Where to Go in BC This Spring: A Weekend in Pemberton (Itinerary + Things to Do)
Best Things to Do in Pemberton in Spring: A 3 Day Getaway
Looking for the perfect spring trip in British Columbia? This 3-day Pemberton BC spring itinerary highlights the best things to do in April and May, from horseback riding and farm visits to rafting glacial rivers.
If you want mountain views, open space, and fewer crowds, Pemberton is one of the best places to visit in April and May.
Spring in Pemberton is a season of colour, fresh air, and open spaces. Glacial creeks sparkle, farm fields turn green, and tulips bloom mid-April. Perfect for a quiet weekend escape from city life, Pemberton offers adventure, relaxation, and local flavours all in one.
Is Pemberton worth visiting in spring?
Yes! Spring is one of the most underrated times to visit British Columbia.
In Pemberton, that means:
Snow-capped mountains and green valley floors at the same time. Some are still getting in spring-snow turns in the alpine, while others are bringing out their mountain bikes below.
Tulip season kicks off the start of Spring in mid-April
Waterfalls, rivers, and creeks are running high with snowmelt and glacial sediment (think baby blue waters)
Fewer crowds compared to Whistler - in fact, we don’t know what a crowd looks like here
Easy access from Vancouver (just over 2 hours) - and then once you’re here, you won’t experience any traffic!
If you’re planning a spring getaway in BC, this is where you’ll find space to breathe.
Hot Tip: Pemberton Valley Lodge is doing a Get Your Third Night Free promotion for stays until April 30th making sure you can enjoy everything Pemberton has to offer without having to cram it into to a short stay.
Plan Your Trip Around One of Pemberton’s Spring Events
Spring in Pemberton isn’t just about the landscape coming to life - it’s when the community does too. If you time your visit right, you can experience the valley at its most vibrant.
Tulip Bloom
Each spring, The Beer Farmers transform part of their farm into a sea of colour. The tulip bloom is currently predicted for mid-April - but as any farmer will tell you, there’s no way to predict a date. Keep an eye on their updates and be ready to catch it at its peak.
Markets
Spring markets are a chance to slow down, meet locals, and experience the valley’s food and craft scene:
North Arm Farm hosts an Easter Market (April 4) and Mother’s Day Market (May 10)
The Beer Farmers brings together local makers for their Pint & Pop-Up Market (April 25)
The Pemberton Farmers’ Market returns every Friday starting May 15
Celebrations
Spring is also when the community comes together to celebrate. This year, we’ll be teaming up again with Cowboy Coffee Magazine for the second annual magazine launch party (May 9) - featuring an afternoon Western market followed by an evening of live music and country dancing.
Rodeo
For a true local experience, don’t miss the Lil’wat Nation May Days Rodeo (May 16–17). Hosted by the Lil’wat Nation, it’s a weekend that brings the community together and showcases a long-standing rodeo tradition in the valley.
Make it stand out
Day 1: Journey Up
Morning – Drive the Sea-to-Sky Corridor (~2 hours)
Start your trip from Vancouver and head north to Pemberton via the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99). The drive alone is worth the trip with beautiful views of the Howe Sound transforming into coastal rainforest mountain peaks.
For many people, the end of 'the ‘Sea to Sky’ means Whistler. In reality, there’s so much more beyond. Get through Whistler village, and you’ll suddenly be on an open road with little traffic.
Make it stand out
Activity option: Take a quick (3km, easy) hike along the Green River to check out Nairn Falls. Want something a little longer? Hike up Lumpy’s Epic trail on One Mile Hill (8km, moderate) to reach a great view of the Green River below as it winds its way towards Mount Currie.
Lunch – Grab a bite
Fuel up with a delicious lunch at one of our local bars and restaurants for lunch. Stay on theme by dining in at The Pony - a Pemberton original where classic comforts and elevated experiences combine in a rustic Pemberton setting - complete with hitching posts for those arriving by horse!
Only need a snack and a brew? Stop in at the old train station building where Blackbird Bakery delivers an incredible selection of delicious pastries, sandwiches and coffee.
Afternoon – Check In To Your Accommodation and Relax
For a central hotel stay, check in to the Pemberton Valley Lodge. Settle into your suite and make the most of the lodge’s pool, hot tub and complimentary bikes to explore the local trails (take a quick bike ride down the Friendship Trail to Belle Acres Farmstand to pick up some local goodies or fresh flowers!).
Pemberton is also home to a range of secluded and private lodgings, or local farmstays, to really settle into Pemberton living:
Dinner - International flavours in a small country town
Dine in or take out delicious food from Saneh Thai or Fish & Rice.
Day 2: Horseback Riding and Small-town adventures
Morning – Go for a ride
Horseback riding is one of the most popular things to do in Pemberton in spring and one of the best ways to experience the valley. Riders can choose their own pace and level of adventure. Whether you’re new to riding or have spent plenty of time in the saddle, there’s an experience that fits with us.
For a relaxed introduction, the One or Two-hour Valley Ride winds through open farm fields, quiet forest trails, and glacial creeks, offering a grounded, easy way to take in the landscape. This is a great option if you want a taster of horse riding, or want to fit in lots of activities while in Pemberton.
If you’re looking to go a little further, the Half Day Mountain Ride heads deeper into the backcountry, climbing into higher terrain with expansive views over the valley below. It’s a more immersive experience, where the pace slows, and the surroundings feel a little more wild. You’ll drive out to our Birkenhead Trailhead for 9:30 am and return to town by 2 pm.
Hot Tip: Our Early Season Sale gives you 10% off all of these rides!
Lunchtime – Tulips, Hops and Highland Cows
It’s the perfect match - just down the road from our ranch is The Beer Farmers. After your ride, take a short drive up the Meadows Road to visit this generational family farm that grows and brews it’s on craft beer. Take in the view of the Meadows and Mt Currie from their outdoor patio with a cool glass of beer or cider, and a bite to eat from the Millers Fries food truck. After you’ve fuelled yourself, visit the Tulip Field while it’s in bloom and say hi to the family of Highland Cows that call the farm home.
Afternoon – Slow Experiences
Relax back at your accommodation if you’re a little saddle-sore. Or, embrace slow living by doing some of the following:
Rent a paddleboard at One Mile Lake, take a cool swim out to the floating dock, or relax with a book in the lakeside park
Walk, bike or drive around the Pemberton Farmstands to see all of the local produce, homemade goodies, and fresh flowers
Drive down to Strawberry Point at Lillooet Lake to watch the sunset
Visit North Arm Farm to browse the farm goodies and visit their farm animals
Hike to Pemberton Creek Falls
Wander around the Pemberton Museum’s historic village, learning about the local agricultural, gold mining and First Nations history.
Pop into Stay Wild to grab a delicious smoothie or real fruit ice cream for the road from their Stay Chill fresh bar.
Make it stand out
Day 3 - raft fishing down Pemberton’s glacial rivers
Grab a coffee and breakfast sandwich (or cinnamon bun) to go from Mt Currie Coffee Co.
Set aside a full day to experience the valley from the water with Pemberton Fish Finder.
Their remote raft fishing trips are an 8-hour journey down glacial rivers, accessing quiet, untouched stretches you simply can’t reach any other way. It’s a slower, more immersive way to explore - drifting through wide valleys, forested banks, and rugged mountain scenery.
Spring brings strong river flows and excellent conditions for species like bull trout and steelhead, making it one of the best times to be out on the water. Whether you’re there to fish or simply take it all in, the experience is as much about the landscape as it is the catch.
It’s not a quick activity - it’s your day, well spent.
Quick Guide to Spring in Pemberton
Best for: Outdoor lovers, foodies, slow travellers, those looking for a peaceful escape
When to go: April–May is a quieter time, with cooler days, flowers in bloom, and the mountains still snowcapped.
Drive time: ~2–2.5 hours from Vancouver
Top experiences: Horseback riding, farm visits, fishing, mountain biking, hiking
Vibe: Quiet, scenic, uncrowded
If you’re planning a spring getaway in BC, Pemberton is where you’ll find space to breathe.
Quick FAQ
Is Pemberton worth visiting in spring?
Yes - spring offers quieter days on tours, beautiful surroundings and a mix of fun events
What is there to do in Pemberton in April and May?
Visitors can go horseback riding, visit tulip fields, explore farm stands, raft on glacial rivers, and hike or bike local trails. Just to name a few things. Events like the May Days Rodeo, Farmers Markets, Cowboy Coffee Western Party and lots of creator markets.
How far is Pemberton from Vancouver?
Pemberton is about a 2 to 2.5-hour drive from Vancouver via the Sea-to-Sky Highway. It’s 30 minutes north of Whistler.