2018-2019 2016-2017 | Page 22

Pretty in Pink

Blooming beautiful, flowering cherries overlook the
Burrard bridge, False Creek and downtown towers

20 

E SS E N T I A L VA N CO U V ER 20 16 / 1 7

PHOTO: © MAXVIS / ISTOCK

Photogenic year-round, Vancouver is in the pink during cherry-blossom
season, when it blushes like a pretty bride. As the breathtakingly beautiful blossoms of over 40,000 ornamental cherry trees take it in turns to kiss
goodbye the chill of winter, sakura aficionados take to the streets, guided by
the Cherry Blossom Festival’s online map. Keep camera at the ready as you
cycle through pink-petal tunnels in the West End, stroll under blossom clouds
at Nitobe Gardens, or take alfresco inspiration from the seasonal splendour
and plein-air painting sessions at VanDusen gardens. A photo of the ephemeral beauty of white Shirotae, the gentle blush of Akebono and the candycotton-pink of Kanzan is the perfect souvenir of Vancouver’s “fifth season.”
Wherever the cherry blossom trail takes you, the fragrant spring air is sure to
inspire you, maybe even to a haiku —
Pink petal tunnels
En route from winter to spring.
Don’t miss a moment!