Where to See the Best Spring Flowers in Vancouver

Is there anything better than seeing the city burst into colour after a long, grey winter? Spring Flowers in Vancouver From the first cherry blossoms in February to the vibrant tulips and magnolias that follow, there’s something magical about watching the city come back to life.

Spring is my favourite time of year—not just for the fresh air and longer days, but because it’s the perfect season to slow down, explore new neighbourhoods, and even practice photography.

If you’re wondering what flowers to see and where to find them, this guide has you covered. Let’s get into the best places to enjoy spring blossoms in Vancouver—beyond just cherry trees!

Types of Spring Flowers in Vancouver

🌿 Camellias (January – April)
🌸 Plum Blossoms (February – March)
🌸 Cherry Blossoms (Late February – April)
💛 Forsythia (March – April)
🌼 Daffodils (March – April)
🌿 Magnolias (March – April)
🌺 Rhododendrons & Azaleas (April – June)
🌷 Tulips (April – May)
💜 Lilacs (Late April – May)
🌸 Peonies (May – June)
🌸 Wisteria (May – June)
💙 Himalayan Blue Poppies (Late May – June)
💛 Laburnum (Golden Chain Trees) (Late May – June)

1. 🌿 Camellias (January – April)

Camellias are one of the earliest signs of spring in Vancouver, sometimes blooming as early as January, long before most other flowers wake up.

Their deep green, glossy leaves make a beautiful contrast to their rose-like blooms, which range from soft pinks and whites to deep reds. Unlike cherry blossoms, camellias stay on the plant longer, meaning you can enjoy them for weeks rather than days.

📍 Where to See Them:

• VanDusen Botanical Garden – One of the best places to see a variety of camellia species.
• Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – Offers a serene setting to appreciate these early blooms.
• Private gardens in Shaughnessy and Kerrisdale – Older homes often have well-established camellia trees.

Pro Tip: Camellias look especially stunning after a light rain, as droplets sit on their petals, making for a great photography moment.

2. 🌸 Plum Blossoms (February – March)

Plum blossoms are often mistaken for cherry blossoms, but they bloom earlier in the season and have their own unique charm. These delicate flowers appear in soft pink, white, or deep rose shades, often clinging to dark, textured branches long before the leaves emerge.

Unlike cherry blossoms, plum petals are more rounded, and their fragrance is slightly stronger.

📍 Where to See Them:

• Vancouver City Hall – One of the best places to see early plum blossoms framing the historic building.
• VanDusen Botanical Garden – A great variety of flowering trees, including several early plums.
• UBC Campus & Nitobe Memorial Garden – A peaceful setting to enjoy these early blooms.

Pro Tip: Not sure if you’re looking at plum or cherry blossoms? Plum trees often have darker, more rugged bark, and their blossoms appear before the leaves, making them stand out against bare branches.

3. 🌸 Cherry Blossoms (Late February – April)

Nothing says spring in Vancouver like the arrival of cherry blossoms. With over 43,000 cherry trees across the city, these delicate pink and white blooms transform streets, parks, and gardens into picture-perfect tunnels of flowers.

The season kicks off with early bloomers in late February, but the most spectacular displays happen in March and April, depending on the variety.

📍 Where to See Them:

• Queen Elizabeth Park: Features photogenic cherry trees with skyline views.
• Stanley Park Rose Garden: A classic spot with a mix of gardens and trails.
• West 22nd Avenue (Arbutus Ridge): A hidden gem with a blossom tunnel.
• Nitobe Memorial Garden (UBC): A traditional Japanese garden enhancing the cherry blossom experience.
• David Lam Park: Part of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, hosting events like “Blossoms After Dark.

North Shore Locations

• Waterfront Park: Offers trails with cherry blossoms and views of downtown Vancouver.
• Ambleside Beach: Combines ocean views with blooming cherry trees.
• Lower Lonsdale: A waterfront neighbourhood adorned with blossoms.
• Panorama Park (Deep Cove): Provides scenic views alongside cherry blossoms.
• Park Royal: The outdoor mall area features cherry trees among shops and eateries.

Burnaby Locations

• Century Gardens at Deer Lake Park: Known for its rhododendrons, it also features cherry blossoms in spring.
• Burnaby Mountain Park: Offers cherry blossoms with panoramic city views.

Pro Tip: Use the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Bloom Map to track real-time bloom locations—since cherry blossoms peak quickly, this helps you catch them at full bloom!

4. 💛 Forsythia (March – April)

Forsythia is one of the earliest and brightest signs of spring, with its golden-yellow flowers covering bare branches before the leaves emerge.

These cheerful, sun-coloured blooms create a striking contrast against Vancouver’s grey skies, making them a welcome sight as winter fades away. Unlike some delicate spring flowers, forsythia is hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in gardens, parks, and along city streets.

📍 Where to See Them:

• Queen Elizabeth Park – Forsythia bushes add bursts of yellow throughout the gardens, especially along walking paths.
• VanDusen Botanical Garden – A great place to see forsythia mixed with other early bloomers like magnolias and daffodils.
• Community Gardens & Residential Areas – Look for forsythia hedges and flowering shrubs in older neighbourhoods like Kerrisdale and Shaughnessy, where they’re commonly used in landscaping.

Pro Tip: Forsythia blooms before most other flowers, making it a great backdrop for photography—especially when paired with early cherry blossoms or daffodils.

5. 🌼 Daffodils (March – April)

Daffodils are one of the most recognizable spring flowers, with their cheerful yellow, white, and orange blooms signalling that warmer days are ahead.

These hardy, early-blooming flowers pop up in parks, gardens, and even along roadsides, creating bright splashes of colour across the city. Whether planted in neat garden beds or left to naturalize in grassy meadows, daffodils are a true sign that spring is in full swing.

📍 Where to See Them:

• Burnaby Mountain Park – One of the most scenic spots to see daffodils with a mountain backdrop—perfect for spring photography.
• VanDusen Botanical Garden – Features large daffodil plantings alongside tulips and other early bloomers.
• Queen Elizabeth Park – Daffodils line some of the garden pathways, adding a golden touch to the spring landscape.
• Stanley Park & English Bay – Daffodils grow in patches along pathways near the seawall and open green spaces.
• Boulevards & Public Spaces – The city plants daffodils along road medians, parks, and community gardens, making them one of the easiest flowers to spot in early spring.

Pro Tip: Daffodils are one of the longest-lasting early blooms—they hold up well in rain and even light frost, so you can catch them throughout March and April.

6. 🌿 Magnolias (March – April)

Magnolias are one of the most dramatic spring blooms, with their large, cup-shaped flowers appearing before the trees even grow leaves.

Ranging from soft pinks and whites to deep purples, these elegant blossoms cover twisting branches, making them a stunning sight against blue skies or even rainy Vancouver days. Unlike cherry blossoms, which fall quickly, magnolias bloom over several weeks, offering plenty of time to admire them.

I’ve always loved magnolias so much that I even named my rabbit, Magnolia, after these flowers. Just like the blooms, she’s delicate, beautiful, and full of personality. Every spring, when the magnolias start to appear across Vancouver, it reminds me why they’re one of my absolute favourite flowers.

📍 Where to See Them:

• VanDusen Botanical Garden – Home to several varieties of magnolias, including the massive, fragrant Saucer Magnolias.
• UBC Botanical Garden – Features a diverse collection of magnolia species, including rare and old-growth trees.
• Shaughnessy Neighborhood – Older heritage homes have mature magnolia trees that put on a spectacular display in March and April.
• Stanley Park Pavilion Area – Magnolia trees bloom near the gardens by the pavilion, adding a pop of pink to the historic setting.
• Queen Elizabeth Park – Several magnolia trees line the pathways and garden beds, making it one of the best free spots to enjoy them.

Pro Tip: Unlike cherry blossoms, magnolias don’t all bloom at the same time—some start in early March, while others peak in mid-April. If you miss one wave, another might be just around the corner!

7. 🌺 Rhododendrons & Azaleas (April – June)

If you’re looking for bold, vibrant spring colours, nothing beats rhododendrons and azaleas. These lush flowering shrubs bloom in shades of pink, red, purple, yellow, and white, filling gardens and forests with massive clusters of flowers.

Unlike delicate cherry blossoms, rhododendrons last for weeks and thrive in Vancouver’s mild, damp climate, making them one of the most common flowers in the city’s gardens and parks.

📍 Where to See Them:

• Stanley Park’s Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden – This must-visit garden is home to thousands of rhododendrons, donated in the 1960s, and features winding trails surrounded by colorful blooms.
• VanDusen Botanical Garden – One of the best places to see a huge variety of rhododendrons and azaleas in a botanical setting.
• UBC Botanical Garden – The Asian Garden is packed with rhododendrons, including rare and massive old-growth varieties.
• Burnaby’s Century Gardens (Deer Lake Park) – A stunning hidden gem with huge rhododendron bushes in full bloom in April and May.
• The North Shore – Lynn Canyon and Capilano River Regional Park have wild rhododendrons growing naturally along trails.

Pro Tip: Rhododendrons and azaleas are actually part of the same plant family, but azaleas are smaller and more delicate, while rhododendrons have huge flower clusters and thicker leaves. Both bloom around the same time, making them easy to see together in gardens and parks!

8. 🌷 Tulips (April – May)

Tulips are one of the most anticipated spring flowers, bringing bright splashes of red, yellow, pink, and purple to gardens and fields across Vancouver.

Unlike some wild spring flowers, tulips are carefully planted in neat rows and beds, making them a favourite for photographers. Their structured shape and vibrant colours make them one of the most iconic flowers of the season.

📍 Where to See Them:

• Harrison Tulip Festival – The best place for tulip lovers! Located about 90 minutes from Vancouver, this festival features millions of tulips in perfect rows with mountain views as the backdrop. It typically runs from early April to mid-May.
• VanDusen Botanical Garden – Offers a variety of tulip plantings, often mixed with daffodils and hyacinths.
• Queen Elizabeth Park – Tulip beds appear throughout the gardens, adding bright colour to springtime walks.
• Private Gardens in Shaughnessy & Kerrisdale – Many heritage homes feature tulip-lined pathways in April.
• Boulevards & City Parks – The city plants tulips in public gardens and flower beds, so you can often spot them in unexpected places!

Pro Tip: The Harrison Tulip Festival is a must-see if you love tulips, but tickets sell out fast—book early for the best dates!

9. 💜 Lilacs (Late April – May)

Lilacs are known for their heavenly fragrance and delicate clusters of purple, white, and pink blooms. Unlike tulips or daffodils, lilacs grow on large, bushy shrubs that can last for decades, making them a staple in heritage gardens and older neighbourhoods.

Their sweet scent is unmistakable in late April and May, filling the air with a floral perfume that signals spring is in full swing.

📍 Where to See Them:

• VanDusen Botanical Garden – Home to several varieties of lilacs, offering different colours and fragrances.
• UBC Botanical Garden – Features lilac bushes among other late-spring blooms.
• Kerrisdale & Shaughnessy Neighborhoods – Many older homes have mature lilac trees in front yards, making a casual neighbourhood walk a great way to enjoy them.
• Queen Elizabeth Park – Some lilacs can be found mixed among the flowering trees and shrubs.
• Community Gardens & Parks – Lilacs are commonly planted in residential gardens, along walkways, and near park entrances.

Pro Tip: Lilacs have a short bloom window—only about two weeks—so if you catch that first hint of fragrance in the air, don’t wait too long to see them!

10. 🌸 Peonies (May – June)

Peonies are one of the most breathtaking late-spring flowers, with huge, ruffled blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow.

Their lush, romantic appearance makes them a favourite for gardens, photography, and floral arrangements. Unlike cherry blossoms, which fall quickly, peonies bloom for several weeks, making them one of the most anticipated late-spring flowers in Vancouver.

📍 Where to See Them:

• VanDusen Botanical Garden – One of the best places in Vancouver to see a variety of peonies, including tree peonies and herbaceous peonies.
• UBC Botanical Garden – Features well-maintained peony beds that bloom beautifully in late spring.
• Queen Elizabeth Park – Offers scattered peony plantings that complement other late-spring flowers.
• Private Gardens in Shaughnessy & Kerrisdale – Many heritage homes feature peonies in their landscaped front yards.
• Burnaby Mountain Park – Occasionally features peony plantings among other spring perennials.

Pro Tip: Peonies are heavy flowers—after a rain, their large blooms often droop under the weight of the water. If you want the best photos, visit before or after a rainstorm!

Wisteria is one of the most magical late-spring blooms, with long, cascading clusters of purple flowers draping over pergolas, fences, and old stone walls.

Its delicate scent and dreamlike appearance make it a standout among Vancouver’s spring flowers. Wisteria thrives in warm, sunny spots, so you’ll often find it in gardens, courtyards, and climbing up historic homes.

📍 Where to See Them:

• VanDusen Botanical Garden – Home to a beautiful wisteria arbour that blooms in late May.
• UBC Botanical Garden – Features wisteria-covered archways and garden walls.
• Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – A peaceful setting where wisteria drapes over traditional architecture.
• Shaughnessy & Kitsilano – Many older heritage homes have wisteria vines, often climbing along balconies and fences.
• Community Gardens & Courtyards – Wisteria is commonly trained over trellises and archways in public spaces.

Pro Tip: Wisteria blooms best in sunny weather, so check the forecast and visit on a warm, bright day for the most dramatic display.

12. 💛 Laburnum (Golden Chain Trees) (Late May – June)

Laburnum, also known as the Golden Chain Tree, is one of the most breathtaking late-spring blooms. These trees are famous for their long, cascading clusters of bright yellow flowers, which create a glowing tunnel effect when planted in rows.

The vibrant golden blooms contrast beautifully with their deep green leaves, making laburnum a must-see in Vancouver’s late-spring flower displays.

📍 Where to See Them:

• VanDusen Botanical Garden – Home to the famous Laburnum Walk, one of the most photographed spots in late May.
• Shaughnessy & West Vancouver – Some heritage homes and estates have mature laburnum trees draping over pathways and fences.
• UBC Botanical Garden – Occasionally features laburnum plantings in specialty garden sections.

Pro Tip: The Laburnum Walk at VanDusen only peaks for about two weeks, typically at the end of May or early June—plan your visit accordingly!

13. 💙 Himalayan Blue Poppies (Late May – June)

Himalayan Blue Poppies are one of the rarest and most striking flowers you can see in Vancouver. Unlike typical red or orange poppies, these blooms are a vibrant, almost otherworldly shade of blue.

Because they require cool, moist conditions, they’re difficult to grow, making them a special find in only a few select gardens. When they bloom, their delicate, silky petals and bright yellow centers make them stand out among other late-spring flowers.

📍 Where to See Them:

• VanDusen Botanical Garden – The best place in Vancouver to see Himalayan Blue Poppies, found in the Meconopsis Dell, a shaded, woodland-like section of the garden.
• UBC Botanical Garden – Occasionally features Himalayan Blue Poppies in specialty plant beds.

Pro Tip: These rare poppies only bloom for a short time, usually peaking in late May to early June. Check VanDusen’s bloom calendar to make sure you catch them before they disappear!

Hidden Gardens and Scenic Spots for Spring Blooms

Park & Tilford Gardens

Tucked away in North Vancouver, Park & Tilford Gardens is a hidden gem for flower lovers in the spring. This 1.5-acre botanical garden is divided into eight themed areas, including a rose garden, herb garden, and oriental garden, making it a perfect place for a peaceful stroll among colourful blooms. While it’s a smaller garden, it’s packed with seasonal flowers that change throughout spring.

📍 Highlights:

• Rhododendrons – The Rhododendron Garden bursts into colour with vibrant pinks, purples, and reds in April and May.
• Tulips & Daffodils – Bright early-spring blooms add pops of colour in March and April.
• Cherry Blossoms – Scattered throughout the gardens, adding a delicate pink contrast to the structured flower beds.

📍 Location: 440 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver

Pro Tip: This garden is often overlooked, so it’s a great spot to enjoy spring flowers without the crowds you’d find in bigger parks like VanDusen or Queen Elizabeth Park.

Iona Beach Regional Park

For a spring flower experience by the coast, Iona Beach Regional Park offers something truly unique. Located near Vancouver International Airport, this windswept shoreline park features sand dunes, tidal flats, and marshes, where wildflowers bloom naturally in spring.

Unlike the manicured gardens of the city, Iona Beach showcases the beauty of native and coastal plants, making it a great spot for a quiet nature walk or an afternoon of plane-watching.

One of the biggest draws to Iona Beach is its unobstructed views of planes taking off and landing at YVR, making it a favourite spot for aviation enthusiasts.

The long jetty trail extends four kilometres into the ocean, offering a breathtaking walk in spring, with wildflowers blooming along the shore and snowy mountain views in the distance.

📍 Highlights:

• Wild Lupines – Vibrant purple flowers that thrive in the sandy soil, peaking in April and May.
• Sea Thrift – Small, pink clusters of flowers found along the shoreline.
• Nootka Roses – Fragrant native wild roses that bloom in late spring, adding soft pink hues to the landscape.

📍 Location: Iona Island, Richmond, BC

Pro Tip: Visit on a clear day to enjoy both the coastal wildflowers and incredible views of the mountains and ocean. The long jetty trail is perfect for a springtime walk, and if you love planes, this is one of the best spots in Metro Vancouver to watch them up close!

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

For a spring flower experience with cultural significance, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown is a hidden gem. Designed using traditional Chinese gardening techniques, this space offers a peaceful retreat filled with seasonal blooms, reflective ponds, and intricate architecture.

Spring is an especially beautiful time to visit, as the garden comes alive with fragrant blossoms, and the contrast between the delicate flowers and the historic pavilions makes for stunning photos.

📍 Highlights:

• Peonies – Known as a symbol of prosperity, these large, ruffled blooms peak in May.
• Magnolias – Soft pink and white blossoms that add elegance to the traditional architecture.
• Wisteria – Cascading purple flowers draping over archways in late May to June.

📍 Location: 578 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC

Pro Tip: The garden is at its most peaceful in the mornings, when the light is soft and the flowers are fresh from the night’s dew—perfect for photography or a quiet moment.

Everett Crowley Park

One of Vancouver’s lesser-known nature parks, Everett Crowley Park in South Vancouver is a hidden retreat for wildflower lovers. Once a landfill, this reclaimed green space is now one of the city’s largest naturalized areas, featuring forest trails, meadows, and native spring blooms.

📍 Highlights:

• Salmonberry Blossoms – Bright pink flowers that attract hummingbirds in early spring.
• Trilliums – Delicate three-petaled white flowers found in shady forested areas.
• Bigleaf Maples – Large trees produce clusters of small yellow-green flowers in early spring.

📍 Location: 8200 Kerr St, Vancouver, BC

Pro Tip: This is a great spot for nature photography, especially in early spring when wildflowers bloom along the trails.

Lighthouse Park

For a coastal spring bloom experience, Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver is a must-visit. This rugged, oceanfront park is home to towering trees, rocky cliffs, and some of the best wildflower displays on the North Shore.

📍 Highlights:

• Rhododendrons – Scattered along trails, blooming in late April to May.
• Wild Lilies & Coastal Flowers – Found in open meadows and near the rocky shoreline.
• Moss Phlox – Pink and purple ground cover that blankets sections of exposed rock.

📍 Location: 4902 Beacon Ln, West Vancouver, BC

Pro Tip: Visit on a clear spring morning to enjoy flower-filled trails with epic ocean and mountain views—perfect for a hike-and-bloom adventure.

Tips for Enjoying Spring Flowers in Vancouver

🌸 Time it Right – Different flowers bloom at different times! Camellias and plum blossoms start as early as January, while peonies and laburnum don’t peak until May or June.

📍 Use Bloom Maps & Garden Calendars – The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Map tracks real-time cherry blossom blooms, while gardens like VanDusen and UBC Botanical Garden update their bloom calendars throughout the season.

📸 Visit Early or Late in the Day – Early morning and golden hour (just before sunset) offer soft lighting, fewer crowds, and vibrant colors for photography.

🎟 Check for Spring Flower Events & Festivals – Keep an eye out for seasonal highlights like the Harrison Tulip Festival, Sakura Days Japan Fair, and rhododendron walks at Stanley Park.

🚶 Pair Flower Viewing with a Scenic Walk – Many of these locations are near trails, beaches, or parks, making them perfect for a full outdoor experience.