The holiday fun may be over but that doesn’t meant there isn’t still plenty to do in the coming weeks to have fun with the whole family. In fact, January in Vancouver is an ideal time to make some plans to try something new. With spring a long ways off (not really, but it feels that way on those rainy grey days), now is a great time to go exploring and find some new activities, outings, and tasty treats to brighten up the winter.
What’s On for Family Fun in Vancouver in January
Robson Square Ice Skating
When: until February 28
Where: Downtown Vancouver
Website: https://www.robsonsquare.com/
This has been a long-time favourite winter activity for Vancouverites and it’s back, with free ice skating and low-cost skate rentals. Taking place at Robson Square in the heart of the downtown core, this is a great activity to kick off a fun day in the city – head to Stanley Park after, or check out some of the fabulous local restaurants (there are plenty of kid-friendly ones!)
Dine Out Vancouver
When: January 20 to February 8
Where: Various locations
Website: https://www.dineoutvancouver.com/
For more than two decades, Dine Out Vancouver has been letting local foodies check out heaps of local restaurants for less-then-regular pricing. Each restaurant in the event creates a three-course menu for a set price and diners can make reservations during the festival for that menu. The event also features wineries and hotel offers, so if you’re looking for a night-out celebration for the parents, this might fit the bill too.
Ultimate Predator at Science World
When: until January 31
Where: Downtown Vancouver
Website: https://www.scienceworld.ca/exhibition/t-rex-the-ultimate-predator/
Explore the late Cretaceous Period and learn all about the 66-million-year-old dinosaur that is everyone’s favourite. T. rex: The Ultimate Predator, presented by RBC and White Spot Restaurants, lets visitors walk through the world the T. Rex lived in and learn all about its unique life. Admission to Science World includes all the regular exhibits that are on display throughout the year as well.
Lights at Lafarge
When: until January 31
Where: Coquitlam
Website: https://www.coquitlam.ca/784/Lights-at-Lafarge
Didn’t make it over Christmas? Don’t worry, the lights are shining bright for the rest of the month at Lake Lafarge. This light display, which goes up in late November, circles Lafarge Lake at Town Centre Park; this year, two paths will be available to help ease congestion on busy nights.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
When: until January 2
Where: Vancouver
Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/festival-of-lights.aspx
Just a couple more nights for this favourite spot in Vancouver in January. With more than one million lights over the 15 acres of landscaped gardens at VanDusen Botanical Garden, this is a winter wonderland not to be missed – but it ends on January 2. Light a candle at the Scottish Shelter as part of a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish. The display has various themed sections, holiday music and snacks for purchase.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
When: on now until January 22
Where: North Vancouver
Website: https://www.capbridge.com/events/canyon-lights/
A popular destination with tourists and locals alike, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park will transform until late January for the festive Canyon Lights celebration. Cross the bridge, covered in multicoloured lights, then head into the forest via suspended bridges high among the treetops, the forest illuminated with glowing lights. There’s a light tunnel, too. Remember, this one is all outdoors, so dress for the weather.
Lights by the Lake
When: until January 8
Where: Harrison Hot Springs
Website: https://tourismharrison.com/lights-by-the-lake/
Head out to the Fraser Valley and take in this unique holiday celebration with light displays along the waterfront in Harrison Hot Springs. The displays highlight local wildlife, including the elusive Sasquatch. Lights are on from dusk to 11 pm, along a two kilometre portion of the waterfront promenade. The Starlight Synthetic Rink runs from Thursday to Monday, 1 pm to 9 pm.
Beyond King Tut
When: until January 8
Where: Vancouver
Website: https://beyondkingtut.com/city/vancouver/
Need a break from the holiday music and twinkly lights? Check out Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience at the Convention Centre this month. The show and exhibition takes visitors on a journey through one of the great wonders of the world – the pyramids and temples of ancient Egypt. Learn more about King Tut, and the world as it existed 3,000 years ago.
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
When: until January 2
Where: Burnaby
Website: https://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/EN/main/what-s-on/heritage-christmas.html
The holidays may be over but there’s a few more days yet to squeeze in a visit to Heritage Christmas, presented by Concord Pacific at the Burnaby Village Museum. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of an old fashioned Christmas celebration, with entertainment, demonstrations and more throughout the 10-acre village, which replicates a 1920s era community. Many of the village’s buildings and features are original, having been moved to the museum site for preservation. And if you miss the holiday fun, the museum is still open all year long – just without the Christmas lights and choir singers.
Tagged under: vancouver winter fun,winter fun in vancouver,winter in vancouver
Category: events,attractions,outdoor-play,active
