Visiting Vancouver In Winter – What You Need to Know

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Admin

Sometimes we all need to get away in winter and while some of us head to warmer climates, others want to experience the excitement of a world class North American city. Vancouver is an awesome spot to take a vacation in any time of the year, here’s what you need to know if you are heading there in winter.

It Will Probably Rain

Vancouver is located in the Pacific Northwest and that means one thing; rain will likely make an appearance on your trip, no matter what season you visit. The good news is that rain means it is pretty mild and the temperatures will not drop too low. Vancouver is also well prepared for the rain. Residents wear the right rain gear and tourists can easily rent a car in downtown Vancouver making it easy to get around while staying dry.

Stay Downtown

We always advise tourists to stay in downtown Vancouver for a number of reasons. It is easy to access via Skytrain from the airport, the best hotels are located downtown, and you can also rent a car in downtown Vancouver at your leisure. Once you rent a car in downtown Vancouver it is easy to see the rest of the city, such as the artsy areas in East Van, or the beaches from Kitsilano out to the University of British Columbia. Being in downtown Vancouver also means that you are only steps away from top restaurants and there is always a fun event going on somewhere in the city centre.

Hit the Slopes

If you visit Vancouver in winter, you should really venture out to some of the local mountains, especially if you ski or snowboard. Even if you don’t, there are skating and snowshoeing options available. Grouse, Seymour, and Cypress mountains can all be reached within an hour when you rent a car in Downtown Vancouver. You are also only a couple of hours away from Whistler, one of the best ski resorts in the world. Driving here gives you the opportunity to go along the Sea to Sky Highway, which is an incredibly beautiful drive.

As you can see, there is plenty to see and do in Vancouver, even in winter. Even if it rains, there is no dull time of year to visit this city, thanks to a thriving urban centre and lots of winter sports options.