Thinking of visiting Vancouver in January? Excellent idea! The weather is mild compared to the rest of Canada, the city is way quieter than in other months and there’s an abundance of things to see and do, both indoors and outdoors!
That said, we’ll be honest with you – although you might luck out and get gorgeous winter sunshine, the weather can sometimes be grey and gloomy for days. That’s probably why so many Canadians take their vacation in January and head somewhere sunny like Mexico. And why most people who don’t ski choose the spring or summer for their trip to Vancouver. Still, any negatives are far outweighed by the positives! If you’re visiting Canada in January and wondering if Vancouver should be on your itinerary, the answer is absolutely yes! We think you’ll have a wonderful time here!
Things to know before visiting Vancouver in January
What’s the weather like in January?
In January, Vancouver’s weather is mild but often wet, with average high temperatures near 7°C and lows around 2°C. Once or twice we get a cold snap where temperatures can drop to an average of -4°C.
Although most mountains on the North Shore are covered in a blanket of snow in January, snowfall in the city itself is rare. You might not see any snow at all, but if you do, chances are it will melt away quickly.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. The sun pokes out from time to time, and we do get some clear blue skies as well. We recommend getting outside every time that happens. In fact, get outside every chance you get, even if it requires bringing an umbrella.
What to wear in Vancouver in January?
A warm winter jacket is essential for cold days when the temperature dips below 0°C, but on milder days it’s better to layer up. Bring a raincoat and waterproof boots and you’ll be good in the city. For hiking, you’ll need reliable waterproof boots and micro spikes. Depending on the trail condition and the amount of snow, you may also need to rent snowshoes from one of the ski resorts.
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Top Things to Do in Vancouver in January
Go For a Polar Bear Swim in English Bay
Yes, this is exactly what it sounds like. On January 1, hundreds of Vancouverites strip down to barely anything and jump right into the cold Pacific Ocean at English Bay. And have been doing so since 1920!
Starting off the New year in this way is not for everyone, but if you like cold plunges, maybe this is for you.
Hit The Slopes
January in Vancouver is amazing for skiers and snowboarders. You have 3 local ski resorts to play at within a 30 minute drive of the city:
- Cypress Mountain (host of the 2010 Winter Olympics)
- Grouse Mountain
- Mount Seymour
From beginner-friendly areas to more challenging terrain parks, they offer something for everyone, whether you’re just starting out or an experienced rider. Plus you can ride during the day and at night!
Of course there’s also Whistler Blackcomb, a dream come true for most expert skiers and snowboarders. It’s just 2 hours away so it’s possible to visit as a day trip, but you may as well just stay the night or two in Whistler to make the most of it.
Try Snowshoeing
Although Vancouver is a great place to ski or snowboard, if you’re up for trying something else, try snowshoeing! Snowshoes are basically short skis that allow you to walk on deep snow without having your feet sink down. They’re perfect for exploring the winter trails and it literally takes 10 minutes to learn how to use them.
You’ll be able to rent snowshoes at all three local ski resorts for around $30 per day. Our personal favourite snowshoeing experience so far was a hike to Dam Mountain as we were able to get above the clouds for a gorgeous sunset. That said, you first need to ride a gondola to get to the top of Grouse Mountain. If you want something easy and family friendly, try the Lights to the Lodge evening experience on Cypress Mountain. It’s a beautiful forest trail lit with sparkly LED lights and it’s only 1 kilometer long.
Go Ice Skating
Vancouver has two popular spots for ice skating. The first one is in the heart of downtown at Robson Square. The second one is the Skate Plaza at The Shipyards in North Vancouver. The best part is that both are completely free and you only need to pay for skate rental (last time we checked it was less than $10).
Experience The Best Food in Vancouver
If winter sports aren’t really your thing and you’d rather enjoy good food, Vancouver’s DineOut Festival is a fun excuse to do that. Over 350 restaurants offer special fixed-price menus, or you can go on one of the food tours and try many different restaurants at once. Think dumpling spots, breweries, food trucks – you name it. And if you find a place you really like, you can always go back later to check out the full menu.
Visit Stanley Park
One of our absolute favourite things to do in Vancouver in ALL seasons is heading to Stanley Park. There’s an ocean path all around the peninsula of the park with great views of the water and city and lots of lookouts to stop at. Whether you choose to walk it or rent a bike and ride it, this is one of the best free things to do in Vancouver if you enjoy the outdoors. Want more info? We’ve got a whole article on it here.
Explore Granville Island
If local produce, gourmet food and artisan goods are your jam, then you’ll love exploring Granville Island. Jump on one of the water taxis from Yaletown or Olympic Village and spend a couple of hours wandering the market, indie shops, breweries and art studios.
Enjoy the Lights in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The Holidays may have come and gone, but Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is still beautifully lit with thousands of sparkling lights until mid January. This is, without a doubt, one of the best light shows you can experience. As you walk among the trees and cross the suspension bridge, it truly feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
We recommend coming around half an hour before sunset so you can see the difference between day and night. Book your tickets in advance and take a free shuttle from downtown instead of driving. If you want to learn more, we have a full guide to Capilano Suspension Bridge here.
Drive to Squamish and ride the Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish is an excellent addition to any itinerary. It’s about a one-hour drive from Vancouver along the scenic Sea to Sky highway. Then it’s a 12-minute ride up the mountainside to 885 metres above sea level. How wild?! The views of Howe Sound fjord are incredible on the way up and from the top of the gondola. When you’re at the top, explore the suspension bridge, various easy hiking trails and lookout points. Then warm up in the lodge which has a gift shop, coffee shop and a restaurant.
To get there, you’ll need to rent a car with winter tires and be prepared for winter driving conditions. You can get your Sea to Sky Gondola ticket here. If you prefer not to drive, consider booking a tour with Get Your Guide.
Explore More Of Squamish
If you’ve made it as far as the Sea to Sky gondola, you might as well make the most of your day and spend some time in Squamish. The large monolith overlooking this small mountain town is the second largest in the world and it’s remarkable to know its just a single massive rock. Take a stroll down the main street and enjoy a break at one of the coffee shops or breweries.
Afterward you can visit two more places just a short drive away. The first is Shannon Falls, a massive waterfall right by the Sea to Sky gondola. The second one is Breckendale, where you’ll find great views of the river and the mountains and might even spot some eagles (bring binoculars if you have them).
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Have you been to Vancouver in January? Any tips? Share away!
