Celebrate spring on the West Coast!

As the days grow longer, the West Coast bursts with events and activities to welcome springtime.

From the northern reaches of Whitehorse, down through Calgary, and stretching across to Portland and San Francisco, cities along the West Coast invite you to embrace the season’s renewal.

Whether it’s stargazing under Alberta’s expansive skies, exploring vibrant street art in Calgary, or indulging in the culinary delights of Portland’s food festivals, each city presents unique opportunities to explore.

Edmonton

1. Stargazing at Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve: With the Lyrid meteor shower in April, the University of Alberta Department of Physics hosts public solar observing events.

2. Spring birdwatching walks: With the bird migration season kicking in, there are multiple locations around Edmonton, including the John E. Pool Wetlands and the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, for birdwatching, photography, and short hikes​

3. Biking and hiking in the North Saskatchewan River Valley: This offers paved trails perfect for hikers, joggers, and bikers, with several trails connecting different parts of the city​.

4. Spring markets: The 43rd annual Orchid Fair and the Edmonton Makers Market & Convention are notable mentions. These markets focus on spring themes like Easter and flowers in bloom.​

Calgary & Banff

1. Easter egg hunt: On March 31, get ready for an egg-citing event at Mt. Norquay, Banff. This Easter Egg Hunt promises fun for the whole family, set in the beautiful backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.

2. Maple Sugar Shack Festival (Sucrerie de la Montagne): Celebrate spring the French Canadian way with the Maple Sugar Shack Festival in Calgary. Experience traditional maple syrup production demonstrations, enjoy sweet treats, and partake in various family-friendly activities.

3. Outdoor Yoga in the Park: From March to April, as the weather warms up, look out for outdoor yoga sessions in parks around Calgary. It’s a serene way to greet the spring, improve your flexibility, and relax in nature.

4. Spruce Meadows spring welcome: From March to April, this equestrian event marks the start of the outdoor season at Spruce Meadows. Attendees can enjoy world-class show jumping competitions and the beautiful grounds in spring bloom.

Seattle

1. Blooms at the University of Washington Quad: The university’s cherry trees are a beautiful herald of spring, making for a picturesque afternoon stroll.

2. Seattle Irish Week 2024: Through March 17, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a series of events including food events, a film festival, a parade, and a festival at Seattle Center, organized by the Irish Heritage Club.

3. Taste Washington: On March 16 and 17, the largest single-region wine & food festival returns to Seattle, bringing together wine and food enthusiasts for signature events throughout the city.

Portland

1. Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival: Experience the vibrant colours of the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, with acres of tulips in bloom against the backdrop of Mt. Hood.

2. Oaks Park: Visit Oaks Park for rollerskating, rides and walks at nearby Oaks Bottom.

3. Spring Beer Festivals: Sample local brews at Portland’s spring beer festivals, with farmhouse and wild ales, among others​

San Francisco

1. Cherry Blossom Festival: Celebrate the opening of the cherry blossoms with this annual event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms and Japanese culture through performances, food, and art exhibits.

2. St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations: Enjoy the festive atmosphere with parades, music, and cultural events celebrating Irish heritage in various locations around the city.

3. Bay Area dance week: From April 26 to May 5, participate in or watch over 400 free performances, workshops, and classes covering a wide range of dance styles, with many events taking place in outdoor venues.

Yellowknife

1. Aurora Viewing Tours: Join guided tours to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

2. Flight-seeing Tours: Take to the skies to see Yellowknife’s stunning wilderness from above.

Vancouver

1. Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival: The festival runs from March 29 to April 25 and includes a range of events such as guided walks, bike rides, and cultural performances that highlight the beauty of over 40,000 cherry trees in full bloom across the city.

2. Visit Botanical Gardens: The UBC Botanical Garden and VanDusen Botanical Garden are stunning in spring, with an array of blooming flowers, including rhododendrons, magnolias and early-blooming cherry blossoms.

3. Patio Dining: As the weather warms, many restaurants and cafes in Vancouver open their patios. Enjoying a meal outdoors is a great way to soak in the spring sun.

4. Outdoor hikes: With the snow beginning to melt, it’s a great time to explore Vancouver’s nearby hiking trails. Areas like the North Shore offer a range of trails that become accessible in the spring. Be prepared for muddy conditions and check trail reports before heading out.

Victoria

1. Moss Street Market: Starting in March, every Saturday, this weekly outdoor farmers and artisan market at the corner of Moss Street and Fairfield Road offers fresh local produce, handmade goods, and delicious food items. It’s a great way to enjoy the local culture and spring weather.

2. Victoria Outdoor Adventure Show: Celebrate the arrival of spring by exploring outdoor sports and adventure opportunities at this show. It’s perfect for those looking to plan their next outdoor adventure in and around Victoria.

3. Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival: From April to early May, spanning several weeks, this festival showcases local talents in music, dance, and theatre. Many of the performances take place in outdoor venues, allowing you to enjoy the arts in the fresh spring air.

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