We are into the final stretch of summer and this is the perfect time to head out to see big, bright and beautiful sunflower fields near Vancouver. A favourite flower for many and particularly, the famous artist Vincent Van Gogh. In fact, he painter five large canvases featuring giant sunflower blooms.
Van Gogh said sunflowers communicated ‘gratitude’.
Big, beautiful, cheerful looking sunflowers. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr@
We hope this information is helpful. Subscribe below to be alerted to the next article as soon as it’s published. We pride ourselves in writing informative articles with interesting tips. If you found this article informative, please share and leave any comments, questions or suggestions below.
Planning a trip? Search for accommodation in using Booking.Com or book a sightseeing tour using Viator and any commissions earned will help keep this website running.
When is the best time to see Sunflowers?
Late summer to early through mid September is the best time to see sunflowers at their peak. The bloom time can be shortened or delayed depending on the weather. Sunflowers are at their best for about three weeks. The fields usually close just before the fields are ready to welcome the pumpkin patch season at the end of September.
Where to see the best Sunflowers Festivals near Vancouver
Harrison Sunflower Festival – August 22 – September 17, 2023
Discover 45 varieties of sunflowers and other summer flowers along three kilometres of paths on the 20 acres property. The new Harrison Sunflower Festival opened on August 22.
The Harrison Sunflower Festival replaces the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival. Find out more.
Harrison Sunflower Festival in the Fraser Valley. Courtesy Photo
Abbotsford Lakeland Summer Flower Festival – August 18 – early September, 2023
Explore 20 acres of 28 different types of sunflowers in many colours. This beautiful flower farm has made a remarkable recovery after the devastating floods in the Fraser Valley in 2021.
There are plenty of photo spots among over 1 million sunflower blooms, including raised wagons, frames,
canoes, tractors, and swings.
Bring good walking shoes to travel to the field and expect to walk at least 500 m from the parking area. Strollers, wheelchairs and people with mobility issues may find it a challenge at this time. Every admission includes a 5-stem bunch of sunflowers to bring home or brighten someone’s day.
Location: 3663 Marion Rd, Abbotsford
Summer Sunflower Days at Gabriel Farms in Surrey
Sunflowers days at Gabriel Farms is open for two weekends only and subject to weather. Sunflower Lane is open August 12 and 13, August 19 and 20, 2023.
Location: 18507 20th Avenue, Surrey, BC
Surrey Sunflower Festival – August 2 – September 3, 2023
Genaris Cares is presenting Surrey’s Sunflower Festival to raise funds for cancer. Activities include a Sunflower Maze, scavenger hunt, arts and cradts, u-pick and lots of photo opportunities. Tickets are available online or in person.
Location: 4334 186 Street, Surrey, BC
View this post on Instagram
Richmond Sunflower Festival – August 5 – 30, 2023
The Richmond Sunflower Festival celebrates its 4th year. It is presented by the same family who has presented the popular Richmond Country Farms Pumpkin Patch for more than 35 years.
Wander along the paths through 20 acres of fields featuring more than 90 varieties sunflowers, Dahlias and Gladiolas.
There are plenty of photo opportunities and local food truck vendors will be onsite. While there, plan a visit to the Estate Winery and the Richmond Country Farms Market to pick up fresh produce. Find out more about tickets.
Location: 12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond.
Taves Family Farms Magical Sunflower Garden – 2023
Taves Family Farms Magical Sunflower Garden is open September 1, 2023.
Activities: Magical Sunflower Garden, U-Pick apples, slides, zipline, bee hive viewing, cider press demonstrations, petting barn, corn mazes, pedal carts, playground, Jumping Pillow, Bunny Town and Farmville.
The concession food is available on weekends. Check out our last visit to Taves Family Farms Applebarn.
Be sure to check out Taves Estate Cidery when you visit the farm. Remember to book a tasting. There are also cider based cocktail tasting flights .
Hours: The entire farm is open starting September 1, 2023. The Corn Maze opens September 10, 2023 and the Pumpkin Patch opens the last weekend in September until October 31, 2023. Check to see which activities are available.
Location: 333 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford, BC
Celebrate fall harvest at Taves Family Farms Applebarn in the Magical Sunflower Garden.
Farmer Loren Taves relaxes in the sunflower field near the end of the season.
Saanichton Sunflower Festival near Victoria – August 13 – September 8, 2023
Head over to Vancouver Island to catch Saanichton’s fourth annual Sunflower Festival The festival offers a variety of sunflowers in acres of fields, Indian Street Food and a Beverage Garden.
Stay longer in the area and discover the top things to do in Victoria.
Where are the Sunflower Festivals in Washington State near Vancouver?
There are numerous sunflower festivals and fields in Washington State. Here is a list to the closest ones to the Vancouver area.
Stock Farms Sunflower Field – September 16 -October 8, 2023
Stocker Farms This country farm has been operating for more than 30 years. It is a 2 hr and 30 minutes drive from Vancouver.
The Fall Festival at Stocker Farms is worth checking out starting on weekends, September 16 until Oct 31. Pick your own sunflowers or take stunning photos with the Cascade Mountains in the background. Stating Sept 30 their haunted attraction opens with a nighttime corn maze and a growing mid-way, food vendors and more.
Location: 8705 Marsh Road, Snohomish, Washington
Birch Bay Home Farm Sunflower Field – Mid-August to Mid-September.
Birch Bay Home Farm is a 25-acre farm located about 15 minutes from the Canadian/USA border. There is a sunflower field and other events at the farm.
Location: 8020 Kickerville Road, Blaine/Birch Bay, WA 98230
What is Sunflower Festival?
A Sunflower Festival revolves around fields of sunflowers. Other seasonal flowers can also be on display. Sometimes there is a u-pick field, food truck vendors, children’s activities, scavenger hunts and even live music.
What are the colors of sunflowers?
Sunflowers come in a vibrant assortment of colours. The most popular colours found. range from rich shades of golden yellow, orange, red and browns. They can also be found in hues of white, pink, green and almost every colour imaginable.
How long do sunflowers last?
In a vase, sunflowers can last up to two weeks, with proper care.
- Choose long straight stalks, not fully open.
- Cut to fit vase using a sharp angle cut.
- Fill vase with lukewarm water adding about a mixture of 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or a packet of florist preservative.
- Change water every other day.
- Keep out of direct sunlight and away from drafts.
How to grow sunflowers
Sunflowers are fairly easy to grow for beginners and a great project for children.
- Start planting seeds in end of March to May, when temperatures are around 15C (60F).
- Plant seeds in well drained soil in with good sunlight.
- Seeds should be placed about 12 mm deep in the soil and placed 10 cms apart.
- It takes plants up to 100 days to grow to maturity.
- Depending on the variety, smaller types grow up to 2 feet (.6 metres) and larger ones up to 6 feet (1.8 metres) with flowers up to 12 inches (.3 metre). Be sure to read the package of seeds to find out.
- Find more tips for growing sunflowers.
Fast Facts about Sunflowers
- The tallest sunflower recorded was grown in Germany in 2014. It stood over 30 feet, 1 inch (9.17 metres) in height, as registered with Guinness World Records.
- There are between 1,000 to 2,000 seeds produced by one sunflower.
- Sunflowers were first found to grow in the Arizona and New Mexico area of North America about 3,000 BC.
- There are 52 varieties of sunflowers native to North America and Mexico.
Sunflower Fields in Ontario
If your travels are taking you to Ontario for the last part of the summer, check out these 21 Stunning Sunflower Fields in Ontario that are picture perfect.
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, a travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW and NATJA.
Have you been here? Want to go or have other tips or comments. We'd love to hear from you.