🌸 There’s something truly magical about spring in Vancouver. As the grey skies of winter give way to longer days and warmer breezes, the city begins to bloom—quite literally. And nothing captures the spirit of this seasonal transformation quite like the Kanzan cherry blossoms.
This past April, I found myself once again drawn to the soft pink . The clouds that seem to float above the streets, beckoning passersby to pause, look up, and smile. The Kanzan, with its double-petaled pink flowers, is the showstopper of Vancouver’s cherry blossom season. And this year, I made it a point to slow down and soak in every moment of its fleeting beauty.
The Kanzan: A Blossoming Icon
The Kanzan cherry tree—also known as Kwanzan or Sekiyama—is the most commonly planted flowering cherry in Vancouver. It’s easy to see why. With its vibrant, fluffy blooms and graceful, arching branches, the Kanzan transforms ordinary streets into fairytale avenues.
These trees typically bloom in late April, just as the city begins to warm up. Their blossoms are a rich, deep pink more intense than the pale Yoshino or Shirotae varieties that bloom earlier in the season. As the flowers open, bronze-green leaves emerge alongside them, creating a stunning contrast that adds depth and texture to the scene.
A Living Legacy
What makes the Kanzan even more special is its history. This variety of cherry tree has been cultivated in Japan since the 17th century. Part of a group known as Sato-zakura, or “village cherries.” These trees were bred for beauty, and their legacy lives on in cities like Vancouver, where they continue to inspire awe and admiration.
Standing beneath a Kanzan in full bloom, it’s easy to feel connected to something timeless. These trees have witnessed generations of springtimes, and each year they remind us of the beauty in renewal, in change, and in letting go.
My Favourite Kanzan Viewing Spots in Vancouver
This year, I made it a mission to visit some of the best Kanzan blossom locations around the city. Here are a few highlights from my cherry blossom adventures:
1. Yew and 22nd Avenue
This intersection is a classic cherry blossom hotspot. The trees here form a dense canopy of pink, and the street is often filled with photographers, families, and blossom-chasers like me. Just a block away, from Vine and 20th to 22nd, you’ll find a quieter stretch that’s just as beautiful , perfect for a peaceful stroll or a quiet moment with your camera.
2. Graveley Street (between Lillooet and Rupert)
This two-block stretch is pure magic. The Kanzan trees here are tall and mature, their branches meeting overhead to form a tunnel of blossoms. It’s a favorite among Instagrammers, and for good reason, the light filtering through the petals creates a dreamy, almost surreal atmosphere. Just be mindful of traffic and respectful of the residents who call this street home.
3. Kitsilano Beach Park
Kits Beach is already one of my favourite places in the city, but during cherry blossom season, it becomes even more special. The park features a mix of Yoshino and Kanzan trees, and the blossoms continue up the Yew Street strip, creating a scenic route that’s perfect for a springtime walk by the water.
4. Queen Elizabeth Park
This park is a cherry blossom treasure trove. The trees near the Japanese Memorial are stunning, but the Kanzan trees steal the show later in the season. Walking along the path from the bus loop, you’ll pass under a pink floral archway that feels like something out of a storybook.
Capturing the Moment
One of the joys of cherry blossom season is how it brings people together. Whether it’s families picnicking under the trees, couples taking selfies, or artists sketching the blooms, there’s a shared sense of wonder that fills the air.
I brought my camera along on most of my walks, but honestly, some of my favourite moments were the ones I didn’t photograph. Like the time I sat on a bench in Queen Elizabeth Park, petals drifting down around me like confetti. Or the early morning walk through Kitsilano, when the blossoms were still glistening with dew.
If you’re planning to catch the blossoms next year, I recommend checking social media location tags for real-time updates. The bloom period is short—just a couple of weeks—so timing is everything!
A Season of Reflection
There’s a Japanese word, “hanami,” which means “flower viewing.” But it’s more than just looking at flowers—it’s about appreciating the fleeting nature of beauty, and by extension, life itself. That’s what the Kanzan cherry blossoms remind me of every year.
They bloom in a burst of color and joy, then fade just as quickly, leaving behind only memories and a few scattered petals. But in that brief window, they bring so much happiness, so much connection, and so much peace.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never experienced the Kanzan cherry blossoms in Vancouver, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re a local rediscovering your city or a visitor seeing it for the first time, these blossoms offer a moment of magic that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget.
So next April, grab your camera, your walking shoes, and maybe a friend or two. Head out into the city and let the Kanzan trees guide you. You’ll find beauty, serenity, and maybe even a little bit of yourself among the petals.
Until next spring, 🌸