Five Things To Do In Vancouver During the Winter Holidays

By Terry Burton

West coast life styles include wonderful things-to-do during the Christmas season. For visitors and newcomers to Vancouver, British Columbia, here are five choices, each a little adventure unto themselves, something that will etch vibrant memories for years to come.

Warning: Those following this To-Do List may reduce stress and may experience moments of genuine happy feelings for loved ones and the world around you.

1. A below the speed limit drive around the Stanley Park

Regarded as one of the most enjoyable urban spaces in the world, Stanley Park’s 1,000 acres are situated on a magnificent peninsula just a mile from downtown. Your journey begins at the park entrance on West Georgia Street. Heading into Stanley Park you will be traveling counterclockwise with the extraordinary views out the passenger side of your vehicle.

From the historic Vancouver Rowing Club that you pass by shortly after you begin, to the world renowned totems, complete with designated parking spaces for touring cars and buses, the first few minutes offers plenty to see. By the way, it’s OK to stop and get out for a moment or two.

The 6 mile or 10 kilometer route should be driven at some rate of speed under the suggested 30 km, about 19 miles per hour. The natural beauty of the inner harbor includes built-in sedatives that blend sky and water and coastal mountains with an urban landscape layered in place.

Whether with family or friends or a solo trip of your own, a drive through Stanley Park, may provide much needed balance to your hectic holiday schedule.

2. Carol Ships Parade of Lights

The Carol Ships Parade of Lights is a much loved annual event that delights communities throughout the Vancouver area. Checkpoints include North Vancouver, Lions’ Gate Bridge, English Bay, Spanish Banks, Jericho, False Creek and Plaza of Nations. A time schedule is published well in advance and can be found at the event’s web site

You have to remember that the city has water two large bodies of water that form natural boundaries. The Carol Ships leverage this to great advantage.

Imagine a floating parade going down main street of your town except this parade is one of ships, all shapes and sizes, decorated in holiday lights and playing Christmas Carols.

Two of the ships are large enough to serve dinner to guest who can listen to the music and enjoy the evening cruise or join in themselves to sing the Christmas carols.

This event runs from December 1st to the 23rd in 2006 with extra sailings on December 28th and 29th.

3. Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day

Want to chill out while bringing in the New Year? Meet up with the other crazies at the foot of Denman and Davie on the Beach around 1pm New Year’s Day.

Tagged as the oldest Annual Polar Bear Swim in the world, the event attracts a colorful crowd of 2,000 or more, many still wearing New Year’s Eve costumes plus a mob of friendly fans cheering them on.

Dating back to 1928, Vancouver’s Polar Bear Swim began at the urging of Peter Pantages, a local Greek restaurateur, who coxed his swimming buddies to dive into the 40 degree temperature waters for the fun of it all.

This year’s crowd, with and without wet suits, brave the waters to raise money for charity, on a dare from a friend or just because it’s something they need to do on their checklist of life’s accomplishments.

4. Snow-visit on one of the three local mountains

Traditional downhill skiers have plenty of choice when it comes to skiing for the day and on into the night. Expanded runs on Cyprus Mountain feature the first local mogul course, while the gondola-only access to Grouse Mountain was the first of three to introduce night skiing.

In just 20 to 30 minutes from downtown, you can find yourself up Cypress to the west and 3,000 feet above sea level. Many visitors and locals alike get a kick out of the gondola up Grouse Mtn. Breathtaking views on the way up and likewise on the return back down the mountain will have you talking about this part of your trip for months.

Competing for space on the white hard packed trails comes from snowboards, snowshoes and cross-country skis.

Last but not least, the ski slopes on Mount Seymour an alternative to the fast pace of the other two ski destinations.

5. Bird watching along shorelines and parks

The migratory paths of many bird species funnels through the Lower Mainland of BC including English Bay. Winter months offer daily opportunities to get up close and personal with many a fine-feathered-friend. From Bald Eagles to Cormorants, Mallards to Bufflehead ducks and the full-time resident Great Blue Herons, these are just a few of the many feathered flyers who make English Bay home during the holiday season.

For the avid bird-watcher I highly recommend combining a stroll along the Stanley Park Seawall between Third Beach and the South Entrance to the park. December offers playful episodes of shore birds that love to duck beneath the surface for a good twenty seconds or so. Patient observers will find a whole flock participating in this follow-the-leader type of behavior. One moment there are forty or so birds floating along the shore, the next they are have all disappeared from sight only to bob to the surface like cork filled toys ready to continue paddling along.

Numerous vantage points for bird watchers include Spanish Banks, Pacific Spirit Park, Jericho Beach, Queen Elizabeth Park, Mount Seymour Parkway, Ambleside Park, Cyprus Provincial Park, Coal Harbor and the False Creek area surrounding the Granville Island Market.

Voted as one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver has so much to offer. When you do come to town for a visit we hope you enjoy your stay.

Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season.

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