With the bipolar winter weather and unexpected heaps of snow we've been experiencing, its safe to say many of us are just longing for the sun to come back. Well right after winter comes spring and here's hoping March helps to kick off sunnier and warmer days.
March is full of events and things to do that will get you excited about spring and ready for summer. So save some money for your summer vacations with this list of fun, free things to do next month. Happy almost spring Vancouverites!
30. Go for a hike
Lucky for us, the incredible outdoors is free for everyone! With spring coming and less snow on its way (unless Vancouver decides to surprise us with another snowstorm), check out this article for some of the best spring hikes in B.C.
29. Check out some art at the North Shore Art Crawl 2018
This annual free community arts event showcases and celebrates unique artistic creations from over 288 local artists. Support local talent at the North Shore Art Crawl 2018 on March 10 and 11.
28. Celebrate St. Pat's at the CelticFest
Celebrate St. Patty's and save more money for drinks at the annual CelticFest. CelticFest will run from February 25 to March 17 and feature free events, such as a show on Thursday, March 15. Keep updated with the events here.
27. Go to the Winter Farmers Market at Nat Bailey Stadium
The farmers market at Nat Bailey Stadium takes place every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Shop local produce from over 70 vendors.
26. Visit the Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel
For some 1920's vintage vibes, head on over to the Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel. Entrance is free to this heritage museum and there's also a restored 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel.
25. Catch the sunset at one of these Vancouver viewpoints
With warmer weather coming and hopefully more sunny days, take advantage of sunset spots in Vancouver before the crowds move in. There are tons of places across the city that can get you a pretty sweet view.
24. Listen to readings at the Vancouver Writers Fest's Incite
Hosted by the Vancouver Writers Fest, Incite is a free reading series that takes place every second Wednesday from January to May at the Vancouver Public Library. Many talented authors participate in this event that allows an accessible means of personal discussion between acclaimed writers and Vancouverites. Registration is required for this free event.
23. Relax at a hot spring
Escape the cold and get a spa-like soaking sans the cost at a natural, undeveloped hot spring. Check out our list of surreal hot springs across the province!
22. See the cherry blossoms
Although it may not feel like it yet, spring IS on its way to Vancouver. Soon cherry blossoms will be brightening up our city. The official Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival begins on April 3, but there's no predicting exactly when the buds will spring so just in case, keep a lookout!
21. Check out the Equinox Art Gallery and Monte Clarke Gallery
Explore two less known galleries that are conveniently located side by side. These two modern contemporary art galleries feature a simple space that hosts a wide array of artists. The Equinox even serves wine.
20. Go for a photoshoot at these Insta-worthy spots
Looking to get some spring OOTDs for your feed? For a wide variety of settings and some of the most Instagrammable places in the city, check out this guide.
19. Get competitive at Vancouver's free tennis courts
With warmer weather and tennis season coming, hit up some of Vancouver's outdoor courts for some friendly (or not so friendly) competition. Check out some of Vancouver's free tennis courts here.
18. Read at the Downtown Vancouver Public Library
Get engulfed in a book in this beautifully designed space. Or change up your study space and try hitting the books at this downtown library. Just make sure to be careful with your stuff since it is a public space.
17. Stroll through the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park in Chinatown
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park is a free public space a part of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. It is the first Chinese garden of it's kind to be built outside of China.
16. Go biking in Stanley Park
Before the paths get crowded with both tourists and locals in the summer, go for a scenic bike ride along the harbour in Stanley Park. We know you've missed this all winter long.
15. Go for an art appreciation day the Contemporary Art Gallery
To explore another downtown art gallery other than The Vancouver Art Gallery, check out the Contemporary Art Gallery on Nelson St. The modern gallery currently has a new exhibition called Two Scores.
14. Go snowshoeing
Get in one last snowshoe before the season ends! Snowshoeing is doable on several free trails and is perfect if you have your own gear or can borrow from your friends. There are several free, designated trails on both Seymour and Cypress.
13. Visit the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
This is a bucket list experience in Vancouver. The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is typically less busy than the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the entire park is seriously scenic and very PNW.
12. Discover new old books at MacLeod's Books
Find your next read at MacLeod's Books. With a wide variety of books to choose from and a friendly owner, Don Stewart, and staff, you'll likely find a new book you can't put down.
11. Visit Ladner Creek Trestle
Go on a fun day trip to this very neat, abandoned trestle. Located two hours away from Vancouver is this hidden gem and PNW photographer's dream. Make sure to be careful!
10. Dance the night away at these nightclubs with no cover
Save your money for more drinks instead. Check out this list for tips on how to get comp cover at different nightclubs in Vancouver.
9. Visit an incredible winter waterfall
Experience a frozen adventure before the snow completely melts. Many of B.C.'s beautiful waterfalls become a winter sight to behold when dusted with snow.
8. Attempt this epic food challenges at Lucy's Eastside Diner
Eat your heart out for your chance at free food. Lucy's Uncle Grant Challenge at the 24/7 diner features a bowl of mac n' cheese and a bowl of poutine, both with pulled pork, a quadruple 6-oz. patty burger with 12 pieces of bacon between two grilled cheeses, and to top it off, a 26-oz. milkshake, to finish all within 20 minutes. Ready, set, go!
7. Camp out one of these free campsites
Before the summer crowds, brave the colder weather and go camping!This article is your guide to some of the best free, no reservation required campsites in B.C.
6. Explore the Logger's Lake Riverside Trail
For an adventure off the beaten path, check out this (sometimes snow covered) suspension bridge near Whistler. It's the perfect pitstop on your way back from skiing/boarding Whistler.
5. Explore this cool BC castle
Have a royal experience at the Hatley Castle in Victoria. This Edwardian Castle and National Historic Site is the backdrop for many films and shows such as X-men, Deadpool and more. You can get complimentary access to the garden.
4. Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery on Tuesday for entrance by donation
If you've been wanting to check out the cool Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg exhibit at the VAG, Tuesday nights is your chance to explore the gallery for entrance by donation.
3. Hike a dog friendly trail in BC
Bring your pup out for a hike on a dog-friendly trail in Vancouver. These trails let your dog run free without a leash.
2. Check out the Rennie Collection
This beautiful gallery in Gastown offers free guided tours of the exhibitions. The newest exhibit, Yoko Ono’s MEND PIECE, will start on March 1st and run for the entire month. Make sure to register beforehand here.
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1. Celebrate St. Patty's Day at Blarney Stone
St. Patty's Day is always a blast, so why not countdown to this iconic celebration? The Blarney Stone is hosting a Countdown to St. Patrick’s Day Long Weekend Party and you can now get guest list here.
