The 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

– This post is on spring in Canada is in collaboration with Explore Canada as part of their #ForGlowingHearts campaign to showcase the wonders and delights of Canada. I love the country! Of course, all thoughts and words my own. 

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.

Basically, if you’ve got the weather, Vancouver’s got the activities.

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READ MORE: 52 Coolest Things to Do in Vancouver

How to Do the Day Trip from Victoria to Vancouver

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1. Banff in spring

Over the border in Alberta, beautiful Banff is another spot I’d recommend you see in 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.

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. 

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When is spring in Canada? 

Spring in Canada runs from mid March, to mid June. 

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2. 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.

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.

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.

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READ MORE: Where to Visit in Canada in summer

READ MORE: WHY VISIT CANADA NOW? What to Know Before You Go!

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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! 

READ MORE: Your Guide to Visiting Whitehorse

Guide to Dawson City

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!

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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.

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