Winter in Vancouver – 5 cold weather activities

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Winter in Canada. I know what you are all thinking. Why go outside? Isn’t it so cold you can’t feel your face? Does Airbnb have igloos? OK maybe not the last one, but you get the idea. Winter in Vancouver is not like the rest of Canada. You’ll get more rain than snow. Snow brings the city to a standstill. It’s cool but not cold. But with shorter days and cooler, rainier weather, I always try to make the most of the winter months. I want to find fun activities to do, but that are still season appropriate.

I’ve already talked about lots of great Fall activities in Vancouver. But today I want to share some of my favorite activities to do in winter in Vancouver, during the colder months. I won’t throw just Christmas related activities at you, because while they occupy a good portion of November and December, it’s still nice to find fun things to do in January and February. There are still a number of days in the winter that are nice and sunny. Cold, but at least not raining. They are probably my favorite days.

I’d rather bundle up and do something fun outside than sitting in watching TV. Although you’ll often find me with a book and a blanket on the couch surrounded by nice smelly candles in the fall and winter months. So without further ado here are some fun winter in Vancouver activities for you.

See some Christmas lights this winter in Vancouver

Light displays have become a big thing in recent years. There are a couple places you can check out some really good displays here in Vancouver. If there’s one way to make the dark days and evenings of a winter in Vancouver more cheerful, it’s by adding thousands of brightly colored lights. There are two places that do it really well in Vancouver.

Capilano Suspension Bridge park

Located in North Vancouver, a short car ride, or seabus/bus combo away from downtown. You can be at Capilano Suspension bridge in less than half an hour (there’s even a free shuttle from downtown). While I like to visit Capilano any time of year, it’s particularly magical in the winter during “Canyon Lights” festival. Canyon Lights begins around the third week in November, and runs until the end of January so it’s not just a Christmas thing. I recently visited and experienced it for the first time in years. I’m now a huge fan, and would recommend to anyone, although kids will be particularly impressed.

Don’t look down…or do!

If you are a bit shaky with heights I’ll warn you now that the bridge is over a canyon, and it does sway a little. But it is perfectly secure. At the entrance you can read about the history of the bridge and of the First Nations people of the area. There are some carved totem poles and other artwork, as well as a cafe, huge gift shop and fudge shop. So even if you can’t make it across the bridge yourself you can wave to those who do, and check out things on the entrance side. There’s also a cliff walk on that side, again for those brave enough.

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If you do summon the courage to make it across Capilano suspension bridge there are some trails and a treetops walk around the other side. I always take lots of photos of the bridge and the canyon below. The treetops walk has lots of information about the fauna and flora of the area too. I can’t believe how big some of those trees get. Just amazing. I always stop at the little kiosk for a hot chocolate to keep warm while walking around. And the lights continue on that side to the point you won’t want to leave.

Van Dusen Festival of Lights

Van Dusen Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden just outside of downtown Vancouver. I’ll visit any time of year because it’s always filled with pretty flowers and trees, a peaceful retreat in the city. In the Spring the flowers really start to come out and fill the garden with every color imaginable. Summer is a perfect time to take in the warm days with a book by the lake. I love the colors that really take over the garden in autumn, but then it’s winter. And then there are lights. The short days and often cloudy skies mean nothing when there are thousands of lights filling the garden. 

Van Dusen Festival of Lights happens each year during winter in Vancouver. For the whole month of December and into the start of January there are lights decorating all the trees and around the garden. I’ve been with my parents when they visited from the UK and they loved it. We found ourselves led around the garden along trails, with only lights to guide the way. The dazzling display is the perfect holiday night out. The fantastic Shaughnessy restaurant is located onsite, and as with any other place I always love a walk around the gift shop.

If you love being outdoors at places like Capilano and Van Dusen, there here are 5 things to do in Stanley Park in Vancouver.

Skating at Robson Square

Is there anything more Canadian than a public outdoor skating rink? Right in the heart of downtown is Robson Square. You’ll see the pedestrianized part of Robson Street behind the back of the art gallery, and under that there is a part of UBC University. The skating rink is right next to this and can be accessed by steps at either side of Robson Street. 

I am not a good skater. I spend most of my time looking like Bambi trying to walk. There’s a lot of arm waving, near slips, and a panicked look permanently etched onto my face. Jeff on the other hand can skate as good as he can walk – better maybe! We’ve gone skating before and it’s mostly him trying to hold me up without it looking like he’s holding me up. 

I do like to skate though. I have a determination to get better, and be at least on the road to graceful. Robson Square skating rink can get pretty busy, but it’s right downtown, easy to get to, and a fun activity. Not only that, but it’s a free activity if you have your own skates. Free is a rare commodity in Vancouver so soak it in! If you don’t have skates you can rent for $5. The rink is open morning until night, but I would aim for a weekday if you want a little more space. The closer you get to Christmas the busier it will be. The other good thing is it’s open until the end of February.

Visit Grouse mountain

Grouse Mountain is the place where some locals go to ski and snowboard. There are a few places to do that around Vancouver, but the good news is that there are other things to do up on Grouse Mountain if skiing is not your thing. You read how I am on skates, imagine how I’d be on skis. I have this vision of there just being an Emma-shaped hole in a tree if I were to even think about hurling myself down a ski run. But I do love spending time at Grouse Mountain during winter in Vancouver.

Christmas at Grouse

From the end of November there are plenty of other activities for The Peak of Christmas. There’s an outdoor skating rink complete with rentals and a firepit to warm up by after. For the kids there’s Santa’s Grotto in the run up to Christmas, and a couple of reindeer to visit. Inside the chalet there is a movie theatre playing a loop of short Christmas movies. You’ll always find A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Grinch. It really is a Christmas wonderland up there. I love to grab a hot chocolate and sit by the big fire in the chalet, reading a book.

Outside you can rent snowshoes and go along one of the trails. I went up recently and although there isn’t really any snow yet for this, there is a Light Walk  trail you can follow through the trees. Leading the way there are pretty lights decorating the trees while music plays gently in the background. It’s beautiful. I also love to walk around for some amazing views of Vancouver, especially on a clear day.

The Peak of Vancouver

Grouse Mountain is not the cheapest activity as it’s over $50 to get up to the peak of the mountain by the Gondola ride. Taking 8 minutes to reach the peak, you’ll see fantastic panoramic views of the North Shore and Downtown Vancouver. At the top of the mountain there is a restaurant as well as a cheaper cafe and bistro. The gift shop has some nice, if not pricey, souvenirs. But it’s worth a look. The point is if there’s someone in your family who wants to ski/snowboard but you don’t, there’s still plenty for others to do for the day.

Vancouver Christmas market

Filled with traditional style wooden huts, this German Christmas market is right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. I love Christmas, so the Vancouver Christmas market is a must do activity for me every year, and the perfect activity for winter in Vancouver. Plus, look at that backdrop! The market’s popularity has grown in recent years, so much so that it had to move to a bigger location. The new market is right next to the Convention center, with a great backdrop of Stanley Park, Vancouver harbor and the North Shore. The market started November 21st this year and will run until Christmas eve. I went late afternoon so I could see the Christmas lights as it got dark. Unfortunately it was a little rainy, but I have a season pass for an extra dollar so I can go back as many times as I want.

Security getting in there is no joke. I had all my bags checked and wasn’t allowed to take any food or drink in there. Be warned if you’ve been shopping first. I would go without anything else as it’s much easier. The market isn’t usually in full swing at the end of November, but as December rolls around it’ll get much busier. I walked around the stalls to see what they were selling.

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I was really impressed with the variety the last couple of years. In the past I’ve seen it be very limited with primarily Christmas decorations, and expensive traditional German Christmas decorations at that. Now there are local companies mixed in, selling crafts and food items. There is local wine, cider and spirits. Many clothing items such as ugly Christmas sweaters, alpaca wool scarves and gloves, and novelty socks. And of course decorations (including more affordable ones).

Christmas Market food

Then there’s the food. So. Much. Food! In keeping with the European market theme there are pretzels and bratwurst, pastries and gingerbread items,  potatoes, roasted chestnuts They even have raclette – that amazing gooey cheese-on-anything dish you see all over the internet. Look it up! Then there’s the mulled wine and beer. You can’t have a German style market without those.

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There are umbrella covered tall tables to stand at, and an indoor tent area called the Alpine Lounge where you can take your food and drink out of the rain. It might not be Europe, but they’ve done a pretty good job at making it fun and fitting to the season. Winter in Vancouver has never had a more delicious setting.

Cocktails at a fancy hotel

OK so this is not really just for winter in Vancouver. But with Christmas party season all around, you can’t help but want to get dressed up and go out for a nice cocktail. Vancouver has so many nice hotels, with equally nice bars in them. I’m a sucker for a Fairmont, especially around the holidays when all the lights are up (I know, I know, I really like Christmas lights OK?!). I particularly like Arc in the Fairmont Waterfront hotel for a nice cocktail. It’s a little more modern than the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, but not quite as elite as the Fairmont Pacific Rim. It’s great for people watching with lots of windows all around. Opposite Canada Place, there’s a nice harbor view (and it’s a block away from the Christmas market for those who have come from there).

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Another place I like is the Hotel Georgia. Similar in style to some of the older Fairmont hotels, there’s a nice lounge on the main level, the 1927 Lobby Lounge. In December they also change Reflections, the garden terrace into a winter pop up bar with festive cocktails. And if you’re looking for a speakeasy style bar, head on down to Prohibition with its 1920s classic cocktails, and modern twists on them. I love that place. 

Not everywhere has to break the bank

Vancouver is full of cool little bars, and Gastown is a great place to spend a winter’s evening. A number of bars and restaurants, there are also some warm and cozy pubs, like my favorite the Irish Heather (head through the back to Shebeen Whisky House for a more traditional setting). I love the build your own charcuterie board they have there!

Winter in Vancouver – a great time to visit

Whatever time you decide to visit Vancouver, there’s always plenty to do. A city known for it’s rain, there are a lot of indoor activities as well as outdoor ones. One of my favorite activities is to find an antique market. Vancouver has a few of them, but each month 21c Promotions puts on an antique market, usually at the Croatian Cultural Club on Commercial Drive (easily accessed by skytrain just a couple stops outside of downtown). 

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Then there’s always Granville Island. During the summer it gets busy, especially on weekends. During winter in Vancouver it’s a little quieter but still just as many amazing stalls to check out.I love the fresh fruit and produce, the pasta and baked goods, and the crafts from local artisans. Check out my post on my favorite vendors at Granville Island.

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To find out about the lesser known things to do in Vancouver, here’s my guest post on People of the Planet. It highlights my top 10 underrated activities in the Vancouver.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this post please share using the social media buttons below or leave a comment. What are your favorite things to do in winter in Vancouver? Or winter where you live?

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