Things To Do In Vancouver In Winter

Vancouver, a city located on the Pacific coast of Canada, is known for its stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re a ski enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or just looking for a bit of city exploration, there’s something for everyone in Vancouver. With a population of more than 2 million people and an average of over 6 million tourists a year, Vancouver has plenty of activities to offer during the wintertime. From breathtaking hikes to cozy cafes to unique winter experiences, here is a list of the best things to do in Vancouver in winter.

Explore Downtown Vancouver

Start your trip in downtown Vancouver, where you’ll find plenty of things to do and explore. Stroll along the city streets lined with unique shops and restaurants, explore the cobblestoned Gastown district, or take in the views from Harbour Centre. Take a walk along the seawall and enjoy the views of the harbor, or stop by Stanley Park for a peaceful stroll. For some winter fun, head to Robson Square Ice Rink and rent some skates.

Visit Granville Island

Granville Island is a creative hub located in downtown Vancouver. Here you’ll find art galleries, theatres, shops, and restaurants. During the winter months, Granville Island offers an array of winter activities and events. Check out the Public Market for local produce, artisanal food, and other handmade items. Or take the ferry over to Granville Island and explore the galleries and theatres. There’s also an outdoor skating rink and a host of cozy cafes perfect for a hot chocolate or warm meal.

Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions, offering stunning views of the city, winter sports, and plenty of activities for all ages. During the winter months, Grouse Mountain turns into a winter wonderland with snowboarding and skiing on its slopes, snowshoeing and ice-skating on its frozen lakes, and even a light show at night. Visitors can also take the Skyride gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain for some breathtaking views of the city.

Ski The North Shore Mountains

The North Shore Mountains offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America. The area is home to three world-class ski resorts: Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour. With plenty of trails for every skill level, these ski resorts are perfect for a day on the slopes. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find something to enjoy in these beautiful mountains.

Whistler

Whistler is one of Canada’s premier ski destinations and just two hours away from Vancouver. With over 8,000 acres of ski terrain and 200+ runs, Whistler has something for every skill level. During the winter months, Whistler is bustling with activities from skiing and snowboarding to ice-skating to snow-tubing and even a zip-line tour!

Take A Whale Watching Tour

Vancouver is one of the best places to see whales in Canada. From December to April, visitors can join a whale watching tour and spot various species of whales including humpback whales, orcas, grey whales and more! Most tours depart from Vancouver Harbour or Granville Island, so you can easily get to them from downtown Vancouver.

Visit The Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium is located right in the heart of Stanley Park and is home to more than 50,000 sea creatures from around the world. During the winter months, visitors can learn about marine life and explore the aquarium’s exhibits. The aquarium also offers a variety of educational programs such as special talks with marine biologists and interactive activities.

Go Shopping On Robson Street

Robson Street is one of Vancouver’s most popular shopping districts. With plenty of high-end stores and designer boutiques, you’re sure to find something special here. During the winter months, Robson Street turns into a festive wonderland filled with lights, decorations, and plenty of holiday cheer!

Visit The Christmas Market

The Vancouver Christmas Market takes place at Queen Elizabeth Plaza each year during the months of December and January. Here you’ll find traditional German food and drinks, a variety of handmade gifts and crafts, festive entertainment, and even a Christmas carousel!

Take A Food Tour

Vancouver is known for its vibrant food scene with plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from. Take a food tour around town and sample some of the city’s best dishes from local eateries. From Indian cuisine to Mexican dishes to fresh seafood caught daily from local fishermen, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste!

Try Ice Fishing

For a unique winter experience, try ice fishing in Vancouver! Head to one of the local lakes or rivers and try your hand at catching some fish from underneath the ice. Ice fishing is perfect for those looking for something a bit different while visiting in the wintertime.

Catch A Game At Rogers Arena

Home to the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, Rogers Arena is one of Vancouver’s premier sports venues. During the winter months there are plenty of hockey games to watch as well as other sporting events such as basketball and concerts throughout the year.

Experience A Winter Festival

Vancouver has a variety of winter festivals throughout the cold months such as Carnaval del Sol, Chinese New Year Parade & Festival, Winterruption Festival and more! Each festival offers unique experiences such as live music, cultural performances and activities for all ages!

Take A Tour Of Stanley Park

Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions with 500 acres of parkland located right in downtown Vancouver. During the winter months visitors can take a tour around the park on foot or by bike. There are also plenty of trails to explore or you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the park for an even more unique experience!

Two Popular Tours Related To Vancouver

Grouse Mountain Tour & Light Show

The Grouse Mountain Tour & Light Show is one of Vancouver’s most popular tours during the winter months. This two-hour tour takes visitors up Grouse Mountain on the Skyride gondola where they can enjoy breathtaking views of Vancouver while they explore the area’s many attractions such as an ice skating rink, wildlife refuge, ski slopes, snowshoe trails and more! At night visitors can also take in the stunning views during the Light Show which features thousands of lights illuminating Grouse Mountain’s slopes! Book a Grouse Mountain Tour here.

Vancouver City Tour

The Vancouver City Tour is another popular tour that takes visitors on an exciting journey through some of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks such as Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown and more! This four-hour tour includes stops at various attractions such as Granville Island Public Market where visitors can sample local produce as well as stops at some of Vancouver’s famous neighborhoods for photo opportunities! Book a Vancouver City Tour here.

No matter what type of traveler you are or what your interests are, there are plenty of things to do in Vancouver during the wintertime! From outdoor activities such as skiing or snowshoeing to cultural experiences such as food tours or taking in some live entertainment – you’re sure to find something that suits your needs! So pack your bags and head to Vancouver this winter – you won’t be disappointed!