7 things to do in Vancouver this week: January 4 to 11

Please note: As recommended by BC’s provincial health officials, gatherings of any kind and unessential travel in the province is not recommended at this time. Please adhere to COVID-19 health and safety measures, including proper physical distancing and frequent hand washing, and wearing a mask or face-covering in public indoor and retail spaces. If you are sick, please stay home. 

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Welcome to your first week of 2021, Vancouver.

Whether you want to try an at-home workout, learn about Black history in BC, or try your hand at snowshoeing, there are plenty of distanced or at-home activities to check out this week.

• See also: 
  • Where and when you can recycle your live Christmas tree in Vancouver
  • Where to find the most dazzling holiday lights in Burnaby
  • Grouse Mountain’s luminous light walk is back to brighten up your Christmas

Here are seven things to do in Vancouver this week.

Grouse Mountain’s Light Walk

What: If you’re looking to take a sparkling snowshoe stroll this winter, you can head to Grouse Mountain’s Light Walk, full of lustre and lanterns.

When: Now through the entire winter season
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Admission: Family Rate for a Mountain Admission Ticket, which includes admission for 2 adults and 2 children/youth (under 18), is $79.50

All festive Peak of Christmas activities are complimentary with a Mountain Admission Ticket, Annual Membership, Winter Season Pass, or Lift Ticket.

Basics of Birding

What: Learn the basics of birding during this online workshop presented by naturalist Kevin Bell.

When: Saturday, January 9, 2021 
Where: Online, you will receive an email confirmation from Eventbrite with your link to the Zoom session.
Register: Online
Price: Free but there will be an option to pay what you can to support Wild Bird Trust’s work and programs

Go skiing or snowboarding at one of Vancouver’s local hills

What: All three of Vancouver’s North Shore mountains are now open for the winter season, welcoming skiers and snowboarders who make advance reservations. Check out Cypress Mountain with excellent views of the water, Grouse Mountain, which is transit-accessible, or Mt Seymour, the highest elevation of the three.

When: Now until the snow melts
Where: Cypress is at 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, Grouse is at 6400 Nancy Greene Way, and Seymour is at 1700 Mount Seymour Road
Time: Times vary by the mountain, but they typically open between 9 and 10 am, and stay open for the evening until 9 or 10 pm
Admission: Varies by mountain

Check out the BC’s Black Pioneers online exhibit

This exhibit examines how 800 Black immigrants, who were invited to settle in BC by Governor James Douglas, helped establish and stabilize British colonial communities. The digital exhibit has been curated by the BC Black History Awareness Society.

Where: Online
When: Anytime

Take an illuminated snowshoe trek on Cypress Mountain

Cypress Mountain is offering a magical snowshoe experience this winter with Lights to the Lodge, an LED lights-lit trail in the Old Growth Forest. The trail is a one-kilometre, self-guided, snowshoe trek lit with LED lights that lead to one of the most popular Cypress Mountain destinations, the Hollyburn Lodge.

When: Now until the snow melts
Where: Cypress is at 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd
Tickets: Various rates, check website for details

Check out a new show

What: There’s nothing but time these days, so it’s a perfect opportunity to catch up on your must-watch list. Binge away on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ — don’t forget the popcorn.

When: Any day
Time: Any time
Where: Your phone, tablet, computer, or television
Cost: $10 to $12 or a free trial

Try an online fitness class

What: New year, new you. A number of local studios and businesses offer online classes, giving you the perfect opportunity to keep your body moving and your mind active in 2021.

Here is a list of several online workouts and classes to try in Vancouver while supporting local businesses.