Winter Fun in Vancouver

Dec 24

While winter in Vancouver is a season of rain and snow, it still transforms into a festive destination full of activities perfect for families and friends. Vancouver has something for everyone! Here’s a brief guide to some of Vancouver’s winter activities, including classics like ice skating and tourist attractions such as the PNE Winter Fair.

1. Vancouver Christmas Market

Located at Jack Poole Plaza and open from November 13 to December 24, the Vancouver Christmas Market is one of the city’s signature holiday experiences. Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, it features over 90 artisan stalls selling unique handmade gifts, a Christmas tree and various festive treats. The live entertainment, Alpine-themed seating, and beautifully lit atmosphere can be appreciated by everyone. It’s also one of the best spots in the city for holiday photos! General admission tickets start at $6.99 (kids 6 and under are free), and there’s also a season pass for $35.99 if you plan on visiting more than once this season.

2. Outdoor Skating

Vancouver has 2 standout spots for outdoor skating: Robson Square Ice Rink and the Shipyards Ice Rink. Both offer totally similar yet different vibes and are great for groups of all ages!

Robson Square Ice Rink: A winter tradition for locals and open from November 28 to February 28, Robson Square offers skating in an open ice rink surrounded by downtown’s holiday lights. Skate rentals are inexpensive — at just $5 — and the rink is close to many stores and restaurants, making it part of the perfect outing.
Shipyards Ice Rink: If you want more space and scenic ocean views, head to The Shipyards, which is open from late November to March. It’s twice the size of Robson Square Ice Rink and is actually one of the largest outdoor skating plazas in Western Canada! Skate rentals are $8 for adults and $5.50 for children. Beautifully decorated for the holidays and surrounded by restaurants at the Lonsdale waterfront, this is a beautiful spot with views of Downtown Vancouver and the mountains.

3. PNE Winter Fair

Held at the PNE Fairgrounds, the PNE Winter Fair combines holiday magic with indoor comfort, serving as a warm escape on cold days. Open from December 6 to December 8 and December 12 to December 23, the Winter Fair is big enough to spend hours exploring with friends and family. There’s skating, live Christmas music, light displays, market vendors, sweet treats, carnival-style games and more! For families, this is the perfect place with the perfect activities: meet-and-greet characters for kids, festive photo zones and performances like holiday theatre shows or musical guests.

4. Capilano Canyon Lights

The Capilano Canyon Lights is one of Vancouver’s most breathtaking holiday attractions, open from November 21 to January 18 with admission prices varying depending on age group. Every winter, the Capilano Suspension Bridge and surrounding forest are transformed with thousands of lights. Guests can walk across the illuminated suspension bridge, admire the glowing rainforest trails, explore the mesmerizing Treetops Adventure walkway and take stunning photos. The reflections of lights over the canyon make it feel like a true winter fairytale. This season, they even have a new addition: Wildlight, a 3D wildlife projection!

5. Whistler

A two-hour drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Whistler is one of the best winter destinations in North America with world-class scenery. Even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, there’s plenty to do, like snow tubing, skating, winter ziplining, enjoying a spa day, trying out the cozy restaurants and snowshoeing. Whether you want a full-day adventure or a relaxing getaway, Whistler has endless options!

6. Snow Activities

If you want mountain fun without venturing too far, Vancouver’s North Shore mountains offer skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and family-friendly winter parks.

Grouse Mountain: Known as “The Peak of Vancouver,” Grouse Mountain is open from November 21 to December 24 and offers skiing, skating, snowshoeing, sliding zones and beautiful city views. The Skyride gondola alone is worth the trip! There are many admission options to choose from, such as the early bird winter pass, annual pass or daily admission.
Cypress Mountain: Home to one of the largest ski areas in BC, Cypress Mountain is usually open from mid-November to mid-April and is great for more serious skiers. It also has a popular snow tubing park perfect for kids or beginners, and many snowshoe trails.
Mount Seymour: More affordable and family-focused, Mount Seymour offers easy-to-moderate terrain, tobogganing and snowshoeing. This family-owned ski resort is usually open from December to April and offers shuttle buses travelling from East Vancouver and Parkgate Community Centre!

7. Lafarge Lake Lights

Located in Town Centre Park and open from November 28 to February 16, Lights at Lafarge is one of the largest free holiday light displays in the Lower Mainland. The walking loop around Lafarge Lake transforms into a glowing path of themed displays, tunnels and lanterns. It’s perfect for families or even just casual walks with friends. If you get hungry while walking, feel free to visit one of the many food trucks set up on site. With a beautiful lakeside view, it’s spacious and never feels too crowded.

Winter in Vancouver offers something for everyone, from light displays and festive markets to snowy mountain adventures and cozy indoor activities. Whether you’re exploring illuminated forests, enjoying seasonal treats at the Christmas Market, skating outdoors or going on a road trip to Whistler, the season is full of ways to make meaningful memories with family and friends. Bundle up and enjoy everything this winter season has to offer!

Jessica Y.