Squirrels are coming out of hiding after a longer-than usual cold streak 鈥� a sure sign that spring is here.

Any doubts leftover of winter truly being behind us can be cast away thanks to the return of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, which begins March 30 to April 23.

In a , created by the Vancouver Parks Board, locals are mapping out where and when the best blossoms will be blooming 鈥� whether that鈥檚 in someone鈥檚 front yard or in a public park.

For instance, in White Rock more than 50 locations have already been mapped, with expected blossoming to happen anywhere between March 23 and well into May.

A few blossom trees have even been plotted as far away as Agassiz.

The festival, which began 15 years ago by festival founder Linda Poole, celebrates the thousands of blossoms blooming across the Lower Mainland.

"These fragile blossoms interrupt our drudgery and open us not only to the sweet energy of our own lives, but also to one another.  Under these cherry trees there are no strangers,鈥� says.

ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.caLike us on and follow us on .