Seas the Season
This blog originally was sent through our Newsletter. If you haven’t subscribed yet, subscribe here.
Hello, Spring!
The season of fresh starts is here, and we’re kicking it off with the launch of our quarterly newsletter! In this edition, we’re celebrating the Spring Equinox, highlighting Drawn Outdoors in our Community Spotlight, taking a look back at Vancouver 100 years ago, and sharing what’s ahead for April, May, and June.
Let’s welcome spring together—keep on reading!
Spring Equinox and Aquatic Blooms
March 20th marks the 2025 Spring Equinox; Equinox being a word derived from the Latin “equi” meaning “equal” and “nox” meaning “night”.
The Equinoxes are in fact, equal nights. They are the only two days of the year when daylight and nighttime are approximately equal as Earth is positioned in the middle of its tilt—now on it’s way leaning (for us up North) toward the sun.
This shift past middle is the physical signal we use to delineate the changing of seasons, so if you haven’t already heard it, Happy Spring! A season often associated with birth, life, blooming flowers, budding trees. At Beach Buoy, for our inaugural Seasonal Newsletter, we are delighted to be featuring an exclusive interview with Drawn Outdoors creator Becky Hill, and we first want to begin by highlighting a different kind of bloom—one that unfolds, sometimes unseen or unknown, below the surface.
In our History Section below, Vancouver Ago, we’ll be looking back 100 years in Vancouver’s past, but for thousands of years people have lived and thrived on these lands waters and shores - long observing the profound changes our part of the world undergoes in Spring. Specifically for us in what is now Vancouver City, the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations on whose unceeded land we live, play, work, and call home.
Beneath the surface of the ocean around us, some of the most spectacular seasonal changes on Earth occur.
As the Earth tilts towards the sun and temperatures in our ocean rise only a handful of degrees, winter storms subside and the waters begin to calm. Just as ice and snow rush from solid to streams, down mountains into mighty rivers, eventually reaching the ocean, where this torrent of freshwater pushes the surface salt water out of the way effectively “sucking up” deep coastal ocean water, setting in motion a powerful underwater process know as upwelling.
Upwelling lifts deep, nutrient-rich waters to the now warmer surface, which together, create the perfect conditions for plankton—the foundation of the marine food web.
Upwelling lifts deep, nutrient-rich waters to the now warmer surface.
From a global tilt and a monumental movement of water, this near microscopic creature plankton, blooms. It is this often unnoticed or unseen aquatic bloom that sustains everything from tiny krill to salmon, seals, humpback whales, and the entire interconnected marine ecosystem.
Phytoplankton Blooms - Our take on a phytoplankton bloom.
At Beach Buoy, we love flowers, fruits, and blossoming trees -stay tuned for our April Newsletter- but this Spring we want to recognize: not all that blooms is above the surface.
That’s why, this season, we’re excited to be highlighting in upcoming Newsletters incredible organizations and individuals working to protect our oceans, shorelines, and waterways, ensuring they remain accessible, healthy, vibrant, and full of life. If you would like us to consider people or organizations, please don’t hesitate to email us at hello@beachbuoy.ca.
There are some big events happening in the season ahead, see below in our Major Events section. We look forward to celebrating the season of renewal and sharing with you stories of those who are making a difference.
Spring is here, the change has begun. Let’s lean into fun as the earth to the sun.
Community Spotlight: Drawn Outdoors
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Becky, a multidisciplinary artist and founder of Drawn Outdoors, a nature-based art club that brings people together to create outside—whether on the beach, in the forest, or along scenic trails.
Becky’s work is all about celebrating the connection between art and nature. From her vibrant illustrations to her community-driven workshops, she’s inspiring others to slow down, get creative, and see the outdoors in a whole new way.
Read our full interview with Becky to learn more about her journey, creative process, and the magic of making art outside.
About Drawn Outdoors: A nature based art club connecting people to the outdoors and each other.
Drawn Outdoors is a creative art club designed to connect people with nature and community through art. Our sessions take place in breathtaking outdoor locations—beaches, forests, and scenic hiking trails—where we draw inspiration directly from the world around us.
About the Founder, Becky Hill:
Meet Becky—Artist, Adventurer & Founder of Drawn Outdoors.
Becky is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is fuelled by the beauty of nature. Through her vibrant illustrations, murals, and graphics, she captures moments of connection to the outdoors, inspiring others to explore both familiar landscapes and the unknown.
As the founder of Drawn Outdoors, Becky has created a space where art and nature come together. Her outdoor art club brings people to beaches, forests, and trails to slow down, get creative, and embrace the joy of making—no experience required, just a love for the outdoors.
We’re so excited to feature Becky and her work in our community. Stay tuned for more creative adventures ahead!
History Corner: Vancouver Ago
This place has changed so much and it seems at an ever faster rate. This season, we are looking back 100 years into the past and highlighting some notable moments, achievements, policies, that have shaped Vancouver. With help and reference from the Canadian Encyclopedia and the Chuck Davis History of Metropolitan Vancouver.
1925
1925 was the first year that enterprising businesses owners on Granville Street installed Vancouver’s first Neon Lights. Light’s that would become not only an iconic part of Vancouver urban environment, but the subject of artists and photographers such as Vancouver’s own Fred Herzog.
The bright lights were not only neon, as the film drama Winds of Change was released in cinemas across Canada and the United States. As film historian Michael Welsh notes, this was the first major Hollywood film shot in Vancouver, marking the beginning the cross-national production economy and the nickname (which many locals secretly adore to share) Hollywood North.
The 1925 Amendment to the Indian Act of 1876 was a new restriction implemented, for context, after more than 40 years of residential schools being in operation, the operation of the Pass System restricting moment of Indigenous people off of reservations, the ban on all Potlatches, as well as the prohibitions on “any Indian festival, dance, or other ceremony”. In particularly the 1925 amendment to the Indian Act followed in the footsteps of the 1914 amendment, outlawing Indigenous people the dancing of any kind off-reserve. 100 years ago, in 1925, the Federal Government of Canada took the next step and once again amended the Indian Act outlawing dancing everywhere of any kind -entirely- for Indigenous people in our Nation.
Edward Flickenger and Dr. Perry Doolittle arrived in Vancouver after having setoff from Halifax Nova Scotia in a brand new Ford Model T to drive across Canada. They travelled 7,700 kilometres in 39 days becoming the first people to drive an automobile from coast to coast. While it is true it was the first automobile, due to the fact there was still no road to the west coast, they modified their Model T with railroad wheels and traveled along train tracks for over 800 kilometres.
1925, when the mayors of Kobe and Yokohama gifted the Vancouver Park Board 500 Ojochin cherry trees. These were planted at the cenotaph in Stanley Park to honour Japanese Canadian veterans of World War I. Read more about their history here.
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/timeline/the-indian-act
The Chuck Davis History of Metropolitan Vancouver - Published by Harbour Publishing in 2011
What's Ahead: April, May, June
There really is nothing quite like springtime in Vancouver—there’s an undeniable vibrancy in the air. As the days grow longer, the city comes alive with people soaking up the sunshine, admiring the blooms, and enjoying the outdoors with friends. And the true sign that spring has arrived? The first cherry blossoms in bloom.
We're excited to share our overview of events happening this season. Save them to your calendar asap.
Vancouver’s annual celebration of its iconic cherry blossoms, featuring art, performances, guided walks, and more.
Join local experts for guided tours that highlight not only cherry blossoms but also the diverse trees shaping our urban landscape. A perfect way to explore the city while learning about its natural history.
April 3: Trail Running Film Fest
An inspiring evening of films showcasing trail running adventures and stories from around the world.
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival and Public Disco are teaming up for a one-day block party in the heart of Downtown at Bentall Centre’s open-air Dunsmuir Patio, just steps from the scenic cherry blossoms outside Burrard SkyTrain Station.
April 7 - 13: Whistler World Ski & Snowboard Festival
A celebration of mountain culture featuring competitions, live music, art, and après-ski parties.
A reminder to celebrate and protect our planet—watch out for local events and initiatives.
April 27: 41st Vancouver Sun Run
For over 40 years, this 10K race has brought together runners and walkers of all levels. Lace up and be part of Vancouver’s running legacy!
As the temperatures rise, so does the energy in the city—you’ll see more runners hitting the streets, many gearing up for one of Vancouver’s biggest events: the BMO Vancouver Marathon, which sold out in record time this year! And for those who prefer making a splash, our beloved Kits Pool and Second Beach Pool will be opening their gates in May.
May 4: BMO Vancouver Marathon (Sold Out)
One of the world’s top destination marathons, featuring stunning views of the Pacific, Stanley Park, and the city skyline.
May: Kits Pool Opening Weekend
The Park Board has shared that they’re preparing for the 2025 operating season for Kits Pool! More details to be announced.
May 26 - June 1: Vancouver International Children’s Festival
A week of hands-on activities and fun for the whole family.
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival kicks off
Enjoy world-class performances of Shakespeare’s greatest works, set against the stunning backdrop of Vanier Park.
June 8: Italian Day on The Drive
A lively street festival celebrating Italian culture, food, music, and community.
June: Cycling Without Age Ride Season Begins
A movement dedicated to helping seniors and those with mobility challenges experience the joy of cycling.
June 20: Summer Solstice
The longest day of the year—a perfect excuse for a sunset beach picnic or a swim.
June 22: Greek Day on Broadway
For over 50 years, Greek Day has brought a taste of Greece to Vancouver, with traditional food, dance, and cultural celebrations.
And there you have it—some of the top events to get excited about this season! Stay tuned for daily updates on all the best activities over on our Instagram, and never miss out on the fun.
Did we miss something? Let us know!
Want our monthly newsletters delivered your inbox?