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 painted five large canvases featuring giant sunflower blooms.

Van Gogh said sunflowers communicated ‘gratitude’.

Green Gables stunning countryside setting is located in Prince Edward Island National Park in Cavendish. Cavendish and the 19th century farm, Haunted Woods and Lover’s Lane were made famous by author Lucy Maud Montgomery with her stories about “Anne of Green Gables”. Don’t miss this popular tourist destination on the scenic drive known as Green Gable Shore.

Big, beautiful, cheerful looking sunflowers. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr@

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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

Taves Family Farms Applebarn, Fall Fun at the Farm – Magical Sunflower Garden – August 29, 2024 & Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze September 27, 2024

Celebrating 34 years, Taves Family Farms opens the season with the Magical Sunflower Garden before the Magical Pumpkin Patch takes over on September 27.  Don’t miss a stop at the Country Store to pick up seasonal treats like bagged apples, pumpkin butter, apple pies, and orchard-to-bottle fresh apple cider.

Activities: Pumpkin Patch, U-Pick apples, slides, zipline, bee hive viewing, cider press demonstrations, petting barn, three corn mazes (Mystery Maze, Corn Quest Maze, and the kiddie maze), pedal carts, hay rides, playground, Jumping Pillow and Pumpkin Pillow, Bunny Town, and Farmville. Pick up a locally grown pumpkin.

The concession food is available on weekends and is delicious. Kids love the apple cider slushies, and we tried the new Sweet Bubble Waffle Chocolate Brownie Explosion and savoury Bubble Waffle with pulled pork. Both hit the spot. Roasted corn on the cob and mini donuts are also a popular fall treat.

Check out our last visit to Taves Family Farms Applebarn.

When you visit the farm, be sure to check out Taves Estate Cidery. Remember to book a tasting. There are also cider-based cocktail tasting flights.
Check admission rates here
Hours: The entire farm is open starting August 29, 2024. The Pumpkin Patch opens September 27 until October 31, 2024. Check to see which activities are available.
Location: 333 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford, BC
email: info@tavesfamilyfarms.com
Phone: 604-853-3108

Harrison Sunflower Festival – Closed this year.

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 is one of the best sunflower fields near Vancouver. Courtesy Photo

Harrison Sunflower Festival in the Fraser Valley. Courtesy Photo

Abbotsford Lakeland Summer Flower Festival – August 1 – early September, 2024

Explore 20 acres of 28 different types of sunflowers in many colours.

Plenty of photo spots exist 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 – August 17 and 18, August 24 and 25, 2024

Sunflowers Days at Gabriel Farms is open for two weekends only and subject to weather. Sunflower Lane is open August 17 and 18, August 24 and 25, 2024. 

Location: 18507 20th Avenue, Surrey, BC

Richmond Sunflower Festival – August 8 – 30, 2024

The Richmond Sunflower Festival celebrates its 5th 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 will be plenty of photo opportunities, and local food truck vendors will be on site. While there, plan to visit the Estate Winery and the Richmond Country Farms Market to pick up fresh produce. Find out more about tickets.

Location: 12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond.

Saanichton Sunflower Festival near Victoria – TBA

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 of the closest ones to the Vancouver area. Many of these sunflower festivals offer picturesque settings perfect for a day trip or a family outing, featuring vibrant blooms and scenic views. While exploring these sunflower fields, visitors often pair their trips with visits to other nearby attractions, such as local markets or hiking trails. For nature enthusiasts looking for more outdoor experiences, it’s worth checking out the 10 best provincial parks near Vancouver, which provide stunning landscapes and a variety of recreational activities.

Stock Farms Sunflower Field – September 21-30, 2024

Stocker Farms: This country farm has been operating for more than 31 years. It is a 2 hour and 30 minute drive from Vancouver.

The Fall Festival at Stocker Farms is worth checking out from September 16 to October 31. Pick your own sunflowers or take stunning photos with the Cascade Mountains in the background. Starting September 30, their haunted attraction opens with a nighttime corn maze, a growing midway, food vendors, and more.

Location: 8705 Marsh Road, Snohomish, Washington

Birch Bay Home Farm Sunflower Field – Mid-August to Mid-September TBA

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, but 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 shades are rich shades of golden yellow, orange, red, and brown. They can also be found in hues of white, pink, green, and almost every colour imaginable.

How long do sunflowers last?

Sunflowers can last up to two weeks in a vase with proper care.

  • Choose long, straight stalks that are not fully open.
  • Cut to fit the vase using a sharp angle cut.
  • Fill the vase with lukewarm water, adding a mixture of 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or a packet of florist preservative.
  • Change the 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 at the end of March to May, when temperatures are around 15C (60F).
  • Plant seeds in well-drained soil with good sunlight.
  • Seeds should be placed about 12 mm deep in the soil and 10 cm 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 metres). Be sure to read the seed package 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 areas 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 take you to Ontario for the last part of the summer, check out these 21 Stunning Sunflower Fields in Ontario that are picture perfect.

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About the Author:

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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 template3.chewiemedia.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.