Vancouver

Winter in Vancouver

With our temperate climate and easily accessible alpine experiences, Vancouver offers the best of both worlds for winter travellers. All you have to do is bring your bucket list, we'll provide the adventures.


Grouse Mountain ShowshoeDay One:

SOAR OVER CANADA

Ease into the day with a light breakfast and a mug of coffee at one of Vancouver's friendly local spots. No need for parkas and snow boots here. In fact, thanks to our temperate climate you can then explore the city on foot, starting with a trip over to Canada Place where you'll find FlyOver Canada, a unique 4D flight simulation ride.

CRAFT BEER ON TAP

Vancouver boasts a booming craft beer community, and with new breweries opening up every month there are plenty of bar stools here for you to explore. This afternoon you'll get to hail the ale with an organized Vancouver Brewery Tour.

Just steps away from your hotel at the historic Waterfront Station, you'll board a private bus before being whisked away to explore behind the scenes of some of our city's favourite breweries, enjoying some well-earned samples along the way.

DINE IN STYLE

After enjoying the local brews, get in the spirit of the season at Capilano Suspension Bridge's Canyon Lights experience. Serving up lights and heights, the annual event brings the rainforest to life with incredible illuminations.

Once you're finished you'll end your experience in style with dinner at Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar. With its dark wood walls and starched white tablecloths, this cosy spot is a bonafide Canadian classic serving some of Vancouver's best steak alongside delicious cocktails


Shopping in GastownDay Two:

BREAKFAST WITH A SIDE OF STUNNING

Grab breakfast, then get your bearings by heading up to the Vancouver Lookout for a 360-degree view of the city. From here, it's a short walk to downtown Vancouver's main shopping area, the Pacific Centre mall, where you'll find some of North America's best-known brands along with flagship department stores such as Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom.

AN ELEGANT AFTERNOON

After flexing your credit card, take a short walk to Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Built in 1928, the city's "grand dame" serves an elegant afternoon tea complete with scones, finger sandwiches, tartlets and even a glass of bubbles - if you want to add some sparkle to your experience.

Suitably refreshed, it's time to strap on your skates and enjoy the ice in the centre of the city. Surrounded by glistening skyscrapers, this unique downtown rink is located just steps from the iconic Vancouver Art Gallery, and best of all, it's completely free to enjoy.

SNOWSHOE AND FONDUE

Don't enjoy yourself too much however, because tonight you'll be working up an appetite in an alpine forest. Just minutes from downtown Vancouver you'll take a gondola ride up to experience Grouse Mountain's Snowshoe Fondue. There you'll have a chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy stunning views of the city below as your guide takes you on a tranquil one-hour tour. As night falls you'll retreat to a cosy wooden chalet where you can hang up your snowshoes and warm up by a roaring fire as you enjoy a three-course fondue dinner.


INSIDER TIPS:

  • Visiting the Vancouver Lookout? Your ticket is valid all day so you can always head back to check out the view when the sun is setting.
     
  • Check out one of our city's array of unique art galleries. Locations like the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Bill Reid Gallery are great indoors options during the winter season.
     
  • Explore iconic Granville Island Market.
     
  • Heading to the mountains? Vancouver is a perfect destination to visit on your way to and from nearby Whistler Blackcomb. Located just a 90 minute drive away, Whistler is easily accessible via companies like West Coast Sightseeing, Landsea Tours & Adventures, Whistler Connections, Epic Rides and Luxury Transport who offer daily transfers to and from the world class resort.
     
  • Before you head to the airport and back home, don't miss some of the best outlet retail therapy Vancouver has to offer at McArthur Glen Designer Outlet and Tsawwassen Mills.

 

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