Vancouver area in December: city, mountains, or both?
September 8, 2016 9:06 AM Subscribe
I will be attending a conference in Vancouver the week of December 5th. My wife and I usually like to turn these trips into vacation opportunities, so I would like to get the advice of you fine folks!
First of all, the conference is at the Sheraton Wall Centre on Burrard St. Apparently, there will be reduced rates at the hotel for conference attendees, but I would be happy to hear any suggestions for less expensive lodging in that area. It's always a good thing to save the company a few bucks!
After the conference, we will be free to relocate. We can either stay in the city to enjoy the Christmas decorations and activities, or travel a bit northeast into the mountains and lakes to find a secluded place to snowshoe and hide out.
For those suggesting staying in the city, what area would be a good location to stay with the time of year in mind? I read this post: Vancouver-my-crew, but I don't know if it still applies for the Christmas season. We'd like to be near the most festive places. Also, please suggest any 'must do or see' things anywhere in the city. The only thing we've ever done in Vancouver is kayak in the Indian Arm, which was great but not really a winter activity!
The other option is heading out of town to stay in a little cabin in the woods. I didn't have much luck trying to find lodging options, but I really don't know where to look. The views from the lake shores look great (such as Pitt and Coquitlam Lakes and Indian Arm), but it appears some of the lodging in these places closes during the winter season. We'd also be happy just hanging up the snowy mountains.
So, lay it on me. Where will we find our perfect city apartment or cozy mountain/lake retreat?
After the conference, we will be free to relocate. We can either stay in the city to enjoy the Christmas decorations and activities, or travel a bit northeast into the mountains and lakes to find a secluded place to snowshoe and hide out.
For those suggesting staying in the city, what area would be a good location to stay with the time of year in mind? I read this post: Vancouver-my-crew, but I don't know if it still applies for the Christmas season. We'd like to be near the most festive places. Also, please suggest any 'must do or see' things anywhere in the city. The only thing we've ever done in Vancouver is kayak in the Indian Arm, which was great but not really a winter activity!
The other option is heading out of town to stay in a little cabin in the woods. I didn't have much luck trying to find lodging options, but I really don't know where to look. The views from the lake shores look great (such as Pitt and Coquitlam Lakes and Indian Arm), but it appears some of the lodging in these places closes during the winter season. We'd also be happy just hanging up the snowy mountains.
So, lay it on me. Where will we find our perfect city apartment or cozy mountain/lake retreat?
Response by poster: Thanks for reminding me, praemunire. We have been in Whistler before, and are not interested in skiing on this trip. We could drive that far if there was a gorgeous cabin waiting for us, but I'm sure the prices go up with the proximity to Whistler!
posted by Don_K at 9:20 AM on September 8, 2016
posted by Don_K at 9:20 AM on September 8, 2016
If you're getting a reduced rate at the Wall Centre, I doubt you'll be able to find anything near your conference at a similar rate. For the week of the conference, I would say Wall Centre is your best bet. It's centrally located, and gorgeous.
It's a bit early in the season for snowshoeing I think. If you were to stick closer to Vancouver (North Van), the backcountry in the North Shore mountains or behind Squamish / Black Tusk is very technical and treacherous in winter, so you'd really want to do very thorough homework first. It's full on.
You could also be based in Squamish and still drive up to Whistler, or explore the back country around there.
Another idea is to see if you can find an AirBnB etc rental on Bowen Island, or Mayne Island or Galiano Island.
posted by My Dad at 9:36 AM on September 8, 2016
It's a bit early in the season for snowshoeing I think. If you were to stick closer to Vancouver (North Van), the backcountry in the North Shore mountains or behind Squamish / Black Tusk is very technical and treacherous in winter, so you'd really want to do very thorough homework first. It's full on.
You could also be based in Squamish and still drive up to Whistler, or explore the back country around there.
Another idea is to see if you can find an AirBnB etc rental on Bowen Island, or Mayne Island or Galiano Island.
posted by My Dad at 9:36 AM on September 8, 2016
I was also going to say that Whistler is your best bet for snowshoeing at this time of the season.
posted by My Dad at 9:37 AM on September 8, 2016
posted by My Dad at 9:37 AM on September 8, 2016
If you're staying in town, The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain and Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge are worth visiting. Both are in North Vancouver and an easy transit ride from downtown. Grouse Mountain also offers the Snowshoe Grind and a great zipline, if that's your thing.
posted by subluxor at 9:47 AM on September 8, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by subluxor at 9:47 AM on September 8, 2016 [1 favorite]
The Christmas market will be set up at Jack Poole Plaza at the foot of Burrard St. downtown. A bit commercial but festive nonetheless.
posted by Zedcaster at 10:08 AM on September 8, 2016
posted by Zedcaster at 10:08 AM on September 8, 2016
I think your idea of "Winter" in Vancouver in early December may be a bit off. Expect rain, possibly rain for the entire time you are here. Because of this, there aren't too many 'festive' areas of town, and hopefully there is snow up there on the mountains, but not always.
There's outdoor ice skating on Robson, there's the Market mentioned above (but if you've been to anything authentic in Europe it will be a disappointment, and it costs money to get in), there will be some holiday shows, choirs, theatre and the like, lots of craft markets, and plenty of great, great restaurants.
If I were you, I'd head for storm watching up in Tofino. Romantic, cosy, and a beautiful part of the world, no matter the weather.
posted by miles1972 at 10:51 AM on September 8, 2016
There's outdoor ice skating on Robson, there's the Market mentioned above (but if you've been to anything authentic in Europe it will be a disappointment, and it costs money to get in), there will be some holiday shows, choirs, theatre and the like, lots of craft markets, and plenty of great, great restaurants.
If I were you, I'd head for storm watching up in Tofino. Romantic, cosy, and a beautiful part of the world, no matter the weather.
posted by miles1972 at 10:51 AM on September 8, 2016
Response by poster: Great advice from all! I did expect Vancouver to be wet, but not snowy, but was not sure of the snow level or how far I would need to travel to get it.
miles1972: I have Tofino on my list as a summer destination (we've been in Port Renfrew previously). I have wondered whether it might be worth the trip in the winter. Plus, its always worth a trip to Victoria.
posted by Don_K at 11:36 AM on September 8, 2016
miles1972: I have Tofino on my list as a summer destination (we've been in Port Renfrew previously). I have wondered whether it might be worth the trip in the winter. Plus, its always worth a trip to Victoria.
posted by Don_K at 11:36 AM on September 8, 2016
You could combine a trip to Victoria with a few nights at Point No Point, which is on the way to Port Renfrew, much closer than Tofino, and also famous for their October-December storm watching.
posted by mannequito at 9:42 PM on September 8, 2016
posted by mannequito at 9:42 PM on September 8, 2016
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posted by praemunire at 9:09 AM on September 8, 2016