An Inside Guide to Spring Getaways in BC

Blooming blossoms, rich Indigenous experiences, and invigorating seaside strolls. Spring in BC is a time of rebirth, when longer days and warmer weather inspire us to seek out adventures that light up our soul. Cities surrounded by nature set the stage for culture, dining, and outdoor activities on land and sea. From cozy mountain hideaways to seaside havens, plan a spring escape where the wild is within easy reach.

Located on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples, the area is also alive with Indigenous art, culture, and heritage. Begin your cultural experience by visiting Vancouver’s only Indigenous owned and operated restaurant, Salmon n’ Bannock. Next, visit Stanley Park with Talaysay Tours to learn about Indigenous plant knowledge and hear stories that have been passed down for generations. The Bill Reid Gallery, which houses collections from contemporary Indigenous artists, is a must-do for art lovers. Continue your journey and stay at Skwachays Lodge, a hotel, gallery, and social enterprise that provides Indigenous artists with housing and studio space.

Make Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier your HQ for North Shore adventures. The Lonsdale Quay neighbourhood is a 15-minute SeaBus (passenger ferry) ride from the buzz of city life in downtown Vancouver, and a brief drive to trailheads, viewpoints, and attractions. The nearby Shipyards District is a beautifully transformed historic neighbourhood with interpretive walks, a congregation of breweries, and the chic Polygon Gallery.

Take a stand-up paddleboarding tour to immerse yourself in the ocean environment—you might come across a raucous raft of sea lions or spot delicate, pearl-like herring eggs on the shoreline at low tide. Back on land, ride the Sea to Sky Gondola to 900m (2,900 ft) and get aerial views of a colourful patchwork, comprised of a river estuary, rugged mountains, and turquoise ocean.

In the Squamish Valley, cozy up in one of Sunwolf’s charming riverside cabins, with close proximity to the rustic luxuries of AIKA Spa, waterfall hikes, horseback riding, and heart-pumping rafting excursions.

While you’re in town, be sure to check out the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, which features Indigenous exhibits, a cafe, and interpretive tours from two Nations that have collaborated on this shared territory since time immemorial.

Plan a mountain escape midweek for spring deals and a quieter village. The Nita Lake Lodge in Creekside is a relaxing lakeside getaway, while the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside in the heart of the village brings you closer to the action.

With the fisheries, farms, and foragers so close, the South Island is a great place to sample local food and drink. Dine at Wild Mountain restaurant in Sooke for seasonal West Coast cuisine before continuing on to Port Renfrew for cold water surfing and hiking in Juan De Fuca Provincial Park. Spend the night at Soule Creek Lodge overlooking the Olympic Peninsula and the wild coast.