Canada, North America

Vancouver in March

Cherry blossoms begin and spring skiing is strong. Pack a rain shell and layers; this is a sleeper pick.

Quiet valueShowery, highs near 51F (11C), days lengthening

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

The straight answer

March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Vancouver. Cherry blossoms begin and spring skiing is strong. Pack a rain shell and layers; this is a sleeper pick.

Weather: Showery, highs near 51F (11C), days lengthening
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What March is like in Vancouver

March brings showers, highs near 51F (11C), and days that stretch past 7pm once the clocks change. The cherry blossoms start to open late in the month, and spring skiing is still strong at Whistler and on the local hills. Crowds stay light and prices are only starting to rise.

This is a sleeper month for travelers who want city, snow and blossoms in one trip and don't mind packing a rain shell. It is not for beach days or high hiking trails, which are still under snow. If you want dry weather above all, hold out for June or later.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Vancouver this month.

Cherry blossoms begin

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival usually gets going in late March, and its live bloom map shows which streets are flowering. Timing varies by year.

Spring skiing

Longer days and softer snow make for relaxed ski days at Whistler Blackcomb, often with sunshine between showers.

Shoulder-season prices

Hotels are still well below summer rates, and restaurants are easy to book.

What to pack for March

A packable rain shell
Layers you can add or shed, like a fleece and a light sweater
Water-resistant walking shoes
Sunglasses and sunscreen for bright spring snow

Our timing tip

Save blossom hunting for the last week of March and check the festival's bloom map the night before so you head to streets that are actually in flower.

Book Vancouver for March.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Vancouver
Opens a hotel search for Vancouver in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for March
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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in March

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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Vancouver?

March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Vancouver. Cherry blossoms begin and spring skiing is strong. Pack a rain shell and layers; this is a sleeper pick.

What is the weather like in Vancouver in March?

Showery, highs near 51F (11C), days lengthening.

Is Vancouver crowded in March?

March is one of the quieter months in Vancouver; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Vancouver in March?

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