UPDATED December 13th

Seeing as this holiday season is going to look a lot different than previous years, I thought I’d write a post to help you navigate what we can still do this year. With no Canucks games, or theatre of any kind, a closed Aquarium and no Christmas Market we are missing some key activities. Don’t worry, there are still lots of things left to see and do. I have several winter adventures in Vancouver to share with you. If you’re into updating your IG feed, check out these top holiday photo spots in Vancouver. And you can never go wrong with these top Instagram spots in Vancouver.

I didn’t include skiing/snowboarding because I recently compared our local mountains for the 20/21 winter season in my guide to Vancouver’s ski resorts. If that’s a winter activity you wish to enjoy, please check out that post for what to expect this season at our local mountains. And if you’re just learning, you should check out my 9 snowboarding tips for beginners.

Top Winter Adventures in Vancouver

  • Explore Capilano Suspension Bridge. Update – reduced hours. The bridge is open 11 am – 6 pm with the lights on. The annual Canyon Lights are set to open on December 8th. The hours are 2 pm – 9 pm. You must purchase tickets in advance prior to arrival. This has been named one of the most spectacular holiday lights displays in the world and is not to be missed! Check out my post for photos if you’ve never been because Capilano Canyon Lights never disappoints.
  • Drive through the PNE Winter Lights. Stay warm in your car while you drive through 2 km of festive lights. Vancouver’s only drive-thru experience, the PNE Winter Lights is running on the following nights: December 11-13 and 17-23, 26 and 27th from 4-10 pm. Be sure to reserve your visit to avoid disappointment.
  • Grouse Mountain Peak of Christmas. Update – while not a full Peak of Christmas as usual, there is still lots going on.
    • The Light Walk is currently open and is beautiful to see. Current information is available on their website.
    • Snowshoeing and ice skating are open. Check full details here.
Reindeer in the snonw
One of the many reindeer that can be seen on Grouse Mountain during the winter season
  • VanDusen Festival of Lights. Update – canceled 🙁 An annual occurrence, this spectacular Festival of Lights will open on December 8th. It boasts over 1 million lights decorating the 10 acres of gardens. To avoid disappointment, purchase your tickets online in advance. Some nights have already sold out.
  • Try your hand at snowshoeing. All three of Vancouver’s Ski Resorts also offer snowshoeing and are open right now. Prices range from $15 – $59 as you have to purchase a gondola ticket to access the trails at Grouse Mountain.
    • Cypress Mountain Lights to the Lodge – Open now! Snowshoe a 1 km trail light by LED lights through old-growth trees. Check the website for full details and to purchase advance tickets.
    • Seymour Mountain – Open now! Once named North America’s Best Resort for Snowshoeing, Mt. Seymour is a popular destination for snowshoeing. Visit their website for details and to purchase your tickets.
    • Grouse Mountain – Open now! Grouse Mountains offers a myriad of snowshoe experiences for all levels, as well as ice skating at their Mountaintop Skating Pond. Visit their website for full details.
  • Go Ice Skating at Robson Square. Update – currently closed 🙁 Grouse mountain isn’t the only place you can enjoy outdoor ice skating. Robson Square’s outdoor ice skating will be open from early December until February 28th. Skating is free if you bring your own ice skates. Rentals are $5 and cash only. Visit their website for details.
Robson Street outdoor ice skating rink
The colourful and super festive ice skating rink on Robson Street in Vancouver
  • Bright Nights Christmas Train at Stanley Park. Update – canceled 🙁 Opening December 8th, Bright Nights will be different this year with no Santa Claus and no plaza lights. The train will be the main feature as it chugs its way through the magically-lit trees of Stanley Park. Tickets must be purchase online in advance and the hours will be 4 pm – 10 pm.
  • Walk through Fleurs de Villes. This floral extravaganza is a free self-guided walking exhibit through Robson and Alberni streets. It will take place from December 4 – 13th. There are 30 pop-up installations at Fleurs de Villes.

And there you have it, some of the top winter adventures in Vancouver this year that are still happening. What will you participate in this year?

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