You don’t need a blanket of snow to get into the holiday spirit. The weather in Vancouver at Christmas can be downright delightful. While the city plays host to the perfect blend of festive feels, stunning spaces, and urban vibes, wrapped together in seasonal warmth.
Bridging the season
Capilano Suspension Bridge – the city’s top attraction – measures in at 137 meters long and 70 meters high. Visiting at Christmas is especially spectacular, when the rainforest is transformed into a ‘Canyon Lights’ wonderland. Usually minus the winter part.
Hundreds of thousands of glowing bulbs line the bridges and pathways, and adorn towering 250-year-old Douglas firs. Sounds of holiday music drift in the air. The scent of campfire conjures up a sense of comfort and nostalgia from Christmases past.
Spanning the canyon
The name ‘Capilano’ comes from the Squamish Nation and means ‘beautiful river’. The original spelling, Kia’palano, is also the name of a great Squamish chief who lived in the area two centuries ago.
The first bridge to span the canyon in 1889 was made from hemp rope and cedar planks. Only the most daring crossed. A wire cable bridge replaced it 1903. Which was rebuilt and further reinforced in 1956.
European-inspired Christmas market
Jack Poole Plaza is home to the Olympic Cauldron, and the city’s signature yuletide celebration that started in 2010 and quickly became a favourite. The Vancouver Christmas Market brings old world tradition to modern downtown waterfront. With a European-inspired Christmas village featuring wonderful things to buy, eat, and drink.
Indulge in cocktails and charcuterie platters found throughout the market. Find authentic German-style cuisine like sausages, potato pancakes, pretzels, and pork hocks. Stoll with a steaming cup of Glühwein – hot-spiced mulled wine – while shopping an array of artisans offering one-of-a-kind gifts.
Fly across the country
A thrilling must-do experience takes you far beyond the city – without ever leaving. Flyover Canada at Canada Place utilizes state-of-the-art technology to whisk you away on a trip across the country. Starting on the remote and rugged east coast, and ending up right where you started in Vancouver’s harbour.
This eight-minute journey uses natural motion, special effects like wind in your face, tiny droplets of mist hitting your skin, and outdoor scents, to make you feel like you are really flying. Through the sky, across this great land of ours. It’s pretty astounding.
Peek into Santa’s workshop
At Christmas time, the Soar With Santa trip provides the holiday bonus of a run trip to the North Pole for a special overhead peek inside Santa’s workshop. Fly alongside his reindeer for a few magical moments before journeying back home and putting your feet firmly back on the ground.
Guaranteed to bring out the kid in everyone. And for a fleeting moment, making you believe in Christmas magic once again.
