Cherry blossoms are small pink and white flowers. They grow on cherry trees.
Cherry blossoms are a sign that spring is here. In B.C., the trees usually bloom from late February to April.
The flowers do not last long. Wind or rain can make them fall. Many people walk under the trees and take photos.
Cherry trees first came to Vancouver from Japan. In 1925, cities in Japan gave Vancouver 500 cherry trees as a gift of friendship. Today, thousands of cherry trees grow across B.C.
Each spring, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blooms. The festival offers walks, bike rides, art and music. Many events are free for families.
Vancouver and Victoria are well known for their beautiful displays of cherry blossoms in parks, gardens and neighbourhood streets. But cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in many other B.C. communities, too.
Adapted from Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival and Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/GoToVan