Vancouver has Canada’s warmest winter. The air temperature is kept at 6-8 degrees, it often rains. Snow falls rarely and not for long (sometimes every few years). And yet, Vancouver is one of the winteriest cities in North America.
From December to March, the local mountains of Cypress, Grouse and Seymour are stormed by local skiers and snowboarders. And just a 2-hour drive – the world famous resort – Whistler and Blackcomb (Whistler and Blackcomb), which hosted the 2010 Olympic Games. In the east – no less popular Sun Peak (Sun Peak) and Big White (Big White). And on the border with America – Mount Baker (Baker), with routes at an altitude of 1.5 km. And that’s not all!
The city itself is also interesting. In December, Christmas markets, sales, Christmas trees, holiday concerts and light shows open. The hockey season is in full swing. And the restaurants are preparing a special menu for the gourmet festival Dine Out.
Events and Holidays
Cultural:
Festival of Contemporary Art Push: January
Sports:
Ski season: from late November to mid April
Hockey season in Vancouver: from October to early April. In December, over the years, the Teddy Bear Toss charity match is hosted. All spectators on this day bring soft toys and throw a stadium after them on the first goal. Then they are collected and presented to children from needy families for Christmas
Swimming of the Polar Bears (Polar Bear Swim): January 1. A traditional swim for seasoned Vancouver residents in English Bay. Celebrated since 1920!
Delicious:
Dine out festival: last 2 weeks of January. A great opportunity to taste the tasting dishes of the best restaurants in the city at special prices
International Wine Festival: end of February – beginning of March. VanWineFest is Canada’s premier wine show and one of the best in North America. Each year, about 25 thousand connoisseurs try about 1.5 thousand wines from more than 15 countries
Other:
Capilano Canyon Lights: From late November to late January. The park is decorated with hundreds of thousands of lights and turned into a magical place
Festival of Light at the Van Dussen Festival of Light: December – early January
Santa Claus Parade: Sunday 1st December
Jack Poole Plaza Christmas Market: Mid-November to December 24th. European market where you can buy and try German, Austrian and local products. Live music, great food
Christmas Glow: from mid-November to early January
Ancient Christmas in the village of Burnaby: from late November to early January. A unique opportunity to return to time 100 years ago
Holidays:
Catholic Christmas: December 25th. Most museums and shops are closed. It is customary to celebrate at home with the family. 26 is also a day off – Boxing Day – time to give presents
New Year: January 1. On the evening of December 31, fireworks are organized throughout the city. The most beautiful and large – at Canada Place. A lot of people
Chinese New Year: end of January – beginning of February. Because about 30% of Vancouver’s population are ethnic Chinese, this holiday is celebrated on a special scale. The main colorful parade takes place in Chinatown, with traditional dragon dances and performances in national costumes Valentine’s Day at the Aquarium: February 14th. Program 19+