Spring is officially upon us! Summer is just a season away. The sun has been making it's appearance in Vancouver more than usual lately and we are here for it. So let's make the season count and enjoy the rare sunshine and warmth our city has been experiencing.
April may seem like an in-between month with not much to do but it doesn't have to be! Plus in the midst of exam season it's nice to get a study break from cramming for finals.
Make the most of spring without spending tons of moolah with our guide to free things to do in Vancouver this April. From gigantic pillow fights to cherry blossom season, Easter festivities, outdoor adventures and more, this list has got you covered and will for sure keep you busy for the spring season. Happy April Vancouverites!
@juliandennison30. Visit the Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel
Explore this free heritage museum and get a dose of the 1920's vintage vibes. The Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel also has a restored 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel.
@tsa.n29. Visit the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Explore the beautiful suspension bridges of BC at the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Get ready for a seriously PNW adventure.
@eotxns28. Explore Hatley Castle
Get the royal treatment at this Edwardian Castle and national historic site. Located in Victoria, Hatley Castle has been the set for many films and shows like Deadpool, X-men and more. Access to the garden is free!
@_theanoi27. Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery on Tuesdays for entrance by donation
The Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg exhibit is currently on at the VAG until May 6th. Entrance on Tuesday nights is by donation.
@tequilas_ears26. Hike a dog friendly trail in Vancouver
Take your puppy on a dog-friendly trail in Vancouver and let him/her roam (leash) free.
@renniecollect25. Check out the Rennie Collection
Explore this hidden gem of a gallery that offers free guided tours. The latest exhibit, Yoko Ono’s MEND PIECE, was so popular that they extended it in to April 15 so don't miss your last chance! Make sure to register in advance here.
@vancouvereastvillage24. Hastings Park Winter Farmer’s Market
April is the last month of the Hastings Park Farmers Market for the season. Check out the market which happens every Sunday at Hastings Skatepark near the PNE.
@nicolehuui23. Go for a hike
With the weather getting warmer and the trails becoming less wet and/or snowy, trails are becoming more accessible! Get your hiking on and check out this article for your guide to spring hiking in B.C.
@followmygreen22. Go to the Winter Farmers Market at Nat Bailey Stadium
You can shop for local produce from over 70 vendors every Saturday at Nat Bailey Stadium. The farmers market is from 10 am to 2 pm.
@extrachewy21. Check out the Equinox Art Gallery and Monte Clarke Gallery
Wine and art night? These modern contemporary art galleries are right beside each other and each feature a minimalistic space and The Equinox even serves wine.
@charlenelizette20. Walk through the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park in Chinatown
Find tranquility at this beautiful garden. Located in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park is a free public space.
@frombedstobowls19. Port Moody Winter Farmers’ Market
You can shop local produce and artisan crafts at the Port Moody Winter Farmers’ Market. It takes place every Sunday at 10 am to 2 pm and from November to April.
@acroyogasurfgirl18. Watch the sunset at one of these Vancouver viewpoints
Get excited for summer and chase the sunset. The sun will hopefully be more present during April so take advantage of those sunny days.
@vancouverwritersfest17. Listen to readings at the Vancouver Writers Fest's Incite
The Vancouver Writers Fest has brought a free reading series to Vancouver called Incite. You can listen to several talented authors at the Vancouver Public Library every second Wednesday from January to May. Make sure to register in advance!
@shelbygclarke16. Visit Granville Island
Granville Island is a cute spot, whether it's a day out with the girls or date night with bae. Get tons of cute Instagram pics too at no extra cost.
@chrisandman15. Relax at a hot spring
Experience the beauty of BC from the comfort of a hot spring. Check out our guide to the incredible natural hot springs across the province!
@jennamaaah14. Dance the night away at these nightclubs with no cover
Don't spend money on cover, spend money on more drinks. Check out this list for some tips on getting free cover at Vancouver clubs and bars.
@cherryblossomfestyvr13. Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
The official Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival begins on April 3 which means many cherry blossoms will be making their way into the city! Go on a cherry blossom hunt and get some obligatory spring photos.
@aolinc12. Play Disc Golf at Queen Elizabeth Park
Grab a frisbee and some friends and have a day playing some disc golf. There's a course at the scenic Queen Elizabeth Park.
@stevegunnstevegunn11. Explore the Contemporary Art Gallery
Conveniently located downtown, explore a modern gallery called the Contemporary Art Gallery on Nelson St. They currently has a new exhibition called Two Scores.
@thismodernmuse10. Go for a photoshoot at these Insta-worthy spots
What better way to get some cute spring shots than at the most Instagrammable places in Vancouver? Check out this ultimate Instagram Vancouver guide.
@stanleyran9. Hit up Vancouver's free tennis courts
Tennis season is upon us! Get competitive at Vancouver's free outdoor tennis courts.
@enigmatic_sign8. Bike in Stanley Park
Catch the sun and a glimpse of summer and go biking at Stanley Park. It's your chance to go for a scenic bike ride before the tourist crowds move in on the paths.
@vancitywild7. Visit Ladner Creek Trestle
Experience a PNW dream at this abandoned trestle that is located two hours away from Vancouver in Ladner. Please be super careful!
@fartravels6. Camp at one of these free campsites
Camping gets crowded in the summer. So before it's super difficult to get a spot, go spring camping! Check out this article to free, no reservation required campsites in B.C.
@karmateachers5. Do a Free Yoga Class
Yoga can be an expensive practice, but it doesn't have to be. Check out these studios that offer free yoga classes. For donation based classes, pay it forward and support local charities.
4. Cherry Jam Downtown Concert
Who's down for a free concert? The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival’s Cherry Jam Downtown Concert will take place at the Burrard Street Skytrain Station on April 5th from 12 pm until 1:30 pm.
@thefarmatbyronbay3. River District Golden Egg Hunt
Bring your younger siblings or cousins on a fun easter egg hunt that is sure to satisfy the chocoholic. The River District Golden Egg Hunt will take place on Sunday, April 1st from 10am to 1pm at the River District Neighbourhood Centre at 8683 Kerr Street Vancouver.
@nadhaikajay2. Easter Vintage Car Rally 2018
Are you a car fanatic? Then you'll appreciate the vintage cars on display at the 2018 the Easter Car Rally. The event takes place from 10 am and 12 pm on Sunday, April 1 at Trev Deeley Motorcycles at 1875 Boundary Road. Cars will gather there between 10 am and 12 pm.
@thouartworld1. Vancouver Pillow Fight Day in 2018
Celebrate International Pillow Fight Day with a real life pillow fight that's probably the biggest you've ever experienced. The Vancouver Pillow Fight will take place on Saturday April 7th from 3 pm to 3:30 pm in the south plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery.