Vancouver in March
Hi, we're planning to go to Vancouver in March. I have a few questions, hoping someone can answer them. What's the weather like? What activities can you do during that month? We also want to go skiing for a day. What's the best place for that?
Weather in Vancouver in March
In the month of March, the weather in Vancouver tends to be cool and wet. Daytime temperatures generally range between 7°C and 12°C, while at night they can drop to 4°C or lower. March is part of the rainy season in Vancouver, although the precipitation is usually not as intense as in the winter months. It gets dark relatively early, around 6:30 p.m. at the start of the month, extending a bit further towards the end of the month with the arrival of daylight saving time.
It's advisable to bring a waterproof coat or a good rain-resistant jacket. Sweatshirts, as temperatures can vary between day and night. You should also pack waterproof footwear and a rain poncho, given the high likelihood of light to moderate rain.
Activities during the month of March
In March, Vancouver offers a wide range of activities both outdoors and indoors, taking advantage of the milder weather and the various events and festivals that are celebrated. Below, I’ll detail some of the most notable activities and celebrations to enjoy in Vancouver during this month.
Explore Stanley Park and Vancouver's Seawall
Stanley Park is one of the most iconic urban parks in Canada and offers beautiful trails surrounded by nature. In March, visitors can traverse the famous seawall by bike or on foot, enjoying panoramic views of the city and the coastline.
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
At the end of March and early April, Vancouver celebrates the Cherry Blossom Festival, an event that attracts locals and tourists to enjoy the thousands of blooming cherry trees in the city's parks and streets. Some of the best places to appreciate the cherry blossoms include Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Park, and VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Vancouver International Dance Festival
This festival is held every March and features a diverse program of contemporary dance by international artists. Performances typically take place in various theaters across the city such as the Scotiabank Dance Centre and the Vancouver Playhouse.
Skiing near Vancouver
A perfect place to ski near Vancouver is Grouse Mountain, which is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, offering excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding in March. The snow at this time is still plentiful and the slopes are in optimal condition.
Grouse Mountain has a wide variety of runs and is ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. It offers approximately 33 hectares of skiable terrain, with alpine ski runs, as well as areas for snowboarding and snowshoeing.
Due to its proximity to Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is highly accessible and offers spectacular views of the city and the ocean. Additionally, it features night skiing options and an ice skating rink.
If you’re looking for more advanced skiing terrain, Cypress Mountain is another great option for enjoying winter sports near Vancouver, located just a forty-minute drive away.