Ava GabouryDid you know that Vancouver doesn’t hibernate during winter? Unlike the sleepy bears, this city doesn’t stop the party just because of the cold.
It offers a multitude of entertainment options, ensuring that even in its frosty time, visitors and locals alike can immerse themselves in the magic of the city with its buzz of seasonal charm.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure or just want to cozy up while you sip on a deliriously delicious cup of hot chocolate, here’s the complete list of all the exciting adventures in Vancouver during winter.
- 1. Seek winter thrills at Grouse Mountain
- 2. Watch light illuminations at Stanley Park
- 3. Watch the captivating city views at Cypress Lookout
- 4. Enjoy the Vancouver Christmas Market
- 5. Sign up for skiing and snowboarding lessons at Cypress Mountain
- 6. Slurp a nice bowl of soup at The Soup Meister's Nephew
- 7. Go ice skating outdoors at Robson Square
- 8. Indulge in a hot cup of coffee at Nemesis Coffee Gastown
- 9. Sip on the best hot chocolate at Mink Chocolates Cafe
- 10. Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge
- 11. Smoke a joint at New Amsterdam Cafe
- 12. Get cozy playing arcade indoors at Glitch Retro Arcade Bar
1. Seek winter thrills at Grouse Mountain
Website: https://www.grousemountain.com
Directions: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada
Contact details: +1 604 980 9311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9:30 PM
Don’t let the winter blues get you down.
If you find yourself in Vancouver during the colder months, immerse yourself in the exciting and adrenaline-inducing activities at Grouse Mountain – a ski resort known for its captivating city views and winter recreational pursuits.
Expect jam-packed adventures that include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, exploring the mountaintop, and more.
If outdoor exploration isn’t what you fancy – don’t you worry! They also offer a more relaxed set of activities for those who want to enjoy the beauty of Grouse Mountain.
This includes indulging in beautiful light illumination, riding the aerial tramway, and participating in a mountain rope adventure.
While the latter sounds a bit more intense, it’s considered suitable for kids, so trust us when we say it’s not that bad! After all, we conquered it, didn’t we?
Speaking of kid-friendly activities, your little ones can also enjoy their time here, making it an exciting destination for families.
2. Watch light illuminations at Stanley Park
– Media credit: @legere_photos
Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx
Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-681-6728
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
During the winter season, Vancouver becomes an even more enchanting destination, thanks to the light illumination installed all over the city.
One of the best locations to enjoy this is Stanley Park, a popular spot known for being Vancouver’s verdant sanctuary.
The illumination event is rightfully called Bright Nights, which usually runs from the end of November to the first week of January. It’s one of the most famous illuminations in Western Canada, making it a must-visit if this tickles your fancy.
3. Watch the captivating city views at Cypress Lookout
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/S8Tocrt7VtzCZuzu9
Address: Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 11 PM
Pretend you’re in a Christmas movie Netflix special by taking your date to Cypress Lookout. Okay, you can go alone too, but it might be even more exciting to bring someone with you to this romantic location.
Anyway, if you’re seeking the perfect location to enjoy the views of the skies painted by the vibrant Vancouver skyline, this is one of the best places to do that.
While it’s open all year round, going during a winter night will give you a glimpse of an even brighter Vancouver.
Here’s an insider tip: go here before sundown to witness the gorgeous sunset views!
4. Enjoy the Vancouver Christmas Market
Website: https://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com
Address: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3G3, Canada
A Vancouver winter experience won’t be complete without visiting the Vancouver Christmas Market. After all, it’s one of the most exciting winter events in the city!
Boasting a dazzling number of more than 90 vendors, visitors can indulge in an assortment of handcrafted goods and delectable dishes.
One can anticipate flavorful options like bratwurst, smoked meat, charcuterie, chocolates, and such while shopping for candles, accessories, soap, and so on. Oh, and there are also coffee shops and vendors selling alcoholic beverages!
Paired with the dynamic atmosphere and the unbeatable Christmas spirit, you won’t regret adding this to your itinerary.
5. Sign up for skiing and snowboarding lessons at Cypress Mountain
Website: https://cypressmountain.com
Address: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3N9, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-926-5612
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
Always wanted to enjoy the famous winter activities, but are afraid everyone will know you’re a novice?
First, you don’t have to be a seasoned adventurer to have fun. Exhibit A – us!
Second, you can always polish your skills by signing up for skiing and snowboarding lessons at none other than Cypress Mountain. There’s something for every age group, starting at age three.
If you want to feel more motivated with the help of a more intimate session, you can also sign up for a private lesson.
Other than changing your novice status to educated amateur, you can also indulge in other famous winter activities during your visit. This includes cross-country skiing, ski biking, snow tubing, and the like.
6. Slurp a nice bowl of soup at The Soup Meister’s Nephew
Website: https://thesoupmeistersnephew.ca
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Ct #103, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K7, Canada
Contact details: +1 236-471-5868
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Indulge in a warm, hearty meal by ordering one of the best soups Vancouver has to offer. The Soup Meister’s Nephew lies in a bustling spot with a surprisingly homey vibe.
This relaxed nature extends to their comforting dishes with a rotating lineup of delectable soups. A few of our favorites are homestyle chicken noodle, Italian wedding, and roasted garlic sweet potato.
While they change their menu quite often, we find that its unpredictability makes the experience even more enjoyable. After all, everything we’ve tried is nothing short of extraordinary.
7. Go ice skating outdoors at Robson Square
– Media credit: @helderforti
Website: https://www.robsonsquare.com
Address: 800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-822-3333
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Robson Square is a picturesque plaza exuding an exuberant atmosphere, gaining popularity during the winter season because of its ice skating opportunity. This lovely spot ensures a delightful setting to enjoy the popular winter activity.
Skate rental in Robson Square only costs CA$5 and only CA$2 for ice cleats.
During the warmer season, it stays a dynamic location for salsa dancing, a Mexican market, and other exciting festivities.
8. Indulge in a hot cup of coffee at Nemesis Coffee Gastown
Website: https://www.nemesis.coffee
Address: 302 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N4, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
For coffee lovers, indulging in a hot cup of coffee during the winter season is an unbeatable way to combat the cold.
One of the best places to do that is at Nemesis Coffee, a bright and airy cafe with a stylish and inviting allure, transporting you into a place of warmth in juxtaposition to the Vancouver winter.
We’re enthusiastic advocates of their pour-overs – a must-try for any Nemesis Coffee first-timers. Aside from enjoying their coffee offerings, we also suggest taking a look at their baked goods, especially if you’re on the hunt for a deliciously flaky croissant.
9. Sip on the best hot chocolate at Mink Chocolates Cafe
Website: https://www.minkchocolates.com
Address: 863 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6C 3N9, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-633-2451
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Hot chocolate is an unmatched holiday treat, which is why if you find yourself in Vancouver during the winter season, you definitely should head over to Mink Chocolates Cafe.
They have one of the best hot chocolates in town, making them a coveted location for any chocolate aficionados. You can choose between two options: 70% or 30% cacao.
Ultimately, it depends if you like it bitter or sweet, with both having their own charm.
10. Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Website: https://www.capbridge.com
Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-985-7474
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Treat yourself to a captivating wintry special by crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge during the colder months.
This popular bridge offers striking views of the surrounding verdant area, but it becomes even more fascinating with the light illumination during this time of year.
It’s enchanting, almost hypnotic, to witness its beauty up close. Charge your camera to its full extent because you’d want to take photos non-stop!
11. Smoke a joint at New Amsterdam Cafe
Website: https://newamsterdamcafe.com
Address: 301 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H6, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-682-8955
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
As the name suggests, the next establishment on our list is inspired by the coffee shops of the renowned city in the Netherlands. At New Amsterdam Cafe, one can unwind with the relaxing company of Mary Jane.
While there’s still a slight stigma with smoking Cannabis in Vancouver, this is a place of no judgment. By just heading upstairs, you can meet fellow stoners, ensuring that your smoke session is anything but boring and unaccepting.
As soon as you get the munchies, the coffee shop also offers mouthwatering dishes to devour.
If you don’t want to get high – fret not. You can still enjoy their hip ambiance and order a delicious cup of espresso during your visit.
12. Get cozy playing arcade indoors at Glitch Retro Arcade Bar
Website: https://www.glitchvancouver.com
Address: 2287 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-288-4400
Operating hours:
- Monday- closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 12 AM
During the colder months, hanging out with the gang can be limited to indoor spaces. However, it doesn’t have to be in someone’s dingy basement, while everyone takes a swig of their lukewarm beer.
In fact, it can be in a much more vibrant space, where everyone can enjoy indulging in their competitive spirit.
With this in mind, why not try taking the party to Glitch Retro Arcade Bar? In this hotspot, everyone can immerse themselves in the classic games – a sense of nostalgia included.
This dynamic locale will take you back to the ‘80s to ‘90s with its funky interior, making it the perfect stage to play some arcade.
You can expect games like Sonic, Smash Bros, Mario Kart, and more. Oh, and of course, they also offer tasty treats like cocktails and fries.
Their drink offerings are also outstanding, ensuring there’s something for every kind of drinker.
