Fun Things to Do in Vancouver This Winter

With Vancouver’s mild winters, the city remains vibrant. You can spend a few hours soaking up arts and culture at a museum or gallery, or you can ski down a snow slope at one of the nearby local mountains. And no matter what you choose, your day can always end at one of the city’s beloved restaurants, delighting in dishes that showcase sustainable, local ingredients. To be sure, there is never a shortage of things to do in Vancouver this winter!

Explore Vancouver’s Delicious and Varied Local Food Scene

This winter, there are numerous things to do in Vancouver for those who like sampling local artisan food. The knowledgeable folks at Vancouver Foodie Tours can be your guides. Experiencing their popular Granville Island Market Tour is a lovely (and scrumptious) Christmas activity in Vancouver.

Or, for a sit-down meal, Vancouver has so many restaurants that will warm your belly and soul, whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup or something spicy to heat you up. Plus, with some of the best Chinese food in North America at your doorstep, you’re never far from amazing Chinese cuisine.

Your feasting in Vancouver can continue with the recent edition of Vancouver’s Michelin Guide. Start with Michelin-recommended Torafuku, which celebrates pan-Asian cooking, with dishes bursting with exuberant flavours and local ingredients. Snag a seat at their communal long table and chat with your neighbours as you dig your chopsticks into spicy Thai noodles.

Hit the Local Slopes for Exhilarating Snow Sports

Make sure to pack your ski pants and mittens, since you’re going on a mountain adventure in Vancouver. Mt Seymour is one of several local mountains that are a short drive or shuttle ride from the city.

This family-owned and operated resort has lots of powder for skiing and snowboarding on their many runs and terrain parks. Even if you relish whizzing down the mountain, make sure to stop to enjoy breathtaking views of the city and coastal mountains.

If you’re looking for tranquil moments among the trees, the mountain has multiple trails for snowshoeing. Or, for a giddy thrill, you can squeal with the little ones as you tube and toboggan.

Immerse Yourself in Culture at Art Galleries

For a cozy and contemplative Christmas activity in Vancouver, visit the city’s many galleries and museums. The Vancouver Art Gallery, located right next to Robson Square, is an expansive four-level space so set aside lots of time for exploring its exhibitions. The gallery changes its exhibitions regularly, spotlighting traditional and contemporary Indigenous art, as well as the innovative work of artists from a range of cultural backgrounds.

Also downtown is the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, a boutique gallery that mounts exhibitions in tribute to the late Bill Reid, a master Haida artist with a powerful legacy. When you enter the main gallery, your eye will be drawn to a striking black and red totem pole with a wasgo (Haiwa sea-wolf), carved by James Hart. Exhibitions feature Indigenous artists, including sculptors and weavers, who use their craft to reclaim their cultural practices. You’ll leave inspired by the talent and powerful messages of these artists.

Look Forward to a New Year of Energizing Festivals

A little bit of rain doesn’t keep this city from having a good time, with tons of things to do in Vancouver in the winter. You can start your 2026 brrrriskly, with the 106th annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim on January 1. You’ll meet fellow dippers at English Bay and together you’ll go for a cold dip, with plenty of cheering and photos.

For arts and culture lovers, The PuSh Festival runs January/February, a multidisciplinary bringing together of artists, both local and international. It’s a jam-packed schedule of film, dance, theatre, and music by diverse artists, including those who represent Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

And make sure to leave room on the calendar in the new year for the hotly anticipated Dine Out Vancouver Festival, which happens late January to early February. It’s a foodie dream, with hundreds of restaurants serving delicious prix-fixe menus, and an array of immersive culinary events to choose from.