Winter in Vancouver

Vancouver is a 9 hour 30 minute direct flight from Heathrow and is the airport of choice for nearby Whistler as well as connections to the interior BC resorts of Sun Peaks, Big White and Silver Star

A vibrant modern city surrounded by nature, there's so much to see and do in Vancouver that we recommend at least two days to make the most of it. The diversity appeals to all, whether you're planning a romantic couple's getaway, a big group get-together or a fantastic family holiday.

By Rupert Hatfield, Canada & USA Product Manager

North America's largest ski area, Whistler, is a scenic two-hour drive from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway. It's up there among the best transfers in the world. The ultimate destination for every skier and snowboarder, Whistler has everything you could possibly want in a ski resort - a huge variety of skiing across two mountains, hundreds of restaurants, bars and shops, and heaps of activities.

Alternatively, catch a short 1-hour flight to Kamloops or Kelowna to ski Sun Peaks, Big White or Silver Star. All three resorts feature compact ski-in ski-out villages with surprisingly big ski areas. With fewer skiers per acre, expect quiet slopes and minimal lift queues.

For a tailor-made quotation for any of the resorts above including a city break in Vancouver, enquire online or call our team on 01273 224060.

Most of Vancouver's attractions are closely concentrated in Vancouver's walkable West End and Downtown districts so you can pack a huge amount into a short trip. There's also a fantastic transport network (including buses, the speedy SkyTrain and even unique water taxis) for easy access to the natural sights and outdoor activities on the city's outskirts.

Visiting Vancouver is a rite of passage for new Ski Safari team members and between us, we've racked up countless visits over the years. To make the most of a short amount of time in a city full of possibilities, this is what we'd recommend.

1,000 acres of lush forest, open parks, biking and walking trails, beautiful beaches, cultural landmarks and of course the famous Seawall. When the sun is shining, hire a bike and you can cycle a loop of the Seawall Path in under an hour including stops at the many viewpoints, the Totem Poles, the beaches and Lost Lagoon.

With more time, head into Vancouver Aquarium to see sharks, octopi, seals, sea lions, sea otters and more, plus learn about ocean conservation.

Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood is a melting pot of tradition and modernity. Pose with the iconic Steam Clock, ride up the 168-metre Lookout Tower for 360° views over the city, or just stroll around and take in the sights, sounds and smells.

As well as stylish boutique shops, the wine and craft beer scene here is particularly good, and it's where you'll find many of the city's best restaurants. We recommend L'Abbatoir for meat and fish dishes, or alternatively MeeT is one of Canada's best vegan spots.

A foodie's dream, Granville Island is home to a buzzing Public Market filled with artisan food pop-ups and local sellers. You'll find cuisine from all over the world and can spend hours wandering around the many stalls looking for souvenirs to take home. Once you've filled your appetite and bags, catch the Aquabus or False Creek Ferry back across to downtown.

With Stanley Park at one end and False Creek at the other, Robson Street neatly divides central Vancouver and is worth the 40-minute walk from end to end - especially if you're a bit of a shopaholic! Shopping is what the street is best known for, featuring all the iconic North American brands, the Pacific Centre shopping mall, the famous Nordstrom department store, plus luxury retailers, sports shops, homeware and much more.

There's a café on every corner, a good range of high-end restaurants towards the centre, sports bars near the BC Place stadium and some brilliant Japanese and Korean restaurants towards Stanley Park.

If you're short on time, a guided tour is a great way to cover more ground and learn about the city at the same time. The easiest and cheapest option is the Hop-On Hop-Off bus which stops at all the main tourist sites and plays a pre-recorded commentary. You can buy a 24 or 48 hour pass and use the bus to get around the city, learning as you go.

There are lots of walking and biking tours to choose from, or for something a little different try a food, beer or wine tour and eat/drink your way between Vancouver's neighbourhoods. For something completely different, book a seaplane plane tour and fly over the city's skyline and surrounding forests and mountains.

The Rogers Arena is the home of the Vancouver Canucks NHL ice hockey team, and if they're playing while you're in town then grab a ticket for a classic Canadian experience. The arena also regularly hosts some of the world's biggest bands and comedians, so make sure to check the listings in plenty of time before you travel. Events usually sell out well in advance. If the hockey's not on, the Vancouver lacrosse team also plays here throughout winter.

Vancouver has a thriving entertainment scene and you can find live music and comedy every night of the week, including lots of smaller gigs where you can take a chance and discover something new!

If you're travelling late-season, then you might be able to catch a Whitecaps FC game at the impressive BC Place stadium. The Major League Soccer season kicks off in late February. We find that live sports in Canada have a far friendlier atmosphere than we're used to here in the UK, and tickets are easier to come by, which makes it a great family activity.

The best way to experience Vancouver's old-growth rainforest, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is sure to impress. Walk the bridge itself, 137 metres long and 70 metres above the Capilano River and then continue into the forest with the Treetops Adventure suspended walkways and platforms, the narrow walkways of the Cliffwalk, and then the interactive Living Forest Exhibit. Bring a head for heights, a good camera and the desire to learn about this fascinating natural area.

Capilano Suspension Bridge is north of Vancouver across the Lions Gate Bridge and is easily reached using a free shuttle bus from downtown.

Nature lovers will also want to stroll around the 55-acre VanDusen Botanical Gardens, featuring over 7,500 plant species, picturesque lakes, a tranquil waterfall, inspiring architecture, a hedge maze, beautiful sculptures and 70 botanical collections. VanDusen is around 30 to 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver by public transport and is close to the Bloedel Conservatory for more plant and wildlife discovery within a temperature-controlled tropical dome.

Need more mountain on your trip? Grouse Mountain is a 30-minute shuttle ride away (included on your Admission Ticket). There's a small ski area, but as you'll have plenty of time to do that on the rest of your holiday, we'd instead recommend snowshoeing, ice skating and the enchanting Light Walk.

Vancouver is great to visit all winter long, but if you're flexible with departure dates then there are two periods that offer an exceptional experience.

A magical time to visit when Stanley Park, VanDusen Botanical Gardens, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain and the city itself are lit up with colourful Christmas lights. There are lots of ways to get in the Christmas spirit including the Vancouver Christmas Market, a North Pole special at FlyOver Canada, an outdoor ice rink at Robson Square, plus events like Bright Nights, Festival of Lights and Canyon Lights.

With so much nature surrounding the city, spring is a glorious time to visit. We've been very lucky over the years to enjoy sunshine-filled trips to Vancouver in late March and April with the 40,000 cherry trees in bloom and temperatures in the high teens. The many outdoor spaces like Stanley Park are verdant and perfect for walking and cycling and the city feels even more welcoming as the weather turns towards summer.

With only a few days to explore, you'll want to be in the heart of the action. Few hotels have a better location than the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre - right in the heart of central Vancouver and a maximum 30-minute walk from all the attractions. The rooms are well-sized, comfortable and, if you book a High Floor or Club Level room, offer unrivalled views across the city.

Call our friendly, knowledgeable team on 01273 224060 (Monday to Friday) or request a quotation online and we'll help you plan and book your perfect Vancouver & ski twin-centre holiday.

Our team visit every year and are ready to help using their own personal experience.

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