Top 5: Winter Adventures for the Non-Skier

Snowshoeing
Spectacular vistas aren’t just for skiers and snowboarders. In fact, some of the most pristine powder can be accessed along specialty designed snowshoe trails. Grouse Mountain offers a winter alternative to their Grouse Grind (a popular summertime hiking trail), the Snowshoe Grind. For moderately fit individuals, the 4.3 km trail takes hikers up 240 metres in elevation. Fitness aficionados can participate in the Snowshoe Grind Timer Program – a device will track your time and progress throughout the season. If the Snowshoe Grind is a bit too intense, the mountain has an array of trails along the Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park to suit all levels. If you want to treat yourself after a day trekking through the snowbanks, check out their private Snowshoe Fondue packages.

Try a Tube Park
A favourite for the young and young at heart is hopping on an inner-tube designed especially for snow. Head to Vancouver’s North Shore ski hills, And you’ll find two super-fun options to choose from. On Cypress, Gnarly’s Snow Tubing Park features 6 x 100m snow chutes to coast down, and a tube tow to get you right back to the top. For those with younger kids, head to the gentle slopes of the sliding area instead – just make sure you bring your own sled. Or head to Mount Seymour where you’ll find a tubing park plus two different slopes for tobogganing.

Make a Snowman
If there’s one thing Vancouver has lots of, it’s green spaces. Rather, white spaces once the snow begins to fall as occasionally does in late December and January. If you happen to be in town when the snow is falling, parks are great spots to build a winter friend—the really sweet spots are all the tiny, lesser known parks hiding right downtown! Nelson Park, mere steps from the hotel is home to the West End Farmers Market in the summer months but is underused in the winter. The park sits right behind St. Paul’s Hospital and fills an entire city block. Make a quick stop at nearby Kins Farm Market on Davie Street for a crisp orange carrot to complete your snowman’s look.

Take in a Hockey Game
Hockey is one of Canadians favourite winter activities and if we’re not playing it then we’re watching it! Cheer on the home team, the Canucks, whether it’s in-person at Rogers Arena, or via the big screen in a sports bar around town. To make things easy, we’ve even put together a list of our favourite spots to watch the game while you’re in Vancouver.

Watch the Snow Fall
If your preference is to enjoy the snow from the comfort of the indoors, pull up a chair at Seasons In The Park, a restaurant in Queen Elizabeth Park that serves up delicious dishes and some of the best views in the city. Queen Elizabeth Park is the highest point in Vancouver and makes a great spot to gaze out as the snow gently blankets the city. On a clear day, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the North Shore Mountains covered in snow. Should you decide to take a walk through the grounds, the Quarry Garden turns into a winter wonderland and is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll.