Spring time in BC: road trips, festivals, bear viewing, forest bathing
Credit to Author: Dave Pottinger| Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2020 21:37:53 +0000
From nature walks to coastal exploration, there are countless ways for British Columbians to explore our home province. Embrace spring in BC with these must-do experiences.
Plan a spring road trip and you’ll see B.C. through fresh eyes—with the added bonus of getting ahead of the summer rush.
Escape to the Sunshine Coast for a relaxing early-spring getaway. The 180-kilometre stretch of coast along the Salish Sea boasts a budding craft beer scene, outdoor activities, and a thriving arts community.
Kayaking in Desolation Sound on the Sunshine Coast.
Witness the rugged and untamed side of southern Vancouver Island by driving the Pacific Marine Circle Route. This coast-to-coast journey starts in Victoria and goes to Sooke, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan, Duncan, and South Cowichan before circling to Victoria. Enjoy panoramic views of the Juan de Fuca, Haro and Georgia straits as well as the Saanich Peninsula. Along the way stop to enjoy Indigenous totem sites, beaches, and rainforest.
Once the snow begins to thaw in the Cariboo, road trip along B.C’.s iconic Gold Rush Trail – from Lillooet to Baskerville. Towns flourished along the mighty Fraser River in the late 1800s as frenzied gold prospectors clamoured to strike it rich. Today, you can follow in the footsteps of the trailblazers as you venture through historic gold mining towns; enjoying craft breweries, outdoor activities, artisan eateries, and small-town charm along the way.
Note: Winter tires are required until April 30 when travelling on B.C. highways.
Absorb the power and energy of the temperate rainforest with a mindful hike through Vancouver Island’s network of parks and trails. Cape Scott Provincial Park in Port Hardy, the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, and Elk Falls Provincial Park near Victoria are just a few forest bathing hideaways.
Kayaking in Desolation Sound on the Sunshine Coast.
Explore the desert grasslands of Kamloops with a hike through Kenna Cartwright and Valleyview nature parks, which are perfect for all hiking levels.
Appreciate the raw and untouched nature of the Great Bear Rainforest and gain a greater understanding of what “wild” truly means. Take a wildlife tour out of Bella Coola or visit the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary for unprecedented bear viewing.
In late spring, make your way to the Kootenay Rockies to forest bathe in the Ancient Giant Cedars near Kaslo, or have a healing soak in the restorative waters in the unique cave at Ainsworth Hot Springs. This is a site of cultural significance to the Ktunaxa Nation, who call it Nupika wu’u or— or “spirit waters.”
The shoulder season is a great time to travel to B.C.’s charming coastal towns. The coast is dotted with seaside hamlets and villages, each with their own unique cultural influences, markets, art galleries, and culinary scenes.
A Harbour Air sea plane lands in Ganges on Salt Spring Island.
Stay in Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast and go hunting for hidden waterfalls, rainforest hikes, expansive ocean views, and cider tastings.
Take a walk along the wild coastlines of Ucluelet or Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island.
Or, slow it down in the artsy and laid-back town of Ganges on Salt Spring Island. Outdoor-minded foodies will enjoy hopping between vineyards, hikes, farms, and markets.
Discover adventure, culture, and nature with a late-spring trip to Prince Rupert, or Skidegate in Haida Gwaii. Visiting this part of Northern BC is a transformative experience. With unparalleled opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture and intimate wildlife viewing tours, this is one trip you’ll never forget.
April is BC Wine Month, though you can sip and explore your way through B.C.’s five wine regions all season long. A few highlights include Clos du Soleil in the Similkameen Valley, Ripples Winery in the Fraser Valley, Garry Oaks Estate Winery on Salt Spring Island, Averill Creek Vineyard in the Comox Valley, and Nk’Mip Cellars in the Okanagan Valley.
Salt Spring Vineyards offers rooms with kitchenettes, scenic picnics & wine tastings.
Pay tribute to British Columbia’s beer, wine, and ciders at one of the many festivals taking place between March and June. The Okanagan Fest of Ale April 17 and 18, and Spring Okanagan Wine Festival, April 30 to May 17, Wine Spring April 3 to 5th, in Cranbrook, or Victoria Beer Week March 6-14 are just a few.
Pair your next adventure with a craft brewery tasting along the BC Ale Trail—the East and West Kootenays have an outstanding selection to choose from.
As if there weren’t enough reasons to indulge, May is Eat Drink Local Month, inspiring residents to dine at local restaurants and eateries. A few hot spots to check out include Richmond’s Dumpling Trail and the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, which has a bounty of artisan distilleries, wineries, award-winning breweries, and farm-fresh cuisine.
The Dumpling Trail in Richmond is a collection of restaurants serving up some of the most delectable dumplings.
Meanwhile, farmers market season kicks off throughout the province at this time of year, offering an opportunity to meet and support local growers and artisan food producers.
Go blossom hopping in southern B.C. From cherry blossoms to daffodils and tulips, BC residents love our spring bloom just as much as visitors do.
The Abbotsford Tulip Festival is a sure sign spring has sprung.
Time your next visit to Victoria with the arrival of the spring blossoms and turn it into a flower-filled getaway. In our province’s capital, you’ll find colourful blooms near the BC Parliament Buildings, Royal Roads University, Abkhazi Garden, and The Butchart Gardens.
Head on a photo walk or casual bike ride through city streets in Vancouver and Richmond, taking in the sweet scent of the pastel cherry blossoms as their delicate petals sway in the breeze. Swing by Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, April 2 – 26 and Sakura Days April 18 and 19 to add a cultural element to your sakura appreciation.
Wander through VanDusen Botanical Gardens or Queen Elizabeth Park for their many themed displays and activities to see a larger variety of spring blooms. Round out flower season with a visit to the Fraser Valley Tulip Trail for the Abbotsford and Chilliwack Tulip Festivals starting in April.
Article provided by Destination BC