The sun is finally shining, the birds are chirping, the cherry blossoms have made their spectacular debut and many patios are now open for the season. All aforementioned signs can only mean one thing – spring has finally sprung here in our beautiful, vibrant city.

Even though summer is still ways away, the rising mercury has many Vancouverites sporting shorts and tank tops. And with this glorious heat and beautiful sunshine, who could blame them?

On average, it rains 161 days per year here in Vancouver – the average daily high is rarely more than 10C for around a six-month period. After months and months of rain and dark, gloomy days, many of us are ready to swap sweaters and scarves for sunscreen and sandals.

Of course, here in Vancouver, you never know when another long bout of rain will return – that’s why it’s important to take advantage of the early summer-like weather while you have the opportunity.

Here are just 5 ways to soak up the sunshine this spring in Vancouver.

1. Take a Summer Hike

The Vancouver area has no shortage of natural beauty, from its sparkling lakes and rivers to its rich and lively forests. For those who love the great outdoors, it is definitely the place to be.

Hikers in particular can keep busy year round with countless trails to explore and peaks to summit, but it’s always nice to stay dry during your trek. The sheer number of hiking opportunities can be overwhelming for anyone looking to plan their next excursion. Check out our recent roundup of Vancouver hiking trails to help pinpoint the perfect trip for you.

2. Be a Tourist in Vancouver

Is there a museum you’ve wanting to check out? How about a play or even a new cafe that all your friends keep talking about?

Spend the day seeing the sites that you’ve never had a chance to get around to, take some photos and get reacquainted with Vancouver. Even if you’ve lived here for your entire life, there’s probably a lot you don’t know about this amazing city.

With world-famous beaches and museums, top-notch dining destinations and historical hot spots rich with history, Vancouver’s urban scene is like no other.

Vancouver offers a plethora of great attractions for tourists and locals alike. Visit Tourism Vancouver’s website for a list of must-see attractions.

3. Be a Beach Bum

While the sun is still shining, take a trip to the seashore, and visit one of breath-taking Vancouver’s beaches. The city boasts nine – eight by the ocean and one by a freshwater lake. In total, that’s 18 km of beautiful outdoor space to sunbathe, swim, play sports, and picnic.

Here is a list of beaches to discover and explore this spring:

  1. English Bay Beach, located along Beach Ave between Gilford St and Bidwell St on the Stanley Park Seawall system.
  2. Jericho Beach, located on the north side of Jericho Park at the west end of Point Grey Rd between Wallace St and Discovery St.
  3. Kitsilano Beach, located on Cornwall Ave at the north end of Yew St. The Seawall runs alongside the beach and Kitsilano Pool is at the west side.
  4. Locarno Beach, located at the west side of Jericho Park on Northwest Marine Dr between Discovery St and Tolmie St.
  5. Second Beach, located on the Stanley Park seawall at Stanley Park Dr and North Lagoon Dr beside the outdoor pool.
  6. Spanish Banks Beach, located on Northwest Marine Dr west of Tolmie St and on the Seaside Seawall.
  7. Sunset Beach, located at the mouth of False Creek on Beach Ave between Bute St and Thurlow St. Close to the West End and Downtown areas of Vancouver.
  8. Third Beach, located on the Stanley Park Seawall system at Ferguson Point.
  9. Trout Lake Beach, located at the south end of Trout Lake in John Hendry Park at Victoria Dr and East 19th Ave.

4. Don’t Run for Cover

Vancouver’s spectacular spring weather is just too beautiful to waste sitting inside a dark, dreary restaurant. Fortunately for Vancouverites, the city boasts some of the finest patios in the downtown core, as well as off the beaten path. Vancity Buzz has compiled a great list of hidden patios that you probably aren’t aware exist.

5. Have a Picnic at a Vancouver Park

For those who’d prefer a quieter alfresco dining experience, pack a backpack or picnic basket with some local fare and head to a quiet park to dine in the sunshine.

While the grass is dry, spread out a blanket under a shady tree and enjoy the quiet before the next rainstorm.

Let’s face it, Vancouver is picture-perfect, especially when it comes to all of the breathtaking parks, trails and picnic spots to choose from.

Many of Vancouver’s parks feature (water park, view point, gardens, feature playground, etc) or they have a collection of activities that keep people entertained for awhile.

And there you have it Vancouverites, just 5 ways to celebrate the sunshine here in our beautiful city. Of course, you’ll want to get out there soon and enjoy it before the sun sets on this early summer-like weather. On second thought, you may also want to pack an umbrella to stay on the safer, dry side.

About Dr. Kumar Shivdasani

Dr. Kumar Shivdasani is a medical practitioner with 25 years experience. He began his career in emergency at Vancouver General Hospital and addiction medicine – later branching into cosmetic medicine. He is the owner of CüR Laser and Skin in Vancouver, BC. Education, good lifestyle and diet changes lay the foundation for developing overall health and wellness, helping Kumar’s clients achieve and maintain their target goals. Dr. Kumar is also dedicated to helping others as shown by his support for Summits of Hope and Turning Point Recovery