After a pretty tough week of weather, it’s looking like that wily old Mr. Sun is ready to peek his head out once more in Vancouver this weekend! And, we’re ready to greet him, so we’ve got a mix of indoor and outdoor activities lined up for you.

Here are 10 things to do in Vancouver this weekend.

Go on an early spring hike

Is sightseeing not enough anymore? No? Fair enough-we’ve got an amazing selection of spring and year-round hikes to check out across the Lower Mainland. Before making any serious plans, we recommend checking in with local health authorities to see what they’re saying. Yeah, we know, it’s weird that BC and municipalities are on different wavelengths regarding local travel, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles.

Where: Click the link above for more info

ExplorASIAN 2021

May is Asian Heritage Month, and it’s also the 25th anniversary of this massive festival of Asian cultures! The opening ceremony is this weekend, as well as the opening of a few art exhibits, virtual events, and streaming content.

When: On throughout the week
Where: Click the link above for more info

Have a pizza party

A brand new festival called La Pizza Week is kicking off in Vancouver this weekend! Coming from the same people behind La Poutine Week, this festival is meant to show off all the ooey-gooey deliciousness that Vancouver has to offer. Plus, for the more adventurous, there are even sushi pizza options to try.

When: Starts Saturday, May 1st
Where: Locations around Vancouver

Do a little Mother’s Day gift shopping

That’s right folks, Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and Vancouver is filled to the brim with amazing places to grab a gift. If you’re looking for some inspiration, we rounded up some of our go-to spots in the city. So, no matter what type of mom you have, you’ll be able to make the day that much more special.

When: Now until May 9th
Where: Click the link above for more info

Capture Photography Festival

Vancouver’s annual public photography festival has returned! Throughout the week, you can check out a variety of public art and exhibitions. Personally, we think that the installation at the BC Hydro Substation is worth a walk downtown alone, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

When: Ends Friday, April 30th
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: Varies

Seek out some beautiful cherry blossoms

We hate to say it, but we’re running out of time to see all the cherry blossoms that we’d like to in Vancouver. Now, the issue is picking where to go, but we’ve got you covered with the city’s best areas.

Where: Click the link above for more info

Watch People Spit Fire at the Verses Festival of Spoken Word

Okay, not all spoken word is like that scene from 22 Jump Street. There can be some really powerful and interesting stuff out there. This festival wraps up this weekend, with a nationwide slam poetry contest on Saturday. Finalists from across the country will go head to head, so it’s sure to be an exciting evening!

When: On throughout the week
Where: Online
Cost: Varies

Buy Some Crafts at the Got Crafts? Virtual Spring Market

If your place is looking a little empty after your spring cleaning run, this is just the event to start filling it up again. This virtual pop-up has all sorts of crafts for your body, your stomach and for your kids. If you need something new in your life, we can bet there’s a vendor for it.

When: On until May 2nd
Where: Online

Learn About Art at The Bill Reid Gallery

Back by popular demand! The Bill Reid Gallery is bringing back its amazing exhibit called Speaking With a Golden Voice. It chronicles the life and works of Indigenous artist Bill Reid and is worth checking out. There are a few rules for safe visits, so be sure to check out the website here.

When: Open Wednesday to Sunday weekly
Where: 639 Horny Street
Cost: $0 – $13 depending on age, $30 for families

Explore a Classical Chinese Garden

After months of closure, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden has reopened for the spring! This amazing blend of landscaping and architecture is sure to transport any Vancouverite who wanders in. And, like all the other relevant activities listed on here, there are new protocols in place (one-way routes, face masks, and so on…) to protect the health and safety of guests.

When: Open throughout May
Where: 578 Carrall Street
Cost: $16

That’s what we’ve got in mind for this weekend, folks! Enjoy yourself, whatever you decide to get up to.