Kids ski lessons at Mount Seymour. Photo: Mount Seymour
Hit the slopes, have a campfire, go sledding, take and hike and lots more. Here are our picks for the best outdoor activities to do around Vancouver this Family Day (February 19, 2024).
Skiing and Snowboarding
Family Day weekend is a great time to hit the slopes on snowboards or skis. Our guide to the 2023/24 ski season in Vancouver has everything you need to know to ski at six ski hills near Vancouver including tickets, lessons, and rentals. Cypress Mountain has various family-friendly events planned on the long weekend (details TBA). And Mount Seymour has their popular Family Day Dual Slalom: challenge your family members on the head-to-head slalom course.
Photo: Destination BC/Rick Collins
Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Each evening in February, Capilano Suspension Bridge transforms into a romantic escape for all ages. The Love Lights Event includes thousands of Valentine’s-themed red and pink lights that illuminate the forest, elevated walkways, and suspension bridge. It’s the perfect spot for photos.
Photo: Capilano Suspension Bridge
Hiking
It’s winter in the mountains, but it is still hiking season closer to sea level. Our list of snow-free hikes has plenty of year-round trail options to choose from. Most are short and flat, perfect for little legs.
Whyte Lake. Photo: Taryn Eyton/HappiestOutdoors.ca
Snowshoeing
If you can walk, you can snowshoe, which makes it the perfect winter sport for beginners. Our guide to easy snowshoe trails near Vancouver has the info you need to get started. If you don’t have your own snowshoes, you can rent them at local ski resorts.
Snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain. Photo: Vancouver’s North Shore/@thepursuitofshine
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Fort Langley National Historic Site has a special Family Day event on February 19. In addition to the usual historic displays, special guests from the Vancouver Avian Research Centre, BC Field Naturalists, Metro Vancouver Parks, and more will be on hand to lead bird walks, teach you how to make a pinecone bird feeder, and host other bird-nerd friendly activities.
Fort Langley National Historic Site. Photo: @tourismlangley
Sledding and Snow Tubing
You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the thrill of speeding down a snowy slope on a tube or sled. Celebrate Family Day with an outing to one of Vancouver’s tube parks and or sledding hills. As a bonus, the Sea to Sky Gondola has free tubing all Family Day weekend!
Photo: Sasquatch Mountain Resort
Campfire Events at Metro Vancouver Parks
You can warm up with a family campfire at two Metro Vancouver Parks this Family Day. Head to the Belcarra Picnic area at təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park on February 19th at 10 am for a self-guided hike followed by a community campfire. There is also a Family Day campfire event at Pacific Spirit Park on February 19th from 11 am to 3 pm. Meet at the upper parking lot on West 16th Avenue, 400 m west of Blanca Street.
Photo: Leon Contreras/Unsplash
Ice Skating
Did you know that there are four places to ice skate outdoors in Vancouver? They are all kid-friendly and have rental skates to fit the whole family. And if it rains, two of them are covered!
Skating at Robson Square. Photo: Robson Square Ice Rink
Snowshoe Through a Forest of Lights
There are two family-friendly illuminated snowshoe experiences in Vancouver. Both involve a short walk, so they are great for kids. The Light Walk at Grouse Mountain starts with a tunnel of lights, and then leads you past a pond and lots of light installations. The Lights to the Lodge experience at Cypress Mountain follows a path of twinkling lights through the snowy forest to the historic Hollyburn Lodge where you can enjoy hot chocolate and snacks.
Lights to the Lodge at Cypress Mountain. Photo: Cypress Mountain / Dennis Cheung
Family Day Activities in Surrey
The City of Surrey has a host of Family Day activities for all ages. Head to the open house at Darts Hill Garden Park for guided garden walks, live music, winter gardening workshops, and more. Or visit the Historic Stewart Farm to watch heritage demonstrations and make crafts.
Rhododendrons at Darts Hill Garden Park. Photo: Darts Hill Garden Park