Skiing at Grouse Mountain. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout.
With snow in the mountains and warmer temperatures at sea level, now is the perfect time to experience winter and summer on the same day in Vancouver. Here’s the perfect itinerary to make it happen.
Start in the Mountains
Head to one of Vancouver’s ski hills in the morning to have fun in the snow. While ski season is starting to wind down, Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, and Mount Seymour still have runs open. (Tip: check resort websites for opening status before you go as conditions can change quickly.)
Photo: Destination Vancouver / Grouse Mountain
If you aren’t a skier, you can still enjoy the snowy mountains. There isn’t enough snow for snowshoeing anymore, but you can still go for a snowy hike – just strap on some hiking spikes first. Our guide to hiking with spikes has suggestions for six different snowy hikes in the North Shore Mountains.
The beginning of the Dog Mountain Trail. Photo: Yann Allegre/Unsplash
Break for Lunch
Fuel up for the rest of your day with a pit stop for lunch. If you want to stay on the mountain, hit up Altitudes Bistro at Grouse Mountain and chow down on their enormous Signature Nachos. At Cypress Mountain, stop in to the Crazy Raven Bar and Grill for craft beer and a burger. And if you’re at Mount Seymour, order the poutine at the Rock Chute Kitchen and Bar.
Altitudes Bistro. Photo: Grouse Mountain
Or head down the mountain to grab some grub in North Vancouver on your way to your next adventure. The Lonsdale Quay Market has lots of food stalls offering everything from Japanese to baked goods to Italian. Or head to the Shipyards next door to eat and drink at Tap & Barrel. They have 36 BC craft beers on tap.
Lonsdale Quay Market. Photo: Nara Sheen
Finish By the Ocean
If you’re feeling brave, cap off your day with a trip to the beach for a quick dip. Our guide to cold plunging has suggestions for rivers, lakes, and beaches that make great cold dip spots.
Taking an icy swim at Kitsilano Beach. Photo: Gabriel Dalton/Unsplash
If you’d rather be on the water, rather than in it, book a Winter Explorer tour at Deep Cove Kayak. This chill guided trip takes you out into the waters of Deep Cove and Say Nuth Khaw Yum (Indian Arm) where you can spot seals, eagles, and other marine life. Your guide will also help you learn about local history and provide lots of padding tips. The tour also includes a snack.
Kayaking near Deep Cove in North Vancouver. Photo Credit: Tourism Vancouver / Jessica Wright, Bon Traveler
And if you’d rather admire the ocean than be out on it, a bike ride around Stanley Park Seawall is your best bet. The scenic 10-kilometre-long loop circles iconic Stanley Park and has great views of the mountains and ocean. And if you change your mind about that cold plunge, stop at one of the beaches along the way! You can rent bikes at several bike shops just outside Stanley Park.
Cyclists on the Stanley Park Seawall. Photo: Destination BC/Heath Moffatt
A beach picnic is another great option. Vancouver has 20 different beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and freshwater lakes. Grab take-out from a local restaurant, then set up your blanket on the sand. As a bonus, many of our city’s beaches are west-facing, which means they have amazing sunset views.
Sunset Beach. Photo: Tourism Vancouver/Nelson Mouellic