Spring signals the start of adventure season, when you’re no longer confined to being indoors and you can finally get out and explore. And when the weather starts 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 celebrations for all ages, you’re guaranteed to find an event that’s right up your alley. The annual Vaisakhi Parade hits the streets of Surrey on April 20. Vaisakhi is a celebration of the spring harvest, the Punjabi New Year, and the birth of Sikhism. Surrey’s parade is one of the largest in the world with almost 500,000 people attending every year! You can expect colourful floats, live music, and incredible (free) food along the parade route.
Surrey’s annual Earth Day celebration: Party for the Planet takes place on April 27. Featuring green activities, a sustainable marketplace, plant sales, and lots of live entertainers including the Wookiez, Matt Hermano, Surrey City Orchestra, Harmeet Kaur Virdee, the HIgher Ground Dance Company and Stars of the North.
A Surrey May Long Weekend tradition involves pulling on your cowboy boots and heading to the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair! The Rodeo is far from a one-trick pony, there’s SO much to do and see. When you’re not cheering on the world’s top cowboys and cowgirls as they compete in classic ‘rough stock’ rodeo events such as bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding, there’s plenty else to keep you occupied for the long weekend: RibFest, live entertainment, BC’s largest travelling Midway, the World Freestyle Round-Up Skateboard Competition and the West Coast Lumberjack Show.
Check out our events calendar for more events taking place this spring.
Blossoms
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 garden will re-open to the public on April 5, 2024. The Glades Woodland Garden is another hidden gem in the city. The garden will be open Saturdays and Sundays from May 4 to June 30, 2024. With stunning water features, fine heritage trees, and masses of colourful rhododendron blooms, there’s a photo-op at every turn.
And don’t forget about the cherry and magnolia blossoms! For a short window, every spring, streets and parks around Surrey are awash with the pink and white blooms of cherry and magnolia trees. Read more about where to find the blooms in Surrey.
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 greenways 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, and Northview Golf Club, 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 is right on the boardwalk of Crescent Beach, meaning you get the ocean air in your hair and stunning bay-view vistas. Overlooking Morgan Creek’s beautiful golf course is Morgan’s Wine Bar and Restaurant with mile-long views. The people viewing from the sidewalk patio at Cloverdale’s Hawthorne Beer Market & Bistro is the perfect activity while you kick back and enjoy their West Coast menu and long list of craft beers.
Markets & Farm Stores
With the warmer months come Surrey’s bounty of fresh local produce just waiting to be devoured. After all, 30 percent of Surrey’s land is dedicated to agriculture and committed to local food growing. So it’s no surprise that there are a variety of farmers’ markets and farm stores peppered across the city where you can pick and choose your weekly produce pickup.