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°C to 11°C, there's light snowfall, unusual sub-zero temperatures and plenty of events to keep you warm. You can start the season by sampling some of the famous Alaskan crab, or join in on 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 Vancouver's streets with joy and you can't miss the Polar Bear Swim festival, which offers adrenaline at low temperatures.

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

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

After flying over the Strait of Haro, this type of experience usually offers a cruise to see the cetaceans cruising the waters of Victoria. It's an activity for which I recommend travelling warmly and wearing 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 produced by particles from the sun. It can be seen around Vancouver, especially during the winter. You don't need to go far from the city, as you can even enjoy this natural event in Metro Vancouver. However, there are places with a better chance of a clear, unobstructed view without light pollution.

I recommend activating the city' s Northern Lights Alert. You can also head to Porteau Cove Provincial Park, a beach about 40 minutes from Vancouver, which is perfect for seeing the aurora borealis because of the low light pollution. It has a free park and camping areas where you can spend the night. There are other places further out of the city, such as the Yukon, Liard Hot Springs and Dawson Creek, for which you can also take a seaplane ride to get there sooner.

In Vancouver people love sports and athletic activities, especially if they're 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 get outside without difficulty. It usually runs from December to February and people take the opportunity to skate on the ice rinks, go skiing or snowboarding, sign up for snowshoeing tournaments and the bravest dare to go diving at low temperatures.

Become an athlete at the Big Elf Run

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

You can appreciate the decorations in the park and run a route of 1, 10 or 15 kilometres, depending on your physical abilities. It is important to register in advance, bearing 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 the Vancouver Aquarium and Highway 99.

Explore the Snowshoe Trails

Another fun winter activity is to enjoy snowshoeing in Vancouver. Mostly done in parks, wilderness areas, ski resorts, mountains or just outside the city. It's a great way to breathe in the fresh air and get breathtaking views of British Columbia's alpine paradises. There is a beautiful trailhead at Grouse Mountain, but you can also venture to other locations.

Thirty minutes from the local centre are the North Shore and West Vancouver Mountains. They are a magical getaway with safe trails that are ideal for families to explore. 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.

Go scuba diving in cooler temperatures and snowboarding

Scuba diving is a summer activity, but Canadians enjoy diving in winter because of the better visibility. Cold temperatures don't stop them from exploring the marine life and species that wash ashore between December and March. I recommend scuba diving around Vancouver Island, but you can also go deep-sea diving and wreck diving with professionals.

Snowboarding is another signature activity on snow, where you can find scenic routes that allow you to take in the local sights. Additionally, the ski season runs from November to April, and there are many options such as Whistler Olympic Park, where the 2010 Olympics were held. Located about an hour's drive from Vancouver, it's a winter wonderland where you can glide down the peaks and undulations.

Ice skating in Vancouver

Ice skating is a quintessential winter tradition. In Vancouver you'll find plenty of options for a family holiday. There are indoor options as well as outdoor rinks. The most popular urban option is Robson Square Ice Rink, which offers a great location and free access for skating.

For a different experience, I suggest buying tickets to Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, home to one of the largest skating rinks in the region. Grouse Mountain Skating Rink is approximately 743 metres long 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, street fairs and parties, Chinese garden events and festivals.

The Chinese Year programme is varied, with many surprises each year. The parade starts in Chinatown, a historic neighbourhood where you can learn more about Chinese culture. Note that it is a tradition, having been held for the first time in 1979. Throughout the city, symbolic activities take place, 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 Christmas activities as well as a magical experience. Every winter there's the Light Walk, an illumination of lights that will leave you speechless. It takes place on Grouse Mountain, so I recommend you buy tickets and come and experience the winter spirit.

You'll be able to 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's 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 1st, the Polar Bear Swim festival is held in English Bay to welcome in the new year with fun activities. It's a true tradition that started in 1920, people come out in their coats to brave the winter, and some even dress up in costume. Note that it's a free event, where you can watch the swimming competitions and even be encouraged to participate free of charge.

It's full of adrenaline, as after 2pm the layers of winter clothing start to disappear, and most people wander around the bay in their swimming costumes. On site you'll find warming tents, food stalls and live music. While there is no fee, you can help with donations of food or money, and to participate you must register online beforehand.

At this time of year, temperatures range between 3° and 7°, so stalls are set up with craft beers, mulled wine and other beverages to keep you at the right temperature. If you're travelling by car, it's 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 English Bay is to take a bike tour of Vancouver. You'll 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's an annual celebration that welcomes the Christmas season and the winter holidays. It's a parade of ships illuminated by flashing lights, which takes place in Coal Harbour and elsewhere in the city. The parade usually goes from Burrard Yacht Club to Lonsdale Quay.

It used to be a festival offering different types of activities during the month of December. Nowadays, however, it is necessary to hire a private cruise to enjoy the atmosphere at sea. There are usually Christmas parties on board, tastings, light shows and more. If you prefer to enjoy the spectacle from the quayside, 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 local cruise ships, where parties are held at sea.

Parks, squares and bays are also a great place to meet friends, while meeting new people. A different location is chosen each year, offering fun activities. Stanley Park offers children's playgrounds, ideal if you're planning things to do in Vancouver with kids. Remember that the following 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. Held between February and March, it features hundreds of wineries and most of them come from Italy. It is an ideal plan for wine tasting, which will help keep you warm while you sample 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 the opportunity to visit the surrounding wineries and farms, join the wine parties on the beaches and enjoy over 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. Each year it attracts thousands of people, who enjoy the parade where you'll see people in traditional Irish costume. You'll also find food**, dancing and local music**.

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