Family Life

What Will Spring Bring?

One of the things I appreciate most about living here is our mild winters and early springs. I love my country, but I don’t think I’m built for winter anywhere else in Canada. This winter was colder and so much snowier than usual, but I’m encouraged knowing that spring is just around the corner. Thankfully, The Weather Network just released their Spring Forecast to give us an idea on what we can expect this season. Are you excited yet? We sure are!

We’re looking forward to so many things this spring! I love that the days are getting longer, and we’re eagerly watching the trees for those first pale green buds…

and the first shoots of spring flowers breaking through the moist soil…

transforming almost overnight into bright swaths of delicate crocuses and snowdrops.

As the weather warms up, my girls will spend more time playing outside too. We have a handful of local parks we like to visit on a regular basis, but frankly, splashing in rain puddles is just as much fun.

Don’t forget that March break will be here before we know it! I’ve been planning a mix of indoor and outdoor activities and outings to keep the kids busy. Science World and the HR MacMillan Space Centre are fun and educational options for rainy days, and I’m planning a day trip to Lynn Canyon, a temperate rain forest within minutes of downtown Vancouver. Lynn Canyon is an urban treasure filled with Douglas fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, winding trails, waterfalls, wooden staircases, and a suspension bridge. It’s the perfect place for active kids to spend the day exploring!

Spring is also a great time to take a mini family vacay. We’ve been tossing around the idea of making a long weekend trip to Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island to catch the start of whale watching season. Every spring, Pacific Gray whales and Humpback whales migrate into our waters, and I’ve been dreaming of taking my girls out on the open ocean to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

We’ve got lots of fun stuff planned, but with our notoriously fickle West Coast weather, I like to keep a close eye on what’s happening weather-wise so I can adjust our plans as needed and avoid disappointed kids. Due to the return of El Niño this year, most of BC is expecting a slightly cooler spring and even a few more periods of late winter weather, but thankfully, near normal levels of precipitation.

If you’re a planner like me, you might be wondering what the weather will be like in your area. Will it be a cooler than normal spring for you too? Will it be wetter or drier? Head over to The Weather Network’s Spring Forecast to get an idea of what you can expect this spring!

When you’re planning your day, it’s important to know if it’s going to rain, and if so, when it will start and when it will stop. You can prepare for those spring showers by visiting theweathernetwork.com or by downloading their app with its Precip Start Stop feature on your iPhone or Android. I’ve already got it on my phone in preparation for our trip to Lynn Canyon!

What are your plans this spring?

Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation. Nevertheless, all opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ.

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11 Comments

  • Here in the Maritimes we were walloped with snow a couple weeks ago, so no signs of life just yet. However, the temps are getting a bit warmer and spring will come eventually!
    I’m heading over to the Weather Network Spring Forecast to see how long we need to wait…hopefully not too much longer!

  • I’m always checking the weather network! We’re so excited for spring – we’ll be planting our wild flower garden, going for bike rides and visiting parks.

  • I love spring. I have planted so many spring flower bulbs my gardens are full. Many were from my mother 30 years ago. Each year I thin them out and pass them on to others. The pictures you posted are beautiful.

  • I love all of the beautiful nature that comes with the warm weather of Spring. You can really see it in these wonderful photographs!

  • I can’t wait to get out and do so much hiking this year!! My son is finally old enough to really enjoy it with me and Im super psyched!!!