WINTER FUN
As a four-season destination, Vancouver has plenty of exciting
winter activities to keep your clients entertained
On Skis and Boards
Vancouver's local mountains offer visitors easy access to winter ski and
snowboarding action without ever having to leave the city. Within 15 to
30 minutes of Vancouver's downtown core, winter sport enthusiasts can
find themselves in the snowy North Shore Mountains with their choice
of two ski resorts: Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain. Both
mountains offer night skiing and boast ample fresh powder in winter,
sometimes having a greater snow base than resorts in B.C.'s interior. Each
offers a variety of runs, awesome panoramic views and winter action, from
downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and
even snow-tubing. Don't forget the world-class ski resorts of Whistler
Blackcomb Mountain and Sun Peaks, two ski destinations not far
beyond the city where travellers can have the winter adventure of a lifetime.
Toboggans, Snowshoes and More
Skiing and boarding aren't the only products offered on the local
mountains – a wide variety of outdoor activities take advantage of the
spectacular scenery, such as guided snowshoeing tours with a fondue
dining option. Unique to Cypress Mountain are the snow-tubing and
toboggan parks, complete with tow ropes. Grouse Mountain offers ice
skating, snow-limo rides and sleigh rides.
Christmas Magic
Vancouver is truly a special place during the Christmas season. Be sure
your clients get to enjoy the winter magic with The Peak of Christmas at
Grouse Mountain, where the mountaintop is abuzz with sleigh rides,
Santa's workshop, live reindeer, ice skating and more. Visitors can enjoy
the city's sparkling mosaic of colourful light displays during the Festival
of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden (December 11 – January 4),
Bright Nights in Stanley Park (December to January), and Canyon Lights
at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (December to January).
Christmas tree and gingerbread house displays are the highlights
at Canada Place, Sutton Place Hotel and the Hyatt Regency
Vancouver. Visitors can take part in the Christmas Carol Ships Parade of
Lights in English Bay on a festive dinner cruise, or the Karaoke Christmas
Lights Tour with The Vancouver Trolley Company. And be sure to
recommend they pick up handmade treats and gifts at the Vancouver
Christmas Market at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (November to
December).
Snowboarding on Grouse Mountain
CITY ESCAPADES
Nothing completes an epic ski trip to Whistler like a preor post-visit to Vancouver. Plan at least two days to enjoy
the following urban pursuits
Shop
After checking out the styles on the mountain, travellers will
love to hit the city's many great shopping districts to buy
everything from ski gear and trendy attire to B.C. souvenirs to
bring back home.
Spa
A day on the mountain can take its toll on the body. Arrange for
a treatment at one of Vancouver's many luxury spas, and have
an expert help relieve sore muscles for après-ski bliss.
Sip
Send visitors to any number of haute cocktail bars in
Vancouver's hippest neighbourhoods for a relaxing drink.
See
Your clients might be craving a little culture upon returning
from one of the ski areas. Send them to an opera, ballet
or symphony performance – or to Granville Island, home
to numerous theatre venues. An NHL hockey game is the
quintessential way to top off a great Vancouver vacation.
Purchase same-day, half-price tickets to all sorts of events
through Tickets Tonight. ticketstonight.ca
Snowshoeing on Cypress Mountain
TVan photos: John Sinal
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