Well, Vancouver, here we are! The last few days of March, with April peeking its head out from around the corner. We’re sure you’re already looking forward to nicer weather, so we’re just adding a few things that will make next month that much sweeter!
Here are 25 socially-distanced things to do this April in Vancouver.
Editor’s Note: Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, provincial and city guidelines are continually changing. Please double-check business closures and restrictions before proceeding.
Available Options/Events
Try some Easter treats
Easter’s almost upon us, folks! If you’re looking for a way to sweeten this weekend, we’ve got a roundup of some of the best treats in the city to check out. From classic chocolate eggs to out-of-this-world confections, you’ve got tons of options for making the most of your Sunday morning.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Or a full-blown Easter feast
Speaking of options, we’ve also done a guide of some Easter dinners to check out around the city. Think classics of course, but also a couple of fresher ideas, like a vegan wellington or dim sum dishes.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Head to a patio
With the new restrictions in place for the next few weeks, patios in Vancouver will be a hot ticket item this spring. Luckily, we’ve got a list of some great places for you to check out around the city. Just make sure you’re also following social guidelines if you decide to go.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Go on an early spring hike
For the more adventurous, April is when some amazing hikes in and around Metro Vancouver start to open up. Whether you’re craving a leisurely park walk or some more challenging trips, this region has everything you could ask for and more!
Where: Click the link above for more info
Check out a rainforest treewalk
On the flipside, Vancouver has some great nature options itself. And, one of the more recent additions is the Greenheart TreeWalk at the UBC Botanical Garden. The elevated walk winds some 310 metres amongst the trees, offering a unique perspective on the already beautiful area.
When: Opens April Ast
Where: 6804 SW Marine Drive
Cost: $10 for garden admission, and $13 for TreeWalk add-on, tickets available March 31st
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Meanwhile, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a classic Metro Vancouver option in the spring. Bring a raincoat, and enjoy some of the North Shore’s best views.
When: Open daily
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $54.95 (same price as an annual pass)
Dive in on your own public art tour
The Vancouver Mural Fest has covered neighbourhoods around the city with gorgeous artworks. But, we recommend that you check out the latest addition to the Vancouver Biennale’s Open Air Museum. Either way, interesting public art is a great daytime option in the spring.
Where: Click the links above for more info
Seek out some beautiful cherry blossoms
We have a feeling that checking out cherry blossoms will be a top choice for us this spring, and we’re down for it. After all, cherry blossoms are beautiful, free, and a great opportunity for some fresh air. 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
Treat yourself to some flowers
Flowers are a surefire way to brighten up any day. And, you can now once more grab some fresh flowers (among other things) at Vancouver’s farmers’ markets! At the end of March, the province eased up on their ‘no artisan’ rule, which had prevented them from selling for weeks.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Play Disc Golf at Queen Elizabeth Park
If you’re looking for a way to hang with your friends outdoors in a socially distanced manner then disc golf might just be for you. And what’s even better is that the course at Queen Elizabeth Park is completely free! So grab a frisbee and your friends and try it out.
When: Open throughout April
Where: 33rd Avenue and Cambie St
Step back into summer
Our best recommendation for those looking for summer is to head to the Bloedel Conservatory, where you’ll be treated to an incredibly lush experience. Tropical plans and tropical birds? Pinch us, we must be dreaming. Great if you need a break for Vancouver’s gloomy winter days.
When: Open daily
Where: Cambie Street 4600
Cost: $6.90, get tickets online
Learn about Vancouver’s history
The museum of Vancouver is a worthwhile trip for the neon exhibit alone. But, we also think that the newest exhibit ‘A Seat at the Table’ is worth checking out too. The exhibit looks at the history of Chinese immigrants in Vancouver, with an emphasis on the culinary contributions made over the years.
When: Open throughout April
Where: 1100 Chestnut Street
Cost: $10
Hear some Arctic Voices
Science World’s latest exhibit is a massive showcase of the culture, environment, and inhabitants of Canada’s Arctic. Personally, we think the arctic is the most metal biome on earth, so we’re definitely recommending this option for anyone in the learning mood.
When: Open throughout April
Where: 1455 Quebec Street
Cost: $27.62, reserve your timeslot online
Look at a food-focused art exhibit
Do these past couple picks have you feeling peckish? Well, you might want to plan to visit The Polygon’s next exhibit, titled A Feast for the Eyes. The show 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.
When: Open throughout April
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Admission by donation
Hit the Links
Vancouver is one of the few regions in Canada to offer outdoor golf year-round. What’s more, the sport practically guarantees no interaction with other people if you don’t want to. So, maybe think about hitting one of the city golf courses or a pitch and putt for some exercise.
When: Courses open daily
Where: Around Vancouver
Cost: Varies
Wander around the Vancouver Art Gallery
You’ve only got a few days left to check out the ‘Op Art’ exhibits at the Vancouver Art Gallery. While there are other exhibitions on throughout the month, we’ve got a ‘bang for our buck’ approach when it comes to visiting, so we highly recommend checking it out before it closes.
When: Ends April 5th
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: Varies
Museum of Anthropology- A Future for Memory
MOA welcomed a new exhibition earlier this year. This one focuses on the impact and aftermath of the 2011 earthquake off the coast of Japan. It’s an interesting one, especially since MOA itself is undergoing extensive ‘earthquake-proofing’ reconstruction.
When: Open throughout April
Where: 6393 NW Marine Drive, UEL
Cost: $15
Bill Reid Gallery- To Speak with a Golden Voice
Like the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Bill Reid Gallery has a major exhibition wrapping up this month. But, theirs is a retrospective on Bill Reid himself, a Haida master carver who transformed the Pacific Northwest art scene.
When: Open throughout April
Cost: $13
Virtual Party for the Planet
Hosted by the City of Surrey, this family-friendly livestream will educate people on living sustainably. There are prizes to be won, and the event will feature musical performances from a variety of local artists.
When: April 22nd
Where: Online
Vancouver Fashion Week
Looking for a little outfit inspiration this summer? You might want to check out Vancouver Fashion Week, which highlights some up-and-coming designers from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a chic dress or some new classics, this is a great event.
When: April 16th to April 18th
Where: Online
See what’s new on Netflix and Disney+
Disney+ and Netflix continue to create amazing shows and movies for our enjoyment. This month, we’ve got a new The Mighty Ducks series to see on Disney+ and the latest documentary series from David Attenborough on Netflix. At least, that’s what we’re looking forward to.
When: Throughout April
Check out a Drive-In Movie
Really craving a movie on the big screen? You can still head down to the Twilight Drive-In for a socially-distanced experience. They usually have great lineups on the weekend as well, from new releases to timeless classics.
When: Showtimes weekly
Where: 260th Street & Fraser Highway, Langley
Cost: $30 and up
Planned Options/Events
Goat Yoga at Maan Farms
This super-popular event held at an Abbotsford Farm is a perfect day-trip experience. However, we’ll need to wait until interregional travel is safe once more before we can fully recommend it. So, keep it in mind for the next restrictions update!
When: On throughout April
Where: 790 McKenzie Rd, Abbotsford
Cost: $75
See some live theatre
Local theatres like Firehall and Arts Club Theatre had been doing live shows over the winter, but the new restrictions have put their plans on pause. So, keep them in mind if they can reopen since they need all the support they can get right now. Or, spice up a night in by streaming one of their productions.
When: To be determined
Where: Around Vancouver
Cost: Varies
Do a tour of roadside attractions
This is dependent on public health restrictions, but fun enough that we think it’s worth including. Turns out, BC is home to a ton of major roadside attractions, ranging from giant hockey sticks to a glass mosaic house. Probably better as part of a spring camping trip, but the devoted few can see amazing things in a day trip.
Where: Click the link above for more info
That’s what we’ve got in mind for you this April, Vancouver! If you need us, we’ll be meditating around all the cherry blossoms that we can in the city.
