FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (VCBF)?
A: The Festival is the city’s signature springtime event and the annual celebration of cherry blossoms inspired by the age-old Japanese cultural tradition of hanami (flower viewing). Over the months of March and April, 43,000 cherry trees burst into bloom across the city. The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates this stunning natural occurrence with over 20+ cherry blossom-themed community events.
Q: How do I get there / Where does it take place?
A: The Festival occurs in a variety of locations around Vancouver, BC* and is easily accessible by public transit, bicycle or car. Please see individual community events page for the exact location for each event.
*VCBF offices and events take place on the unceded and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations.
Q: Are tickets required to attend?
A: A majority of our events are FREE to the public! The only 2 events that require tickets are Sakura Days Japan Fair and Sakura Night Gala.
Q: What happens if it rains on an event day?
A: Events such as Cherry Jam Downtown and Sakura Days Japan Fair will proceed rain-or-shine.
Events like The Big Picnic, Bike the Blossom, and Tree Talks and Walks are “bloom dependant” so will be a chance for it to be re-scheduled to catch the bloom.
Check our website and social media platforms for the latest updates.
Q: Where can I buy cherry blossom trees?
A: You may check out: Specimen Trees Nurseries Wholesale OR Dykhof Nurseries & Florist to see if they have any in-stock for sale. The Festival no longer sells any cherry blossom trees.
About Cherry Blossoms
Q: When is the best time to visit Vancouver to catch the blossoms?
A: Around early March on a typical warm year, the early cultivars bloom first, followed by the popular light pink, Akebono, variety in late March and a dark pink, Kanzan, following a couple of weeks after in April. Check out our Neighbourhood Maps and What’s Blooming Now pages for real-time.
Q: Where are the best areas to see blossoms?
A: Click here to see the best 21 spots.
Q: How many cherry cultivars are there in Vancouver?
A: Festival Cherry Scouts have discovered 54 cultivars of the ornamental cherry tree in Vancouver. To learn more about these different varieties check this page for more info: https://v1.vcbf.ca/education/cherry-cultivars.
Q: How long does the blossom last?
A: On average, each tree blossoms for about 2 weeks.