, photography, writing and painting workshops, historic hikes and more. 2018: May 17 to 21
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENS FESTIVAL
WORLD SKI AND SNOWBOARD FESTIVAL
You don’t have to be a skier or a boarder to enjoy this festival. Along with on-hill action, there are fun events like a film festival, dance contests, nightlife and more. Many events happening in Whistler Village are actually free to attend and view, but you do require a lift pass to enjoy the events on the hill itself. Evening events may also have entrance fees. 2018 Dates: April 10 to 15
WINGS OVER THE ROCKIES
An incredible 100 events over the space of 7 days offers every bird lover a chance to enjoy this special time of year. Hosted by wildlife experts, biologists, ecologists, educators and other experts, visitors can participate in hikes, paddles, presentations and field trips to learn about the more than 265 species of birds that fly through this area. 2018 Dates: May 7 to 13
ABBOTSFORD TULIP FESTIVAL
There is nothing more beautiful than looking upon rows and rows of blooming tulips, and this event starts the spring season with color and fresh flowers. Along with the tulips, there are play areas for kids, picnic shelters to enjoy a packed lunch, or indulge in snacks from the on-site food trucks or concession. There is even a market stall to purchase your own bouquet before you leave. 2018: April 9 to Mid May
FRASER VALLEY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
This festival goes beyond spring, but who can resist visits to food trucks to start the summer off right. Join the 22 different food trucks in the different areas to give your taste buds a treat. Bring the kids along to enjoy face painting, bouncy castles and more, and extra money to spend on the unique items available at the artisan market.
April 14, 2018 – Inlet Park, Port Moody
April 28, 2018 – Thunderbird Square, Abbotsford
May 12, 2018 – Chilliwack Heritage Park, Chilliwack
BUTCHART GARDENS
Enjoy spring in this stunning 55 acres (22.2 hectares) gardens located in Victoria. Take a sweet-smelling stroll through beautifully designed flower beds, lily ponds, footbridges, and thematic landscapes.
WHALE WATCHING
THE GREAT OKANAGAN BEER FESTIVAL
A great way of kicking off the summer for beer drinkers, this three-day event can be attended in Kelowna, with the main events being held at Waterfront Park. With 60 craft breweries from all over the province in attendance to pour their beers and ciders for festival attendees, this is a fun event that will bring you to the heart of the Okanagan to enjoy every sip. 2018: May 10 to 12
VANCOUVER WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Now in its fourth year, this festival was created to showcase local and international artists playing music from around the world. Along with presentations and performances, you can find workshops for youth and of course, lots of fun. 2018: April 26 to 29
FARMERS MARKETS
With the oncome of spring, Farmers Markets around the province are opening up to sell local produce, artisan crafts and products, and more. A wonderful way to spend a morning or an afternoon, farmers markets help support local economies and provide shoppers the opportunity to purchase fresh goods.
CHILLIWACK ART OF WINE FESTIVAL
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL BURLESQUE FESTIVAL
National and international talent shines through at this fun event that has been running since 2006. The vaudeville history of the Vancouver area comes alive each year with workshops, educational talks, and fun shows. Take a step back in time and enjoy yourself. 2018: April 4 to 7
BC BACON AND CIDER FESTIVAL
Would you really want to miss a festival that focuses on drinks and bacon? Probably not. Head on over to Kelowna’s historic Laurel Packinghouse to taste fantastic bacon-based delights created by the students from the Okanagan College Culinary Arts program. Spend the evening enjoying tastings of the very best, newest ciders made by BC’s finest cideries along with the fun food choices. 2018: April 27
VANCOUVER OPERA FESTIVAL
CANADIAN FESTIVAL OF CHILI AND BBQ
The spring season seems to be full of food events and this one is a definite must do if you are a BBQ fan. Held in Langley, teams compete in 10 different categories to try their hands at winning. Anyone can compete, so if you are a BBQ master, this is your chance to shine, or just come down to watch the teams cook and be judged. Make a donation to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund and receive a wristband to be able to sample all the yummy foods. 2018: May 5 and 6
RIP CURL PRO TOFINO
A competition that allows entrants from all divisions, if you love surfing you may want to check out this event. This is Canada’s largest surfing competition, and into its 21 year, so a popular event for all surfers and viewers. Bring your sunscreen, a towel to sit on, and some water, and enjoy this beach event. 2018: May 11 to 13
MUSEUM HAPPY HOUR
Enjoy some adult only time at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria. Participate in themed activities and enjoy some beverages and food specials as you explore a specific gallery for the evening. Probably the best museum in the province, this is an excellent opportunity for adults to enjoy themselves and the museum in a different way. 2018: April 12 and 26
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL
With proceeds going to worthy causes (check the website for a list), this event will bring the foods of the world to Burnaby. With over thirty different dishes to try from places like Africa, Caribbean, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Philippines and the Ukraine, everyone will find something new to enjoy. 2018: April 21
THE SCENIC SIP
A food and wine experience like no other, this event used to be only one day, and has proved to be so popular that it has been expanded to two days. Eight wineries in the Lake Country participate in this event, and food tastings come along with the wines. Buy your event tickets quickly though, they sell out fast. 2018: April 21 and 22
HIKING
The winter weather is gone, the snow has melted, and now is the time to head out into BC nature and parks and enjoy the spring. Short or long, flat or challenging, there is a trail for every level and ability. Put on your walking shoes and head out to enjoy one of the 850 parks and unlimited trails. 25 Must Visit Nature Parks in BC
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