Tag: Vancouver Aquarium

Vancouver in March: Where Winter Magic Meets Spring Adventure

As winter gracefully transitions into spring in our fair city, Vancouver offers a unique blend of seasonal activities that make March an exciting time to visit. From snow-capped mountains to early spring blooms, here’s your guide to experiencing the best of Vancouver in March.

Mountain Adventures: Winter’s Last Hurrah

March delivers some of the season’s best snow conditions at Vancouver’s local mountains, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.

  • Grouse Mountain: Just 15 minutes from downtown, enjoy night skiing until 9 PM, snowshoeing trails, and the famous Skyride gondola offering panoramic city views.
  • Cypress Mountain: Home to Vancouver’s largest skiing terrain, March visitors can experience excellent spring skiing conditions and stunning views of Howe Sound.
  • Mount Seymour: Perfect for families, offering toboggan and tubing areas alongside ski runs. The mountain’s snowshoe trails are particularly magical in March’s crisp mountain air.

Indoor Escapes: Rainy Day Solutions

When March showers arrive, Vancouver’s indoor attractions provide endless entertainment:

  • Vancouver Aquarium: Explore the wonders of marine life in Stanley Park, featuring special spring break programming for families.
  • Science World: Interactive exhibits and demonstrations make this iconic dome-shaped building a must-visit for curious minds of all ages.
  • Museum of Anthropology: Discover British Columbia’s rich Indigenous heritage through world-class exhibits and artifacts.

Spring Break Special Events

March brings numerous family-friendly activities during spring break:

  • Vancouver Bloedel Conservatory: Escape to this tropical paradise in Queen Elizabeth Park, where exotic birds and plants thrive year-round.
  • Spring Break Camps: Various community centers offer day camps focusing on arts, sports, and outdoor activities.
  • Vancouver Lookout: Take in 360-degree views of the city from Harbour Centre’s observation deck, particularly stunning during March’s mix of clear and cloudy days.

Early Spring Activities

As spring begins to emerge, Vancouver offers unique seasonal experiences:

  • Cherry Blossom Walking Tours: Early blooms start appearing in March, transforming neighborhoods into pink-hued wonderlands.
  • Stanley Park: Experience the awakening of spring along the seawall, with early flowers beginning to bloom and migrating birds returning.
  • Granville Island: Browse the public market’s fresh spring produce while enjoying indoor entertainment at various theaters and galleries.

Travel Tips for March Visitors

To make the most of your March visit:

  • Pack layers – temperatures can vary significantly between the mountains and city
  • Book mountain activities early, as March brings excellent spring skiing and boarding conditions and higher visitor numbers
  • Keep an umbrella handy for typical March showers
  • Check special spring break programming dates at major attractions

Whether you’re seeking winter’s final thrills or spring’s first blooms, March in Vancouver offers a distinctive blend of experiences that showcase the city’s versatile charm.

Plan Your Stay

Make the most of your March visit by staying at one of Vancouver’s centrally located hotels. Our exclusive spring packages include valuable perks like gift cards, bike rentals, and special rates at local attractions. Book your accommodation through Stay Vancouver Hotels to be perfectly positioned for both winter sports and early spring activities across the city.

Posted on by Jennifer Osmann

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.

 

 

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