by Megan Jones
From world-class culinary events to bustling local ski hills, Vancouver is both a picturesque setting and a hub of activity during the cold winter months. Don’t believe us? Check out these 10 incredible activities and events happening in Vancouver this winter. [Photo credit: iStock.com/kongxinzhu]
Start the first day of the New Year with a chilly swim at the annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim, hosted by one of the largest polar bear clubs in the world. Aside from the crowds of brave souls dressed in bathing suits in January, highlights include the Peter Pantages Memorial 100 Yards Swim Race, a canned food drive and raffle prizes – plus the ultimate prize: bragging to your friends that you took a dip English Bay in sub-zero temperatures.
Located on Grouse Mountain – where, on clear day, views of Vancouver are absolutely spectacular – the Snowshoe Grind presents the ultimate winter fitness challenge. The approximate hour-long climb in snowshoes takes you up a 4.3-kilometre trail on the mountain’s face. The incline is steep, but not too steep; anyone with determination and a reasonable level of fitness can get their grind on this winter. Snow-covered trees and sweeping panoramic views help make this cardio-heavy workout a picture-perfect outing. Grouse Mountain also offers private snowshoe tours, beginner lessons, clinics and social nights for those who want to improve their snowshoeing skills and meet like-minded winter sport enthusiasts.
The Dine Out Vancouver Festival celebrates the city’s diverse food scene with participating restaurants around the city offering special (and often more affordable) prix-fixe menus from January 19 to February 4. Priced at $20, $30 and $40, these multi-course lunch and dinner menus offer a little something for everyone: there are upscale meals for serious foodies, romantic date-night dinners and even family-friendly options. The 17-day culinary festival also includes dozens of one-off ticketed events such as neighbourhood brunch crawls, intimate pop-up dinners, cocktail workshops for budding mixologists and much, much more.
Chinese New Year will take Vancouver by storm this February with free events, dragon dances, displays and exhibitions happening across the city. Highlights include acclaimed arts and culture celebration Lunar Fest and the Annual Chinatown Parade.
Vancouver is situated within short driving distance from several breathtaking ski resorts including Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain, which are considered among the best ski hills in British Columbia. From skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and tubing, playing in the snow at either peak is a perfect day trip from the city.
January and February are ideal months to take advantage of stellar sales on winter gear, including ski equipment, clothing, footwear and cold-weather camping supplies. Head to West Broadway, between Cambie and Main Street – otherwise known as Vancouver’s outdoor store mecca – where you’ll find stores like Mountain Equipment Co-op, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Sport Chek, Eco Outdoor Sports and many more, all within walking distance.
Vancouver’s coffee culture is exploding and there’s no better time to warm your hands – and heart – at the city's charming cafés, where baristas are most often award-winning – and serious about coffee. On a chilly day, grab your computer, notebook or novel and head to an inspiring indie coffee shop such as Kafka’s on Main Street, Revolver Coffee in Gastown or Matchstick Coffee in Chinatown. Bonus: many Vancouver cafés will be participating in the annual Hot Chocolate Festival, serving up limited edition seasonal drinks in a variety of sweet and surprising flavours.
Downtown Vancouver’s Robson Square is home to a lovely outdoor skating rink that stays open ’til February 14 each year. A much-loved tradition in the city, this magical ice rink is alive with couples, families and children most days of the week. Skates rent for the low price of $4 and the rink stays open until 11 pm on weekends, making it an affordable date-night option.
Prove that you're a true Vancouver sports fan and catch some live action at a Vancouver Whitecaps or Vancouver Canucks game this winter. Home games occur throughout the winter for both teams, and while Whitecaps seats are more affordable (from $30 to $60 compared to as high as $325 for Canucks seats) it’s certainly worth it to save up and splurge on the iconic Canadian winter experience – hockey.
This international performing arts festival runs from January 16 to February 4 in locations across Vancouver, and is a highly anticipated annual event in the city. Highlights include performance pieces, music and more.
Vancouver may be cold in January and February but with an abundance of activities, outdoor sports and cultural events, this West Coast winter wonderland has much to offer tourists and locals alike, and is certainly worth experiencing during chillier months.
