8 Best Places to Visit in Spring in Canada
Spring in Canada means a crisp air, with the odd dose of warmth. Spring is a wonderful time to visit Canada, with off peak prices in hotels and flights, and decent weather for whatever activity you choose, depending on where you go.
– Moul Falls in BC in June
Many people think ‘Canada’ and just see snow. And I get that. It’s one of the most beautiful places in winter with its vast mountains, epic ski resorts and stunning snowy towns. But Canada isn’t just for Christmas.
This huge country comes back with a bite in the spring offering tonnes of amazing places to visit just before it gets a little too hot. These are just some of my personal favourite places to visit in spring in Canada that you could consider visiting come April, May and June.
Best Places in Canada in Spring
Where to go when it’s spring in Canada? Read on!
1. Vancouver in spring
Come spring, the city of Vancouver on the west coast of Canada turns into an outdoor lover’s playground. The annual snow of winter has melted away, and the city is ready to enjoy being outside again. Expect things to warm up as we come in April although you can enjoy warmer temperatures from March.
I went to Vancouver in June once and the weather was fantastic for sightseeing. Warm, bright, sunny, but with a nice crisp air too. I think this is a great time to visit Vancouver.
– Spring time in Canada means blue skies, and a wonderful temperature for sightseeing
You can opt to keep it chill with a brisk walk around Stanley Park or a wander around Granville Island, or you can ramp it up a gear with a hike up Grouse Grind. Then there’s the rollerblading on Stanley Park Seawall, the seaplanes you can take over the mountains or to nearby Victoria and the Capilano Suspension Bridge you can cross.
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is well worth staying in Vancouver for, if you’re looking for somewhere to go for spring in Canada. The intra-community arts and culture outdoor festival runs from the end of March, into April. You can expect workshops, tree talks and walks, and lots of celebration.
Vancouver is one of my favourite cities whatever the time of year. Here’s what you need to know about what to do in Vancouver, and this is a concise itinerary if you only have a day in Vancouver to enjoy. Visit in spring and there’ll be fewer tourists who are waiting for the warmth of summer or they’ve just finished the ski runs of winter. If you’re looking for some inspiration on where to spend spring break in Canada, this could be your answer.
Basically, if you’ve got the weather, Vancouver’s got the activities. How about doing a road trip from Vancouver to Banff? That way you really get to see some iconic Canadian sights!
- READ MORE: How to Do the Day Trip from Victoria to Vancouver
2. Banff in spring
Over the border in Alberta, beautiful Banff National Park is another spot I’d recommend you see for a Canada spring. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop the town itself is just breathtaking and once the snow has melted you can get in some good hikes along the likes of Fenland Trail, Sundance Canyon and the Bow River Trail.
– Lake Louise is special anytime of year, but spring in Canada is an amazing time to visit
If you’re not one for walking in the wild, you can still take in some of the breathtaking vistas in and around the resort town. Take the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, bathe in the Upper Banff Hot Springs or kayak Vermilion Lakes. There are loads of fun things to do in Banff – it’s one of the most popular places to see in Canada in spring.
We tried to go to the Hot Springs but unfortunately arrived about ten minutes before closing so we didn’t get long to dip in the water. It’s totally lush though and I’d definitely recommend. Make sure you get there in good time to make the most of it.
When is spring in Canada?
Spring in Canada runs from mid March, to mid June.
3. Annapolis Valley in spring
Calling all flower fans, Annapolis Valley is a mecca of pretty petals.
On the eastern shores of Canada in the state of Nova Scotia, Annapolis Valley is full of countryside and coastline making for lovely springtime snaps. And May is the best time to see all the local flowers in bloom in places like Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens and the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens.
If you want to know more about visiting Nova Scotia, check out my guide on how to plan a trip to Nova Scotia, written after chatting with Cailin from Nova Scotia Explorer. And check out my post on driving from Toronto to Nova Scotia too.
Then there’s the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival at the end of the month bringing in some of the most Instagrammable bouquets as well as the area’s best apple desserts and homemade cider.
4. St. John’s in spring
Just off the Atlantic coast, St. John’s is on the island of Newfoundland and best visited in spring when the breeze off ‘Iceberg Alley’ is a little less brutal. Without the icicles weighing down those lashes, you’ve also got a better chance of viewing the strip of icebergs up close on a tour.
If you’re lucky, you might see some puffins and humpback whales too.
Hopping on a kayak tour, you can also discover the sea caves and coves along the on the Avalon Peninsula before stretching your legs back on dry land on the Signal Trails.
St. John’s is also the ideal place if you’re into camping. Places like the Bay Du Nord Wilderness Reserve or Canadian Heritage River Area make it really easy to pitch up, watch the stars and light a fire. St Johns is also one of the top destinations for Canada in Autumn too.
READ MORE: Where to Visit in Canada in summer
5. Marsh Lake in spring
The Yukon is one of the wild and rugged parts of Canada very few people venture to. But if you’ve got the grit, Marsh Lake on the Yukon River is worth seeing.
All snow capped mountains, glistening lakes and deep forest, it’s like something off a postcard. Of course you can see that any time of the year but what makes the April to May window so special is the thousands of swans stopping here as they migrate. A quick visit to the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre and you can see them glide in by the dozen.
From here I’d definitely recommend a stay in the state’s only city, Whitehorse. I went here recently and there’s so much to do from soaking in Takhini Hot Springs (didn’t have time) to canoeing the Yukon River.
I went in July, for the Dawson City Music Festival. I think spring would be the perfect time to visit here. I wouldn’t be sure about visiting in winter though, when the temperature dips as low as -40C!
6. Toronto in spring
Toronto is a great city to visit any time of year, but personally it’s all about spring for me. This is when people begin venturing outside after months of staying indoors.
To give everyone a push back into civilisation, the city puts on a whole host of festivals including the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s Spring Festival, Canadian Music Week and Toronto Jazz Festival in the many parks. Then there’s the cherry blossoms in High Park, Centennial Park and on Centre Island to see.
And if there’s one thing that’d make me come out of hibernation its the farmers markets. They start popping up all over the city come spring offering tonnes of fresh veg, fruit and baked goods. A great excuse to pick up a picnic and enjoy the mild temperatures lounging on The Beaches – the perfect springtime activity.
If you’re looking for a great itinerary for a weekend in Toronto, then click this link!
Toronto is also one of the best places to pick up those Canadian souvenirs to mark the fact you were even there. And check out this article to learn more about the Canadian Tulip Festival in spring – a great reason to visit at this time of year!
7. Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Vancouver Island has exceptionally mild spring weather. You might get a bit of rain here and there, but overall, spring in Canada is well spent in British Columbia. I stayed in Victoria and enjoyed the delights of the harbour, along with a fab food tour. If you want something a little more active to celebrate spring – head to Tofino for a spot of surfing in western Canada.
The milder weather in spring in Canada means you can enjoy early spring, without needing to bunch up in a big coat. This is also a great time and place to see the gray whale migration in Vancouver Island.
“Each spring, some 20,000 Gray Whales (Eschschrictius robustus) move past the western shore of Vancouver Island, en route to summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. The 30 ton giants can be seen from shore, as early as February, with females and calves passing in April and early May. They return by the same route in the fall, to their calving and wintering areas in the lagoons of Baja California.”
– VANCOUVERISLAND.COM
8. Quebec in spring
Visiting Quebec City in spring is a great idea. In spring, Quebec City transforms into a picturesque haven, where the charming blend of French history and natural beauty comes to life. The cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, lined with blooming flowers, create a vibrant atmosphere. The iconic Château Frontenac stands majestically against the backdrop of budding trees along the St. Lawrence River.
As temperatures rise, outdoor cafés and bistros emerge, inviting visitors to savour local delicacies while enjoying the mild weather. The city’s numerous parks, such as the Plains of Abraham, burst with colourful tulips and offer a tranquil retreat. Spring in Quebec City is filled with culture, history, and nature to explore. Another great place for spring break in Canada!
Remember, anyone visiting Canada needs to have the official Canadian Government ETA. Apply and purchase before you book any tickets! Anyone charging more than $7.50 is not the official government site.
I also have a plan to go Canada in this spring season with my mates. I am so sure that it will be a really great time for us and we will come back with a lot of pleasant memories.
Oh I really hope you’re able to go someday. Obviously we’ve all been on lockdown so I presume your trip was cancelled. That’s sad.
I also spent a really good time at Canada during my last journey and we came back with unforgettable memories.
Such a beautiful country hey? I feel like there’s so much cool stuff to do there, and to experience. I want to go back and explore more of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland – looks beautiful there.