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°, there are light snowfalls, unusual sub-zero temperatures and plenty of events to keep you warm. You can start the season by trying some of the famous Alaskan crab dishes, or join 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 park runs. Between December and February, the Canadian New Year celebration takes place, as well as welcoming the Chinese New Year 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. In order to enjoy this gastronomic tasting, you must make a reservation. If you want to live the full experience, it is necessary to sign up for a fishing tour to hunt and cook your own food. This way, you can learn about the species of crabs, which come from Alaska and are more common in Russia and Norway.

Additionally, another winter experience you can live from the sea are the whale watching tours from Vancouver, which start in March, right at the end of winter and beginning of spring. It's an amazing natural event, bringing together different types of whales in the local bays. The best place in the surrounding area for this activity is the location of Victoria. It is located about three hours away, but fortunately a seaplane flight can get you there in about thirty minutes.

After flying over the Strait of Haro, this type of experience usually offers a cruise to appreciate the cetaceans that roam the waters of Victoria. It is an activity for which I recommend traveling warmly and with a waterproof jacket. You can find these excursions from 360 euros.

Witnessing the Northern Lights is a once in a lifetime experience, as it is a phenomenon that is produced from particles from the sun. It can be seen around Vancouver, especially during the winter. It is not necessary to go far from the city, as even in Metro Vancouver you can enjoy this natural event. However, there are places with higher probabilities that offer a clear spectacle without light pollution.

I recommend activating the city' s aurora borealis alert. In addition, you can go to Porteau Cove Provincial Park, a beach forty minutes from Vancouver, perfect to witness this phenomenon, as it has low light pollution. It is a space that has 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 arrive earlier.

In Vancouver, people love sports and athletic activities, especially if they are extreme or winter sports. So you can take advantage of a different kind of adventure and play in the snow. The snowy season is moderate, so you can go outside without difficulties. It usually runs from December to February and people take the opportunity to skate on the ice rinks, practice skiing or snowboarding, sign up for snowshoe tournaments and the bravest dare to dive at low temperatures.

Become an athlete at the Big Elf Run

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

You can appreciate the decorations in the park and run a route of 1, 10 or 15 kilometers, depending on your physical capabilities. It is important to sign up in advance, and keep in mind that the entrance fee starts at 20 euros per person. It usually includes an elf hat and a running kit. During the long runs, you'll pass by the Vancouver Aquarium and Highway 99.

Explore the snowshoe trails

Another fun winter activity is to enjoy a snowshoe trail in Vancouver. Mostly done in parks, wilderness areas, ski resorts, mountains or just outside the city. It is ideal for breathing fresh air and getting breathtaking 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 the local center are the North Shore and West Vancouver Mountains. 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 get panoramic views of the city and the ocean surrounding the region. You can also enjoy a day trip to Whistler from Vancouver, a mountain where you can ski or hike.

Diving in cool temperatures and snowboarding

Scuba diving is a summertime activity, but Canadians enjoy diving in winter because of the better visibility. Cold temperatures don't stop them, as they are encouraged to explore the marine life and species that come ashore between December and March. I recommend scuba diving around Vancouver Island, although you can also go deep sea diving and wreck diving with professionals.

Snowboarding is another characteristic activity on snow, where you can find scenic routes that allow you to appreciate the local views. Additionally, the ski season takes place between November and April, and there are many options such as Whistler Olympic Park, where the 2010 Olympic Games were held. It is located about an hour from Vancouver and is a winter wonderland 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 to enjoy 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 access for skating.

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

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

The Chinese 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 it is a tradition, since it was held for the first time in 1979. Throughout the city there are symbolic activities, with live performances, food stalls and more. I suggest you buy tickets for the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver, where a lantern festival is held around this time.

At the peak of Grouse Mountain, you can find holiday activities as well as a magical experience. Every winter comes the Light Walk, a light show that will leave you speechless. It takes place on Grouse Mountain, so I recommend you buy tickets and get up close to experience the winter spirit.

You will be able to interact with Santa and his reindeer, so if you are 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 entertaining activities. It's a true tradition that began in 1920, people come out in their coats to brave the winter, and some even dress up in costumes. Note that it is a free event, where you can watch the swimming competitions and even be encouraged to participate free of charge.

It is full of adrenaline, as after 2:00 p.m. the layers of winter clothes start to disappear, and most people wander around the bay in bathing suits. On site you will find warming tents, food stalls and live music. Although there is no fee, you can collaborate with donations of food or money, and to participate you must fill out a registration form online.

At this time, temperatures range between 3° and 7°, so there are stands with craft beers, mulled wine and other beverages that will keep you at a suitable temperature. In case you go by car, 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 advantage of a tour of Vancouver aboard a bicycle. You will find guided experiences from 74 euros, ideal for exploring the city and its green spaces.

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

In the past, 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. Usually, there are Christmas parties on board, tastings, light shows and more. 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 not to be missed, especially if you're passing through the city. Most people gather for dinner, but there are also events, discos until dawn and fireworks shows. The countdown can be seen from the local cruise ships, where parties are held at sea.

The parks, plazas and bays are also a great place to meet with friends, while meeting new people. Each year a different location is chosen, where entertaining activities are offered. Stanley Park offers children's playgrounds, ideal if you are planning things to do in Vancouver with kids. Remember that the next day, people get ready to experience the Polar Bear Swim.

The Vancouver International Wine Festival is another winter event not to be missed. Generally, it bids farewell to the cold season and welcomes spring. It takes place between February and March, has hundreds of wineries and most of them come from Italy. It is an ideal plan for a wine tasting, which will help you keep warm while tasting around 1,500 wines.

It is a massive festival and each year a country or continent is chosen as the theme, so most 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. Note that tickets are available for exclusive events, which often include wine tasting and food tastings.

St. Patrick is a patron saint of Vancouver, so St. 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 in traditional costumes of the country. You can also find food events**, dancing and local music**.

While the St. Patrick's Day Parade used to be the main event of the celebrations, over the years the Celtic Fest has become the pinnacle of St. Patrick's Week. Here you will find Celtic dance shows, local pub parties, whiskey tastings, street parties and more. In addition, there is the St. Patrick's Marathon, which consists of a 5k route through Stanley Park.