The colours of spring and where to see them

Spring is the season of new beginnings. The earth comes alive again as fresh buds bloom and animals awaken from their winter slumber. Take a trip to a botanical garden or national park, or stroll along tree-lined streets to see your dream destination in bloom. Here are six suggestions for the perfect spring break. 

Bluebonnets – Austin, San Antonio and Texas Hills Country

Encounter a sea of purple as rolling fields throughout Texas become covered in bluebonnets. Take a drive and admire the beautiful landscape of Texas Hill Country, many of the state’s major highways are lined with bluebonnets and other wildflowers. Or enjoy a day at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center while exploring Austin. 

Cherry Blossom – Japan

As delicate pink flowers cover sakura trees, head to Ueno-Koen Park or Maruyama Park for one of the most celebrated events in the Japanese calendar. 

We also suggest you head to see the City of Peace Hiroshima to view some of the most exciting floral displays of the season.

Washington and Vancouver

The National Cherry blossom festival is also celebrated in Washington DC and Vancouver from 20 March – 15 April – witness the blossoming of tens of thousands of cherry trees. This colourful annual festival commemorates the presentation of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC in 1912. 

Great Smoky Mountains Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage – Tennessee

As spring blossoms throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, explore and learn about the colourful and rich wildflowers at this five-day event. The spring wildflower pilgrimage is a 68 year-old annual event. Take part in professionally guided walks to explore the region’s natural and cultural treasures.

Ottawa Tulip Festival

Celebrate the history behind the gift of 10,000 tulips and the return of spring as over a million tulips bloom across the city. Spring is heralded in Ottawa by a carrpet of tulips that set the stage for celebrations of art, historical and cultural experiences. Located along the picturesque Dows Lake section of the Rideau Canal, held in May every year, this claims to be the largest tulip festival in the world.

Butchart Gardens – Vancouver Island

See the spectacular sunken garden come to life with tulips and hyacinths for spring at Butchart Gardens. Known for its spectacular blooms, peaceful lily ponds and cascading fountains, it’s worth remembering that this was once an old cement quarry, landscaped and transformed into this haven of tranquility by Jennie Butchart. 

 Visit our Holiday types pages for more inspiration on destinations in bloom and to begin planning your next stunning escape to nature.