10 Outdoor Things to do Around Vancouver for Family Day 2022

Cliffwalk at Capilano Suspension Bridge illuminated as part of the Love Lights Event

Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. Photo: Capilano Suspension Bridge

Head outside this Family Day. Get your heart racing on the ski slopes, chill out on an easy snowshoe walk, or treat your dog to a winter adventure. Here are our picks for the best outdoor activities around Vancouver for Family Day 2022.

Hit the Slopes

Family Day is a great time to go skiing or snowboarding. You can hit the slopes at Vancouver’s local mountains: Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, and Cypress Mountain. Or head north to Whistler Blackcomb to experience world-class terrain. For a more laid-back experience, head to Manning Park Resort or Sasquatch Mountain east of Vancouver.

Skier at Grouse Mountain near Vancouver

Skiing at Grouse Mountain. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Dave Delnea Images

 

Go Ice Skating

Vancouver has a few different outdoor ice skating options. Head to Grouse Mountain to skate on a mountain-top pond. Shipyard Skate Plaza in North Vancouver and Robson Square in downtown Vancouver both have covered outdoor skating rinks. And at Whistler’s Olympic Plaza you can skate next to the iconic Olympic rings. Get all the details in our guide to outdoor skating in Vancouver.

Skaters at the Shipyards Skate Plaza in North Vancouver

Skating at Shipyards Plaza. Photo: City of North Vancouver

 

Plan a Dog-Friendly Adventure

Pups are part of the family too. Get out in the snow with our list of dog-friendly winter activities near Vancouver. Or make a special trip to a destination-worthy off-leash dog park.

A man cross country skis with a dog at Whistler Olympic Park

Photo: Whistler Olympic Park

 

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping

Extreme sports junkies have lots of winter options to choose from near Vancouver. You can go ice climbing, bungee jumping, bobsledding, ziplining, or snowmobiling. Check out our guide to adventurous Vancouver winter activities for more inspiration.

Riding the Superfly Ziplines near Whistler

Zip lines in winter. Photo: Superfly Ziplines

 

Experience Love Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge

North Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge has been transformed into a romantic outdoor wonderland as part of the Love Lights event, on until February 28. The iconic bridge, Cliffwalk, and walkways throughout the park will be illuminated by Valentine’s-themed lighting displays.

A woman walks through a tunnel of light at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. Photo via Capilano Suspension Bridge

 

Go Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great winter sport for beginners. You can rent snowshoes and hit the trails at the Sea to Sky Gondola, Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Mountain Seymour. Use our list of easy snowshoe trails to find a route.

Snowshoeing on Grouse Mountain

Snowshoeing on Grouse Mountain. Photo: Tourism Vancouver/Rishad Daroowala

 

Hit the Hiking Trails

There may be snow in the mountains, but down near sea level, it’s still hiking season. Our hike of the month for February 2022 is Admiralty Point in Belcarra. Or choose another trail from our list of recommended snow-free hikes.

View from the Admiralty Point Trail

View from the Admiralty Point Trail. Photo: F.L. May/All Trails

 

Go Sledding or Snow-Tubing

Celebrate Family Day by sliding through the snow. Head up to the local ski resorts to hurtle downhill on a sled or snow tube. Some hills have a conveyor belt or tube tow so you can take it easy and ride back uphill. Our guide to sledding near Vancouver has all the details.

Snow tubing at the Coca Cola Tube Park in Whistler

Snow tubing at Whistler Blackcomb. Photo: Destination BC/Rick Collins

 

Ride a Gondola to Winter Wonderland

Step onto the Grouse Mountain Skyride or the Sea to Sky Gondola and let it whisk you up the mountain to a winter wonderland. At the top, you can go for easy walks through the forest to beautiful views, take a snowshoe tour, or just snap photos from the patio while sipping a hot chocolate.

Enjoying the views at Sea to Sky Gondola

Photo via Sea to Sky Gondola

 

Go for a Bike Ride

Biking is a year-round sport in Vancouver. We have lots of flat, car-free bike paths that are perfect for families and beginners. Use our list of Vancouver’s best easy bike rides to plan your day.

Cyclists on the Seawall in Vancouver

Biking on the Seawall. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Destination Canada (CTC)

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