From festivals to sporting events and an Easter train ride that’s sure to please the little ones, there’s so much to do in Vancouver in April. Thanks to the mild climate of the coast, Vancouver is fortunate to see greenery and flowers growing earlier than many other parts of Canada. And with that milder weather comes the opportunity to explore and experience all that the lower mainland has to offer. Here are just a few highlights:

2022 Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

An indication that spring has truly arrived is the annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Inspired by the ancient Japanese tradition of hanami (flower viewing), this community event runs from April 1st to the 23rd. For several weeks, while the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the event offers a variety of unifying community events kicking off with The Big Picnic at David Lam Park. Other events include a Haiku Invitational, Sakura Days Japan Fair, Tree Talks and Walks, and much more. Certainly a not-to-be-missed event for flower lovers.

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Tournament

On April 16th and 17th, the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series kicks off at BC Place. This stripped-down version of rugby union is fast-paced, energetic, and always a crowd-pleaser. Consisting of just two seven-minute halves and just seven players on each team, this exciting sport is not to be missed. The first day of the tournament sees each team take part in round-robin play within pools. On the second day, the bottom two teams of each pool will play each other, while the higher-seeded teams will battle it out for gold, silver, or bronze medals. You can get a Buy One Get One Free ticket offer for reserved tournament passes to this high octane event when you book with Stay Vancouver Hotels and use the promo code ‘Rugby7s’.

Stanley Park Railway Easter Train 2022

If you’re looking to shake up Easter this year with something a little different for the kids, you can always take a ride on the Stanley Park Railway Easter Train. Running from April 15th-18th, the train promises an egg-citing ride through the forests of Stanley Park in search of the Easter Bunny. Once the train ride concludes, kids have the chance to meet the actual Easter Bunny and explore the Bunny Burrow Maze.

The ‘Big Top’ has returned to Concord Pacific.

Take in a show. Alegría is an all-time Cirque du Soleil classic reimagined for a new generation to fall in love with. At the heart of a kingdom that has lost its king, Alegría witnesses the power struggle at play between the old order and a new movement yearning for hope and renewal.: 

Whether you’re looking for a festival, event, show, or just something fun to do with the family, there’s always lots on offer in BC’s largest city.

Visit downtown Vancouver this spring and discover the city for yourself and get the very best deals when you book through Stay Vancouver Hotels. Receive gift certificates for Amazon, Starbucks, or iTunes, rent a bike, experience Flyover Canada or take in a rugby game at BC Place Stadium. April is also your last chance to hit the local slopes for Spring Skiing. to take advantage of the FlyOver Canada experience. You can get two tickets to this interactive media experience when you book with Stay Vancouver Hotels before the end of April.

Spring in Vancouver is a time of change—the weather begins to warm and more people venture outside to visit the sites and attractions. If you’re looking to be a tourist in your own town or visiting from out of town, Stay Vancouver Hotels has compiled a top 5 list of things to do in Vancouver for the month of March. Say goodbye to winter, and let’s embrace the arrival of Spring with these amazing attractions!

1) Cycle Through Stanley Park

There’s no better way to explore the 400-hectares of natural West Coast rainforest in Stanley Park than by cycling. Enjoy the scenic views of water, mountains, and majestic trees and foliage while cycling along Stanley Park’s famous Seawall. You can venture around the entire perimeter or take the numerous paths through the forested areas and enjoy the culture and natural beauty of Vancouver’s most famous park. Until March 31st, in association with Cycle City, you can get two half-day bike rentals when you book with Stay Vancouver Hotels. Learn More

2) Visit Granville Island

No trip to Vancouver is complete without a visit to Granville Island. A culinary, artistic, and cultural hub, this slice of Vancouver is home to more than 300 businesses. The public market offers a variety of options for dining in, take-out, galleries, retails, boutique shopping, entertainment, and more.

3) FlyOver Canada

Ever wanted to feel the rush of exploring Canada from the air without ever hopping on a plane? Now you can through the magic of interactive technology combined with sweeping video footage of this beautiful country. FlyOver Canada utilizes state-of-the-art media to give you the sensation of flying while journeying across Canada from East to West. Special effects, including wind, mist, and scents, combined with the ride’s motion create an unforgettable experience. Get a free pair of tickets to FlyOver Canada with any Stay Vancouver Hotels booking when you use the special promo code. Learn More

4) Ski/Board at Grouse Mountain

While we’re certainly launching into spring, we’re still enjoying all that winter has to offer up on the local mountains. No matter your skill level, there’s plenty of snow fun to be had at the Vancouver ski resorts. Grouse Mountain in particular provides visitors access to some of the very best in winter sports activity. Located only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain offers 33 runs, four different chairlifts, and six terrain parks to explore. Until April 30th, use our special promo code when you book and receive free lift tickets to the mountain. Learn More

5) Capilano Suspension Bridge

If Flyover Canada and the heights of Grouse Mountain aren’t already making you lightheaded, why not try the Capilano Suspension Bridge? One of the Lower Mainland’s oldest attractions, the suspension bridge spans 137 meters and towers high above the rocky canyon floor. Check out the sites and take note of the wildlife in this beautiful area of Vancouver, BC. 

Spring has sprung and with it comes a sense of renewed adventure. As always, there’s something for all ages when it comes to Vancouver attractions. Stay Vancouver Hotels provides the best offers where you can stay and receive gift certificates for Amazon, Starbucks, or even get $125 on a prepaid Mastercard. If you’re seeking adventure, grab lift tickets for a skiing/boarding excursion at a local mountain, or receive complimentary tickets to the FlyOver Canada attraction! Learn More.

Winter is all about taking advantage of the amazing seasonal weather conditions! And the best way to do that is by giving your vacation, a vacation! Located minutes from all things Pacific West Coast, Vancouver is home base to multiple world-class ski resorts, all located just a very short drive from Downtown. Here’s your rundown of some of the best local hills for a day trip.

CYPRESS MOUNTAIN

Host to the 2010 Winter Olympics, Cypress Mountain is a short 34 minute drive from bustling Downtown Vancouver. You can even catch a bus from the Vancouver Art Gallery! There’s plenty of skiable terrain and the resort is geared to beginners and a family-friendly atmosphere. There are children’s lifts, a magic carpet, and a ski school for younger ages. There’s still plenty to do for non-skiers including snow tubing, snowshoeing, and enjoy the stunning views.

GROUSE MOUNTAIN

From skiing and snowboarding to snowshoe tours and terrain parks, Grouse Mountain has it all. Night-skiing runs daily until 10 pm and there’s not one, but two express lifts for intermediate and advanced terrain. Slopestyle skiers and boarders can find their rush in any one of the 6 different terrain parks and it’s located just a short 26-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. The best part!? Stay Vancouver Hotels is currently offering free lift passes when you book your stay!  

MOUNT SEYMOUR

Just over half an hour from Downtown Vancouver, you’ll find Mount Seymour, Vancouver’s only family-owned and operated ski resort. The mountain features a more friendly, family oriented vibe with a smaller overall ski area, but complemented with sledding and snow tubing for all-ages fun on the slopes.

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

The largest ski resort in North America and part of the 2010 Olympic Games, Whistler Blackcomb is famous for varied terrain, stunning views, and a packed ski village with every amenity imaginable. Located a 1.5 hour drive from downtown Vancouver, Whistler-Blackcomb provides world-class skiing that suits all age groups and abilities. The two mountains are linked by the Peak-2-Peak gondola and feature wide runs with long downhills to keep you slicing up the snow for hours. Even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, Whistler village is an experience unto itself with boutique shopping and fine dining at every turn.

APRÈS SKI

If the day trip worked up an appetite we have your remedy! The Dine Out Vancouver Festival is back January 14-30, 2022 for its 20th anniversary. Restaurant menus will be live as of January 6, 2022 so you can plan ahead. Take it all in with vacation specials and Downtown Vancouver hotel offers. Learn more.   

Don’t forget! Stay Vancouver Hotels provides amazing offers so you can stay and receive gift certificates for Amazon, Starbucks, or iTunes, FlyOver Canada, or even free lift tickets to hit the slopes at Grouse Mountain.

While there are countless Vancouver attractions to spend this $75 Vancouver Attractions Voucher on, we’re thrilled to be adding one more to the list: The Vancouver Aquarium 

The largest marine rescue facility in Western Canada, the Aquarium closed its doors to the public in early 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. While the attractions were shut down, the facility was able to sustain its heroic operations thanks to the help of benefactor Herschend Enterprises, who purchased the aquarium in April 2021. The new owners have helped provide resources and much-needed upgrades to what was Canada’s first official aquarium, returning it to its previous splendor.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out their aquatic residents on the live steam this past year—or even if you have—there is a lot of cuteness in store because the doors might have been closed, but the rescues never stopped!

New attractions at the aquarium include an interactive 4D theatre experience and a marine mammal rescue exhibit. Take a look at what you can expect to see on a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium in 2021:

VANAQUA MOMENTS: RESCUE STORIES

Every year, the aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre rescues, rehabilitates, and releases more than 150 marine mammals to the ocean. You can learn more about these stories throughout the aquarium and meet the six rescued sea otters that call Vancouver Aquarium home.

THE 4D THEATRE EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a larger than life multi-sensory immersion that takes you to the depths of the oceans with the 4D Theatre Experience allowing you to see, hear, smell, and feel this cinematic adventure. Now showing Octopus: Blue Planet II 4D Experience®

PENGUIN POINT

Get up close with South African penguins, learn about the threat to their species, and how they’re one of the few species of penguin that live in a warmer climate. Watch as they waddle on the rockwork and swim in their habitat tank.

GRAHAM AMAZON GALLERY

This interactive exhibit features a re-creation of South America’s tropical rainforest. You can truly feel the heat and humidity as you walk through and be sure to keep an eye out for scarlet ibises in the branches, see if you can find the well-camouflaged sloths, and experience an indoor thunderstorm.

STELLER’S BAY

Experience the underwater world of Steller sea lions as they glide through their aquatic home. This exhibit features an active research station, bringing behind-the-scenes research to the forefront, and highlighting the role that sea lions play in the wild.

WET LAB

Welcome to the undersea classroom where you can actually touch the oceanic world. This interactive learning centre gives you the chance to explore and learn about the world of invertebrates including crabs, sea anemones, jellies, sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and shrimps.

THE TROPICS

The Tropics gallery showcases coral reefs, mangrove forests, rivers, and lakes near the equator. You’ll see pink, blue, and yellow fish, alongside swarms of jellyfish, a tropical green sea turtle, and even sharks.

And this is just a sampling of the attractions on offer at the newly reopened Vancouver Aquarium. Be sure to stop by, take in the sights, and create a connection with oceanic life in a uniquely immersive and interactive way. Don’t forget to take advantage of this $50- $75 Voucher when you visit the Aquarium or any Vancouver Attraction before October 31.