10 outdoor events to check out in Vancouver this January

Dec 23 2018, 9:44 am

Get outside and have some fun with these 10 outdoor events happening around Vancouver in January. Check out Polar Bear Swim, Diver’s Weekend at Vancouver Aquarium, and more.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2019

What: Take an invigorating dip in English Bay for Vancouver’s 99th annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim and join thousands of “polar bears” in this free Vancouver tradition. Dress-up in fancy costume, compete in the Peter Pantages Memorial 100 yard swim race, or come out to watch and delight in the spectacle. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank will be accepting donations of non-perishable food or cash.

When: Monday, January 1, 2019
Time: 2:30 t0 3:30 pm. Come early for registration.
Where: English Bay Bathhouse – 1700 Beach Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free. Participants should register online. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank will be accepting donations of non-perishable food or cash – please be generous.

First Day Campfire

What: ​Start off the New Year by a cozy campfire amidst a backdrop of towering evergreens. Sing along to familiar songs or listen to stories about west coast plants and animals. Bring a mug for hot chocolate. All ages welcome.

When: Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Time: 12 to 2:30 pm
Where: Pacific Spirit Regional Park – Meet at the park centre on 16th Ave., 400 m west of Blanca St., Vancouver
Admission: Free

How To Winter Run

A winter run for a good cause takes place this Friday at Spruce Meadows (Image: Fotokostic/Shutterstock)

What: Learn how to Winter Run with Salomon Vancouver. Join their experts on Hollyburn Mountain on January 6 to learn some winter running basics. They will share their tips and tricks for running in snow including uphill and downhill technique, what gear to bring for winter safety, and how to best prepare for the conditions.

When: Sunday, January 6, 2019
Time: 9 am to 11 am
Where: Hollyburn Mountain, West Vancouver
Register: Online, Free

Whistler Blackcomb Deep Winter Photo Challenge

What: The 13th Annual Whistler Blackcomb Deep Winter Photo Challenge returns on January 11, 2019. Invited photographers will have 72 hours to capture athletes in their natural mountain habitats and edit the best images into a 5-minute slideshow. Join the live audience and see who shoots their way to the top.

When: Friday, January 11, 2018
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Fairmont Chateau Whistler – 4599 Chateau Boulevard, Whistler
Tickets: Online, $22.54

Survive Outside

What: Hikes Near Vancouver is partnering with the Surrey Search and Rescue team for an evening session of the BC AdventureSmart “Survive Outside – A Guide to Outdoor Safety” program. Taught by a highly-experienced SAR team member, this program is targeted at anyone interested in learning introductory outdoor survival practices. Attendees will learn about the “Three Ts” (Trip Planning, Training and Taking the Essentials), other outdoor travel tips, as well as how Search and Rescue operates. The seasoned, knowledgeable instructor helps tie everything together with scenarios and analyses of real-life SAR experiences.

When: Friday, January 11, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
Where: Surrey Search & Rescue Society – 5752 142 Street, Surrey
Tickets: Online, Free

Whooo’s Hoot Owl Prowl

What: ​Join naturalits on a night prowl and discover why owls are such great hunters of the night. Presented with Langley Field Naturalists. Ages 8+.

When: Friday, January 18, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Campbell Valley Regional Park
Price: $8.50 per adult, $4.50 per child/youth/adult 65+. Registration required – 604-432-6359. Barcode 7475

Conifer Walk

What: ​Get to know your tall green neighbours: the common conifers in our temperate rainforest.

When: Saturday January 19, 2019
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Price: $8.50 per adult, $4.50 per child/youth/adult 65+. Registration required – 604-432-6359. Barcode 7462

Hands-On Scientist; Barn Owls

What: Delve into the secret lives of park plants and animals as scientists share presentations and research techniques then guide a walk in the park.  Join researcher Sofi Hindmarch for a night of fascinating owl study insights and a walk to look for owl signs. Ages 8+.

When: Friday, January 25, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where:  Campbell Valley Regional Park
Price: $8.50 per adult, $4.50 per child/youth/adult 65+. Registration required – 604-432-6359. Barcode 7473

20th Annual Divers’ Weekend at Vancouver Aquarium

What: Join Vancouver Aquarium for the 20th annual celebration of diving. From riveting dive shows to compelling exhibits to informative presentations, divers and non-divers alike will be further inspired to explore the vast oceans. Plus, don’t miss the Trends in Diving Safety panel, where experts discuss current issues in diving safety.

When: Saturday, January 26 to Sunday, January 27, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online (available soon)

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge 2018

Canyon Lights (Capilano Suspension Bridge)

Canyon Lights (Capilano Suspension Bridge)

What: Thousands of sparkling lights will illuminate the iconic suspension bridge and other areas of the park. The 30-ton Douglas Firs of the Treetops Adventure will also be dressed in lights. Standing at an impressive 110 feet above the forest floor, the Douglas Firs that connect the suspension bridges are the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world, according to event organizers. Also returning to this year’s festival is the Snowy Owl prowl, gingerbread cookie decorating, and sing-along carols with a holiday band.

When: Now to Sunday, January 27, 2019
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: $46.95 for adults, $42.95 for seniors, $34.95 for students, $27.95 for youth (ages 13 to 16) $14.95 for children (ages 6 to 12) and free for children under six

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