6 Things to Do in Vancouver During Spring Break 2023

As they say, March roars in like a lion, and you will definitely hear the crowd roar at the annual Canada Sevens Tournament as the month kicks off.  Next, is what to do for spring break?  Thankfully, Vancouver is never short of activities and March 2023 is no exception. One of the glorious advantages of living on the West Coast is the ability to enjoy warm weather, while also hitting the slopes. Add to that incredible deals on downtown Vancouver accommodation and various other activities, there should be numerous answers to the dreaded spring break question!

1) CANADA SEVENS

The Canada Sevens rugby tournament is hosted at BC Place Stadium from March 3rd-5th, 2023. The event features 28 of the world’s top men’s and women’s sevens teams. The event has become well-known for its high-octane sports action, its costumes, colours, and general craziness. Book a 2-night hotel stay with stayvancouverhotels.com and receive 2 free tournament passes!  

2) HIT THE SLOPES AT GROUSE

1-2 night stays with stayvancouverhotels.com could also net you 1-2 free lift tickets for Grouse Mountain. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse features 4 chair lifts servicing 33 runs, and 3 freestyle terrain parks—truly a winter playground!

3) VANCOUVER AQUARIUM

Featuring over 60,000 aquatic creatures, from sea lions and otters to penguins and jellyfish, and everything under the water and in between, the Vancouver Aquarium is the perfect place to spend a day. A 4D experience theater immerses you in the action, while informative and entertaining exhibits and shows provide lots of great information about conservation and nature. Tickets are available on the aquarium website

4) STANLEY PARK

A 405-hectare sprawling landscape of pristine beauty nestled in the heart of the city leaves a lot of ground to explore at Stanley Park. 500,000 cedar, fir, and hemlock trees round out the park along with various other vegetation and wildlife. A pool, waterpark, miniature railway, and much more make Stanley Park a great place to visit for those looking to enjoy a slice of Canadiana on a budget. 

5) SCIENCE WORLD

Built in 1986, Science World in Vancouver is one of the most recognizable structures on the coast. The ‘ball’ is home to an OMNIMAX theater, interactive science displays, and activities for all ages. As Science World is primarily indoors, it’s a great place to visit on a rainy day. Learn more

6) VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY

Featured in numerous movies, there’s more to the Vancouver Public Library than just books (although it has those too). The coliseum-shaped building is an architectural marvel, featuring high ceilings and multiple floors. It’s always easy to find a quiet place and nestle down with a good book, or venture skywards and explore the rooftop garden. The library also runs several events and activities during spring break. Check out their website for details.

Hop into spring break with a solid plan and you’ll never be bored! And remember, if you book your stay with stayvancouverhotels.com you’ll receive the best prices on hotels, and have your choice of amazing promotional items including lift passes to Grouse Mountain, free tickets, and a variety of gift cards! Check all offers and promotions here.

Autumn In Vancouver

The city of Vancouver boasts beautiful autumns, and is well-known by tourists as an ideal shoulder season destination due to its mild temperature and tranquil atmosphere.

As an environmental gem surrounded by lush forests, towering mountains and the Pacific Ocean, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to participate in this fall.

Photo courtesy of Greg Shields

Walk the Seawall

One of the best ways to take in the changing fall foliage is to walk Vancouver’s tree-lined seawall. Head out on an afternoon stroll through Stanley Park and admire the bright auburn hues that adorn the local tree species of the region.

Photo courtesy of Greg Shields

Run the Trails

Work up a sweat while basking in all of fall’s glory sprinting through Vancouver’s ethereal rainforests. Visit Lighthouse Park for winding trails that feature mossy old-growth forests, or run alongside towering Cedars and Douglas Firs in Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/ Destination Canada

Bike the Mountains

If you’re an adrenaline-seeker, downhill mountain biking makes the perfect autumn past-time. Just a short drive or bus ride over the Lion’s Gate Bridge, Vancouver’s North Shore area is home to vast mountainous terrain with world-class trails.

Photo courtesy of Fredy Chavez

Hike the Grouse Grind

Challenge yourself with “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”, also known as the legendary Grouse Grind. Although the hike takes a whopping 2,830 steps to complete, the striking fall colours along the way and sweeping views of downtown are reward enough.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/ Rishad Daroowala

Paddle the Waters

Vancouver’s pleasant climate makes watersports accessible year-round. Sport some cozy attire and rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board at the city’s famous English Bay Beach, where you can leisurely cruise along the stunning shoreline.

Want to take advantage on some of these local destinations? Our VanPass voucher allows you to choose from up to 20 Top Vancouver Attractions (worth up to $75 in value)! Click here Click here to learn more and see below for some of our favourite recommendations.

 

Top Vancouver Attractions for Cruisers

Surrounded by lush green mountains and the brilliant blue waters of the Pacific, visitors will be astonished upon docking at Vancouver’s award-winning Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, celebrated as one of the most picturesque in the world. Centrally located in the city’s downtown core and within walking distance or a short drive away to a variety of major attractions, cruisers can easily fit in an array of exciting sightseeing adventures no matter how brief or lengthy their stay in Vancouver.

 

Image of 4D theatre experience
Photo courtesy of FlyOver Canada

FlyOver Canada. Canada Place’s premier attraction, FlyOver Canada, is situated just a few steps off of the ship and serves as a great start to a day of exploring. Offering the nation’s only 4D flight simulation, prepare to be wowed by a virtual journey across the country that comes complete with breathtaking sights, smells and sounds.

Children watching jellyfish at Vancouver Aquarium
Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver | Vancouver Aquarium

Vancouver Aquarium. A hop, jump and skip away from Canada Place, the stunning Stanley Park and its renowned Aquarium are must-see attractions during a visit to Vancouver. Providing a fun and educational experience suitable for the whole family, the Vancouver Aquarium contains incredible aquatic life, interactive and educational displays, and Ocean Wise conversation experts who work tirelessly to protect oceans worldwide.

Image of Granville Island Public Market exterior
Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver

Granville Island. Next, make your way to Hornby Street in False Creek and hop aboard the AquaBus to travel by boat to Granville Island. Enjoy getting lost for hours in the world-famous Public Market, and explore the hundreds of local vendors distributing delicious food, colourful produce, handcrafted products and artisanal gifts. After, take a walk along the stunning seawall, and breathe in the fresh ocean air.

Overhead image of Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Capilano River
Photo courtesy of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Hail a cab or hop on a free shuttle to North Vancouver for some true outdoor adventure. A short 20-minute drive from downtown, the Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 450 feet across and 230 feet above Capilano River, promising both a thrilling and scenic excursion. In addition to the bridge, visitors can also enjoy Treetops Adventure (a series of suspension bridges throughout the rainforest) and Cliffwalk (a cantilevered walkway jutting out from a granite cliff face).

Image of Grouse Mountain's resident grizzly bears
Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver

Grouse Mountain. Explore North Vancouver deeper by taking a quick five-minute drive from Capilano Suspension Bridge up to Grouse Mountain, the Peak of Vancouver. One of the city’s premier attractions, Grouse features sweeping views of downtown Vancouver and an array of memorable summer activities that range from hiking, mountain biking, grizzly bear-watching, dining and more.

Book your pre- or-post cruise stay with us at www.stayvancouverhotels.com – we provide the best rates, special offers and packages on downtown Vancouver hotels. Click here to learn more.