It’s high time that we march into spring, folks! And what better way to do that than with a roundup of some amazing and free things to do in Vancouver this month? From outdoor activities to relaxing nights in, they are all sorts of options to check out over the next few weeks. Let’s check them out!
Here are 12 of the best free things to do around Vancouver this March.
Check out some cherry blossoms
You don’t need to wait until Cherry Blossom Fest to see one of the most beautiful parts of our city. The thousands of cherry blossom trees have already started to bloom, but things won’t get truly spectacular until the end of the month. Either way, it’s sure to put a smile on your face.
When: Ongoing
Where: All around Vancouver
Catch a film premiere
Curious about the salmon around Vancouver? You’re not alone. And what’s more, a short film on that exact subject is getting released for free, on YouTube, this month! Fingers crossed that it stays up for a little bit, just in case we cant to show our friends.
When: Thursday, March 4th
Where: Streaming on YouTube
Watch shows from Coastal Dance Festival
This annual festival is going virtual this year, but we’re not complaining. Why? Because they’ve got some amazing performances showcasing the stories, songs, and dances of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Plus, all of the online options are free to access, so make sure you check it out.
When: March 12th to March 18th
Where: Online
Cost: Free!
Go for a bike ride
Metro Vancouver recently put out the latest maps for cycling trails around the region. So, from quick local loops to full day journeys, you have more than a few ways to take advantage of the next sunny day. Our advice? Line up your route with some of the mural hotspots around the city.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Enjoy CelticFest
For the first time, CelticFest is offering virtual options alongside in-person concerts. However, we think this is going to be an amazing option for those wanting to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year. The festival was cancelled at the last minute in 2020, so we’re just happy to see its return!
When: March 11th to March 20th
Where: Online and in-person
Cost: Varies
Look at a food-focused art exhibit
The newest show at The Polygon is a roundup of some of the world’s most famous photographers, and all the pieces have one thing in common- a focus on food. If you’ve got a little spending money, we suggest pairing this with a trip to one of Vancouver’s best spots for cheap eats.
When: Opens March 4th
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Admission by donation
Or a massive new digital installation
A fair portion of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is turning into a massive digital canvas this month. What’s more, the people behind the project are the same as the much-loved projections on the Vancouver Art Gallery from years past. If you’re downtown one evening, definitely swing by.
When: March 6th to March 12th
Where: 900 W Georgia Street
Call a Poetry Phone Hotline
That’s right, Vancouver has a new free amenity- a poetry phone hotline. Basically, you dial in, pick a number, and listen to a local poet/artist’s work. It definitely pairs best with a fun walk in a local park, but the service can be accessed anytime.
Where: Click the link above for more into
Explore some local parks
We’re not quite out of the winter woods just yet, technically. And if you’re hoping to make the most of the next brisk morning in the city, then we’ve got a great roundup for beautiful spots around the city to check out. Just a few more weeks before spring arrives!
Where: Click the link above for more info
Do a public art tour
It’s nice that neighbourhoods around the city are more or less public art galleries, thanks to all the murals that have been painted in the past few years. Plus, there are always the public sculptures brought in for the Vancouver Biennale to check out as well.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Or try a year-round hike
Maybe an inner-city walk is a little too tame for you. Hey, not a problem, since the North Shore is home to some amazing hikes that can be enjoyed year-round. However, we’re going to insist that if you go, you go properly prepared. No trips up Grouse in runners, ok?
Where: Click the link above for more info
Send a postcard
Don’t be like us and randomly throw out bunches of mail this month. Why? Canada Post has decided to give every household in the country a free postcard to send, and you might have even already gotten it! Our advice is to use the postcard to round up all the free things you did, then send that (alongside) a doodle, to a friend. Now that’s classic fun.
Where: Click the link above for more info
And that’s our roundup of some amazing free things to do in Vancouver this March! We hope that you enjoy it, folks.
