Your Outdoors Bucket List for Winter 2022/23 in Vancouver

November 9, 2022

5 min read

Four people sledding down a snowy hill with snow-covered trees and a red 'Start Here' sign in the background.

The first snows have hit the local mountains, which means winter is almost here. In Vancouver, that means lots of fun activities like skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and more. Here is what you should add to your outdoors bucket list for winter 2022/23.

Go Skiing or Snowboarding

There are six ski resorts near Vancouver. Stay local at North Shore Mountains: Mount Seymour, Grouse Mountain, or Cypress Mountain. You can also drive north to the world-class terrain at Whistler Blackcomb. To the east, hit the slopes at family-friendly Sasquatch Mountain or Manning Park Resort. Our guide to skiing near Vancouver has all the info you need to plan a trip.

A person wearing a pink jacket, black pants, gloves, and helmet standing on a snowboard on a snowy mountain with ski lifts and mountains in the background.

Enjoy Outdoor Holiday Lights

Family members of all ages will love the magic of twinkling Christmas lights. Take a stroll through a neighbourhood or head to one of the dazzling outdoor light displays around Vancouver.

Elevated walkway in a forest at night decorated with white string lights, with trees lit in blue and orange in the background.

Go Sledding and Snow-Tubing

Vancouver’s climate is too warm to get much snow in the city, but our mountains get lots of the white stuff. Make sure you slide down the slopes at one of Vancouver’s snow tube parks this winter.

A child sledding down a snowy hill with four people watching and smiling near a red flag that says 'START HERE'.

Take Your Dog on an Adventure

There are lots of dog-friendly adventure options in Vancouver, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and visiting dog parks. Check out our picks for the best dog-friendly winter adventures.

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Ice Skate Outdoors

Feel the snowflakes land on your cheeks as you twirl around the ice at an outdoor rink this winter. Vancouver has a few different outdoor skating locations to choose from.

Four people ice skating at night in front of a building with a sign reading Santa's Workshop, surrounded by snow and decorated with lights.

Ride a Gondola to a Winter Wonderland

Step onto the Grouse Mountain Skyride or the Sea to Sky Gondola and let it whisk you up the mountain to a winter wonderland. At the top, you’ll find snowy scenes perfect for photos, easy walks through the forest to beautiful views, snowshoe tours, and lots of holiday fun.

Snow-covered mountain with evergreen trees and a wooden building near the summit under a blue sky with clouds, cable car visible.

Try an Extreme Sport

Warm up this winter by getting your blood pumping with an adrenaline rush. Try extreme sports like ice climbing and bungee jumping, ride a snowmobile or bobsled, or soar through the air on a zipline or helicopter. You won’t want to miss these adventurous Vancouver winter activities.

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Go Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is one of the easiest winter sports you can try. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains are a great place to try snowshoeing for the first time. Try one of our picks for beginner-friendly snowshoe trails, or sign up for unique snowshoe tours where you can combine snowshoeing with fondue or snowshoe at night.

Two people crouching on snow, adjusting snowshoes, with snowy trees and a third person standing in the background.

Try Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is a great way to explore the winter landscape. You can get a full-body workout or go for a casual cruise with friends. There are four cross-country ski areas near Vancouver to choose from.

A person cross-country skiing on a snowy trail with evergreen trees and snow-covered mountains in the background.

Go for a Hike

While the tops of the mountains are blanketed in snow, the forest is still green closer to the ocean. Vancouverites love to hike all year. Use our list of snow-free Vancouver hikes to plan your winter hiking trip.

Wooden dock extending over calm lake water reflecting a dense forest of green and bare trees under a clear blue sky.

Hang Out With Hundreds of Eagles

Did you know that Squamish is home to one of the world’s largest populations of wintering bald eagles? Each year over 1000 eagles spend December and January hanging out along the Squamish River just north of Vancouver. Pack your binoculars, then use our list of the best places to spot eagles.