By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | April 19, 2025

Easter, originally a pagan holiday, became a Christian holiday that has evolved in many parts of the world—including Canada—into a cultural celebration rich with both religious and secular customs. In Canada, Easter is a long weekend event, celebrated over four days from Good Friday to Easter Monday, with many people enjoying time off work or school.

Unfortunately, Easter Monday is not a statutory holiday in Canada. While it is recognized and observed by some businesses and organizations, it does not have the same legal status as other public holidays. Easter Monday is observed by federal government employees and in a variety of educational institutions in some provinces or territories, but it is not a mandatory holiday for all workers.

When it first began, Christian Easter absorbed seasonal symbols of the goddess Eostre, to align with existing celebrations, making the transition to Christianity smoother in pagan Europe. The pagan holiday was a spring festival celebrated by Germanic and Anglo-Saxon peoples. This holiday honouring Eostre was a celebration of springtime, fertility, and renewal.

Catholics in Vancouver (and globally) may celebrate Easter with Mass, family gatherings, and Easter egg hunts, while secular celebrations are also widely embraced. The Easter Bunny, a cheerful symbol of spring and fertility, takes centre stage in many households. Children wake up on Easter morning to find chocolate eggs and bunnies hidden around their homes or yards, left behind by this magical creature.

Lent ran from February 5 to April 17 this year, and many people used those forty days to give up something they love, like eating chocolate or using the Internet after work hours. Practising self-denial is considered a good thing, as it builds discipline and encourages mindfulness. Easter Sunday, on April 20, Vancouverites can then celebrate with chocolate bunnies, scenic walks in Stanley Park, and family-friendly activities, embracing the springtime joy with a clean conscience.

The Easter Bonnet, a charming tradition that dates back to the 19th century, symbolizes renewal and springtime fashion. Though less common today, Easter parades and bonnet contests still pop up in some communities.

What Vancouverites Wear for Easter & Spring Celebrations

In Vancouver, Easter fashion isn’t all bonnets and bows—unless you're into vintage chic! For most secular locals, it’s more about welcoming spring in style and dressing for comfort, colour, and the occasion.

🌸 Women might opt for a breezy floral midi dress, paired with a denim jacket or a light trench (Vancouver weather, after all!). Add a pastel crossbody bag and white sneakers or cute ankle boots, and you're ready for a brunch, an egg hunt in the park, or just soaking in the cherry blossoms.

👕 Men often go for smart-casual: think light chinos, a button-up shirt in mint or sky blue, and a cardigan or soft blazer. Loafers or clean white sneakers finish the look—easy, effortless, and spring-ready.

🧒 Kids look adorable in bright colors and patterns—little dresses with bunny prints, plaid shirts, or suspenders for photos, followed by a quick change into play clothes for the egg hunt.

🧥 Layering is key, as spring in Vancouver can be unpredictable. Raincoats, cute umbrellas, and waterproof footwear are popular, especially if heading out to Science World, Stanley Park, or an Easter market.

🎩 The Easter bonnet? You’ll still spot a few at themed events or vintage markets, but for most, Easter fashion in Vancouver is all about fresh colors, light layers, and a splash of personality.

A classic Easter dinner typically includes roast lamb or ham, scalloped potatoes, and seasonal vegetables like asparagus. Hot cross buns, sweet breads, and chocolate eggs are also staples of the holiday meal. Families gather for feasts, egg-decorating, and egg hunts in backyards or public parks.

In Vancouver, popular Easter weekend sometimes include activities like a visit to Stanley Park for its scenic trails or miniature train rides. Science World and the Vancouver Aquarium often host Easter-themed programming for kids. For chocolate lovers, the Lindt Store on Robson Street offers gourmet Easter treats, while places like Purdy’s Chocolatier, London Drugs, and even grocery stores like Save-On-Foods carry chocolate bunnies in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges.

This year, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation regret to announce that the Stanley Park Train will not be back in operation in time for the popular Easter Train event unfortunately. The train will need to remain offline for the foreseeable future.

“Our staff have been working tirelessly to get the train back on track for Easter and we recognize how disappointing this news is for so many people and their families,” says Steve Jackson, General Manager of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.

But the good news is that the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley park, is offering confirmed Easter programming for 2025 includes Scuba Bunny Dive Shows from April 12–21, featuring divers in bunny costumes performing in tanks, a hit with kids. And Science World will hold eggs-citing Easter Egg Hunts, perfect for science lovers of all ages. Prizes for the lucky egg finders!

So whether you're attending a sunrise service, indulging in chocolate, or simply enjoying the spring weather with family, Easter in Canada is a joyful fusion of history, culture, and community.

#Easter In Canada #Vancouver Events #Easter Weekend Fun #Easter Traditions #Chocolate Bunnies #Family Easter Celebration #Spring In Vancouver #Easter Activities #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788

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