Your Vancouver Outdoors Bucket List for Winter 2021/22

November 3, 2021

5 min read

Skiers on chairlifts ascending a snowy mountain with a city and water body in the background.

Winter is coming! In Vancouver, that means snow in the mountains, skiing, snowshoeing, and lots more. Here are our picks for Vancouver outdoor activities you’ll want to add to your winter bucket list for winter 2021/22.

Ski or Snowboard the North Shore Mountains

Vancouver has three ski hills in the local North Shore Mountains: Mount Seymour, Grouse Mountain, and Cypress Mountain. They each have tons of terrain ranging from easy to expert and terrain parks if you want to channel your inner X-games athlete. With lighted runs, you can ski at night too. And if you’re a beginner, sign-up for lessons.

A person skiing down a snowy slope with snow-covered trees and a clear blue sky 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.

Brave a Polar Bear Swim

For over 100 years, Vancouver celebrated the New Year with a frigid plunge into the ocean at English Bay on January 1. There are several other celebrations in the Vancouver area too.

Large group of people running into the ocean from a beach, some wearing swim caps and others in swimwear, with a lifeguard boat 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'.

Zipline Through the Snow

Zip-lining isn’t just a summer activity! Bundle up warm, then strap into a harness and fly through the snowflakes at one of three Vancouver-area zip-line parks. In North Vancouver, book a zip-line tour with Grouse Mountain. If you’re heading to Whistler Superfly Ziplines or Ziptrek can get you flying.

Two people ziplining over a snowy forest with snow-covered mountains in the background.

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.

Two people ice skating outdoors at night, holding hands, with snow-covered trees in the background.

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.

Ride a Gondola to a Winter Wonderland

Step onto the Grouse Mountain Gondola 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.

Two people hiking on a snowy mountain trail with snow-covered mountains and a valley in the background.

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. Pack your binoculars, then use our list of the best places to spot eagles.

Four people standing near a wooden information board with snowy mountains and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

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.