Summer may be the most popular time to visit Vancouver, but don’t overlook the winter season! Vancouver’s mild climate makes it a great destination for sightseeing and exploration even in the colder months. As a frequent visitor to Vancouver during the winter, I can attest to the city’s charm and appeal during this time of year. Not only is the city quieter, but there are also plenty of outdoor winter activities to enjoy, such as skiing and snowshoeing.
If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver in the winter, here are some of the best things to do:
Hit the Slopes: Vancouver offers great options for skiing and snowboarding at local North Shore mountains like Grouse, Seymour, and Cypress. For a more extensive ski resort experience, consider a trip to Whistler Blackcomb, which is about a two-hour drive from Vancouver.
Go Ice Skating: Enjoy ice skating at an outdoor rink in Robson Square or at one of the many indoor rinks throughout the city.
Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge: Experience the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is even more magical during the winter months with the Canyon Lights show.
Watch a Hockey Game: Catch a Vancouver Canucks game at Rogers Arena for a quintessential Canadian experience.
Head to Whistler: Take a day trip to Whistler for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or ziplining in the winter wonderland.
Enjoy All the Lights: Explore light displays at Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island, and Stanley Park Bright Nights.
Explore Science World: Spend a rainy winter day at Science World, a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Go Snowshoeing: Try snowshoeing on trails at Seymour or Cypress Mountains for a winter hiking adventure.
Enjoy Grouse Mountain: Visit Grouse Mountain for stunning views, snowshoeing, skating, and the twinkling Light Walk.
Ride the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus: Explore the city at your own pace with a hop-on-hop-off bus pass to visit popular locations like Gastown, Chinatown, and Stanley Park.
Explore the Vancouver Christmas Market: Experience a taste of Germany at the Vancouver Christmas Market with festive food, music, and shopping.
Explore Stanley Park: Walk or bike around Stanley Park and enjoy the scenic views, trails, and attractions.
Wander the VanDusen Gardens: Visit the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Gardens for a magical winter experience.
Go Snowtubing: Have fun snow tubing at Cypress Mountain’s Gnarly’s Tube Park for a thrilling winter activity.
Visit Victoria: Take a day trip to Victoria to see the Butchart Gardens Christmas Display and explore the beautiful city.
Go on a Food Tour: Indulge in Vancouver’s culinary scene with a food tour through Gastown to try local delights and hidden gems.
Explore Granville Island: Visit the public market, shops, and restaurants on Granville Island for a unique shopping and dining experience.
See Vancouver from Above: Take a seaplane tour for a bird’s eye view of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Go Hiking: Explore Vancouver’s natural beauty with a hike at Lynn Canyon, Quarry Rock, Stanley Park, or the Fort-to-Fort Trail.
Try Out Fat Biking: Experience fat biking for a unique way to explore the snow-covered trails in Squamish.
Try a Sweet Treat: Indulge in delicious treats at local cafes and bakeries like Kits Beach Coffee, Nemesis Coffee, and Café Medina.
Hit Up a Cross-Country Ski Trail: Enjoy cross-country skiing at Cypress Mountain’s Nordic Area for a winter outdoor adventure.
Breweries, Breweries, and More Breweries: Visit Vancouver’s craft breweries for a taste of local beer and a fun brewery tour experience.
Visit the Fraser Valley on a Wine Tour: Take a day trip to the Fraser Valley for a wine tour to explore local vineyards and taste delicious wines.
Go Shopping: Explore Vancouver’s shopping districts like Robson Street, Pacific Centre, and Metrotown for a day of retail therapy.
Explore the Vancouver Aquarium: Visit the Vancouver Aquarium to learn about marine life and conservation efforts in a fun and educational setting.
Eat Fresh Seafood: Indulge in fresh seafood at Vancouver’s top restaurants like Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House and The Captain’s Boil.
Day Trip to Squamish: Take a day trip to Squamish to explore the Sea to Sky Gondola and enjoy outdoor activities in the stunning natural surroundings.
Sightsee at the Vancouver Lookout: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Vancouver Lookout for a bird’s eye perspective of Vancouver.
Relax in a Hot Tub: Unwind and relax in a hot tub at a spa in the city for a soothing winter retreat.
Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery: Explore the art collections and exhibitions at the Vancouver Art Gallery for a cultural experience in the heart of downtown.
Explore Canada on a Simulated Flight Ride: Take a simulated flight ride at FlyOver Canada to experience breathtaking views of Canada’s landscapes.
- Learn All About Historic Gastown: Join a walking tour of Gastown to learn about the neighborhood’s history and explore its unique charm.
When visiting Vancouver in the winter, consider staying in neighborhoods like the West End, Gastown, or Yaletown for convenient access to attractions and amenities. Transportation options in Vancouver include driving, public transit, car share services, taxis, and rideshares. Additionally, walking and biking are great ways to explore the city and enjoy its scenic beauty.
Whether you’re hitting the slopes, exploring the city’s cultural attractions, or indulging in delicious food and drinks, Vancouver offers a diverse range of activities to enjoy during the winter season. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this vibrant city in a whole new light during the colder months. Enjoy your winter getaway in Vancouver!