Vancouver’s Best Activities This Season
Photo Credit: Ross Durant Photography/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images via Vancouver Is Awesome
With the holidays approaching, Vancouverites may be wondering what they can do to enjoy the festive season. From ice skating to cute cafes, this city has everything you need to savour this winter.
Mon Pitou
Marché Mon Pitou is a French-inspired cafe on West 7th Avenue that’s the perfect place “for meeting friends, for a good catch-up, or a quick pick up for coffee and baked goods,” according to Scout Magazine. Marché Mon Pitou also goes all out for the holidays; they put up adorable decorations and offer many holiday-related menu items. For example, customers can purchase an eggnog latte at $7.30 or a candy cane mocha at $7.50. According to an online review posted on Yelp by user Armita P, “if you're into cozy vibes, amazing food, and a touch of festive spirit, you'll love this place.” The café is open every day of the week from 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
The VanDusen Festival of Lights is located at 5251 Oak St. and has been an annual festival for 41 years. The festival revolves around a 15-acre walk through the garden, where 1 million twinkling lights are displayed and several different food vendors set up shop. Ticket prices for adults cost $29, seniors cost $19, garden members cost $18, children cost $12, and kids under four are let in for free. The event is open daily from Nov. 28 until Jan. 4 at 4:00 PM–10:00 PM, on weekends and weekdays.
Vancouver Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market, located at the Jack Poole Plaza on 1055 Canada Place, is a great place for a foodie or someone who loves giving gifts. This European-inspired, Christmas-themed market hosts over 110 artisan market stalls, according to the Vancouver Christmas Market website. This place has it all, selling everything from jewelry, handcrafted alpaca figures, German pretzels, churros, and hot cocoa — and even offering live music! The market is open from 4:00 PM–9:30 PM on Mondays to Fridays and 11:30 AM–9:30 PM on weekends from Nov. 13 to Dec. 24. Admission typically costs $6.99, but children under six can get in for free. While vendor items can be pricey, it is still a festive place to go with family and friends to purchase holiday-themed items.
Robson Square Ice Rink
The Robson Square Ice Rink is located in the heart of downtown on 800 Robson St and is the place to go to stay active this holiday season. It can get quite crowded at times, and there’s no real way of reserving a spot on the ice, so it is best to plan trips to the rink in advance. The rink will be open Sundays to Saturdays from 9:00 AM–9:00 PM from Nov. 28 to Feb. 28, but holiday hours may vary. Skate rental only costs $5, and admission into the rink is free, making skating at Robson a cheap and fun activity for when it’s cold outside.