Exploring Cherry Blossom Guide in Vancouver: What You Need to Know
Cherry blossoms are renowned for their stunning beauty worldwide. These magnificent trees can reach up to 30 feet high, producing hundreds of delicate pink and white flowers that draw visitors from across the globe each spring.
In Vancouver, the best spots to enjoy cherry blossoms include Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Ambleside (near Millennium Park), Deep Cove, and Deer Lake Park. Each location features various cherry blossom species, showcasing a spectrum of pastel and light pink shades that create a dreamy visual experience.
A Brief History of Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver
Cherry blossoms have a rich history in Vancouver. In the 1930s, Japanese cities Kobe and Yokohama gifted 500 cherry trees to the Vancouver Park Board to honor Japanese Canadians who served in World War I. Another 300 trees were donated by the Japanese consulate in 1958.
These trees were planted along Cambie Street, Queen Elizabeth Park, and around the Japanese monument in Stanley Park. This initiative transformed the city’s landscape, with Vancouverites quickly falling in love with the annual springtime bloom. By the 1990s, cherry and ornamental plum trees made up 36% of Vancouver’s 89,000 street trees. Today, the city boasts over 40,000 cherry trees across 50 varieties.
Types of Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver
Vancouver hosts over 12 cherry blossom varieties, each with its own blooming period:
| Cherry Blossom Species | Blooming Period |
|---|---|
| Yoshino | Late March to April |
| Kanzan Cherry | Mid-April to Early May |
| Autumn Flowering Cherry | October – March |
| Whitcomb Cherry | February – March |
| Accolade Cherry | March |
| Weeping Cherry | Mid-March to April |
| Shirotae Cherry | Late March to April |
| Takasago Cherry | Late March to April |
| Taihaku Cherry | Late March to April |
| Ukon Cherry | Mid-April to Early May |
| Shogetsu Cherry | Late April to Mid-May |
| Shirofugen Cherry | Late April to Mid-May |
Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
1. Stanley Park
- Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
- Website: Stanley Park
- Highlights: The Japanese Memorial Garden features Shirotae and Shirofugen trees, while the Rose Garden showcases Akebono blossoms. Early blooms can also be seen at the eastern edge of Lost Lagoon.
2. Queen Elizabeth Park
- Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1, Canada
- Website: Queen Elizabeth Park
- Highlights: Umineko cherry trees surround the duck pond. The Chinese cherry blossoms are particularly striking in early March, with lights enhancing the park’s nighttime beauty.
3. Ambleside near Millennium Park
- Address: 1150 Marine Drive, 13th Street, West Vancouver
- Website: Ambleside Park
- Highlights: Enjoy Shirotae cherry blossoms along the waterfront with a scenic view of the Lions Gate Bridge and nearby cherry trees by Ambleside Pier.
4. Deep Cove
- Address: North Vancouver, BC V7G 1T8, Canada
- Website: Deep Cove
- Highlights: Shirotae and Shogetsu cherry trees bloom along the shore, offering a picturesque backdrop of mountains and yachts.
5. Deer Lake Park
- Address: 5435 Sperling Ave, Burnaby, BC V5E 2L8, Canada
- Website: Deer Lake Park
- Highlights: This serene park features Whitcomb cherry trees with vibrant pink blossoms, best viewed in early March.
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
- Hosted by: City of Vancouver
- Dates: March to April
- Location: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1, Canada
- Website: Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Established in 2005, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the city’s cherry blossoms with a range of events. Highlights include the Cherry Jam Concert at Burrard Station and the Nights of Light at Queen Elizabeth Park, featuring music, light displays, and other festivities.
