Spring signals the start of adventure season, when you’re no longer confined to being indoors and you can finally get out and explore. It may feel a little delayed in comparison to year’s past, but now that the weather has started to turn sunny and bright, there’s a TON to discover in Surrey. So much, in fact, that it can be a little overwhelming when trip-planning, so we’re breaking down our top 5 reasons to visit Surrey this season.
Events
Spring is truly the start of events season in Surrey. The city loves to have a good time, and with a variety of cultural events and celebrators for all ages, you’re guaranteed to find an even that’s right up your alley. Kick off Spring with Surrey’s Earth Day celebration: Party for the Planet on April 14th, 2018! Featuring green activities, plant sales, come early and be sure to stick around for the headliner Sam Roberts Band!
A May Long Weekend tradition for many involves strapping on those cowboy boots and heading over to the Cloverdale Rodeo! The Rodeo is far from a one-trick-pony, there’s SO much to do and see, so if saddle bronc riding isn’t your cup of tea, there’s midway and carnival rides, live musical performances and skateboard competitions, just to name a few.
Another annual crowd-pleaser is the Surrey International Children’s Festival. Dedicated entirely to entertaining and educating kiddos, this year’s festival focuses on performances and experiences where people will feel moved: physically, emotionally and demographically. Spanning over three days from May 24th to 26th, there are story telling tents, musical performances, arts and crafts, and so much more!
If you’re looking for a smaller, community event, peruse throughout events calendar and check out all the events happening all season long.
Gardens
We all know Surrey was formerly known as the City of Parks, but did you know that in the thick of all that beautiful greenery are over a dozen beautifully manicured gardens? At any given time, you can visit the gardens at Bear Creek Park, or Fleetwood Gardens, but there are a few gardens that even most locals don’t know about.
Darts Hill Garden Park began as an orchard, but over time has truly become a plantsman’s garden, featuring rhododendrons, magnolias, climbing wisterias, and many more mature plants. The Glades Gardens are another hidden gem in the city that have undergone a recent expansion. The gardens open just a few days to the public throughout the year, one being this Mother’s Day, May 13th, 2018. With stunning water features, fine heritage trees, and masses of colourful rhododendron blooms, there’s a photo-op at pretty much every turn.
Golf
If you’ve been obsessing over weather reports, waiting for the clouds to finally part so you can hit the links, Surrey is your destination for great golf. Statistically, Surrey gets less precipitation than the rest of Metro Vancouver, meaning our green-ways are almost always in mint condition.
With some of the best golf around, Surrey boasts several 18-hole championship courses like Hazelmere Golf and Tennis Club, Morgan Creek Golf Course, Northview Golf Club, and Peace Portal Golf Course, as well as courses for all levels of play. If you’re looking for a quick round of pitch and putt, Birdie’s and Buckets boasts 9-holes at a seriously reasonable price.
Patios
Spring means patio season, brunches and cheeky drinks under the sun. Surrey is THE spot to visit when you’re in the mood for a great meal outdoors. While the list of restaurants in Surrey is as big as the city itself, we’d like to share some notable patios to hit up this spring.
Hooked Fish Bar finds itself right on the boardwalk of Crescent Beach, meaning you get the ocean air in your hair, and absolutely beautiful bay-view vistas. My Shanti is a visually stunning restaurant, and the beauty does not stop indoors. The patio at My Shanti is a beautiful extension of the authentic and cosy atmosphere inside the restaurant. Overlooking Morgan Creek’s beautiful golf course is Morgan’s Wine Bar and Restaurant with mile-long views. Big Ridge Brewing Company‘s restaurant also boasts a beautiful patio where you can enjoy a craft brew.
Shopping
A little retail therapy can add some serious good vibes to your day, and Surrey has a variety of shopping centres to suit any shopping list. Spring is the perfect time to peruse through the Shops at Morgan Crossing. In an outdoor venue, you can soak in some vitamin D while hopping from shop to shop. While Morgan Crossing boasts familiar names and popular shops, Downtown Cloverdale is home to many independently owned boutiques, speciality stores, and vintage shops.