Vancouver is a popular tourist destination for a lot of reasons, from the events that are on offer throughout the year to the local attractions and the renowned friendliness of the locals. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that it’s the hottest destination in the Pacific Northwest, so if you’ve been thinking about paying it a visit then we can definitely recommend it.

But wait – before you start packing your suitcase, a word of warning. You’re going to want to pack light and to only take the essentials, because even in the winter, there’s no shortage of boutique stores, independent craftspeople and souvenir stalls for you to fill up your bags with gifts for your friends and family.

Now let’s jump on in and take a look at everything you need to know about travelling to Vancouver in the winter.

Traveling to Vancouver in the Winter

1.    Go skiing

If you’re like most people, when you think about Vancouver in the winter, you think about winter sports. It’s not the only thing that the area has going for it, and indeed if you visited in the summer then there’s plenty of other attractions on offer, but if you’re planning on visiting Vancouver during skiing season, then you’d be crazy to miss Whistler, Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, Seymour Mountain and the other trails available in Vancouver.. 

2.    Hop on a cruise

If you’re looking to plan a holiday that you’ll never forget, why not go on a solo Vancouver cruise? It’s a great way to experience the unique landscapes that the route has to offer, and you’ll also get to travel in style. Many cruise providers specialize in providing luxury experiences that you wouldn’t be able to access in any other way. Just don’t forget to pack a camera!

3.    See the Northern Lights

It’s difficult to plan a visit specifically to see the Northern Lights because as a natural phenomenon, they can be unpredictable. Instead, if you’re visiting Vancouver in the winter, then it’s just worth being aware of this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon and to turn your eyes to the sky every now and then – just in case.

4.    Go hiking

Vancouver is great for hiking throughout the whole year, but in the winter it’s particularly rewarding, if only because of the added difficulty level of hiking in the snow. When it gets cold enough, some of the area’s waterfalls freeze over, making for a truly unique photo op. Just don’t risk walking out onto the ice.  Make sure you bring your packable rain jacket !

Now that you know just a few of the best spots to visit during your trip to Vancouver, the next step is for you to go ahead and start creating an itinerary. Then you can start booking different parts of your trip to take advantage of any deals that are on offer for booking things in advance. Other than that, you’re ready to start packing ahead of your trip. Happy travels!