5 things to do around Vancouver in the winter

One of the things I love most about Vancouver is that there is always something to do.

Winter brings a range of pursuits and places to explore, and you don’t need to venture far from Downtown to enjoy them.

Sure, you can spend the day skiing in the local mountains, but there are a ton of other fun activities around Vancouver in the winter you’ve probably never thought of.

If you’re stuck for something to do this weekend, why not try one of these outdoor activities?

Scuba Diving

It may come as a surprise, but the dive spots around the Pacific Northwest are among the best in the world.

The Emerald Coast is laden with shipwrecks and an abundance of marine life that’s present all year round.

Dive alongside curious seals, giant Pacific octopus and mud sharks at sites located less than an hour’s drive from Vancouver.

Although temperatures are far from tropical, a dry suit will keep you warm enough to allow you to explore the wilderness of the underwater world.

Dive schools can be found around Kitsilano and offer full courses and trips to local dive sites, the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island. Diving Locker is one of your options.

Ice Fishing

You really can’t get any more Canadian than ice fishing.

Spend the day on a frozen lake and take in the stunning landscapes as you fish for Steelhead, Bull Trout and more.

Whistler and Pemberton’s lakes sit just a couple of hours from Vancouver and offer exceptional fishing and incredible views of BC’s coastal mountains.

Take cover from the sub-zero temperatures and icy winds in one of the Ice Huts and kick back and warm up while you wait for a bite.

Head out for a guided tour around Whistler, Squamish or Pemberton and cross your fingers for a great catch.

Pemberton Fish Finder is one of your options for guided tours.

Snowshoeing

Adventuring around the mountains isn’t just reserved for skiers and boarders.

There is a whole bunch of snowshoe trails as close as the North Shore mountains, and tons of wilderness to explore right on our doorstep.

Snowshoeing is a fun way to wander through the snowy alpine and it doesn’t come with a hefty price tag.

If you’re really up for a challenge, why not tackle the Snowshoe Grind on Grouse Mountain and try to beat your summer Grind time?

You’ll find information about local snowshoeing on the Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain websites.

Read more: Survival Guide to Beating the Canadian Winter Blues

Ice Climbing

If you live for adventure, ice climbing will be right up your street.

Take your ‘pick’ from a number of incredible ice climbing spots within a short drive of Vancouver.

No two climbs are the same and can range from thick frozen waterfalls to steep rock faces covered in ice.

First timers will be given an introduction to basic climbing by local expert guides before they hit the ice, so prior climbing experience isn’t necessary.

Explore BC’s incredible ice formations and enjoy a climb around Squamish or Whistler.

Ziplining

Take in the views as you soar above the treetops on your zipline adventure.

Ziplining is the perfect way to get your blood pumping as you explore some of BC’s oldest forests at speeds up to 80km/hr.

Glide through the backcountry in Whistler or fly across the peaks and canyons of Grouse and Dam Mountain for an exhilarating day out.

Tours run throughout winter and prices at Grouse start from just $40. Visit Grouse Mountain or Whistler’s website for more details.

• Read more by Alicia at golivexplore.com, or follow her on Twitter: @alicia_haque.
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