Bubly Tube Park at Whistler Blackcomb. Photo: Destination BC/Rick Collins
Head outside this Family Day. Twirl around on ice skates, take a hike, or hit the ski slopes. Here are our picks for the best outdoor activities around Vancouver for Family Day 2023.
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. The Starlight Skating Rink at Harrison Hot Springs uses a unique synthetic ice surface. 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.
Skating at the Starlight Rink at Harrison Hot Springs. Photo: Tourism Harrison
Take a Hike
There may be snow in the mountains, but down near sea level, it’s still hiking season. Our hike of the month for February 2023 is Maplewood Flats in North Vancouver. Or choose another trail from our list of recommended snow-free hikes.
Maplewood Flats in North Vancouver. Photo: Rohit D’Silva/Unsplash
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.
Photo: Destination Vancouver/Grouse Mountain
Challenge Your Family to a Ski Race
On February 19 and 20 Mount Seymour is hosting the Family Day Dual Slalom in partnership with the Mount Seymour Ski Club. Skiers and snowboarders can go head-to-head with family members or friends on their dual slalom course.
Go Sledding or Snow-Tubing
Celebrate Family Day by sliding through the snow up in the mountains. 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. And from February 17 to 20, tubing at the Sea to Sky Gondola is totally free.
Photo: Sea to Sky Gondola
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 26. The iconic bridge, Cliffwalk, and walkways throughout the park will be illuminated by Valentine’s-themed lighting displays.
Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Snowshoe Through a Forest of Lights
Follow easy snowshoe trails through a forest brightly lit with LED lights. Grouse Mountain’s Light Walk starts with a walk through a glowing light tunnel, then takes you past a pond. At Cypress Mountain, the Lights to the Lodge experience includes a break at the historic Hollyburn Lodge to enjoy a snack or hot drink.
Grouse Mountain Light Walk. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout
Head to a Campfire Event at Metro Vancouver Parks
Several Metro Vancouver parks are hosting Family Day programs on February 20. At Belcarra Regional Park, enjoy a free guided walk followed by a campfire. BYO marshmallows for the Family Day campfire and naturalist talk at Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Or head to Kanaka Creek Regional Park to chat about raptors around the campfire.
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 Mount Seymour. Use our list of easy snowshoe trails to find a route.
Snowshoeing at Grouse Mountain. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout
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.
Photo: Sea to Sky Gondola
