When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Campbell River?
Cherry blossom season in British Columbia is typically centred around late March and early April. However, in a year where the warmer, drier weather comes sooner, they can be spotted as early as late February. In a year where winter holds us a little longer, they will predominantly be seen in April. Less windy, wet weather in the spring also extends the time you can find them flourishing in our community—their delicate petals not yet knocked to the ground. Although when they do fall, wandering through the scatterings of pale pink is a pretty sight too.
Where To Find the Perfect Cherry Blossom Photo Opportunity
One of the main hotspots for cherry blossoms in Campbell River is right in front of City Hall in Downtown. A winding, paved walkway between the trees creates a particularly accessible and picturesque photography opportunity.
After a visit to City Hall, walk to Sarah Makes Cakes to delight in seasonal cupcakes and sweet confections frequently adorned with bright flower petals and fruits. Take your cake and cross the street to Robert Ostler Park where you can settle in for a picnic beside vibrant flowerbeds and spectacular views of Discovery Passage.
Next, travel south along the waterfront pathway, or take the sidewalk along the Island Highway and duck into Island-designed apparel stores, like Westcoastees, and carefully curated vintage stores, like Revival Vintage.
At the Discovery Fishing Pier public parking lot, you’ll find another scattering of cherry blossom trees. From this perspective, you can bring views across Fisherman’s Wharf, the ocean and open sky, or Discovery Pier into the backdrop of your photo frame. Afterward, immerse in Campbell River culture by visiting the Maritime Heritage Centre, and enjoy the walk out to the end of the pier.
Double back to downtown for one more stop on your cherry blossom tour. Take your time perusing Shopper’s Row where you may spot some blossoms, before arriving at the Tidemark Theatre to snap the pale pink flowers of these trees against the vibrant bright pink of the theatre. Pop into the Campbell River Art Gallery afterward for some artistic inspiration—perhaps you’ll be motivated to recreate your Campbell River cherry blossom photos in a different medium once home.
You don’t have to go far to end your creative adventure at one of our tasty independent eateries. Downtown caters to everyone’s tastes—from sushi, try Sushi Mong to further your cherry blossom appreciation thanks to its decor, and pizza, Fratelli’s or Session Taproom + Kitchen, to brewery bites at Beach Fire Brewing or seafood dishes at Quay West.
