What's the weather like in Vancouver in April
Temperature
Temperatures continue to rise going into April, though it can still be considered mild to cold. Vancouver's average monthly temperature in April is 9°C. Daytime averages are 11°C at the beginning of the month and 15°C at the end of the month, for a monthly average of 12°C. Nights are still cold with an average temperature of 5°C.
Rainfall
April is still considered the rainy season in Vancouver. Rainfall totals average 100mm over 18 days of rain for the month. The probability of precipitation does decline going into May, starting at 45% in the beginning of April and dropping to 31% by May.
Sunshine Hours
Vancouver has some longer days and clearer skies in April, contributing to an average of eight hours of sunshine per day. By the end of the month there is 14 hours 35 minutes between sunrise and sunset, up from 12 hours 55 minutes on April 1st. The probability of cloudy skies is 68% in the beginning of April, dropping to 58% by the end of April.
Humidity
Humidity in Vancouver continues to decline in April, with average relative humidity dropping to 63%. This humidity combined with cool temperatures makes for some dry, cold air.
Wind
Vancouver sees an average wind speed of 4.6 mph in April, declining through the month. The increasing southerly direction from March continues throughout April, with westerly winds also becoming predominant. Northerly winds are rare and easterly winds decline.
Sea Temperature
The Pacific waters around Vancouver slowly climb in April to 10°C in May. This goes for both open water and harbour areas.
Dress Code
Dress in layers if you're visiting Vancouver in April. You'll want to make sure that you stay warm and dry. This will include thin layers against the skin, warm intermediate layers, and rain protection outside. Don't forget waterproof footwear to keep your feet dry. In heavy winters the ski areas may still be open in April, so if you plan on hitting the slopes bring the appropriate attire. Check the Vancouver 14-day forecast for the most up-to-date information before leaving home. Vancouver is a very casual city, so anything more than "business casual" is rarely required.
Vancouver Hotels in April
The Sutton Place Hotel
The elegant five-star Sutton Place Hotel in West End will charm you in every way. The exceptional staff will warmly greet you upon arrival and look after you during your entire stay. The generous rooms are furnished in classical furniture and premium mattresses and linens, with wonderful views of the mountains and harbor. Suites are also available. Sutton Place has a heated pool & jacuzzi and an ample fitness center. Enjoy dinner at the award-winning Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, or take in miraculous treatments at the Vida health & wellness spa at Sutton Place. Sutton Place Hotel is consistently ranked among the top hotels in the world by various travel agencies.
Victorian Hotel
The three-star Victorian Hotel offers a delightful boutique experience in downtown Vancouver. The old brick building from 1898 houses 47 guest rooms with handsome, contemporary furnishings. The Victorian Hotel has been recently renovated and as such provides very clean rooms, high-speed Internet, and modern bathrooms. Some of the guestrooms will utilize shared washrooms while others have en-suite washrooms. The Victorian Hotel's location is idea for exploring downtown Vancouver, within walking distance of the Convention Centre, Robson shopping district, Roger's Arena, and centrally situated between Gastown, Yaletown, and Coal Harbor. A free breakfast buffet is provided for hotel guests.
Ponderosa Suites at UBC
The Ponderosa Suites at the University of British Columbia is a large hotel offering a variety of accommodations to travelers of all budgets. The suites are available in studio layouts, one bedroom, or two bedrooms. All suites are equipped with full kitchens for travelers who don't wish to eat out for every meal. Hostel rooms are also available with single or twin beds in private, lockable rooms in a shared 4-room apartment. Ponderosa Suites is 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver and has bus transportation available, as well as long-term paid parking. Rooms have wonderful views and are a perfect choice for extended travel in Vancouver.
Patricia Hotel
No-frills travelers who just want a place to sleep will love the Patricia Hotel. Small Budget rooms are available, as well as larger Basic rooms. These rooms are a great alternative to Vancouver's hostels, as you'll have your own private space and private bathroom. There are also larger rooms available that feel more like a standard hotel room, available for slightly higher but still affordable prices. The Patricia Hotel is also home to Pat's Pub & Brewhouse, a microbrewery offering great pub food and beer. Patricia Hotel is located near Chinatown and the entertaining Gastown.
Beaches in Vancouver in April
Jericho Beach Park
When there's a break in the rain, take advantage of the clear skies and spend the day at Jericho Beach Park. This sizeable beach in Kitsilano is a wonderful location for a picnic or just sitting on the shore to watch the water. The park features concessions, washrooms, tennis & volleyball courts, and some of the best fish & chips in the area. Jericho Beach is also a great spot from which to start & end your walk along the Vancouver Seawall, the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront walking path at 28 kilometers. Paid parking is available and enforced from 6AM to 10PM.
Bars and Restaurants
Old Spaghetti Factory
Gastown is a fun little neighborhood with great restaurants, and one of the best is the Old Spaghetti Factory on Water St. This old Vancouver staple provides very affordable home-cooked Italian dinners that will satisfy everyone in your group. The ambience is very charming and the staff are polite and charming. The Old Spaghetti Factory serves lunch and dinner and is also able to accommodate large groups. Lunch specials include flatbread pizzas, chicken parmesan sandwiches, and Philly cheese steak sandwiches. Dinner options include a tasty roasted garlic grilled chicken, pesto linguine, lasagna, and a number of different spaghetti dishes. The Old Spaghetti Factory is open during the week from 11AM to 10PM and on weekends from 11AM to 11PM.
Bauhaus Restaurant
Bauhaus is an upscale dining establishment that blends traditional German cuisine with a modern flare. The restaurant is housed in the historic Boulder Hotel in the Gastown district and serves lunch and dinner. Bauhaus has repeatedly won numerous international awards, including being named as one of the best German bars & restaurants in the world by CNN. Bauhaus serves an exceptional four & six-course tasting menu with wine pairings. Dinner is also serve a la carte and includes Cornish game hen and locally-sourced tenderloin and lamb. The pork roast and homemade wiener schnitzel are also crowd favorites. Bauhaus is open for lunch & dinner during the week and serves dinner only on the weekends. Reservations are encouraged.
Salmon N Bannock Bistro
For a taste of Native American & Canadian cuisine, enjoy a dinner at the Salmon n' Bannock Bistro in the Shaughnessy neighborhood. This is one of the most highly-reviewed restaurants in Vancouver and offers a great break from the numerous American & European restaurants. This is the only restaurant in Vancouver that represents the First Nations, and the food is prepared in traditional ways using only free-range bison and wild salmon. The unique seasonal menu includes bison short ribs & burgers, sockeye salmon with sea asparagus, and bannock tacos with wild elk & boar. Salmon n' Bannock is happy to accommodate vegetarians and those with food allergies. They are open Monday thru Saturday from 5PM to 10PM and the small dining room accepts reservations.
Bellaggio Wine Bar
The Bellagio Wine Bar on Coal Harbour is a wonderful restaurant to visit for views of the waterfront. The Wine Bar is part of the Bellaggio Café, a family-owned Italian restaurant with two locations in Vancouver. Sit at the bar, in the dining room overlooking the harbor, or on the patio when the weather accommodates. The wine list isn't too large but does have a wide selection of great whites and reds by the glass, half bottle, or full bottle. Enjoy one of Bellaggio's popular wood-fired pizzas or a home-cooked traditional Italian meal. Bellaggio also has a great gelato bar to indulge your sweet tooth. Bellaggio opens for breakfast every day at 7AM and closes at 11PM, and also has daily lunch & dinner specials.
Things to do in Vancouver in April
Vancouver's Chinatown
The Chinese have contributed greatly to the history of North America and have had a large presence in Vancouver since 1890. Vancouver's Chinatown is the largest in Canada and in North America second only to San Francisco and New York City. Vancouver's Chinatown is a wonderful and drastic change from the rest of Vancouver. Here you'll find colorful old Chinese buildings housing everything from takeout dim sum restaurants to upscale Chinese dining, and cheap souvenir shops to expensive retail stores. Be sure to check out the beautiful Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. The Sam Kee building is the narrowest commercial building in the world at under 5' from front to back. You'll want to set aside at least a half-day to explore everything that Vancouver's Chinatown has to offer.
Terra Nova Rural Park
Terra Nova Rural Park in Richmond is one of Canada's finest parks. The 63-acre park is home to meandering streams, beautiful trees, a community garden, and historic buildings. A number of hiking trails explore the historic farmland and estuaries. Terra Nova is a popular destination for birdwatchers who can view a variety of raptors and waterfowl. For children, the innovative Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment is constructed with local materials with the goal of getting children interested in nature and using the natural environment as a playground. Here you'll find ziplines, rope walkways, and a meadow maze. Terra Nova is located on the Strait of Georgia, off of Westminster Highway. There are no dogs allowed in the park.
Victoria Harbour
One of the most beautiful harbors in the world is Victoria Harbour. This harbour serves seaplanes, cruise ships, and local ferries. It is comprised of the Outer Harbour, which is mainly just the cruise ship port; the Middle Harbour is where the fisherman's wharf docks are located; and the Inner Harbour is where you'll find the ferry docks. The distinctive buildings around the harbour are rich in history and amazing architecture. One of the most notable buildings is the Empress Hotel National Historic Site, where you can book a five-star room or just enjoy the elegant restaurant. April is whale-watching season in the Pacific Northwest, and there are a number of whale watching tours that depart from Victoria Harbour. Victoria Pier is a lovely walk where you can watch street performers, admire the fancy yachts, and dine on fresh seafood. Expect to spend at least a half-day at Victoria Harbour.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Across from Stanley Park in North Vancouver you'll find the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and once you see it you'll immediately recognize it from photos. This high bridge was built in 1889 and takes you through the forest canopy where you can admire the rainforest from a different perspective. Those with fear of heights will be able to keep their feet on the ground and walk through the park's many hiking trails. A beautiful museum contains artifacts and stories of the First Nations people, a wonderful educational experience. Take a break for a hot coffee at the café or fill up on one of their juicy burgers after exploration. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is open daily from 9AM to 7PM.
