99 Things to do in Vancouver This Winter

99 ways to keep busy in Vancouver (and a little further beyond) during the winter season.

We wanted to write a piece that would inspire residents to explore their city and show visitors Vancouver, British Columbia as locals know it. Whether you’re looking for an activity to escape the wet weather, a snowy outdoor adventure or to spend an afternoon admiring the arts, you’re sure to find it on the list. Maybe you need date-night inspiration or simply can’t think of a single thing to do on a ‘blah’ day. We challenge you to remain bored with 99 things to do in Vancouver at your fingertips.

1. Ride the Stanley Park Train

Description: Clickety-clack along the tracks. Wind your way through tunnels and forest for two kilometres aboard the Stanley Park Train. It’s a model replica of the Canadian Pacific Railway #374, well known for pulling Canada’s first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in the late 1880s. This is a popular Vancouver attraction and it runs throughout the summer, and for seasonal events like Halloween, Easter and the Bright Nights Train. There is a matinee train that runs in the afternoons, and an after dark evening ride.

Bright Night dates: Nov. 26 to Jan. 2

Website: Click here

Price: The matinee train is $6 per person; the night train is $12 for adults. $9 for youth and seniors and children under two years old are free. If you only want to view the lights and not ride the train, entry is by donation.

Location: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, take the West Georgia Street park entrance.

Blogger who has lived the experience:

Tamara from Discovering Parenthood
Adelina from Pack me to

2. Visit the Vancouver Christmas Market

Description: Get into the Christmas spirit at the market, with food, drinks, entertainment and a wide variety of artisan gifts. There will be a total of 55 vendors at this years’ market. Take a spin on the carousel, sip Glühwein and listen to the semi-finalists singing in the X-Mas Factor competition on Friday evenings. A winner will be determined on December 19.

Date & Time: Nov. 21 to Dec. 24, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Closing at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24.)

Website: vancouverchristmasmarket.com

Price: Adult tickets are $8, youth tickets are $4 and senior tickets are $7.

Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, 650 Hamilton St., Vancouver

Bloggers who have lived the experience: 

Janette from VanCityMommyD
Tamara from Discovering Parenthood
Adelina from Pack Me to

3. Walk the Festival Of Lights & Enchanted Nights

Description: Come out to enjoy the Festival of Lights at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens, where over one million lights will make the gardens twinkle and sparkle. There are interactive themed areas, a Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake, a gnome performance and the Vancouver Public Library’s Tales For A Winter’s Night. All tickets to the Festival Of Lights will gain you entry into the Enchanted Nights at the Bloedel Conservatory. There, you can walk through a miniature world made for fairies and sprites.

Date & Time: Dec. 1 to Dec. 31, except on Dec. 25, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. From Dec. 18 to Dec. 23, the event runs for an extra hour, until 10 p.m.

Website: Click here

Price: Adult tickets are $16, senior and youth tickets are  $12, children from three to 12 get in for $9 and children under two years old are free. A family pass, for two adults and their children, is $36.

Location: 
VanDusen Botanical Garden: 5251 Oak St., Vancouver
Bloedel Conservatory: 4600 Cambie, Vancouver

4. Explore Peak Of Christmas

Description: Come out to Grouse Mountain to experience the Peak Of Christmas event. You’ll walk into Santa’s Workshop and meet his reindeer, or you can take a sleigh ride through the mountain’s forest. Bring your skates and spend time twirling on the 8,000-square-foot mountaintop ice skating pond. You can have your photo taken with Santa, watch a Christmas movie at the Theatre In The Sky or listen to Vancouver’s choirs singing Christmas carols. Don’t forget to stroll through the SOS Children’s Village Gingerbread Village in the Spirit Gallery.

Dates: November 28 – January 4

Website: grousemountain.com/peak-of-christmas

Price: Entry into the Peak Of Christmas comes complimentary with your Alpine Experience ticket, annual membership, winter season pass or lift ticket.

Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

5. Skate on the Robson Square Ice Rink

Description: The Robson Square Ice Rink opened on the afternoon of Dec. 1 and runs through the Christmas season, and all winter to the end of February. Check the website for hours of operation.

Website: robsonsquare.com

Price: Skating is free with your own skates. Skates and a helmet are $4 to rent; ice cleats are $2 to rent.

Location: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver

6. Go Snowboarding

Description: Strap onto a single board and start your descent down one of Vancouver’s popular mountains – Cypress, Grouse and Seymour – only a 30-minute drive from the city. Snowboarding on these North Shore mountains runs from December to April, depending on conditions.

Website:

cypressmountian.com
grousemountain.com
mountseymour.com

Price: Price is dependent on the mountain you choose and the type of pass. Please refer to the above websites for more information.

Location: 
Cypress Mountain: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, Vancouver V0N 1G0
Grouse Mountain: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver V7R 4K9
Mount Seymour: 1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver V7G 1L3

Bloggers who have lived the experience:

Traveling Canucks

7. Go Skiing

Description: Step onto two swift skis and start your descent down one of Vancouver’s popular mountains – Cypress, Grouse and Seymour – only a 30-minute drive from the city. Skiing on these North Shore mountains runs from December to April, depending on conditions.

Website: 
cypressmountian.com
grousemountain.com
mountseymour.com

Price: Price is dependent on the mountain you choose and the type of pass. Please refer to the above websites for more information.

Location: 
Cypress Mountain: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, Vancouver V0N 1G0
Grouse Mountain: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver V7R 4K9
Mount Seymour: 1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver V7G 1L3

8. Go Snowshoeing

Description: Snowshoeing season can start as early as November near Vancouver, and last right through to April. The most popular places to snowshoe include Cypress, Grouse and Seymour mountains, but some more adventurous snowshoers hit the trails in nearby provincial parks. Always check trail signs before heading out. Many trails that are suitable for cross-country skiing do not allow snowshoeing, as it ruins the groomed trails. If you’re not interested in a self-guided hike, or feel you’re not quite experienced enough to go out on the trails alone, consider booking a snowshoeing tour with a nearby company.

Website:
cypressmountian.com
grousemountain.com
mountseymour.com

Price: Price is dependent on the mountain you choose and the type of pass. Please refer to the above websites for more information.

Location: 
Cypress Mountain: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, Vancouver V0N 1G0
Grouse Mountain: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver V7R 4K9
Mount Seymour: 1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver V7G 1L3

Bloggers who have lived the experience: 

Megan from Wanderlust Megan

Sacha from Sachad

Michael Coyle from Oplopanax

9. Go Tubing

Description: Grab your tube and hit the slopes! Perfect for those who don’t ski or board, tubing provides fun for the whole family. Cypress Mountain offers a snow tube park for people over six years old, and is equipped with six chutes that are about 100 metres long. There is also a snow tube tow to pull you uphill. Mount Seymour also offers a snow tube park for everyone over six, in specially designed tubes, and there’s a tube tow to get you back up to the top.

Website:
cypressmountian.com
mountseymour.com

Price: Prices vary, so check the above websites for more details.

Location:
Cypress Mountain: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, Vancouver V0N 1G0
Mount Seymour: 1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver V7G 1L3

10. Go Tobogganing

Description: For a gentler experience, or for family with children under six years old, there are great tobogganing hills around Vancouver. Both Mount Seymour and Cypress Mountain are good options. There are also tobogganing hills at Cleveland Park, Trimble Park, Kensington Park, Falaise Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Douglas Park, Sutcliffe Park, China Creek Park, Vancouver Aquatic Centre and Coal Harbour Hill.

Website:
cypressmountian.com
mountseymour.com

Price: Prices vary, so check the above websites for more details.

Location:
Cypress Mountain: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, Vancouver V0N 1G0
Mount Seymour: 1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver V7G 1L3

11. Go Cross-Country skiing

Description: Experience some of the best cross-country skiing Vancouver has to offer at Cypress Mountain. There’s 19 kilometres of trails, boasting city, mountain and ocean views.

Website: cypressmountain.com

Price: Cypress Mountain offers day tickets and season passes. A day pass for an adult to cross-country ski would be $20. A season pass for an adult would be $319.

Location: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, Vancouver V0N 1G0

Blogger who has lived the experience:

Sacha from Sachad

12. Try the Bobsleigh or Skeleton

Description: Although not within the city, if you really want an exhilarating winter experience you need to try bobsledding or the skeleton (going down head first) at the Whistler Sliding Centre. An icy track, 1,450 metres long, with a vertical drop of 152 metres – it doesn’t get much more exciting than that!

Website: whistlersportlegacies.com

Price: The Thunder On Ice ride – one bobsleigh ride with a pilot and two other guests – costs $169 plus tax, per person.

Location: 4910 Glacier Lane, Whistler

13. Try a Snow-Limo

Description: This is the perfect activity if you don’t really like winter and all of the strain that comes with going up and down a mountain. Grouse Mountain’s snow-limo tour features a personal chauffeur that takes you on a tour of the ski areas in a sled-like piece of equipment. You can leisurely ride along anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, bundled up and enjoying the view. You can also take a snow limo ride at Big White Ski Resort and Sun Peaks Resort, both in B.C.

Website: snow-limotours.com

Price: Tours range from $59 for the bronze tour, $89 for the silver peak tour and $299 for the romantic getaway tour.

Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

14. See the Canyon Lights

Description: Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge to see it lit up for the season. Hundreds of thousands of lights are currently twinkling throughout the park. Canyon Lights runs from Nov. 27, 2015, to Jan. 3, 2016, and is closed on Christmas Day. And if all those lights don’t get you in the spirit of the holidays, check out the world’s tallest living Christmas tree – 46 metres tall!

Website: capbridge.com/explore/canyon-lights

Price: An adult ticket is $37.95. There are youth, senior, student and child tickets, as well as family passes available.

Location: 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver

Bloggers who have lived the experience:

Bored in Vancouver

15. Attend the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival

Description: Monday, Dec. 21, will mark the 22nd year for the annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival. This festival shines a light on the longest night of the year, illuminating inky skies with lanterns and fire. There will also be singing, drumming, music and dancing.

Website: secretlantern.org

Price: Free

Location: Yaletown, Granville Island, Chinatown – Vancouver

16. Heritage Christmas at the Burnaby Village Museum

Description: Wander through a historic museum decked out in lights, admiring beautiful sculptures and taking in special performances, such as choirs, street characters and musicians. Do some baking in the old farmhouse, and get your photo taken with Father Christmas while you’re at it!

Website: burnabyvillagemuseum.ca

Price: Free gate admission, carousel rides are $2.55 each.

Location: 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby

Blogger who has lived the experience: 

Tamara from Discovering Parenthood

17. Visit Fort Langley for its Heritage Holiday event

Description: Experience Christmas in the 1840s and 1850s at Fort Langley. Take in the holiday atmosphere, crafts and children’s activities.

Date & Time: Open from Dec. 19, 2015, to Jan. 3, 2016, closed Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1.

Website: Click here

Price: Regular admission fees apply – $7.80 for adults, $3.90 for youth, $6.55 for senior and a family pass for $19.60.

Location: 23433 Mavis St., Langley

18. Tour Maplewood Farm

Description: Set on five acres in North Vancouver, Maplewood Farm is a fun and educational place for the young, and young at heart. What started as a dairy farm has grown into a genuine, rural experience with over 200 animals and birds for visitors to enjoy.

Website: maplewoodfarm.bc.ca

Price: Adults are $7.70; children and seniors are $4.65

Location: 405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver

Blogger who has lived the experience:

Terumi Pong

19. Visit the Greater Vancouver Zoo

Description: Established in 1970, the Greater Vancouver Zoo sits on 120 acres and offers visitors animals of every shape and size.

Website: gvzoo.com

Price: $23 for adults, $17 for seniors and children between three and 15 years old, $21 for students over the age of 16 with ID and children under two years old are free. A family pass, for two adults and three children, is $73.

Location: 5048 264 Street, Aldergrove

20. See the Vancouver Canucks

Description: Cheer on Vancouver’s all-star NHL team!

Website: canucks.nhl.com/schedule

Price: The Canucks recently introduced a change in their ticket pricing for single game tickets. Fans can expect the prices to rise or fall based on factors such as opposing team, rivalries, standings, star players, day of the week and supply and demand. Check the website for exact prices of the game you’d like to attend.

Location: Rogers Centre, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver.

21. See the Vancouver Giants

Description: Catch the Vancouver Giants in action – Vancouver’s major junior hockey team, playing in the Western Hockey League.

Website: vancouvergiants.com

Price: 2015/2016 regular season tickets are $24.50 for a gold ticket (premium seating), $19.75 for a red ticket and $15.50 for a blue ticket (there’s no alcohol in the blue section and seating is limited).

Location: Pacific Coliseum, Hastings Park, Vancouver

22. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium

Description: Since opening in 1956, over 35 million people have visited the Vancouver Aquarium to view the wide array of wildlife. The aquarium dedicates itself to conserving aquatic life through its displays and interpretations, education, research and action.

Website: vanaqua.org

Price: $29 for adults, $20 for seniors, youth and students, $15 for children four to 12 and children under three are free.

Location: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver (within Stanley Park)

Bloggers who have lived the experience:

Megan from Wanderlust Megan

23. Get your Photo Taken with Santa

Description: Mark the season with a picture with Father Christmas himself! Malls across Vancouver are hosting a photo session with the big man, so get in line today! Go early as lines tend to form even before Santa first arrives.

Website: Click here

Price: Prices vary, depending on location.

Location: Kids Market at Granville Island, Metropolis at Metrotown, Richmond Centre, Kerrisdale Village, Vancouver Christmas Market, Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain, Bright Nights at the Stanley Park Christmas Train, the Festival of Lights at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens, the Santa Claus Parade and Vancouver Winter Wonderland.

24. Vancouver Winter Wonderland

Description: From Dec. 11 to 20, take part in one of Vancouver’s largest Christmas events! There will be activities, attractions, arts and crafts, a three-story snow globe, a giant Christmas tree, games, gifts and food!

Website: vancouverwinterwonderland.com

Price: General admission is $6.30.

Location: PNE Forum, 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver

25. FlyOver Canada

Description: Utilizing amazing new technology, guests will hang suspended, with their feet dangling, in front of a 20-metre spherical screen and watch as they are whisked across Canada to view some of our country’s stunning landscapes. It literally feels as if you are hang gliding from coast to coast. During the holiday season the program has been altered slightly to include a special visit to the North Pole!

Website: flyovercanada.com

Price: General admission for an adult is $19.95, $17.95 for youth and seniors, $14.95 for children 40 inches tall to 12 years old.

Location: 201 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver

27. Visit the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

Description: Explore the universe and our planet at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. You’ll find innovative programming, exhibits and activities to inspire and educate people of all ages.

Website: spacecentre.ca

Price: Daytime admission rates are as follows: adults are $18, youth and seniors are $15, children five to 11 are $13 and children under five are free. Evening rates are cheaper.

Location: 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver

28. TELUS World of Science

Description: Explore the world of science, a stimulating adventure for all ages! There are several different exhibits, and the current feature exhibit is Animal Inside Out.

Website: scienceworld.ca

Price: General admission is as follows: adults are $22.50, seniors, students with ID and youth are $18.50, children three to 12 are $15.25 and children under three are free.

Location: 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver

29. Visit the Museum of Vancouver

Description: The Museum of Vancouver looks into the past, present and future of the city with Vancouver-focused exhibitions and programs. Since opening in 2009, the museum has earned several awards.

Website: museumofvancouver.ca

Price: Adults are $14, students and seniors are $11, youth are $8 and a family of five is $38. Children under four years old are free.

Location: 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver

Blogger who has lived the experience: 

Ariane from Vancouverscape

30. Visit the Vancouver Police Museum

Description: Take a walk through North America’s oldest police museum. Housed in what was once the Coroner’s Court, the city morgue and autopsy facilities and the crime lab, the Vancouver Police Museum is home to over 20,000 artifacts, photos and documents that depict the history of crime and law enforcement in Vancouver.

Website: vancouverpolicemuseum.ca

Price: Adults are $12, seniors and students with ID are $10, youth six to 18 are $8 and a family of four is $30. Children under five years old are free.

Location: 240 East Cordova St., Vancouver

Blogger who has lived the experience:

Kim Werker

31. Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery

Description: The Vancouver Art Gallery houses a permanent collection of more than 10,000 pieces of artwork, and that collection continues to grow. The gallery also features specific exhibitions, such as a collection of Canadian landscapes by famous artists.

Website: vanartgallery.bc.ca

Price: Adults are  $21, seniors and students with a valid ID card are $15.75, children aged five to 12 are $6.30 and a pass for a family of four is $52.50.

Location: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver

32. Visit the UBC Museum of Anthropology

Description: Take a look through history at the Museum of Anthropology. You’ll find a stunning display of Northwest Coast First Nations art (one of the finest collections in the world), as well as other collections from all over the world, temporary feature exhibits and guided tours.

Website: moa.ubc.ca

Price: $16.75 for an adult, $14.50 for students/seniors:

Location: 6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver

33. Visit the Vancouver Maritime Museum

Description: The museum tells the maritime story of the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic. Its main exhibit is the St. Roch, an Arctic exploration vessel that was used by the RCMP. You’ll also find a wide variety of model ships, a Children’s Maritime Discovery Centre, collection of maritime art and a large library and archives. Outside, you’ll find the NASA undersea research vessel Ben Franklin and the boiler from the Beaver, the first steamship in the Pacific Northwest.

Website: vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

Price: Adults will pay $11, youth, students with a valid ID card and seniors will pay $8.50 and children under five are free.

Location: 1905 Ogden Ave. in Vanier Park, Vancouver

34. The Bloedel Conservatory

Description: Be transported to a tropical paradise as soon as you step into the Bloedel Conservatory. The conservatory features more than 200 free-flying exotic birds, 500 exotic plants and flowers in a temperature-controlled environment. The conservatory strives to cultivate a “better appreciation and understanding of the world of plants.”

Website: Click here

Price: Adults will pay $6.50, seniors and youth will pay $4.50, children three to 12 will pay $3.25 and a family pass is $15. Children under three years old are free.

Location: Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver

35. Visit the BC Sports Hall of Fame

Description: Visit the history of sports in B.C. at the Sports Hall of Fame. Galleries include: Vancouver 2010 Gallery, great women in sports, B.C. at the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, Hall of Champions Gallery, Aboriginal Sport Gallery, Terry Fox Gallery and so much more.

Website: bcsportshalloffame.com

Price: Adults will pay $15, seniors, students with ID and youth are $12 and children under five years old are free. A family of four can get in for $40 and a You & Me pass for one adult and one youth is $25.

Location: Gate A of BC Place Stadium (777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver  V6B 4Y8)

Blogger who has lived it:

Paws for Beer

36. Vancouver Brewery Tours

Description: Book a tour with Vancouver Brewery Tours and experience some of the best locally sourced, handcrafted beer in the city. The company’s goal is to encourage patrons to drink locally and support local breweries.

Website: vancouverbrewerytours.com

Price: $85 per seat

Location: Meet at Waterfront Station and travel to three breweries

Blogger who has lived the experience:

Ariane from Vancouverscape 

37. Go on a Sleigh Ride

Description: There’s nothing so picturesque as a sleigh ride. There are a few places in and around the city that offer this experience.

Websites:
whistler.com/sleigh-rides
grousemountain.com/sleigh-rides

Price: Prices vary, see websites for details

Locations: Whistler and Grouse Mountain

38. Go Dog Sledding in Whistler

Description: Located outside Vancouver, in Whistler, dog sledding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and something you won’t soon forget. There are a few companies that offer this experience.

Website: Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.

Price: Starts at $189 per person, but prices depend on the package and company.

Location: Whistler

39. Take a Cooking Class at The Dirty Apron

Description: Improve your culinary skills by taking a cooking class this winter! Better yet, do it with a friend or loved one and bond over your culinary creation.

Website: dirtyapron.com

Price: $165.90, per person, for the four-hour, hands-on class.

Location: 540 Beatty Street, Vancouver

40. See The Nutcracker, by Goh Ballet

Description: From Dec. 17 to 22, see the classic masterpiece The Nutcracker come to life on stage. It will enchant audiences of all ages and features more than 200 glittering costumes and stunning sets.

Website: gohnutcracker.com

Price: Tickets range from $35 to $92.

Location: The Centre, 777 Homer Street, Vancouver

41. Trinity Street Christmas Light Festival

Description: For the 14th year, residents along the 2400 to 2900 blocks of Trinity Street light up their homes and invite everyone to walk their streets and take in the stunning sights. It’s a little bit of Griswold Family Vacation right here in Vancouver.

Website: iliveineastvan.com

Price: Free

Location: 2400 to 2900 blocks of Trinity Street in East Vancouver

42. See the Carol Ships Parade of Light

Description: For over 50 years, ships off the coast of Vancouver have been lighting up their boats with Christmas lights, much to the enjoyment of those on shore. Book a ride – the ships run Dec. 4 to 23.

Website: carolships.org

Price: To book a ticket or event bookings, call 604-438-4960

Location: The boats visit the marine communities at False Creek, Burrard Inlet, West Vancouver, Lighthouse Park, Fisherman’s Cove, Eagel Harbour, Coal Harbour, Port Moody, Deep Cove, Woodlands, Brighton Beach, Bedwell Bay, Bellcara Park, Indian Arm and Bowen Island.

43. Christmas in Kerrisdale

Description: Every Saturday and Sunday in December, enjoy all the Christmas season has to offer at Kerrisdale Village. There will be free horse carriage rides, and Santa and roving quartets, all set against beautiful decorations in the village.

Website: kerrisdaleinsider.com/christmas

Price: Free

Location: 2225 W. 41 Avenue, Vancouver

44. Shop Boxing Day Sales

Description: Join the crowds and hunt down the best deals on the day after Christmas.

Website: Visit your favourite stores to see what they have going on sale.

Price: Whatever you’re willing to spend!

Location: City-wide

45. Join the Polar Bear Swim

Description: On Jan. 1, thousands of people jump into the icy water of English Bay as part of the annual Polar Bear Swim, hosted by the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club. The swim usually takes place at 2:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

Website: vancouver.ca/polar-bear-swim

Price: Free, but the Greater Vancouver Food Bank accepts donations of cash and non-perishable food items.

Location: English Bay (near the intersection of Davie and Denman Streets)

46. Grouse Mountain’s Snowshoe Fondue on New Year’s Eve

Description: After an hour out snowshoeing, come back to the lodge for delicious fondue with cheese, broth and chocolate fondues.

Website: grousemountain.com/snowshoe-fondue

Price: $95 per person, and your group must have at least six people.

Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

47. Family First Night at Mount Seymour, New Year’s Eve

Description: Enjoy one of Vancouver’s finest family-friendly New Year’s Eve events. Enjoy snow tubing and tobogganing, live entertainment, and a fire-spinning routine. There are food vendors available and fire pits to enjoy hot apple cider and s’mores. You can even go on a guided snowshoe tour, or on a Snowquest. And don’t miss the fireworks at 9 p.m.

Website: mountseymour.com/family-first-night

Price: $20 for adults and $15 for children. Children under two years old are free. Tickets include tobogganing.

Location: 1700 Mt. Seymour Rd., North Vancouver

48. New Year’s Eve Gala

Description: Come out and enjoy an event truly worthy of ringing in a brand new year: Harbour NYE Gala. There will be a massive balloon drop, CO2 cannons, confetti, indoor fireworks and so much more. Ring in the New Year in style!

Website: Get tickets here

Price: General admission is $71.92 per person

Location: Harbour Event Centre, 750 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver

49. Play Indoor Beach Volleyball

Description: Get your digs in playing indoor beach volleyball at 6Pack Indoor Beach.

Website: 6packbeach.com/volleyball

Price: Prices depend on whether you’re dropping in, joining a league or attending a clinic. Contact the store for more information.

Location: #115, 13180 Mitchell Road, Richmond

50. Play Archery Tag

Description: Paintball meets archery meets awesome-ness in this new sport! Check it out at 6Pack Indoor Beach

Website: 6packbeach.com/archery-tag

Price: Prices depend on whether you’re dropping in or joining a league. Contact the store for more information.

Location: #115, 13180 Mitchell Road, Richmond

51. Strike Out

Description: Just some good old fashioned fun to be had. A pastime so classic it’s almost nostalgic? And yes – they’re licensed to serve beer.

Website: Commodore Lanes, Grandview Lanes

Price: Ranges. $5.25 per game per person or $40 per hour.

Location: 
Commodore Bowling & Billiards – 838 Granville St, Vancouver V6B 2C9
Grandview Lanes – 2195 Commercial Drive. Vancouver V5N 4B3

52. Check out an Indoor Climbing Centre

Description: Try your hand at rock climbing, indoors and under supervision. There are two facilities in Vancouver that offer this type of opportunity: Cliffhanger Climbing and The Edge Climbing Centre.

Website:
cliffhangerclimbing.com
edgeclimbing.com

Price: 
Ciffhanger Climbing: This facility offers annual passes ($620 for an individual, for example) and also day passes for $18. Equipment rentals are extra.
The Edge Climbing Centre: This facility also offers annual passes ($555 for an adult), as well as day passes – $18.80 in peak season over the winter.

Location: 
Cliffhanger Climbing: 670 Industrial Avenue, Vancouver
The Edge Climbing Centre: #2, 1485 Welch St., North Vancouver

Blogger who has lived the experience:

Kristin from Girl in the World

53. Go to an Indoor Skate Park

Description: Check out The Dry Spot, Vancouver’s indoor skateboard park! In this clean, friendly environment, kids can hone in their skateboarding skills, take lessons and attend camps.

Website: skatethedryspot.com

Price: Two hours, $12; Four hours, $20; All day, $30.

Location: #312, 8495 Ontario St., Vancouver

54. Take a Dive

Description: While summer is made for taking a swim in a beautiful outdoor pool, if you still want to swim in the winter months the City of Vancouver has nine indoor pools available! Take a swim at your leisure, drop in for an aqua-fitness class or relax in the hot tub or sauna. Most have family-friendly change rooms, slides, lazy rivers, beach-style entry and inflatables.

Website: vancouver.ca/swimming-pools

Price: Check each pool for one-time pricing. The City of Vancouver offers flexipasses, giving users access to fitness centres, pools and arenas in the city. A one-month flexipass is $45.28. There are also passes for three months and 12 months.

Location: Throughout Vancouver

55. Dine Out Vancouver Festival

Description: The Dine Out Vancouver Festival runs from Jan. 15 to 31, and offers guests a delicious and varied dining experience. Patrons can make reservations at any of the participating establishments serving up a set menu at a set price.

In addition to feature set menus, there will be specially hosted food events. Check out the events that run during the 17-day event and pick your favourite, such as a craft beer and food pairing tour, an 8-course tea gastronomy experience, the “Let’s Get Baked and Buzzed Tour,” learning how to take practically professional photos of your delicious meals and so much more.

Website: dineoutvancouver.com

Price: Set menu prices of $20-30-40

Location: See a full list on their website

56. Celebrate Chinese New Year

Description: The Chinese New Year begins on Feb. 8, 2016, and the parade takes place that Sunday. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to China during this event! 2016 is the Year Of The Monkey.

Website: vancouversbestplaces.com/chinese-new-year

Price: Free

Location: Chinatown, Vancouver

57. Sea to Sky Gondola

Description: In just 10 minutes visitors shoot skyward, ascending a total of 885 metres above sea level. Once at the top you’re greeted by panoramic views of Howe Sound and the enveloping mountains. Here you’ll also find a restaurant, Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, opportunities for snowshoeing, a tube park and access to backcountry skiing. Explore the three viewing platforms that offer jaw-dropping views. (You’ll know what we mean once you get there!) Dare you to look down.

Website: seatoskygondola.com

Price: 
On site: Adults $37.95, Youth $23.95 Seniors $35.95, $Children $13.95
Online, 24 hours in advance: Adults $33.95, Youth $21.95 Seniors $31.95, $Children $11.95

Location: 36800 BC-99, Squamish V0N 3G0

Blogger who has lived the experience:

Tamara from Discovering Parenthood

58. See the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Perform Christmas Favourites

Description: Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as they play A Traditional Christmas concert. Tickets sell fast, so get yours now!

Website: vancouversymphony.ca

Price: Adult general admission, for a reserved seat: $43.

Location: Concerts are played in Burnaby, the North Shore, Surrey, Delta and downtown Vancouver. Check the website to get tickets in your preferred location.

59. See the Vancouver Chamber Choir perform

Description: Watch one, or both, of the Vancouver Chamber Choir’s signature Christmas performances – A Child’s Christmas in Wales, performed on Friday, Dec. 18, or A Charlie Brown Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 19.

Website: vancouverchamberchoir.com

Price: General admission: $32.

Location: Shaughnessy Heights United Church, 1550 West 33 Ave., Vancouver

60. Attend the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

Description: Visit various hot chocolate makers around the city, and get a taste of their delicious creations! The event runs Jan. 16, 2016, to Feb. 14, 2016.

Website: cityfood.com/hotchocolate

Price: Prices vary, depending on your order!

Location: Venues around the city

61. Taste-Test Food Trucks

Description: For the fifth year in a row, Street Food City offers one convenient location for you to try delicious offerings from Vancouver’s food trucks. Last year, over 20,000 people attended the event, which runs from Jan. 16 to 24, and 20 of Vancouver’s finest street food vendors participated.

Website: dineoutvancouver.com/street-food-city

Price: Free entry, so just the cost of food

Location: North Plaza, Vancouver Art Gallery

Blogger who has lived the experience: 

Ivy from Beauty and the Feast

62. Attend the PuSH Festival

Description: PuSh has been described as a showcase of Canada’s best creative minds and an ‘incubator of brilliant new work’. For three weeks in January the festival will feature live performing arts that push the envelope. What can you festival-goers expect? Multi-disciplined, totally original and genre-bending are a few pervasive themes.

Website: pushfestival.ca

Price: PuSH passes are available, which saves up to 30 per cent off single ticket prices. These come in four or six-show passes and industry passes for six shows plus the Assembly Industry Series events. Passes start at $103. Single ticket prices depend on the show.

Location: Events take place at several venues in and around the city.

63. Taste BC Festival

Description: Join the Taste BC event on Jan. 22, 2016, for a chance to sample delicious offerings from Vancouver’s finest wineries, restaurants and breweries. The event runs from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Website: tastebc.wordpress.com

Price: Tickets are $49.99, all inclusive.

Location: Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver

64. Attend the Whistler Pride Festival

Description: A celebration of the gay community in one of the most beautiful places on Earth – Whistler! The event runs from Jan. 23 to 31 and there are several events taking place. Of course there will be skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing too.

Website: gaywhistler.com

Price: Full-week passes for men are $399. Full-week passes for women are $289. There are mid-week or weekend passes, as well as tickets for individual parties. See website for details.

Location: Whistler

65. Shop the Vancouver Winter Farmers Market

Description: Every Saturday from Nov. 7, 2015, to April 23, 2016, you’ll be able to find locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen. Additionally, there will be cheeses, breads, herbs, seasonal plants, baked goods, prepared food and local crafts. Also good to know – there are food trucks on site and parking is available nearby.

Website: eatlocal.org/markets/winter-market

Price: Free to enter, plus cost of purchases.

Location: 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver

66. Get a Bird’s Eye View

Description: Take the elevator to the observation deck of the Vancouver Lookout that sits atop the Harbour Centre. Enjoy 360-degree, panoramic views of the city. Go right after a fresh snowfall to admire the impressive powder-dusted North Shore Mountains. A complimentary guided tour is included in the admission cost.

Website: vancouverlookout.com

Price: Adults are $16.25, seniors are $13.25, students & youth are $11.25 and children 6-12 are $8.25. Children under 6 are free and family passes are available.

Location: 555 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4N6

67. Attend the Talking Stick Festival

Description: February 18-28, 2016 marks the 2016 Talking Stick Festival. Presented by Full Circle First Nations Performance, the festival is a collection of creative and artistic works by Indigenous peoples. You’ll find a rich presentations of theatre, dancing, drumming, music to spoken word, visual arts and multimedia.

Website: fullcircle.ca

Price: Details have not been released at time of writing.

Location: Various venues in the city

68. Visit the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

Description: The gallery showcases the permanent collection of acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid. Highlights include incredible gold and silver jewelry, sculptures and a towering totem pole carved by James Hart of Haida Gwaii.

Website: billreidgallery.ca

Price: Adults are $10, seniors and students are $7 and children/youth 5-17 are $5.

Location: 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver

69. Attend LunarFest

Description: From Feb. 20 to 22, 2016, attend LunarFest and “experience a contemporary expression of Asian arts and culture.” According to the event website, “LunarFest is a festival that brings together Soul, Art and Life on one stage.” You’ll find various performances, activities and exhibitions during the event.

Website: lunarfest.org

Price: Admission is free

Location: Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza

70. Attend the Vancouver International Wine Festival

Description: The 2016 event, which runs Feb. 20 to 28, will highlight Italy as its theme country. The Vancouver International Wine Festival is a premier event and attracts owners, winemakers and winery representatives from all over the world. For the wine lover, this is a don’t miss event.

Website: vanwinefest.ca

Price: Prices depend on the event. For example, gala tickets are $450 each; international festival tasting tickets start at $75; tickets for the tasting lounge start at $170; a gold pass is $475.

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

Blogger who has lived the experience: 

Ariane from Vancouverscape

71. Join the Take A Hike Foundation’s Moonlight Snowshoe

Description: The Take A Hike Foundation is an alternative education program for at-risk youth. The foundation’s 10th annual Moonlight Snowshoe is taking place Feb. 25 and you can anticipate an evening of snowshoeing under the moon. There will be food, music and prizes, all to support this worthwhile program! The foundation’s goal is $60,000 and 120 participants.

Website: takeahikefoundation.org

Price: Regular tickets are $25

Location: Mount Seymour – The Hut, 1700 Mount Seymour Rd., North Vancouver

72. Find the Purr-fect cup of Coffee

Description: Vancouver now has its very own cat cafe. No, you can’t bring your own cat, but if you’re suffering from winter blues, perhaps a coffee and snuggle will lift you up. The cafe is a sort of part-time foster home for adoptable rescue cats. Visits last one hour and you should make a reservation as there will only be space for two walk-ins each hour.

Website: catfe.ca

Price: $5 per person with a purchase or $8 without.

Location: 88 W Pender St #2035, Vancouver V6B 6N9

73. Karaoke Christmas Lights – A Trolley Tour

Description: Join the Vancouver Trolley Company for a Christmas karaoke event. Every evening from Dec. 1 to 30, except Dec. 25, the trolley will leave Canada Place and shuttle singers on a three-hour journey around the city. The trolley is beautifully decorated and equipped with karaoke machines for your singing pleasure! After pick up, guests will ride through the city to Bright Nights at Stanley Park, where you can get off and walk through the park. The tour will then continue on, stopping again at VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights.

Website: vancouvertrolley.com/karaoke-christmas-lights

Price: Adults are $40, seniors and students are $35, children are $25 and a family of four is $110. You must call and register.

Location: Trolley departs from Canada Place every evening at 6:30 p.m.

74. Play Indoor Badminton

Description: Badminton Vancouver offers a one-of-a-kind indoor badminton facility, perfect for when you feel like getting out and batting the birdie around!

Website: badminton-vancouver.com

Price: You can rent a court by the hour, from $16 or $21 an hour, depending on when you book during the week. There are also drop-in prices, starting at $3 a person.

Location: 13100 Mitchell Road, Vancouver

75. Attend the Contact Winter Music Festival

Description: Running Dec. 26 and 27, come out to the Contact Winter Music Festival for an amazing line up of artists! You’ll find talent such as Above & Beyond, Hardwell, Steve Angello, DJ Snake, Vanic and so much more.

Website: contact-festival.com

Price: Two-day, general admission passes are $175. Single day passes are $109 for general admission and $150 for VIP. There’s also a two-day VIP pass for $250.

Location: BC Place: 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver V6B 4Y8

76. Attend the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Description: Come out in your ugliest Christmas sweater and party for a good cause. Taking place Friday, Dec. 18, funds raised go to the Children’s Wish Foundation. You ticket purchase includes one beer, cookies and candy canes. You’ll also get a visit from Santa, live music and a DJ, a festive sing-along, dancing, prizes and so much more!

Website: nowthatsugly.com/party

Price: Tickets are $35 each.

Location: Commodore Ballroom: 868 Granville St, Vancouver V6Z 1K3

Blogger who lived the experience:

Bronwyn from Surrey 604

77. Dinner and a show at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

Description: With several entertainment venues and restaurants, the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver is the place to be for music, entertainment and comedy. Check out their events schedule and pick the one you want to attend!

Website: hardrockcasinovancouver.com/events

Price: Price depends on the show. For example, the Christmas Show on Dec. 11 has a $25 cover. Other events might not have a cover price.

Location: 2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam

78. Attend the Chutzpah Festival

Description: Check out the Lisa Nemetz International Jewish Performing Arts Festival 2016 Chutzpah! and see comedy, dance, music and theatrical performances. The festival runs from Feb. 18 to March 13.

Website: chutzpahfestival.com

Price: Regular price, single tickets are $29 for adults, $25 for seniors and $21 for students with valid ID. There are also tickets for the opening night gala and to see the Rotem Sivan Trio.

Location: Located at different venues in the city. Check the website to see where your preferred event will be held.

79. Take part in the No Pants Skytrain Ride

Description: In an effort to make people laugh, Vancouver Improv Anywhere is encouraging people to participate in the No Pants Skytrain Ride event on Sunday, Jan. 10 at 2:30 p.m. The only requirement: that you’re brave enough to take your pants off on the Skytrain. Oh, you’ll also need a backpack to store said pants.

Website: improvanywhere.ca

Price: Cost of fare for the Skytrain

Location: To be announced. Follow on Twitter @ImprovAnywhere for more information.

80. See the Vancouver Whitecaps Play

Description: See Vancouver’s major league soccer team in action! The preseason starts again in February.

Website: whitecapsfc.com

Price: 2016 season tickets start at $39 a month.

Location: BC Place: 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver V6B 4Y8

81. Attend the Gluten Free Expo

Description: Attend the largest gluten free event in the city. You’ll find samples of new products, deals on your favourites and you can learn more about leading a gluten-free diet from dietitians, doctors and chefs. Donations of gluten-free food are being accepted on site for the food bank.

Date & Time: January 16-17, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Website: glutenfreeexpo.ca

Price: General admission is $12 and a weekend pass is $20.

Location: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver

82. Break out of an Escape Room

Description: Picture yourself locked in a room. A scenario has been described to you. Maybe it is a crime scene or perhaps a post-apocolypic world. Maybe the lights are off, maybe they’re on. You’re surrounded by what seem like random items, but actually they’re clues. Can you crack the riddle or solve the problem to unlock the next step? Will you escape the final obstacle before the clock runs out? This is the fun presented by escape rooms, which have popped up all across Metro Vancouver. Take the challenge, put on your creative cap and get to work.

Price: Comb LivingSocial.com or Groupon.cm for discounted entry; usually runs $15-25 per player in pairs or groups of four.

Location: Read a Vancouver escape room round up here

83. Winter Zip Lining at Grouse Mountain

Description: Go careening through the air on a zip line, taking you across the peaks and canyons of Grouse and Dam Mountains. You can go for a five-line tour or a three-line tour and it lasts about two hours.

Website: mystescape.ca

Price: Five-line tour is $109 and a three-line tour is $70.

Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

84. Themed Walking Tour

Description: Explore the mysteries and notorious figures in Vancouver’s shadowy past with Forbidden Vancouver. Their holiday tour War for the Holidays has sold out, but you can be sure they will be back in winter with murder mysteries like Prohibition City, Who Killed Kraft Bier and Secrets of the Penthouse. In the meantime you can independently visit some of Vancouver’s haunted spots.

Website: forbiddenvancouver.ca

Price: Walking tours are $22 for adults, special events $35+

Location: Starting points vary by tour/event

Blogger who has lived the experience: 

Megan from Wanderlust Megan (Prohibition City tour)
Megan from Wanderlust Megan (Lost Souls of Gastown tour)

85. High Tea

Description: Enjoy a traditional afternoon high tea in the Vancouver area, complete with sweet and savory dishes to delight your palette.

Website: whattodoinvancouverbc.com

Price: Prices vary, depending on restaurant

Location: Restaurants that offer an afternoon high tea are listed on the website above

Blogger who has lived the experience:

Ariane from Vancouverscape

86. Beaty Biodiversity Museum

Description: The museum is Vancouver’s natural history museum. Come face to face with the nation’s largest blue whale skeleton and explore biological collections of birds, insects, fish, fossils and more.

Website: beatymuseum.ubc.ca

Price: Adults are $12, concession (senior, youth, student) are $10 and children are $8 (ages 5-12). Children under 4 are free.

Location: 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4 (UBC)

87. Laugh it up

Description: Vancouver has two premier stand-up comedy clubs perfect for date night or just getting out of the rain with friends.

Website: 
Comedy Mix
Yuk-Yuks

Price: $10-25, depending on day of the week and notoriety of the comedian

Location: 
Comedy Mix: 1015 Burrard Street, Vancouver V6Z 1Y5
Yuk-Yuks: 2837 Cambie St, Vancouver V5Z 3Y8

88. Grab Brunch

Description: Brunch is taken pretty seriously by Vancouverites. Really, who doesn’t love a Caesar with their Eggs Benny? Peel yourself out of bed, get dressed and find the best brunch spots in the city to dine.

Website: itstodiefor.ca

Price: Depends on the restaurant

Location: Amazing brunching locations listed on the website above

89. Sip Spirits at a Distillery

Description: Two options exist for downtown distilleries serving up gin, vodka and something called railspur. Sample spirits in both tasting rooms by zipping from Granville Island to Sunset Beach via False Creek Ferries/Aquabus.

Websites: Longtable Distillery and Liberty Distillery 

Price: $8+ per drink; Liberty Distillery tour $10 per person

Location: 
Longtable Distillery: 1451 Hornby St, Vancouver V6Z 1W8
Liberty Distillery: 1494 Old Bridge St, Vancouver V6H 3S6 (Granville Island)

90. Catch a Cirque du Soleil Show

Credit: OSA Images – Cirque du Soleil

Description: The mind blowing acrobats and performers of Cirque have returned. Kooza is a family-friendly performance and homage to the traditional circus. Expect to find high-wires, hoops, a ‘wheel of death’, clowning, comedy and more.

Dates: October 29, 2015 – December 27, 2015. Performances every day of the week with the exception of Mondays.

Website: Click here

Price: Start at $62, check site for promotions

Location: The Grand Chapiteau at Concord Pacific Place

Blogger who has lived the experience:

Ariane from Vancouverscape

91. Get into the Backcountry

Description: If you have the experience and equipment, heading out into untouched backcountry makes for memorable winter experiences. Head into Garibaldi Provincial Park and stay overnight at Elfin Lakes Hut, or drive towards Duffey Lake Road and snowshoe out to Keith’s Hut. Daytrippers can explore Seymour Provincial Park’s Second Pump Traverse.

Read more here: bcmag.ca/Backcountry_Adventures

92. Try Sword Fighting

Description: You get to learn how to become a sword master. What more needs to be said? Popular programs at Academie Duello include weapons mastery, warrior fitness, youth swordplay, stage combat and a self-defence course.

Website: academieduello.com

Price: Beginner courses start at $99 for a two to four-hour seminar. An eight-class beginners course is $135.

Location: 412 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

93. Test Your Aim

Description: Hone your skills or try a new sport at the DVC Indoor Shooting Centre. Try a handgun, a revolver, a shotgun or a rifle. DVC also offers several training courses and lessons.

Website: vancouvergunrange.ca

Price: Daily admission for the general public is $30. The price includes the gun, insurance, safety gear, an introductory lesson and a range officer. There are additional costs for ammunition and targets.

Location: 1655 Broadway St., #201, Port Coquitlam

94. Attend a Movie at the Morgue

Description: Presented by the Vancouver Police Museum, Movies in the Morgue is a monthly movie showing held in the old Vancouver city morgue.

Website: vancouverpolicemuseum.ca/movies-in-the-morgue

Price: Tickets are $10

Location: Vancouver Police Museum, 240 East Cordova Street, Vancouver

95. Play a Board Game…in a Bar

Description: The friendly competition that comes with playing a board game, fueled by food and social beers. Sounds like a great night out! The bars listed are well-known for providing their patrons with fun board games to play while they eat, drink and socialize.

Website: boredinvancouver.com/board-game-bars-vancouver

Price: Price depends on location and orders.

Location: There are several bars listed in the above website

96. Adopt a Dog, Part-Time

Description: Let’s say you love dogs but don’t have the time or space to own one. Or, you do own a dog, but you work during the day and your furry friend could use a dedicated secondary person who wants to take him or her out for walks and cuddles. That’s where Part Time Pooch comes in. The website connects dog owners with dog lovers who are looking for a part-time furry companion.

Website: parttimepooch.com

Price: Only dog owners need a subscription. It’s free for dog lovers to search. A three-month subscription is $45, $67.50 for six months and $119.88 for 12 months.

Location: Your place or theirs! The website allows you to connect and make arrangements that best fit you and your pup.

97. Eat your way Through Vancouver’s Best Doughnuts

Description: The Bored In Vancouver website has compiled a list of the best doughnuts in the city. It’s your job to take this bucket list (of sorts) and see if you agree with their findings.

Website: boredinvancouver.com/best-donuts-in-vancouver

Price: The cost of the treat

Location: Various bakeries throughout the city

98. Go Geocaching

Description: Geocaching has really taken off as a way for people to get outside and find some adventure. All you need is a smartphone and the app. Then get hunting! Geocaching can be a solo adventure or something you do with family and friends.

Website: geocaching.com

Price: Free but it will require you to use your phone’s data

Location: All over! Anywhere and everywhere. I once found a geocache stuck to a lamppost.

99. Float in a Sensory Deprivation Tank

Description: Lie suspended in ten inches of water filled with dissolved Epsom salt. The water temperature is set to match the air such that you can no longer really feel the water. What’s more, it’s light-proof, sound-proof and neutral smelling. Does this sound like the escape you need? Most people float for 90 minutes, with some even booking back-to-back appointments.

Website: floathouse.ca, Salt Welness Centre

Price: Depending on whether you purchase a membership, floats range $39-$75

Locations: 
Floathouse: Gastown &Kitsilano
Salt Welness Centre: 1926 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver V6J 1M6

Bloggers who has lived the experience: 

Alicia from GoLiveExplore.com