10 Things to Do in Vancouver in Winter

Winter in Vancouver is a magical experience. The days are shorter, but that doesn't stop the fun in the city. Temperatures usually range from 2° to 11°, with light snowfall, occasional sub-zero temperatures, and plenty of events to keep you warm. You can start the season by sampling dishes made with the famous Alaskan king crab or joining a wine tasting.

Among the best things to do in Vancouver in winter are snow sports. You can skate, explore the trails on snowshoes, and sign up for races in the parks. Between December and February, there is the Canadian New Year celebration, as well as the Chinese New Year celebration in February. St. Patrick's Week also fills the streets of Vancouver with joy, and you can't miss the Polar Bear Swim festival, which offers adrenaline at low temperatures.

From November to March, you can try a seasonal dish at Vancouver's best restaurants. To enjoy this gastronomic tasting, you must make a reservation. If you want the full experience, sign up for a fishing tour to catch and cook your own food. This way, you can learn about crab species, which come from Alaska and are more common in Russia and Norway.

Another winter experience you can enjoy from the sea is :::link|text=whale watching excursions from Vancouver|element=sc-100-1108:::, which begin in March, just at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is an amazing natural event, as it brings together different types of whales in the local bays. The best place in the area for this activity is Victoria. It is located about three hours away, but fortunately, you can get there in about thirty minutes by seaplane.

After flying over the Strait of Haro, these types of experiences usually offer a cruise to see the cetaceans swimming in the waters of Victoria. I recommend dressing warmly and wearing a waterproof jacket for this activity. You can find these excursions starting at €360.

Witnessing the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as it is a phenomenon caused by particles from the sun. It can be seen around Vancouver, especially during the winter. You don't have to leave the city, as you can even enjoy this natural event in Metro Vancouver. However, there are places with a higher probability of offering a clear view without light pollution.

I recommend activating the city's northern lights alert. You can also visit Porteau Cove Provincial Park, a beach forty minutes from Vancouver that is perfect for witnessing this phenomenon, as it has low light pollution. It is a space with a free park and areas where you can spend the night camping. There are other places further away from the city, such as Yukon, Liard Hot Springs, and Dawson Creek. For these, you can also hire a seaplane ride to get there faster.

In Vancouver, people love sports and athletic activities, especially if they are extreme or winter sports. Therefore, you can take advantage of a different kind of adventure and play in the snow. The snow season is moderate, so you can go outside without any problems. It usually lasts from December to February, and people enjoy ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, signing up for snowshoe tournaments, and the bravest even dare to dive in low temperatures.

Become an athlete in the Big Elf Run

In December, there is a Christmas race where fun is never lacking. It is the Big Elf Run, which takes a route through Stanley Park, where you can jog, walk, or run in Christmas costumes. It is a great way to stay warm in winter, and the best part is that you don't need to be an expert since it is not a competition, but an activity for the whole family.

You can enjoy the park's decorations and choose a route of 1, 10, or 15 kilometers, depending on your physical abilities. It's important to register in advance, and keep in mind that admission starts at €20 per person. This usually includes an elf hat and a race kit. During the longer routes, you'll pass by the Vancouver Aquarium and Highway 99.

Explore the snowshoe trails

Another fun winter activity is snowshoeing in Vancouver. This is mostly done in parks, wilderness areas, ski resorts, mountains, or on the outskirts of the city. It's ideal for breathing fresh air and getting amazing views of British Columbia's alpine paradises. There is a beautiful trail on Grouse Mountain, but you can also venture to other locations.

Thirty minutes from downtown are the mountains of North Shore and West Vancouver. They are a magical getaway with safe trails, ideal for exploring with the family. From the heights, not only can you have fun snowshoeing, but you can also enjoy panoramic views of the city and the ocean surrounding the region. You can also enjoy a :::link|text=day trip to Whistler from Vancouver|element=sc-100-1107:::, a mountain where you can ski or hike.

Dive in low temperatures and go snowboarding

Diving is a summer activity, but Canadians enjoy diving in winter because there is greater visibility. The cold temperatures don't stop them, as they are encouraged to explore the marine life and species that arrive on the coast between December and March. I recommend diving around Vancouver Island, although you can also go deep and explore a shipwreck with professionals.

Snowboarding is another popular snow activity, where you can find scenic routes that allow you to appreciate the local views. In addition, the ski season runs from November to April, and there are many options such as Whistler Olympic Park, where the 2010 Olympic Games were held. It is located an hour from Vancouver and is a winter paradise where you can glide down its peaks and undulations.

Ice skating in Vancouver

Ice skating is a quintessential winter tradition. In Vancouver, you will find many options, ideal for enjoying your family vacation. There are indoor options as well as outdoor rinks. The most popular urban option is Robson Square Ice Rink, which offers an excellent location and free skating.

If you want to enjoy a different experience, I suggest buying tickets for Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, where one of the largest skating rinks in the region is located. Grouse Mountain Skating Rink is approximately 743 meters long and also offers sleigh rides and snowshoe trails.

The Lunar New Year is another important winter event, which revolves around Asian traditions. It takes place in Vancouver's Chinatown neighborhood. It is held in February and allows you to enjoy lion dances, a traditional parade, street parties and fairs, events in the Chinese garden, and festivals.

The Chinese New Year program is varied, with many surprises each year. The parade starts in Chinatown, a historic neighborhood where you can learn more about the culture of this continent. Keep in mind that this is a tradition, as it was first held in 1979. Symbolic activities are held throughout the city, with live performances, food stalls, and more. I suggest buying tickets to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver, where a lantern festival is held during this time.

At the peak of Grouse Mountain, you can find Christmas activities and enjoy a magical experience. Every winter, Light Walk arrives, a light show that will leave you speechless. It takes place on Grouse Mountain, so I recommend buying tickets and coming to experience the winter spirit.

You can interact with Santa and his reindeer, so if you're looking for things to do in Vancouver with kids, don't hesitate to take the little ones to enjoy this activity. There is also a huge skating rink and hundreds of activities. The light decorations are different every year and can be seen on the snowshoe trails.

Every January 1, the Polar Bear Swim festival is held in English Bay to welcome the new year with fun activities. It's a real tradition that started in 1920. People come dressed in their coats to brave the winter, and some even dress up in costumes. Keep in mind that it is a free event, where you can watch the swimming competitions and even participate at no cost.

It is full of adrenaline, as after 2:00 p.m. the layers of winter clothing begin to disappear, and most people wander around the bay in swimsuits. At the venue, you will find heated tents, food stalls, and live music. Although there is no admission fee, you can contribute with food or money donations. In addition, to participate, you must fill out a registration form online in advance.

At this time of year, temperatures range from 3°C to 7°C, so there are stalls selling craft beers, mulled wine, and other drinks to keep you warm. If you are driving, it is advisable to arrive early to find a parking space. Also, don't forget to bring a change of clothes so you don't get sick. Another way to get to know the English Bay is to take a :::link|text=tour of Vancouver|element=sc-100-1696::: by bicycle. You will find guided tours starting at €74, ideal for exploring the city and its green spaces.

If you're looking for things to do in the city at Christmas, don't miss the Carol Ships Parade of Lights. It's an annual celebration that welcomes the Christmas season and winter holidays. It is a parade of boats illuminated by bright lights, which takes place in Coal Harbour and other parts of the city. The parade usually goes from Burrard Yacht Club to Lonsdale Quay.

Previously, it was a festival that offered different types of activities during the month of December. However, nowadays it is necessary to hire a private cruise to enjoy the atmosphere at sea. Christmas parties, tastings, light shows, and more are usually held on board. If you prefer to enjoy the show from the pier, you can take advantage of the free entertainment.

New Year's Eve in Vancouver is a magical experience that you can't miss, especially if you're passing through the city. Most people get together for dinner, but there are also events, nightclubs until dawn, and fireworks shows. The countdown can be seen from local cruise ships, where parties are held at sea.

Parks, squares, and bays are also great places to meet up with friends and get to know new people. Each year, a different location is chosen, where entertaining activities are offered. Stanley Park has children's areas, ideal if you're planning things to do in Vancouver with kids. Remember that the next day, people get ready for the Polar Bear Swim.

The Vancouver Wine Festival is another winter event not to be missed. It usually bids farewell to the cold season and welcomes spring. Held between February and March, it features hundreds of wineries, most of which are from Italy. It's an ideal plan for wine tasting, which will help you stay warm while sampling around 1,500 wines.

This is a massive festival, and each year a country or continent is chosen as the theme, so most of the stands offer food from the selected region. You can take advantage of visiting the surrounding wineries and farms, join the wine parties on the beaches, and enjoy more than forty free events. Keep in mind that there are tickets for exclusive events, which usually include wine tasting and food sampling.

Saint Patrick is a patron saint of Vancouver, so Saint Patrick's Week in March is considered a major Irish festival in Canada. Every year it attracts thousands of people who enjoy the parade, where you will see people dressed in traditional costumes. You can also findfood events**, dancing, and local music**.

Although the Saint Patrick's Day Parade was the main event of the celebrations, over the years the Celtic Fest has become the highlight of Saint Patrick's Week. Here you will find Celtic dance shows, parties in local pubs, whiskey tastings, street parties, and more. In addition, there is the St. Patrick's Day Marathon, which consists of a 5k route through Stanley Park.