38 Best Things To Do In Vancouver In Winter (Local’s Guide)
Are you looking for things to do in Vancouver in winter?
Being born and raised in Vancouver, I can tell you that Vancouver is one of the best places to visit during the winter.
While the city doesn’t have heavy snowfall as often as other locations around Canada, one of the best reasons to visit Vancouver is the mild weather and quieter tourist scene.
But don’t let that fool you. There are still many things to do in Vancouver in winter, such as ice skating at Robson Square Ice Rink or participating in the Hot Chocolate Festival.
In this guide, I’ll discuss outdoor activities, holiday events, Christmas markets, and other things you can do while visiting Vancouver in winter —as well as a couple of tips for what to wear and general information.
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Things To Do In Vancouver in Winter
The list includes outdoor and indoor activities to do in Vancouver in the winter and a section for holiday festivities and events.
While you can do almost all the winter sports on nearly every mountain in Vancouver, some mountains cater to certain sports more than others.
💡 Fun Fact: When you look at Vancouver, the mountain order is Cypress (left), Grouse (middle with “The Cut”), and Seymour (right).
1. Skiing
Skiing is one of the best things to do in Vancouver in winter, whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner.
Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain are the two most popular ski destinations. They offer many different skiing trails that cater to all skill levels. Cypress focuses more on cross-country skiing, while Grouse offers more downhill skiing.
All of our mountains provide well-groomed trails and excellent instructors. I remember when we went to Cypress’s cross-country ski trails in elementary school. It was a fun experience to learn how to cross-country ski as a kid.
Seymour Mountain isn’t as popular as Grouse or Cypress, but it offers skiing lessons and other activities that the other two mountains don’t offer.
2. Snowshoeing
Now, this is where Seymour starts to shine with winter activities. Snowshoeing is a popular winter activity on this mountain.
One of the advantages of snowshoeing at Seymour Mountain is its accessibility and convenience. The mountain offers equipment rentals, and the trailheads are easily accessible from the parking lot, allowing you to get started on your snowshoeing adventure quickly.
There are guided tour options for beginners and experienced hikers. Some of the guided tours include Chocolate Fondue, Baby & Me, Twilight Tour, and more.
3. Hockey
Watching hockey isn’t only a Vancouver thing but a Canadian thing. With a passionate fanbase, the Vancouver Canucks is the city’s professional hockey team, and watching their games at Rogers Arena is an exciting experience.
Not only are there the Canucks to watch, but you can also watch other affiliated hockey games, such as the Vancouver Giants or the AHL Abbotsford Canucks. I have been a Canucks fan my entire life, and it’s always fantastic watching a live game.
4. Head To Whistler
Whistler is worth visiting and it’s located a couple of hours’ drive north of Vancouver and offers world-renowned ski in ski out hotels and resorts for those seeking a more extensive skiing adventure.
Consistently ranked among highly rated ski destinations globally, Whistler Blackcomb and Whistler Mountain offer expansive terrain with skiable slopes catering to all abilities.
There are many things to do in Whistler for non-skiers, too, so if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, there are other options. In addition, the Vancouver to Whistler drive, better known as the Sea To Sky Highway, is rated as one of the best scenic highways in Canada.
5. Winter Hiking
Winter hiking in Vancouver offers a chance to experience nature’s beauty covered in blankets of snow. Notable destinations like Whyte Lake, Quarry Rock, and Buntzen Lake provide excellent winter trails.
Whyte Lake, found in West Vancouver, features an easy trail through a forest to a small, quiet lake.
Quarry Rock, in North Vancouver’s Deep Cove, offers a relatively short and easy hike to stunning views of Indian Arm on top of a massive rock.
Meanwhile, Buntzen Lake in Anmore (between Port Moody and Coquitlam) has a 10-kilometre loop hike that is beautiful during the winter.
When heading out for winter hikes, preparations are important. Dress warmly in layers, wear suitable footwear, and carry essentials like water, snacks, and navigational aids. Keep an eye on changing weather conditions and trail status.
6. Tubing
Another fun winter outdoor activity that Seymour offers is tubing and tobogganing. It’s excellent if you visit with children during the winter.
7. Tobbaganing
Tobogganing in Vancouver during the winter is a popular pastime locals enjoy. You can try tobogganing at places like Queen Elizabeth Park or local parks with hills. For example, China Creek North Park has a huge hill.
8. Snowboarding
While British Columbia has excellent resorts for snowboarding, Vancouver is the place to be if you’re looking to learn how to snowboard or enjoy the views of the city.
Grouse Mountain offers a variety of runs to cater to all different skill levels of snowboarding. Usually, you can find more snowboarders here during the winter.
Many snowboarders also like to visit Whistler Blackcomb and Whistler Mountain during winter. They’re more challenging than Grouse and have more backcountry options.
9. Ice Skating
Going ice skating is one of the cheapest and easiest non-touristy things to do in Vancouver. Many community centres around Vancouver have designated time slots for open skating for the public.
If you don’t know how to skate, don’t panic; there are helmets and items to hang on to that they use to teach beginner skaters or young children. Trust me; it will be easier than holding on to somebody.
Some local rinks around Vancouver that may have open skating available:
- Britannia Community Centre
- Kitsilano Community Centre
- Killarney Community Centre
- Trout Lake Community Centre
If you’re looking for a tourist rink to go skating at, Robson Square has a small rink below the middle of Downtown Vancouver.
10. Snowmobiling
Whistler’s snowmobiling experiences cater to riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced snowmobillers. There are many different guided tours, such as private, duel riders, or family, that allow you to explore the expansive backcountry.
The tours are led by knowledgeable and experienced guides who ensure your safety and maximize your enjoyment.
11. Fat Biking
Fat biking is a unique and adventurous way to experience the outdoors during the colder months. In winter, fat biking refers to riding fat bikes, which are bicycles with oversized, wide tires specifically designed for cycling in snowy and icy conditions.
These wide tires provide excellent traction and stability on soft and slippery surfaces, making them well-suited for winter riding.
Fat biking is suitable for riders of various skill levels, so if you can ride a bike, you can fat bike.
The best place to fat bike is in Squamish. You can also try local mountain biking locations (Seymour), as people may be fat biking there.
12. Polar Bear Swim
English Bay Beach is home to the annual Polar Bear Swim. It’s a long-standing New Year’s Day tradition.
Participants, swimmers, and spectators gather to watch people plunge into the chilly ocean, often wearing fun costumes.
13. Concerts & Productions
While concerts and productions happen year-round, local Christmas productions happen around the holiday season, for example, The Nutcracker by Goh Ballet at the Queen Elizabeth Theater.
14. Cirque Du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is a world-renowned entertainment company that has captivated audiences around the globe with their professional performances.
Founded in a small town in Quebec, Canada, in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has revolutionized the world of circus arts by combining acrobatics, dance, music, and storytelling in theatrical productions.
15. St Paul’s Hosptial Lights Of Hope
Lights of Hope is an annual fundraiser by St. Paul’s Hospital known for illuminating the hospital’s front of the building with thousands of lights and lit star displays.
The community donations raise funds to support medical equipment, research, and patient care, enhancing the hospital’s capacity to deliver essential healthcare services to the local community.
16. Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year celebrations are a cultural event that takes place in late January or February. This yearly event marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar.
The city’s Asian communities celebrate the New Year with a parade in Chinatown, traditional lion and dragon dances, martial arts performances, and delicious Asian cuisine offerings.
17. Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
The Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival started in 2011 as the first city-wide initiative using hot chocolate to support local businesses.
The festival returns every mid-January to mid-February, supporting local charities such as Fresh To Families and Growing Chefs, including their “Marshmallow Dreams” project for low-income families.
The festival has grown, featuring the best chocolatiers, pastry shops, bakeries, cafes, and ice cream makers throughout the region, all collaborating to reinvent the classic hot chocolate experience.
18. Vancouver Aquarium
Visiting the Vancouver Aquarium during the holidays is a special treat for everyone. Children can watch Scuba Claus, where Santa dives to meet marine animals and creatures while waving to visitors.
The Jelly Snow Globe is also a unique jellyfish display, creating a magical underwater winter scene. Don’t forget to explore all the other exhibits on display at the Vancouver Aquarium.
19. Local Brewery Hopping
Brewery hopping is a great way to explore the city’s craft beer scene. You can hop between local breweries and sample various brews made locally in British Columbia.
20. H.R Macmillan Space Centre
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre in Vancouver is a science museum and astronomy center. Located near Downtown Vancouver, it offers interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and educational programs about space and astronomy.
With its dome-shaped planetarium theatre, the center provides stargazing experiences and informative presentations about the universe, making it an excellent place for anyone interested in learning more about space and astronomy.
21. Dine Out Vancouver Festival
One of Vancouver’s most popular non-tourist activities is participating in the Dine Out Festival. During the months of January and February, participating restaurants from all over the city offer set menus for you to try, cooking experiences, pop-up dinners, and more.
22. Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
The Winter Solstice Lantern Festival is a special event celebrating the year’s longest night. People come together to create and carry lanterns, illuminating the darkness and symbolizing the return of light.
The festival includes lantern processions, live performances, and winter-themed activities. Some participating neighbourhoods are Yaletown, Granville Island and Strathcona.
23. Contact Winter Music Festival
The Contact Winter Music Festival is an annual electronic dance music (EDM) event in Vancouver, BC, usually around late December.
It features internationally recognized DJs and EDM artists across multiple stages and offers various electronic music styles.
24. New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Last but not least, of course, New Year’s Eve celebrations. The city and the Lower Mainland will celebrate the new year with events, parties, and televised countdowns hosted by local news stations.
Holiday Events In Vancouver
These are some of the holiday events that happen in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland.
25. Festival Lights At VanDusen Garden
The annual Festival of Lights in VanDusen Garden is a beautifully designed winter event that illuminates the garden grounds with light displays.
I remember going when I was younger, and it was amazing how many lights were hung up on everywhere you looked.
26. Taking Pictures With Santa
Many Vancouver and Lower Mainland locations, especially shopping malls, have pictures with Santa during the holiday season.
27. Santa Claus Parades
The Santa Claus Parades is a holiday tradition that brings happiness and excitement to the city. It’s an excellent event for young families to gather along the parade route to see colourful floats, hear festive music, and wave to Santa Claus.
New Westminster and Surrey will have Santa Claus Parades in mid-December.
28. Christmas Glow
The Christmas Glow event in Langley (outside of Vancouver, lower mainland) features stunning light displays, interactive installations, shopping for unique gifts, enjoying treats, and participating in fun activities, and entertainment for all ages.
29. Heritage Christmas At Burnaby Village Museum
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum is a unique event that takes you back to experience the holiday season in a historical setting.
The village is beautifully decorated with lights and wreaths, and carolers sing festive songs. Children can meet Father Christmas and participate in fun activities like riding the carousel.
Admission is free; however, you’ll have to pay if you want to ride the carousel.
30. Bright Nights In Stanley Park
Bright Nights In Stanley Park was one of the winter events my family used to do every year when we were younger. It’s a holiday tradition to which that section of Stanley Park comes alive with an enchanting display of lights illuminating the trees and pathways.
In addition to the captivating lights, Bright Nights offers a range of activities for younger families, such as arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, and reindeer walking around.
Bright Nights is also about giving back to the community. The event is a yearly fundraiser for the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, with proceeds supporting burn survivors and their families.
They’re constantly fixing the best attraction in the park, the Train Ride. So it could be out of commission when you visit or not. But hopefully, it’s running if you’re visiting Bright Nights.
However, when it does run, it’s a 15-minute ride that takes you through beautifully decorated Christmas lights and displays. They also play music on the ride. It was magical when I used to go as a kid.
💡 Note: Tickets for the train ride sell out fast.
31. Canyon Lights (Capilano)
Experience the enchantment of Canyon Lights winter event, which transforms the popular Capilano Suspension Bridge Park into a magical lit-up wonderland.
Wander along the Treetops Adventure, a series of suspension bridges that take you high above the forest floor, offering panoramic views of the illuminated surroundings.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the Cliffwalk, a suspended walkway that clings to a granite cliff in the canyon. My boyfriend and I did the Cliffwalk attraction, and it was a unique experience. Plus, we saw massive icicles hanging from the rock.
Canyon Lights also features live music performances, holiday-themed activities, and interactive light displays. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or enjoy delicious treats at one of the park’s dining options.
Canyon Lights also supports the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
32. Lights At Lafarge
A free outdoor winter event is held at Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam. You can stroll along the illuminated promenade, take pictures, view stunning light displays, and enjoy live music and entertainment.
33. Gingerbread Lane
Gingerbread Lane is an event held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown Vancouver. An annual gingerbread house-making competition raises money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
When the gingerbread houses are open to the public, you can check out some impressive displays. There are four categories: professional, corporate, mature, and secondary (the high school that I graduated from has won a handful of times).
34. The Peak Of Christmas
Experience the magic of Christmas on Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, where you can see the display of lights and snow-covered landscapes and meet a reindeer.
Blue Lake shines with stunning light displays, including a beautifully lit deer. At the same time, an 8,000-square-foot Ice Skating Pond surrounded by snowy trees offers a forest-like skating experience.
Christmas Markets In Or Around Vancouver
These are some Christmas markets that happen in or around Vancouver. Some markets open in November, and there may be an admission (most of the time, they donate a portion) at some locations.
35. Vancouver Christmas Market (Jack Poole Plaza)
One of Vancouver’s most popular Christmas markets is the Vancouver Christmas Market in Jack Poole Plaza.
As you enter the German-themed market, you’ll be greeted by a charming village decorated with sparkling lights, wooden stalls, and seasonal treats wafting through the air.
The Vancouver Christmas Market offers a unique shopping experience. Vendors showcase a variety of handcrafted gifts, artisanal goods, and delightful holiday treats. There’s also a carousel ride inside the plaza.
36. Cloverdale Christmas Craft Fair
While the Cloverdale Christmas Craft Fair is further out from Vancouver, it’s a one-day craft fair that happens in early November and hosts hundreds of artisans. While it may only be a one-day event, it’s an excellent spot for early Christmas shopping.
37. Christmas Gifts Expo
The annual three-day Christmas Gift Expo is located in Chilliwack. It hosts over 250 vendors, such as local small businesses, artisans, and home-based businesses.
If you want to bring non-perishable items to Food Back, you can donate them at this market.
38. Circle Craft
For over 45 years, Circle Craft has showcased the work of talented artisans across the region, making it a must-visit destination. In Vancouver’s premier artisan market, you’ll find a wide range of beautifully crafted items, from jewelry and pottery to textiles and woodwork.
You can meet the artisans, learn about their craft, and take a look at their unique creations.
Other locations that may open during the winter but have no set date:
- New Westminster Holiday Market
- Grandville Island Holiday Lights
- Coquitlam Night Market
- Shipyards Christmas Market (North Vancouver)
How To Get Around Vancouver
Getting around Vancouver is relatively easy. Public transit is the best way to get around Vancouver without a car.
The city has extensive bus routes that take you almost everywhere. The SkyTrain is the most efficient way to get you to high-traffic locations. And the SeaBus is a fun way of travelling across the water.
I also recommend that in the winter, if you’re using public transit and there’s snow on the ground in Vancouver, you be prepared for delays and leave earlier than you anticipate.
What To Wear In Vancouver Winters
Here are some things to wear during Vancouver’s winters. While the temperature rarely drops below zero, it’s still chilly.
🧥 Raincoat/Jacket
One of the most essential things you need for a Vancouver winter is a raincoat or rain jacket. I recommend wearing a long jacket because it will keep more of yourself dry.
🧣 Layers
I did mention that Vancouver has mild weather, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t cold. While temperatures don’t usually hit below zero in the city, wearing a couple of layers to keep warm from windchill is a good idea.
☔ Umbrella
Vancouver experiences a lot of rain, especially in winter. Hotels may have umbrellas available for you to use, but you can always buy a small umbrella if you need one.
🥾 Rain boots
Don’t forget to pack your rain boots for Vancouver. You’ll need them to avoid your feet getting wet in puddles.
Is Vancouver Worth Visiting In Winter?
Yes, Vancouver is worth visiting in winter. Vancouver has different weather compared to the rest of Canada during winter. While Vancouver is worth visiting year-round, it experiences mild winters, with temperatures above 0.
Is Vancouver Worth Visiting In January?
Yes, Vancouver is worth visiting in January. Many outdoor winter activities are still open for the season. It’s also considered one of Vancouver’s low tourist months, so prices for accommodations and flights will be different compared to high tourist months.
What Is The Coldest Month In Vancouver?
The weather is the weather, and Mother Nature does her thing. Records show that January is the coldest month of the year, but temperatures can fluctuate between January and December.
Does It Snow Bad In Vancouver?
Vancouver isn’t known to have much snow during the winter; the majority of winter in Vancouver usually rains (Mother Nature has her own plans, though). However, if anything, we get slush, but the rain washes it away a week or two later.
However, there have been times when growing up, and recently, in the past years, when it has snowed badly in Vancouver. Of course, it snows in other parts of British Columbia, but Vancouver specifically, no, not often.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things to do in Vancouver in the winter, including many activities and attractions. From skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing on the nearby mountains to exploring the festive markets and attending fun-filled events, enjoy your winter in Vancouver.
Have a good day 🙂
