The days are short and cool, and the North Shore mountains are dusted with snow. Winter has officially arrived in Vancouver!
The season brings more than enough grey and rainy days, but keen adventurers don’t need to wait until summer to have some fun. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun and thrills in winter.
Sanchik/Shutterstock
Strap on a pair of snowshoes or even a pair of crampons to get a good grip in the snow, and all of a sudden hiking becomes a year-round activity. There are plenty of great trails near the city. All you need is some waterproof gear — and maybe some poles to help you balance. Check out our guide for rental prices and trails on the North Shore.
Oleg Mayorov/Shutterstock
Did you know it’s possible to skate on a frozen pond on a mountaintop overlooking the city? Grouse Mountain has a skating pond with $10 skate rentals for adults and $6 for kids. Your mountain admission ticket or annual pass includes access to the skating pond.
Microgen/Shutterstock
You’re in a huge inflatable donut sliding down a mountain. What better way to feel like a kid again? It’s cheaper than skiing and snowboarding and accessible to kids and adults looking for a shot of adrenaline up on the alpine.
Winter camping
Lijuan Guo/Shutterstock
Pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars is popular in summer, but it can be done all year round with the right gear. Winter means less competition for space and impeccable sunset views on the snowy mountains. Remember to double-check the temperature rating of your gear, bring an experienced buddy for your first time, and file a trip plan with someone you trust.
Whistler Blackcomb
BC’s ski resorts are revered for a reason — they’re huge and get tons of snow. We have three local ski hills on the North Shore, plus Whistler-Blackcomb, North America’s largest ski resort, just a two-hour drive north. Check out lesson packages if you’re new to the sport, and enjoy gliding down the runs.