49 things to do in Vancouver this February

Jan 29 2017, 9:56 am

Yes, February may be the shortest month of the year, but there’s still a long list of things you can do to keep yourself entertained over the next 28 days.

So from outdoor pursuits to Valentine’s Day, concerts to markets, and of course, the Family Day long weekend, here are 49 things to do in Vancouver this February.

Stay active (even though it’s cold out)

Skating/Robson Square

Image: Robson Square

Go skating at Robson Square

  • What: The Robson Square Ice Rink brings free skating (with your own skates) to downtown until the end of February. If you don’t have skates, rentals are available. The rink also features a concession stand with snacks and warm drinks.
  • Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson Square, Vancouver
  • When: Daily, from 9 am to 9 pm Sunday to Thursday, and from 9 am to 11 pm, Fridays and Saturdays.

Hit the slopes at a local mountain

Go for a run

Don’t let the winter doldrums of February slow you down. There are two running events taking place this weekend, to keep you in motion.

Go tubing or tobogganing

When there’s snow on the ground, there are numerous mountains in Metro Vancouver to try your hand at snow tubing and tobogganing:

Go snowshoeing

Whether you’re a regular or a beginner, snowshoeing is a fun and easy way to get outside in the winter, see some marvellous scenery, and have some exercise. See our list of snowshoeing trails near Vancouver, or places to snowshoe with your dog if you want to bring your best friend out.

Snowshoe fondue at Grouse Mountain

  • What: Up your winter wonderland game with a private group snowshoe tour and evening of fondue at Grouse Mountain.
  • Where: Grouse Mountain Resort.
  • When: Available six days a week (Thursday to Saturday), throughout the winter season. Reservations are required three business days in advance, and tours start at 7 pm.

Winter Wander

  • What: Bring your family down to Vanier Park for a day of music, science, history and art – plus, enjoy local food vendors, entertainment, and have the chance to win prizes.
  • Where: Vanier Park – 1000 Chestnut Street
  • When: February 4 from 10 am to 5 pm
  • Tickets: $5

Ghostly Gastown Walks

  • What: 90-minute walking tours through Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood
  • Where: Meet at the Statue of Victory outside Waterfront Station
  • When: Select dates throughout February, at 7:30 pm
  • Tickets: $20, available online

Catch a Canucks game

We’re right in the height of hockey season, so check out the game schedule and don’t miss your chance catch some NHL action and cheer for the the home team.

Celebrate at a festival

(Image: Christophe Testi / Shutterstock)

Lunar New Year at UBC

  • What: Celebrate the Year of the Rooster at UBC’s anual Lunar New Year Festival
  • Where: UBC Wesbrook Mall
  • When: February 4, from 12:30 pm to 4 pm

Talking Stick Festival

  • What: A vibrant, two-week celebration of extraordinary Aboriginal performance.
  • Where: 1425 Charles Street – Vancouver
  • When: February 16 to 26

Winteruption

  • What: Vancouver’s favourite winter festival celebrates its 11th year with music, dance, film, theatre, art, food, craft, indoor and outdoor activities and so much more.
  • Where: Granville Island
  • When: February 19 to 21.

JFL NorthWest

  • What: The multi-day comedy festival returns to the city.
  • Where: Various venues throughout the city.
  • When: Thursday, February 16 to Saturday, February 25
  • Tickets: Available online, prices vary by show.

Chutzpah!

  • What: Chutzpah! The Lisa Nemetz International Jewish Performing Arts Festival is the Lower Mainland’s winter music, dance, comedy and theatre festival presenting international, national and local artists.
  • Where: 950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver
  • When: February 16 to March 13
  • Tickets: Available online

PuSh Festival: Human Library

  • What: Borrow a ‘human book’ from a curated collection of topics such as: recovering hoarder, battered woman and same-sex marriage warrior. The 20-minute one-on-one conversations take you on a personal journey with personal stories.
  • Where: Vancouver Public Library – 350 West Georgia Street
  • When: February 4 and 5, noon to 4 pm

Japan Unlayered

  • What: A free exhibition celebrating contemporary Japanese culture, design, and architecture.
  • When: Now until February 28
  • Where: Fairmont Pacific Rim – 1038 Canada Place

Fly Over China

  • What: FlyOver Canada presents Flight of the Dragon, a flight ride experience that lets you soar over breathtaking Chinese countrysides and renowned landmarks.
  • Where: FlyOver Canada – 999 Canada Place
  • Where:  On now until February 26, from 10 am to 9 pm daily

Catch a concert

Image: red mango / Shutterstock

Black Lips

  • Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 East Hastings Street
  • When: February 1, at 9 pm (doors open at 8 pm)
  • Tickets: $22.50, available online

The Arkells

  • Where: Thunderbird Arena – 6066 Thunderbird Boulevard, UBC
  • When: February 1, at 8 pm (doors open at 7 pm)
  • Tickets: $26 to $50.50, available online

Sonreal

  • Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
  • When: February 3, at 8 pm.
  • Tickets: $20, available online

Sam Roberts Band

  • Where: The Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
  • When: February 7
  • Tickets: $49.00 to $63.50, available online

Dierks Bentley

  • Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way
  • When: February 9, at 7 pm
  • Tickets: $30. 50 to $80. 50, available online

Reel Big Fish and Anti-Flag

  • Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
  • When: February 9, doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm
  • Tickets: $27.50, available online

Bob Marley Birthday Bash

  • Where: Grandview Legion – 2205 Commercial Drive
  • When: February 11, 8:30 pm to 2 am
  • Admission: $25

USS

  • Where: The Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
  • When: February 10
  • Tickets: $25, available online

Matthew Good

  • Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville Street
  • When: February 16 to 18, doors at 8 pm, show at 9 pm
  • Tickets: $42.50, available online

The Rural Alberta Advantage

  • Where: 2321 Main Street
  • When: February 25, doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm
  • Tickets: $20, available online

Run the Jewels

  • Where: PNE Forum – 2901 East Hastings Street
  • When: Wednesday, February 8, at 8 pm (doors open at 7 pm)
  • Tickets: $36.50, available online

Laugh it up a comedy show

Comedy Mix / Facebook

The Daily Show’s Hasan Minhaj

  • Where: Vancouver Playhouse – 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
  • When: February 10
  • Tickets: $26.24 to $36.74, available online

Snowed In Comedy Tour

  • Where: The York Theatre – 639 Commercial Drive
  • When: February 11, at 8:30 pm
  • Tickets: $35, available online

Jon Dore

  • Where: The Comedy MIX – 1015 Burrard Street
  • When: February 24, at 10:30 pm, doors open at 9:30 pm
  • Tickets: $29.40, available online

Eat, drink, and be merry

Photo courtesy Chinese Restaurant Awards

Hot Chocolate Festival

  • What: Back for its seventh year, chocoholics will love this cocoa-fuelled festival, which features an unbelievable array of exotic and specialty hot chocolates.
  • Where: Various locations throughout the city.
  • When: On now until February 14.

Dine Out Vancouver

  • What: Presented by Tourism Vancouver, the Dine Out Vancouver festival comes complete with a full 17-day schedule of delicious events that provide festivalgoers with unique culinary experiences to please their palate.
  • Where: Various locations throughout the city
  • When: On now until February 5

Vancouver International Wine Festival

  • What: The festival attracts some of the biggest industry names from around the world and is firmly established as the continent’s premier wine event and among the biggest, best and oldest wine events in the world. It features wine tastings and pairings, gourmet dinners and luncheons, educational seminars and culinary competitions, and benefits bard on the beach.
  • Where: Various downtown locations
  • When: February 11 to 19
  • Tickets: Available online

Feel the love on Valentine’s Day

Image: eomgaa / Shutterstock

Leon

  • What: Swedesh hip-hop/soul singer plays a show in support of her new album.
  • Where: Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward
  • When: February 14 at 8 pm, doors open at 7:30 pm

Burlesque Duos

  • What: Following last year’s sold out show, the highly-anticipated Burlesque Duos returns to the Rio’s stage on Tuesday, February 14.
  • Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway
  • When: February 14, at 7 pm

Vancouver Improv Fight Club: Valentine’s Day Destruction

  • What: A special comedy event guaranteed to break hearts and funnybones.
  • Where: Cafe Deux Soleils – 2096 Commercial Drive
  • When: February 14, at 8 pm
  • Tickets: $7, available online

Gastown Cabaret

  • What: Three entertaining sets of belly dances, stunts, hilariousness, and more.
  • Where: Guilt & Co. – 1 Alexander Street
  • When: February 14 at 8 pm
  • Tickets: $10

Find some fun on Family Day

Image: Family / Shutterstock

Family Day on the Drive

  • What: Ice skating, face painting, balloon twisting and fun for everyone.
  • Where: Britannia Ice Rink – 1661 Parker Street
  • When: Monday, February 13, from 1 pm to 3:30 pm

Family-themed sleepover at Vancouver Aquarium

  • What: Spend the night with the Vancouver Aquarium’s aquatic family as well as your own.
  • Where: Vancouver Aquarium
  • When: Febr 12 at 9 pm to February 13 at 9 am
  • Admission: $115

Family Day at the Vancouver Art Gallery

  • What: Bring the whole family to the Vancouver Art Gallery to explore current exhibits and try hands-on activities.
  • Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby Street
  • When: Noon to 4 pm

Kitsilano Family Day Celebration

  • What: Celebrate Family Day at Kitsilano Community Centre with fun for grown ups and children alike.
  • Where: Kitsilano Community Centre – 2690 Larch Street
  • When: February 13, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
  • Admission: Free

Family Day Concert

  • What: A concert for the entire family.
  • Where: Heritage Hall – 3102 Main Street
  • When: February 13, at 4 pm
  • Tickets: $40, available online

Celebrate the day on the slopes

What better way to celebrate family and the winter season, then by combining the two? A number of resorts in BC are offering Family Day deals and activities, and that includes Vancouver’s local mountains:

  • Mount Seymour: Children 12 and under and a maximum of two children per paying adult, can enjoy a complimentary lift ticket after 2:30 pm all Family Day Weekend, Feb 11, 12 and 13.
  • Cypress Mountain: 50% off Skooter and Child Lift/Trail/Tubing tickets starting at 5 pm on Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Silver Season Passes are valid on Family Day, and the mountain has activities all weekend long.
  • Grouse Mountain: The mountain hosts a variety of activities to celebrate Family Day, as well as savings for parents and kids at the Peak of Vancouver. BC Residents will be able to access the Mountain for 50% off all day on Monday, February 13.

Half Price Lift Tickets Sea to Sky Gondola

  • What: Enjoy a mountain and view-filled adventure in Squamish at the Sea-to-Sky Gondola for half the price.
  • Where: Sea-to-Sky Gondola – 36800 Highway 99, Squamish
  • When: February 13, from 10 am to 5 pm

Do some good

Variety Children’s Charity Show Of Hearts Telethon

  • What: The 51st annual Show Of Hearts Telethon is back bringing a full day of live music, entertainment, stories of hope, and fundraising. Help raise hopes and hearts for kids with special needs in BC.
  • Where: In person at Hard Rock Casino – 2080 United Boulevard, Coquitlam or watch it on Global BC
  • When: Sunday, February 12 from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Find new ideas at an Expo

Small Business Info Expo

  • Where: Roundhouse Community Centre –  181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
  • When: February 3 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Keep it fresh at winter farmers’ markets

Vancouver Farmers Market produce (Vancouver Farmers Markets/Facebook)

Hastings Park

  • What: Find a great selection of local produce, fish, meat, dairy, artisan prepared foods, baked goods, local crafts, and food trucks.
  • Where: Hastings Park Centregrounds – 2901 East Hastings Street
  • When: Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm, January 8 to April 30

Nat Bailey Stadium

  • What: Find local produce, meat, seafood, artisan cheese, bread, herbs, baked goods, artisanal crafts, and more.
  • Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street
  • When: Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm, January 7 to April 22
DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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