Canada, North America

Vancouver in April

Peak cherry blossom season through much of the month and the start of whale-watching season. Showers are still common.

Quiet valueMild, highs near 56F (13C), fewer rainy days

Vancouver skyline, Canada — VancouverPhoto: Xicotencatl, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

April is a quiet, good-value month to visit Vancouver. Peak cherry blossom season through much of the month and the start of whale-watching season. Showers are still common.

Weather: Mild, highs near 56F (13C), fewer rainy days
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What April is like in Vancouver

April is mild, with highs near 56F (13C) and fewer rainy days than winter, though showers still pass through often. Cherry blossoms are at their peak through much of the month, whale-watching tours start up, and Whistler usually still has snow. Crowds are moderate and prices sit in the middle.

It suits blossom lovers, families on spring break, and anyone happy to trade guaranteed sun for a greener, calmer city. Hikers should know that higher North Shore trails can hold snow well into late spring. If warm, dry days are the goal, May or September is the smarter bet.

Make the most of April

What is especially good about Vancouver this month.

Peak cherry blossom season

Tens of thousands of ornamental cherry trees flower across the city. The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival tracks the bloom street by street.

Whale watching starts

Tours from Vancouver and Steveston begin looking for orcas and humpbacks, with smaller crowds than summer.

Ski and blossom in one trip

Whistler often runs into spring, so you can ski in the morning up the Sea to Sky and walk under blossoms back in the city.

What to pack for April

A light rain jacket
A warm layer for boat tours on cold water
Comfortable walking shoes that handle wet sidewalks
A camera or phone with space for blossom photos

Our timing tip

Walk the blossom streets early in the morning on a weekday, before the photo crowds arrive and while the light is soft.

Book Vancouver for April.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Vancouver
Opens a hotel search for Vancouver in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for April
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Vancouver
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Vancouver
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Vancouver for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in April

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

Late March through April, bloom varies by year

Tens of thousands of ornamental cherry trees bloom citywide; the festival publishes a live bloom map.

Whistler ski season

Late November to April or May

Whistler Blackcomb often runs well into spring. January through March is the most reliable snow.

Things to do in Vancouver

Full guide

Stanley Park seawall

Rent a bike and ride the loop counterclockwise, as the one-way path requires. Allow two hours with stops at Prospect Point and Third Beach.

Tickets and tours →

Granville Island Public Market

Food stalls, produce, and local makers. Go by the little False Creek ferries and arrive before 11am on weekends.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Grouse Mountain

Skyride gondola to city views in summer, ski slopes in winter. The Grouse Grind trail is a steep, famous climb that opens in the warm season.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Pricey but well run, with the treetop walkways and cliff walk. The winter Canyon Lights season is a good rainy-month outing.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Whistler day trip or overnight

The Sea to Sky Highway is a highlight on its own. Whistler Blackcomb is one of North America's largest ski resorts, and the summer mountain-bike park is world class.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Vancouver Aquarium

The best rainy-day plan in Stanley Park, strong on Pacific coast marine life.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Ride the seawall and visit Granville Island before 10am in summer; cruise ship days bring waves of day visitors to downtown sights.
Book summer hotels well ahead: July and August downtown rates are among the highest in Canada, and Alaska cruise departures fill hotels on turnaround days.
Pick September over July. Weather is nearly as good and the crowds and prices drop right after Labour Day.
Swap Capilano for Lynn Canyon Park, a free suspension bridge and forest walk on the North Shore that many locals prefer.

Know before you go

Some mountain hiking trails, including the Grouse Grind, close in winter and typically open in late spring once snow clears. North Shore trails at elevation can hold snow into June.
Whistler's summer season (mountain biking, Peak 2 Peak gondola sightseeing) and ski season have short gaps in between, usually in spring and fall shoulder weeks. Check the resort calendar.
Canada Day on July 1 and BC Day, the first Monday in August, close some offices and shops and fill parks and beaches.
Almost nothing shuts down in the rainy season: museums, restaurants, and markets run year-round, which is why winter is a viable budget trip.

Vancouver in April, quick answers

Is April a good time to visit Vancouver?

April is a quiet, good-value month to visit Vancouver. Peak cherry blossom season through much of the month and the start of whale-watching season. Showers are still common.

What is the weather like in Vancouver in April?

Mild, highs near 56F (13C), fewer rainy days.

Is Vancouver crowded in April?

Crowds in Vancouver are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Vancouver in April?

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (late march through april, bloom varies by year); Whistler ski season (late november to april or may).