Vancouver Cherry Blossoms: When & Where To See in 2026

Vancouver’s cherry blossoms transform the cityscape into a display of pink and white from late February to early May — and the updated 2026 bloom forecast is in. The season will peak this year from late March to early April. Thousands of spectators travel to Vancouver each spring to witness the transformation of the city’s streets, parks, and waterfront, which are lined with more than 43,000 cherry blossom trees.

Because the peak bloom window lasts just two weeks, timing your visit is key. Many travelers plan their trips around the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Vancouver, but you may want to choose another time period to avoid crowds. The best time to visit Vancouver for cherry blossoms depends on what you want to gain from the experience:

Peak blooms: Visit Vancouver at the end of March and the beginning of April for peak blooms that look stunning in photographs.

Cherry Blossom Festival in Vancouver: Plan your trip between March 27 and April 12 to attend official Cherry Blossom Festival events.

Views with fewer crowds: Come in early to mid-March or between mid-April and early May to avoid crowded trails or busy backdrops in photos.

Vancouver's cherry blossoms are stunning in the spring.

When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Vancouver?

The answer depends upon weather patterns and the variety of trees, but blooms typically appear from late February through early May. While you can see these delicate blossoms in Canada anytime during this season, the 2026 bloom forecast predicts late March to early April as the best time to see cherry blossoms in the city. This also makes it one of the best times to visit Vancouver.

As beautiful as the cherry blossom blooms are, their lifespan is short. Planning travel and accommodations in advance can help you avoid the rush when visiting Vancouver during the season.

Travel Tip: When planning your Vancouver getaway, seek out travel offers that elevate your experience. Explore Vancouver hotel deals that provide exceptional value and enhance your stay.

A path in Stanley Park surrounded by blooming Cherry Blossom trees.

Best Place To See Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver

Stanley Park is the most popular place to see Vancouver’s cherry blossoms, but there are several other viewing spots worth visiting during the peak blooming period, including VanDusen Memorial Garden and Queen Elizabeth Park.

Stanley Park: The best-known place to see cherry blossoms in Vancouver, offering a large concentration of the trees that make for stunning photos

VanDusen Memorial Garden: Showcases native plants, including nearly 30 varieties of cherry trees, and is the site of the annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

Nitobe Memorial Garden at University of British Columbia: Vancouver’s traditional Japanese stroll garden and authentic teahouse, featuring a tranquil pond and groups of pastel cherry blossoms

Queen Elizabeth Park: One of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Vancouver, with a staggered bloom that keeps the park bathed in pink and white from early March to late April

Best Walking Routes To See Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver

Walking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Vancouver’s cherry blossom season. These scenic walking routes showcase high concentrations of cherry trees as well as popular neighborhoods, waterfront views, and peaceful residential streets. Each location is no more than six miles from Carmana Hotel, and most are a short walk from our property.

Stanley Park Seawall: This beloved walking route offers pockets of cherry blossoms along the seawall and interior paths, plus ocean views, forested stretches, and skyline backdrops.

Queen Elizabeth Park Loop: The paths winding through Queen Elizabeth Park feature staggered cherry tree blooms, manicured gardens, and elevated viewpoints that make this route especially rewarding.

West End Neighborhood (Haro, Comox, and Pendrell Streets): This walk through Vancouver's West End includes long stretches of residential streets lined with cherry trees that form tunnels of blooms to walk through.

Nitobe Memorial Garden: This serene garden honors traditional Japanese landscaping, offering a stunning place to experience Vancouver’s cherry blossoms.

False Creek Seawall (Yaletown to Granville Island): This waterfront route offers city and seaside views with seasonal blooms along the path.

Best Photo Spots in Vancouver for Cherry Blossoms

Vancouver’s cherry blossom season offers countless picture-perfect backdrops, from manicured gardens to urban streets lined with soft pink canopies. These photo spots showcase the blooms against some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks:

Queen Elizabeth Park: The high concentration of cherry trees paired with panoramic city and mountain views makes this park one of the most popular spots for pictures when trees are in bloom.

Granville Square: In the heart of downtown, this spot offers a striking contrast between delicate cherry blossoms and Vancouver's modern glass skyscrapers, making it ideal for urban spring photography.

West 22nd Avenue & Arbutus Street: Known for its tunnel of blooms in peak season, this famous residential intersection is one of Vancouver’s most photographed cherry blossom locations.

Haro Street (West End): Rows of trees line this residential street, creating a charming background for cherry blossom photos.

Burrard SkyTrain Station: Cherry blossoms along the Burrard Street SkyTrain Station add a burst of color to one of Vancouver’s busiest corridors.

Tip: Visit these sites in the early morning, during golden hour, or on overcast afternoons when the soft lighting catches beautifully on the cherry blossom petals.

Cherry blossom branch in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Cherry Blossom Season Activities

Looking for all the Vancouver cherry blossom spots will keep you busy, but you’ll also find plenty of spring activities around the city while the trees are blooming. Attend these events to make the most of your trip:

Love Lights

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park | January 30–February 22, 2026The end of this Valentine's Day attraction in Vancouver coincides with the start of cherry blossom season. During Love Lights, the park sparkles with millions of twinkling white, pink, and red lights, creating the perfect atmosphere for a romantic stroll above the trees. Find love-themed photo opps, including the K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Tree, a life-sized photo frame, and a LOVE marquee.

Cherry Blossom Festival in Vancouver

Sites Across Vancouver | March 27–April 12, 2026The 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival in Vancouver begins March 27 and ends April 12. This intra-community arts and culture festival brings visitors and locals together to experience the stunning beauty of thousands of cherry trees decorating the city. The 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival in Vancouver features annual favorites, including Blossoms After Dark, The Big Picnic, and workshops with local artists and creators.

Cherry blossom blooms on a cherry tree in Vancouver.

Why Are There So Many Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver?

Vancouver is home to many cherry blossom trees thanks to a 1925 gift from Japan honoring Japanese Canadian soldiers who served in World War I. The original 500 trees were planted in Stanley Park, sparking widespread planting across the city and creating the cherry blossom paradise we know today.

Close up of a queen bed at Carmana hotel in Vancouver.

Make Your Vancouver Travel Plans

The first step in planning your Vancouver trip to see the cherry blossoms is choosing the right accommodations for rest and relaxation after a day of exploring. Carmana Hotel & Suites is located at the heart of downtown Vancouver’s financial and shopping districts, giving you easy access to top cherry blossom spots around the city and a luxurious experience when you return to your hotel.