From Grouse Mountain by Laura and Neil

The beautiful city of Vancouver offers a smorgasboard of activities and attractions anytime of year. The Winter season, though, is an especially excellent time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds that come with peak travel season, and also save money on accommodations, flights, and rental cars. Snow rarely falls within the city limits, so you won’t need to worry about challenging driving conditions or snowsuits, but temperatures do dip, so be sure to bring your winter clothing. If you don’t mind bundling up for outings, Vancouver offers tons of exciting things to do and see. Plus, if you love to ski or snowboard, Grouse Mountain, Cypress, and Mount Seymour are spectacular destinations for shredding some powder. Only about two hours north of the city, you’ll find the picturesque mountain town of Whistler — one of North America’s best ski destinations, famous for great downhill skiing and heliskiing.

Things to do in the city

Stanley Park

In Winter, this 1,000-acre park becomes a gorgeous, sculptured wonderland. Cedars, hemlocks and fir trees glisten with frost in the sun, and swans can still be seen floating across Lost Lagoon. The park is lined with a multitude of great walking trails, with lovely scenery in every direction. The park hosts a variety of arts events and has an outdoor theatre where plays can be seen regularly. The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is located in Stanley Park too — come face to face with Beluga whales, see otters at feeding time, become an honorary marine mammal trainer for a day, and watch dolphins spin through the air at the Dolphin show. The Vancouver Aquarium is Canada’s largest Aquarium, and is recognized world-wide.

Shopping, Food, and Nightlife

With colorful, lively neighborhoods, Vancouver is known for all three. Some of the best neighborhoods to find great independent shops, delicious cuisine, fun pubs, and vibrant clubs are:

Robson Street: Fashion and food are the name of the game on this trendy, bustling thoroughfare. A mixture of budget retailers and upscale boutiques populate the street, making Robson one of Canada’s most popular shopping areas. Between stores, you can relax at a day spa, enjoy a fresh latte at an outdoor cafe, or indulge in tasty cuisine at one of the many fine dining restaurants. The nightlife here is great too. Street performers come out to entertain, lights sparkle on the pavement, and pubs come alive.

Gastown: Cobblestone streets lead to loads of cool shops, delicious restaurants, happening bars, and inspiring art galleries. Gastown is also made of historic architecture, which visitors may learn about on a great historic walking tour. Be sure to check out Gastown’s amazing steam-powered clock located at Cambrie and Watermark. Other favorites are Irish Heather Bistro, Hills Native Art, and The Landing.

English Bay: Located in downtown’s West End, English Bay is a diverse, colorful, and lively neighborhood filled with great people and great things to see and do. If shopping is on your itinerary, check out the many fantastic bookstores, clothing retailers, and gift shops. Museums, historic houses, and the West End Community Centre are excellent cultural sites. Coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants are here to revitalize you after a day of fun.

Other great ways to spend a day in Vancouver are at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Science World, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Granville Island. For more information on these great attractions, and further ideas on things to do and see in the city, check out the links below.

Resources:
Vancouver Travel Guide
Vancouver Travel Blogs
Vancouver Hotel Reviews

Ski Mountains and Resorts

Within the city, you’ll find Grouse Mountain, Cypress, and Mount Seymour, all premier ski and snowboard destinations. Not too far north of the city lies Whistler/Blackcomb, perfect for downhill skiiers and boarders, and folks who like to kick it up a notch with a helicopter skiing adventure.

Grouse Mountain

Getting up to the mountain is half the fun — hop in the Grouse Mountain Skyride which takes you above the trees on a 1-mile journey to the top. Then you’ll be sure to find a ski or snowboard run that makes you smile, because they have over 25 to choose from. Grouse Mountain also offers sleigh rides, snowshoe trails, and a beautiful outdoor skating rink. After a day of fun on the slopes, you can settle in for a tasty meal in one of many great restaurants, from casual to fine dining.

resources:
Grouse Mountain Tourism
Grouse Mountain by Laura and Neil
Grouse Mountain article

Whistler

The Whistler/Blackcomb ski resort is a skiiers dream destination, and the charming and beautiful resort town of Whistler is one of the most fun winter destinations in North America. Downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowcat skiing, sleigh rides, ice skating, snow shoeing, dog sledding, ice climbing, tubing — if it’s fun and it involves snow, you can find it in Whistler. Whistler also has a variety of day spas for warm relaxation after a day on the slopes, more than 200 shops and stores, over 90 restaurants and bars within Whistler Village, and plenty of clubs for after hours fun. Check out the links below for more information about Whistler/Blackcomb and help planning a trip.

Resources:
Tourism Whistler
Whistler Blackcomb Official Ski Resort Website
Whistler Travel Guide