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Planning a trip to Vancouver this winter? You’re going to love it.
Vancouver stays active all year. Even in winter, the seawall is full of joggers and the cafés feel warm and lively! The mountains surrounding the city add a bit of snowy drama to the skyline, but winter here is mild compared to most of Canada.
You’ll definitely want a rain jacket, though. When we lived in Vancouver, we quickly realized that showers come and go, but locals don’t slow down—and neither should you!
That’s why we’ve mapped out this relaxed three-day itinerary that blends Vancouver’s winter highlights with easy activities you can enjoy rain or shine. Here’s how to make the most of your three days in Vancouver.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal favorite thing we did was this sightseeing tour! Covering the city’s top neighborhoods, soaking in Lookout views, and ending at the glowing Canyon Lights made it such an easy, magical way to experience Vancouver in winter.
Check out the 1,300+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Itinerary Overview
Vancouver in winter is all about fresh air and ocean views… and a bit of drizzle, admittedly. However, the temperatures stay pretty mild, so you can still enjoy outdoor activities despite the showers, although we’ve included lots of covered and indoor foodie spots along the way.
You won’t need a rental car for this itinerary, as Vancouver boasts an excellent public transit system, and many spots are within walking distance. Uber is also reliable, and some of the tours we’ve mentioned include transport for extra ease.
Day 1: Start at Granville Island for breakfast, then spend the afternoon seeing Vancouver’s top sights on a guided city tour that includes Stanley Park, the Vancouver Lookout, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Day 2: Kick off the day with a scenic seaplane tour over the city, then take some time to explore at your own pace before eating your way through Gastown on a food tour. In the evening, make some wintery magic with ice skating and then warm up with a steaming bowl of ramen.
Day 3: Take a full-day trip to Whistler to enjoy one of Canada’s most beautiful snowy landscapes, then finish the evening back in Vancouver at a local brewery.
Day 1
Breakfast – Granville Island Public Market
Today’s sightseeing tour includes hotel pick up, but since it doesn’t start until noon, head for breakfast at the Granville Island Public Market. The city tour does make a stop here in the afternoon, but it’s a quick one, and we definitely think that this market deserves more time! You can either check out the market and head back to your hotel for pickup, or get the tour to pick you up from Granville Island by setting the Granville Island Hotel as your location.
To get to Granville Island, you can either catch the #50 bus or take the Aquabus or False Creek Ferry. Either way, it’s easy to get there!
Once you arrive, we definitely recommend grabbing a bagel from Siegel’s Bagels, which is a longtime favorite of ours. If you want a sweet treat, you can never go wrong with Lee’s Donuts, and for coffee, JJ Bean Coffee Roasters is a great choice.
Mid-day – See Vancouver’s top sights: Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Lookout, & Stanley Park
This Vancouver sightseeing tour is such an easy and enjoyable way to get a feel for the city, especially in winter. Book the noon departure, which ends around 6:30 pm, and you’ll get the added bonus of seeing the Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. These run from mid-November through mid-January, and the forest looks incredible once everything starts to glow. The timing works perfectly, and the later start lets you enjoy a leisurely morning at the market.
One thing I really like about this tour is how much ground you cover without ever feeling rushed. Your guide leads you through key neighborhoods like Gastown, Chinatown, and Granville Island, which gives you a good sense of Vancouver’s personality and history. It really helps you to understand how the city fits together, and you learn quite a bit along the way.
There are some great stops included, too. Going up the Vancouver Lookout is a standout winter activity since the viewing deck is warm and the vistas stretch across the harbor and mountains. Stanley Park is another highlight, and you will have time to see the Brockton Point Totem Poles before heading to Capilano.
This is the highlight of the day if you ask me! You can stroll across the bridge, explore the Cliffwalk with its glass floors, and enjoy the lights as the sky gets darker. It’s the ultimate way to experience the famous suspension bridge.
Read hundreds of glowing reviews and book this popular Vancouver tour here!
Dinner – Blue Water Cafe
The evening tour ends around 6:30 pm, so head to the Blue Water Cafe around 7:30 to give yourself a bit of buffer time to get over to Yaletown. Trust me, you will definitely need to book ahead here! The tour can drop you off downtown, and then it’s roughly a 15-minute walk or a quick Uber to the restaurant.
Once you get there, you’ll see why Blue Water Cafe has earned a reputation as one of the best seafood spots in Vancouver. The food is just amazing, and if you want to try a little bit of everything, you can do a seafood tasting menu for two! They also offer creative dishes like miso-glazed sablefish, which I definitely recommend, just FYI.
The space itself feels exactly like a stylish Yaletown restaurant should. It’s both classy and trendy, and there’s even a full raw bar with sushi, nigiri, and sashimi, which is said to be the best in the city.
Day 2
Breakfast – Jam Cafe
Jam Cafe is one of our favorite breakfast spots in Vancouver. We came here all the time when we lived here! I highly recommend trying one of their eggs Benedict options. As well as the standard salmon and avocado, you can also get fried chicken or squash and romesco—yum!
The cafe is a 5-minute drive from the seaplane meeting point, so we suggest catching an Uber here. It opens at 8 am and we recommend arriving right then because this place is popular and you’ll probably have to wait for a table otherwise.
Morning – Get an aerial view of Vancouver on a seaplane tour
This scenic seaplane tour is one of the most memorable ways to see Vancouver, and it works especially well in winter! You stay warm and dry while taking in sweeping aerial views of the city, the coastline, and the mountains. What’s not to love about that?
Book the 10:15 am flight and plan to check in at 9:30 am at the Vancouver Harbour Seaplane Centre. The harbour is lively in the morning, with planes coming and going, so it’s a nice place to kick off your day.
Once you take off, you’ll rise quickly above the city, which feels very exciting! When I did a seaplane tour in Vancouver, I was just glued to the window the entire time. You really do get a completely new perspective on Vancouver from above. You’ll soar over the downtown skyline, which looks even more striking with its glass towers reflecting the winter light, and from there, the route continues toward Stanley Park, English Bay, and the Lions Gate Bridge.
You get such a clear view of how much natural beauty surrounds the city by flying over it. The North Shore Mountains feel close enough to touch, and on clear winter days, you can see snow dusting the peaks, which adds a little extra magic. Then, the flight continues west toward Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island for views of the rugged coastline and forested cliffs before you touch back down again. It’s really an amazing way to kick off day two in Vancouver!
Read 1,000+ glowing reviews and book this seaplane flight here!
Related Read: If you want to explore more seaplane options for your itinerary, see our guide to the best Vancouver seaplane tours here.
Mid-day – Explore on your own
Your seaplane experience will wrap up around 11 am, which gives you a nice pocket of time before your food tour in Gastown. If the weather cooperates, this is a great moment to stretch your legs and enjoy the Seawall Water Walk. It’s one of the most loved spots in Vancouver, and even a short stroll along it offers beautiful views of the harbor and North Shore Mountains. Guffo Café sits right along the route and is the perfect spot to warm up with a coffee while you watch the seaplanes come and go.
If you want to do a bit more sightseeing, you can walk over to Waterfront Station and take the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay Market. It’s about a ten minute walk from Canada Place, which is also the meeting point for your afternoon tour, so everything lines up easily.
The ferry leaves every fifteen minutes and the crossing takes about twenty minutes. It’s just a simple ride across the harbor, but the views are lovely and it’s yet another chance to see the city from a different angle! The fare costs $4.25 CAD, which we think is well worth it.
Once you arrive, wander through the market and check out the food stalls, or head up to the outdoor deck for a clear view back toward downtown. It’s a relaxed way to spend the early afternoon and you should easily be able to get back to Waterfront Station in time for your Gastown food tour at 2 pm.
Afternoon – Taste your way around Gastown
There is no better way to get to know Gastown’s food scene than by booking this guided walking food tour. Since it will double as your afternoon meal, book the 2 pm tour so you finish around 5 pm with a full stomach and a good feel for the neighborhood.
We love food tours because having a local guide show you around takes all the pressure off. You don’t need to figure out where to go or how to get there, because you can just follow your guide and enjoy trying all of the yummy local dishes. Plus, the route on this tour is excellent and gives you a real sense of why Gastown is such a beloved part of Vancouver.
You’ll wander through the cobblestone streets and stop at several locally loved spots for seven food tastings and three drink tastings. The lineup often includes Japanese karaage chicken, Sicilian tortellini with wine, traditional Canadian poutine, and freshly made waffles—yum! Craft beer is usually part of the experience, too, and there’s always a non-alcoholic option if you prefer.
Even though this is a walking tour, you won’t spend too much time outside. It’s still a great choice on a cold or drizzly winter afternoon! Along the way, your guide will share Gastown’s Wild West history, including stories of the early days of Vancouver and the characters who shaped the neighborhood, including the notorious “Gassy Jack”, who’s considered to be the area’s founding father. This tour is a favorite for both food lovers and history buffs, and the award-winning reviews speak for themselves.
For a delicious afternoon, book this top-rated food tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Evening – Go ice skating at Robson Square
Ice skating is one of Vancouver’s most iconic winter activities, so once the food tour wraps up, we suggest heading over to Robson Square, where you’ll find one of the city’s best outdoor rinks. It’s just a 5-minute Uber ride away (or 15 minutes on public transport) and it’s always decked out in holiday decorations.
Best of all, it’s free! Well, if you don’t have your own skates, you will have to rent them for around $5 CAD, but there’s no admission fee. It’s the perfect way to spend a winter’s day/night in Vancouver!
Dinner – Ramen Danbo Robson
Ice skating can definitely work up an appetite, so if you find yourself feeling hungry again head to Ramen Dano Robson for a super satisfying bowl. This is our favorite ramen spot in town and we basically use any excuse to eat here, and I think that being just a 10-minute walk from Robson Square is as good a reason as any! It stays open until 11 pm, so there’s no need to rush, and the menu is small but everything is really good.
Related Read: For even more cool-weather ideas, check out our guide to the best things to do in Vancouver in the colder months!
Day 3
Full day – Day trip to Whistler
Taking a day trip to Whistler is a must when you’re in Vancouver! The mountains are usually much snowier than the city, and the Sea to Sky Gondola is the perfect place to enjoy crisp winter views.
We think that this full-day tour is the best way to visit Whistler because you don’t have to worry about driving in icy conditions, since the tour includes round-trip transport. Pick up begins just before 8:30 am and returns around 7 pm, and the day feels full without being rushed.
To be honest, the drive along the Sea to Sky Highway is a highlight on its own. You’ll have rugged coastline and deep fjords while your guide shares stories about the area. There are a few scenic stops on the way, including Shannon Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in British Columbia. It’s especially beautiful in winter when mist hangs in the air, and the cliffs feel even more dramatic!
Then comes the Sea to Sky Gondola, which takes you up to sweeping views over Howe Sound and the coastal rainforest. I always love watching the forest drop away beneath me as I ride the gondola, and it’s so much fun to explore the short trails and check out the various viewpoints.
After the gondola, you’ll continue onto Whistler Village itself, where you’ll have free time to explore as you see fit. I just love taking in the lively alpine atmosphere here in the winter. Whether you want to shop, eat, or grab a beer at the Whistler Brewing Co. (our personal favorite), Whistler Village is always fun to explore.
I really like this tour because it balances structure with flexibility so well. But don’t just take my word for it, you can read over a thousand 5-star reviews here!
Book this epic full-day tour to Whistler here and enjoy free cancellation!
Dinner – Steamworks Brewpub
Steamworks Brewpub is one of our favorite places to end a busy day in Vancouver, and it feels especially good after a full day wintery adventure in Whistler! It’s a classic spot for something comforting and familiar, and the atmosphere is always upbeat. The brewpub sits right by the waterfront in Gastown, and the welcoming feel is really what keeps us coming back each time we return to the city. Of course, if you’re staying a little further from the downtown area you can always choose a brewpub closer to your hotel instead.
For me, the best thing to order here is a tasting flight so you can sample a few of their house brewed beers. They are known for their flavorful IPAs and crisp lagers, but the lineup rotates often, which keeps things interesting. And the food is of the comfort variety, with pizza and burgers on the menu. There are also plenty of shareable plates if you prefer to mix and match a few things at the table.
The prices are reasonable for the area, which is one of the reasons the pub stays so busy at night. Because it is popular with both locals and visitors alike, we definitely recommend making a reservation to avoid having to wait for a table. Cheers!
Related Read: Not a cold-weather fan? Check out our 3-day Vancouver itinerary for the best activities and experiences to do in the warmer months here.
Where to Stay in Vancouver
Vancouver has no shortage of places to stay, but choosing the right neighborhood and hotel can make a big difference in your trip. To make the most of your time, we recommend staying centrally in the downtown area, where you’ll be close to Vancouver’s best restaurants, shops, and major attractions. To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up our top hotel picks for every budget below—just be sure to book early, as winter dates tend to fill up fast!
Luxury – $$$
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver is an elegant 5-star property right in the heart of downtown, just a quick stroll from the shops and restaurants along Robson Street. The vibe is classic luxury—think plush rooms with a hint of old-school charm, a full-service spa, a heated indoor pool, and top-notch dining on-site. It’s a great pick if you’re after a comfortable, refined stay in a super central location!
Prices can vary depending on the room category and time of year, but usually range around $300 – $600 CAD per night. Check availability and pricing for your travel dates online here!
Mid-range – $$
EXchange Hotel Vancouver is a sleek and stylish spot right in the heart of downtown—just a short stroll from Canada Place and Gastown. It’s set in the city’s historic stock exchange building, but the rooms are super modern with comfy beds, espresso machines, and rainfall showers. There’s also a great restaurant and bar on-site, so it’s perfect if you want to stay somewhere chic without splurging!
During the summer season, rooms are around $400 CAD, but drop to around $250 CAD during the winter. It’s a very popular spot, so make sure you book online in advance to secure a room at the best possible rate!
Budget – $
If you’re visiting Vancouver on a budget but want to stay right in the heart of downtown, the YWCA Hotel is a fantastic option. It’s just a short walk from BC Place, Rogers Arena, and public transit. There’s a shared kitchen on-site so you can prepare your own meals and cut back on dining costs, plus they offer free coffee in the mornings and water in the lobby. If you’re after a comfortable, convenient stay that won’t break the bank, this is it!
You can choose a room with a private ensuite or opt for a shared bathroom to save some money. Rooms are usually around $250 CAD during the high season and $150 CAD during the low season, but you can check exact prices and reserve for your travel dates online here.
For more options, see all of Vancouver’s hotels listed here!
Related Read: For the full low-down on the best areas and hotels in Vancouver, have a look at our detailed Where to Stay guide!
Renting a Car in British Columbia
If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!
And if you’re planning to visit the Canadian Rockies during your trip, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!
In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
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Thanks for reading!
We hope this itinerary has you set to explore Vancouver in the winter! From the magical Canyon Lights to cozy restaurants and a quick trip to the wintery wonderland of Whistler, this guide covers a lot. Just take it from us and make sure to pack a raincoat because Vancouver gets a lot of rain – year-round! We’re so excited for you to discover one of our favorite cities for yourself.
If you’re still working out the details of your trip, check out more of our BC blogs here. We have road trip guides, things to do, and tours good for all seasons!
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