5 thing to do when there's snow in Vancouver

Dec 6 2016, 12:54 am

Here in Vancouver, we typically do winter a little different than the rest of Canada – and much of BC for that matter.

While snow days like the one on Monday are relatively few and far between, they do happen.

And although the city has been said to “shut down” when it snows, there are in fact, a number of activities you can do that may actually help you enjoy the white stuff, and revel in something other than rain for a change.

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Head for the hills

christmas fun

Versta/Shutterstock

It goes without saying that Vancouver has some world-renowned ski resorts at our doorstep, and with the white stuff falling in town, you can be sure that it’s the same story at Grouse, Seymour and Cypress.

All three mountains are now open for the season, so grab your skis or boards, take a “sick day” if you have to, and go make some turns. Don’t forget your snow tires.

And if skiing isn’t your bag then why not indulge your inner child with a little tobogganing? Oak Street after Broadway (watch out for cars though) and Moberly Hill are office favourites at Daily Hive.

Snowshoeing

winter

Snow/Shutterstock

If slower-paced winter pursuits are more your thing, why not try snowshoeing?

Snowshoeing is quickly growing in popularity, and the aforementioned ski resorts also have a wide network of snowshoe trails for you to try.

Grouse Mountain features trails that range from basic loops to mountain circuits, with plenty of elevation. Over at Cypress and Seymour, it’s much the same story.

All facilities offer rentals and lessons for first-time snowshoers. And unlike skiing, there’s very little learning curve—just strap on your snowshoes, and off you go.

Ice Skating

Image: Ice skating / Shutterstock

Image: Ice skating / Shutterstock

Right in the downtown core sits the Robson Square Ice Rink. The rink offers visitors free skating, and skate rentals for just $4 a pair. The outdoor rink is partially covered by a dome and drew more than 80,000 skaters last year.

You can also find outdoor skating at Grouse Mountain. Not far from the main daylodge, you’ll find a 743-square-metre skating pond located among snow-covered fir and hemlock trees.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cypress Mountain Ski Area opens for the season today. (Image: Andy Tam/Shutterstock)

Cypress Mountain Ski Area opens for the season today. (Image: Andy Tam/Shutterstock)

The Nordic area at Cypress Mountain has 19 km of cross-country trails that wind through forest, with views of the city and ocean below. The mountain also offers rentals of classic and skate skis and also provides lessons for those new to the sport.

Stay inside

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Of course you might just decide that all this winter weather is best avoided. if so why not avoid the chill by staying in and enjoying a little Netflix instead.

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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