Spring has sprung in Surrey! And springtime in the city means that the cherry trees burst into a spectacular show of pink blossoms. Many parks and streets in the city are awash with pink and white petals and it is a welcome sight after a cold, dark winter. We all know that blossom season doesn’t last forever though … so don’t waste any time if you want to see these trees in all their glory! Not sure where to go? The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival’s Neighbourhood Map features almost 3000 cherry blossom tree locations across Metro Vancouver, including Surrey, and it will tell you which cultivars are blooming and where to find them.
Some tips for successfully taking part in the Japanese tradition of hanami, the traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers include:
- Metro Vancouver has many different cultivars of cherry trees (and plum trees), which bloom at different times between February and May. The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival website has more information about what’s blooming when.
- Windy days are fun for “blossom snow”.’
- Please don’t impede traffic to take photos.
- Many of the trees are located in quiet residential areas. Please be respectful and stay off private property.
- Post your pics and be sure to tag #TrueSurrey
Favourite cherry blossom viewing spots
- 102B Ave and 158 Street
- 121 Street near Forest Ridge
- 120 Street from the south corner of 62 Avenue
- Nico-Wynd Golf Course (3601 Nicowynd Place)
- 141 Street, south from 28 Avenue
- 144 Street, south from 20 Avenue
- 161b Street at 14 Avenue
- 11a Avenue at 163 Street
- Cul de sac on east side of 128 Street near 18 Avenue
- 18a Avenue near Amble Green Drive
- Cul de sac at 131 Street near 19a Avenue
Picnic under the blossoms
Up your hanami game by picnicking under the cherry blossoms! Surrey has all sorts of wonderful spots to pick up picnic supplies or ready-made meals perfect for enjoying on a blanket or a picnic table under the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Surrey’s local grocery shops and delis offer plenty of prepared food and deli items that will make your picnic prep a little easier. Pop into a speciality market like Delitalia Fine Foods or Greco’s Specialty Foods and put together a picnic basket full of imported cheeses, charcuterie, artisan bread and spreads! Or fill that basket with mouthwatering sandwiches from The Carvery Sandwich Shop or the West Village Café. Shawarma or donair wraps from Jerusalem Grill or A1 Coffee & Donair are perfectly portable and mouthwateringly delicious. And you can’t go wrong with pizza! Easy to transport and even easier to share.