How to Make the Most of Spring in British Columbia
Signals spring’s headline benefit—blooms—while setting up the article’s mix of hiking, wildlife, and water activities. Photo credit: Butchart Gardens
Quick Summary
Spring in British Columbia is the best of both worlds. There's still enough snow for outstanding skiing and snowboarding (with fewer crowds), but warmer weather means hiking and cycling trails beckon, wildlife emerges, and waterways are ready for boats and kayaks.
Quick Facts
- Activities Featured: 8 spring experiences across BC
- Province: British Columbia, Canada
- Whale Season: Gray whales: March-April | Humbacks: May onwards
- Ski Season End: Late April (festivals at Whistler, Sun Peaks, Fernie)
- Kayaking Highlight: Desolation Sound (90 miles north of Vancouver)
8 Ways to Experience Spring in BC
1. Hike Vancouver Island
Walking beneath towering Douglas fir, ancient cedars, and hemlocks in Englishman River Falls Provincial Park on Vancouver Island is like entering an enchanted forest. Your reward at the end of this magical trail is two cascading waterfalls—an awe-inspiring cacophony of thundering water tumbling over the rocks. Nearby Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park features a stunning sandy beach, perfect for stretching out those toes. Less than 25 miles away, MacMillan Provincial Park is an Instagram hot spot with its famous Cathedral Grove, adorned with ancient Douglas firs some as old as 800 years.
2. Spring Blooms in Victoria
Victoria, on Vancouver Island, is known as the Garden City for good reason. In March, the annual Flower Count begins, with every district on the Island competing to become the 'Bloomingest Community' of Greater Victoria. Bright pink blossoms line the main streets heralding spring's start, and petunias, geraniums, and roses burst from the 1,600 baskets hanging from lamp posts. For ultimate floral immersion, head to the 100-year-old Butchart Gardens, where more than 300,000 colorful bulbs adorn the landscape during spring.
3. Whale Watching
British Columbia's majestic creatures of the Pacific Ocean—whales, sea lions, dolphins, and seals—all come out to play once spring has sprung. Keep the camera poised for migrating gray whales during March and April as they travel up to Alaska, and humpback whales from May onwards. Combine springtime whale watching with the breathtaking wilderness of Clayoquot Sound and Barkley Sound, where pristine beaches meet thick, ancient rainforests.
4. End-of-Season Ski Festivals
With the ski season wrapping up in late April, spring is perfect for blue-sky days on the slopes minus the crowds. End the season at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival at Whistler Blackcomb—10 days of professional mountain competitions, musical acts, art exhibitions, and non-stop nightlife. Head to Snowbombing at Sun Peaks Ski Resort for three days of dance tunes and impeccable powder. At Fernie Alpine Resort, closing weekend includes a relay race of skiing, biking, paddling, and running, plus free rock concerts and mandatory silly costumes.
5. Cycle the Okanagan Valley
With its glacier-fed lakes, rolling hills, vineyards, orchards, and picturesque townships, BC's Okanagan Valley is the perfect springtime destination. Stay in Kelowna and visit its 40-plus wineries, or bunk down in nearby Penticton and check out the Penticton Farmers' Market—sample the region's delicious produce, cheeses, and treats while hearing stories of local artists and farmers who have lived here for generations. Exploring on two wheels is one of the best ways to get around the valley, with bike rentals available from larger towns.
6. Bear Watching
From mid-March, bears begin to emerge from their dens, adorable cubs in tow. Take a photo safari tour in Whistler, where more than 60 black bears wake from winter hibernation and come out in full view to satisfy their hunger with berries and salmon. For both grizzlies and black bears, head to the temperate North Thompson Valley in central BC, where Blue River is known as Grizzly Bear Alley. With luck, you'll also spot eagles, deer, and moose.
7. Northern BC Wildlife Road Trip
Spring is the perfect season for a road trip, and nowhere puts on a wildlife show like Northern BC. You'll find literally hundreds of bald eagles near the Skeena River, not to mention white mountain goats, Dall's sheep, moose, and deer. Watch for hitchhiking wildlife as you cruise the highway—herds of caribou and bison have been known to take over the roads!
8. Kayak Desolation Sound
Known the world over for its glorious vistas, kayaking Desolation Sound is nothing short of life-changing. Located 90 miles north of Vancouver, this beautiful sound with its warm waters, towering mountains, and mysterious coves is well worth the ferry rides to get there. The best way to explore is with a local tour guide who can show you the hidden islets along the jagged shoreline. Powell River Sea Kayak and Terracentric Coastal Adventures both offer day and multi-day trips into Desolation Sound.
Follow-Up Questions
- When is the best time to see gray whales migrating in BC?
- How do I book a kayak tour of Desolation Sound?
- Where can I see bears emerge from hibernation in spring?
- What spring festivals happen at Whistler?
- How old are the trees in Cathedral Grove?
Associated Entities
British Columbia, Vancouver Island, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, MacMillan Provincial Park, Cathedral Grove, Victoria, Flower Count, Butchart Gardens, Clayoquot Sound, Barkley Sound, Whistler Blackcomb, World Ski and Snowboard Festival, Snowbombing, Sun Peaks Ski Resort, Fernie Alpine Resort, Okanagan Valley, Kelowna, Penticton, Penticton Farmers' Market, North Thompson Valley, Blue River, Grizzly Bear Alley, Northern BC, Skeena River, Desolation Sound, Powell River Sea Kayak, Terracentric Coastal Adventures, Vancouver, Hello BC, Destination Canada
Sources & Registry
Destination Canada – How to make the most of spring in British Columbia: https://travel.destinationcanada.com/en-us/things-to-do/spring-activities-british-columbia