Flying from New Zealand to Canada for your ski trip? You’ll touch down in Vancouver first before heading inland to the resorts. Most flights get you there later in the day, so instead of rushing on, why not make the most of it?
Check into a hotel, stretch out, wander this gorgeous city, and let the jet lag melt away before the mountain adventure begins.
Nestled between snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is the ideal urban addition to any Canadian winter holiday. With its mild winter temperatures, the city presents a haven of experiences, from MICHELIN Guide-acclaimed culinary delights and the enchanting Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to unique neighbourhood discoveries.
And here’s our list of the best ways to shake off the jet lag and explore this stunning city during the winter months.
DECEMBER
Revel in the luminosity of Vancouver’s festive season. The city sparkles with magical light displays and events, stretching from Capilano Suspension Bridge to Stanley Park. Be enchanted by the holiday show at FlyOver and find unique gifts at the Vancouver Christmas Market. Wander along Robson Street for shopping and discover the boutiques of Gastown.
JANUARY
Experience the energy at a Vancouver Canucks hockey game or the Vancouver Warriors lacrosse matches. Dive into the vibrant arts scene with visits to the Vancouver Art Gallery and Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, or make your way to Kitsilano to explore waterfront museums.
FEBRUARY
Embrace Vancouver’s winter charm with outdoor ice skating at Robson Square and the Shipyards District. February also features the Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and the City’s Hot Chocolate Festival. Explore Vancouver’s vibrant food scene through guided tours with Vancouver Foodie Tours, A Wok Around Chinatown, and Taste Vancouver Food Tours.
MARCH
Vancouver’s temperate climate often brings an early spring, with blossoms beginning to appear in March. This is an ideal time to cycle the seawall or wander the trails in Stanley Park. Don’t miss a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium for an encounter with local marine life, a favourite among visitors of all ages.
Vancouver has a way of making the journey feel like part of the holiday. Whether it’s festive lights in December, hockey nights in January, hot chocolate and city charm in February, or the first blossoms of spring in March, there’s always something special to discover. So our team would highly recommend giving yourself a day or two here. In fact, most of us done it the same way before … shook off the jet lag, treated ourself to a little city magic, and then headed to the mountains feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready for the snow.
We help with flights, transfers, accommodation, lift passes, activities, and more. Connect with our Snow Holiday Experts on NZ Toll-Free: 0800 555 035 to see if this could be the one for you.
