February is right in the middle of winter in Vancouver and the perfect time to take in all that winter has to offer in Vancouver. While the skies are mostly grey, locals take advantage of those crisp sunny days that do occur in Vancouver in February. While a typically rainy time of year, there are still plenty of things to do in Vancouver in February, whether indoors or outdoors.
2023 seems to have February events and activities getting back on track. If you are wondering what to do in Vancouver in February you will find plenty of things to do.
10 of the Best Things to do in Vancouver in February
Blodel Conservatory
Blodel Conservatory offers beautiful flowers and exotic birds inside a giant dome in Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park. Escape Vancouver’s often inclement February weather for a taste of the tropics and view over 500 species of flowers and over 200 species of birds.
If its grey and drizzley outside, step into the steamy jungle-like atmosphere and watch the birds flying around the dome and snap some photos of the beautiful flowers.
Watch a Canucks Game
The Canucks are back! Across Canada in February, Canadians cheer for their favorite hockey team. Ask anyone about hockey and you will always have something to talk about.
Britannia Mine Museum
If you are looking to get out of the city, the Britannia Mine Museum, one of Canada’s National Historic Sites, is located on the way to Whistler. It is worth a visit if you have a vehicle. Featuring authentic underground mining tunnels, kids of all ages will get a thrill as they ride underground at the museum. Boom! their latest multi-sensory experience is awesome as well!
You can read more about what to expect on a visit here.
Dine Out Vancouver in February
February’s Dine Out Vancouver runs annually each February. Dine Out Vancouver has been going on since 2002 and today, this festival brings together hundreds of chefs, more than 350 restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, suppliers, and more for 20 days of dining, food-forward events, and experiences designed to give local and visiting culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to taste the best flavours of the city.
My personal recommendation is to try BeSide Forage and Forage Restaurant. They blew me away with their offerings! Check back for more info on the 2023 Dine out Vancouver lineup of restaurants.
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
Need a warm pick-me-up to get rid of the winter blues this February in Vancouver? This fun event brings out the most creative barista creations. Check back early in the month for the 2023 Hot Chocolate Festival information.
Winter at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Bundle up and visit Capilano Suspension Bridge for their winter attractions. Capilano Suspension Bridge is at the top of the list of things to do in Vancouver year after year! If you are new to town or haven’t been in a while, check it out at any time of year!
Location: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Important Notes: Strollers are not allowed. Dress for the outdoors.
Ski at The Local Mountains
A Vancouverite pastime, skiing on the local mountains is what so many adults remember about growing up in Vancouver.
Grouse Mountain features 33 Ski and Snowboard runs, 15 night runs, 4 chairlifts and 6 terrain parks. Single Lift Tickets include access to the Skyride, chairlifts and mountaintop activities. A lift Ticket valid for one uphill and downhill ride on the Skyride in the same day.
Mount Seymour is the closest to downtown Vancouver. has 4 chair lifts, 5 terrain parks, a tube park, snowshoeing and toboggan area. It has 40 marked runs, about half of which are available for night skiing.
Cypress is the biggest of the local mountains and has cross country skiing in addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding. there is also snow tubing and snowshoeing.
Shop at Granville Island
Wander Granville Island and check out the local shops (the kids market is a favourite if you have kids). This is one of the popular tourist spots in Vancouver so locals enjoy having it to themselevs in the winter months. Granville Island Public Market has year round fresh products from veggies to meat and more! This is also one of the best places to find Vancouver souvenirs.
Where: 1661 Duranleau Street, Granville Island
Visit Whistler’s Vallea Lumina
If you are looking for an evening activity this February in Vancouver, head along the Sea to Sky and check out the Adventure Group’s Vallea Lumina at Cougar Mountain just past Whistler Village.
Vallea Lumina is a pathway through an old-growth forest that will take visitors of all ages on a magical night walk in pursuit of hidden wonders, telling a story that unfolds in chapters along the way
Location: Cougar Mountain (10 minutes past Whistler Village) Sixteen Mile Creek Forest Service Road, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B8
Fly Over Canada’s Original Production
If you have never seen Fly Over Canada, then you are in for a treat. During the Ultimate Flying Ride you will see numerous cities and vistas across the country. The production team for FlyOver Canada were able to select 18 scenes from over 100 hours of footage to represent Canada in the ride film. There are no subtitles or voice-overs during the experience, as we did not want to detract from the flying sensation
Tickets: Book your tickets online in advance here for the lowest price and to ensure availability.
Dates: Offered Year Round and can be combined with seasonal productions.
Location: 201 – 999 Canada Place Vancouver, BC
Important Notes: The queue is partially exposed to the elements. Ensure you wear proper attire. It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance.
Skate at Robson Square
Since 2010, Robson Square ice rink has been open each December for locals and visitors to skate! It is located between Howe and Hornby streets behind the Vancouver Art Gallery and is one of the most popular ice skating rinks in Vancouver. The ice skating rink is in the middle of the square. The rink is open-air, but also covered and partly underground.
Location: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver, V6Z 2E7
More Info: Robson Square Ice rink
Where to Stay in Vancouver in February
LUXURY: Pan Pacific Vancouver, Fairmont Pacific Rim
BOUTIQUE: Blue Horizon Hotel
MIDRANGE: Sandman Suites on Davie
The good thing about booking hotels in February is that it is low season. It is one of the cheapest times to be staying in the city. If you are a local looking for a staycation, check out this article on the best hotels in Vancouver with pools! Look for the ones with indoor pools if you want to enjoy a soak!
Is February a Good Time to Visit Vancouver?
February is considered the offseason to visit much of British Columbia unless you plan on hitting the ski hills. Atop Whistler and the local Vancouver mountains, you will find fresh snow and a winter wonderland! The summer months are peak season to visit Vancouver and take in the city activities, so if you want to visit without crowds, February is a good time to come into the city.
It rains on average about 50% of the daysof the month, so make sure you plan for rain. While the city does not see much snow, the wet can be very uncomfortably cold, so ensure you have the right clothing.
Read More: 99 things to do in British Columbia
Does it snow in Vancouver in February?
As you will read below, snow is a rare sight in Vancouver and is usually only seen on higher elevations. With that being said, flakes do fall in the city on occasion. If you are coming to Vancouver for snow, you will have to head to the mountains nearby or travel north into the snowy parts of British Columbia.
Vancouver February Weather
Vancouver has a moderate climate for most of the year. It does not get the cold snowy weather that you will find in much of the rest of Canada, but it is important to plan for the elements just in case. There is a likely chance of snow in higher elevations in Metro Vancouver in February, and you are pretty much guaranteed to see fresh snow on the mountains around the city after every rainy day, that’s if the sun comes out!
Snow on the mountains likely means rain in the city. When visiting Vancouver in February, ensure you are prepped for rain with a decent waterproof jacket and appropriate footwear. You will also want layers.
February in Vancouver: What to Pack
As mentioned above, it does not get extremely cold, but expect wet and cool weather, usually just above freezing. You will want to ensure you have warm, waterproof clothing including sweaters, hoodies, and a heavier jacket. Bring closed-toed shoes and some type of waterproof footwear. You will probably want a light pair of gloves and a hat. If you do not have a packable umbrella, I suggest you buy one.
Catch more Vancouver Events:
Things to do in Vancouver in January
Things to do in Vancouver in March
Things to do in Vancouver in April
Things to do in Vancouver in September
Things to do in Vancouver in October
Things to do in Vancouver in November
Things to do in Vancouver in December
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!