We reject T.S. Eliot’s claim that April is the cruelest month. That crazy, mixed-up poet obviously didn’t have Vancouver to explore every year. If he did, then we might have had a completely different version of The Wasteland. When you’re done reading that (good luck figuring out what it means) treat yourself with a much more straightforward version of spring- our list of free stuff 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.
Shop at a Farmers Market
In addition to some of the best local producers, Vancouver’s Farmers Markets recently got the go-ahead to bring back artisans. It’s hard to beat a spring morning exploring the market, stopping to smell (and maybe even buy) some flowers while you get your groceries.
When: Markets throughout the month
Where: Click the link above for locations
Enjoy the Festival du Bois
This is the largest Francophone festival outside of Quebec. Although it’s virtual this year, you’ll still be able to enjoy music concerts, crafting, and more. If you grew up attending a French-immersion school, this could be your chance to impress your friends with basic translation skills.
When: April 16th to April 30th
Where: Online
Party for the Planet
Hosted by the City of Surrey, this Earth Day celebration will both educate and entertain. Enjoy local musicians, learn about sustainable lifestyles, and enter to win over $700 of prizes! We’re fans of The Zolas, so we think it’s worth checking out for them alone.
When: April 22nd
Where: Online
World Ski and Snowboard Festival
For three weekends throughout April, this festival is streaming live DJ sets from some of Whistler’s most iconic vistas. While you’re tuning in, you can also vote on custom-designed Foon Skis (or heck, submit your own design!). The winner of that contest will see their design put into production, in addition to their own pair.
When: April 16th, 23rd and 30th
Where: Online
Check out the cherry blossoms
We’re just going to say it- Vancouver’s thousands of cherry blossoms are far and way one of the best free things to do in the city year-round, not just in the spring. So, make the most of it and get to checking out as many as you can! We’re here to help you start, with our favourite spots in the city. If there’s one free thing to do this April in Vancouver, it’s this.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Explore an art exhibition in North Van
If you’re looking for a little culture this month, The Polygon has you covered in the best way possible. What do Nobuyoshi Araki, Wolfgang Tillmans, and Cindy Sherman all have in common? They, alongside a laundry list of the world’s best photographers, have got a pretty fun interest in food.
When: Open throughout April
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court
Cost: By donation
Go 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.
Where: Click the links above for more info
Or immerse yourself in a virtual tour
Hot take- it took the Louvre months to launch free virtual tours only because the museum itself it absolutely massive. See the Mona Lisa without the droves of people in front of it, or play the craziest game of virtual I Spy that’s ever existed. Well, aside from GeoGuessr.
Where: Click the link for more info
Go for a spring hike
April is when some of the best trails in the region become available once again. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon walk or a full day of exploring, we’ve got a list of some of our favourite spots. Just make sure you’re socially distancing while you’re out there!
Where: Click above to see our picks
Play Disc Golf at Queen Elizabeth Park
For those with a little bit of a sporty side, it’s hard to beat frisbee golf. It’s free, you get to walk around beautiful parks, and the only requirement is a couple of frisbees, that at least one of your friends probably already owns. Check in with them and try this great sport.
Where: 33rd Avenue and Cambie St
And that’s our roundup of some great free things to do this April in Vancouver! We hope that you can have some frugal fun out there folks because that’s our plan!
