by Nancy Baye
Vancouverites are lucky to have milder, shorter winters than the rest of the country. But still, winter can feel like it drags on. Wondering what to do on those days in pricey Vancouver? Check out these free events! [Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/Coast Mountain Photography]
Glide along under the holiday lights of downtown Vancouver at the Robson Square Ice Rink. The ice was unveiled on December 1st and is kept smooth until the end of February. It’s open from 9 am to 9 pm during the week, and until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Bring your own skates for a totally free outing. If you need to rent, it’s $4 cash. Enjoy this simple, festive activity.
A surefire way to start the year off right (or to get rid of your New Year’s Eve hangover) is to join the Polar Bear Swim on January 1st. You might think these people are silly for submerging into the icy waters of English Bay, but every year the event attracts thousands of people. Record-breaking years include 2014 (which had 2,550 participants) and 1985 when the water was just 3 degrees.
Take your pants off in public. We did it as kids, so why not now? Join the No Pants SkyTrain Ride, an initiative of Vancouver Improv Anywhere. Although the event is scheduled to happen on Sunday January 10th at 2:30 pm, we recommend double-checking that, because, well, you know.
While there are plenty of fantastic light displays all over Vancouver, one hidden gem is the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival. On December 21st, shine a little light during the longest night of the year. This festival honours multiple traditions with music, a procession of lanterns, fire performances and more. This year’s event will be taking place in Strathcona, Yaletown, Granville Island and Chinatown.
Celebrate the Chinese New Year, which starts February 16th. The parade happens on the 18th, ushering in the Year of the Dog and features a loud, colourful extravaganza of marching bands, cultural dance troupes, martial arts performances, Canada’s biggest display of traditional lion dance teams and more. Over 3,000 participants represent a wide range of community groups and more than 100,000 people come to watch. All in all, it makes for a bustling event.
Be a tourist in your hometown and check out the Christ Church Cathedral, a heritage site at Burrard and West Georgia. The Gothic Revival church boasts stunning architecture with Douglas fir beams, ornate arches and stained glass. Hard to know if the place is more famous for its design, Westminster chimes or range of musical events.
Grab a hat, scarf and gloves and take a stroll around Canada Place. Views of Coal Harbour, Stanley Park and the North Shore Mountains are the backdrop here. Time your visit right and you’ll see the Carol Ships Parade of Lights, which sing and sail past the promontory en route to Bowen Island. Take a moment to look around and appreciate we’re living in a natural wonderland.
