11 Things To Do In Vancouver In January (That Locals Actually Do)

Does January in Vancouver feel like a bit of a slump after the holidays? It doesn’t have to.

The city shifts into a quieter rhythm this month, which means you can enjoy outdoor skating, cultural festivals, and cozy café breaks without the December crowds.

Over the years, I’ve found January to be one of the best times to experience Vancouver at a slower pace. The shorter days are a great excuse to balance indoor events with winter walks and warm drinks.

This list of things to do in Vancouver in January will give you plenty of ways to make the month feel brighter and more rewarding.

Table of Contents

January in Vancouver at a Glance

Key date: New Year’s Day – January 1 (statutory holiday in B.C.)

Top Pick: Shipyards Skate Plaza (December–February) — waterfront skating with skyline views, easy transit access, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Ice Skating at the Shipyards in North Vancouver

1. Shipyards Skate Plaza (North Vancouver Waterfront Skating)

Where: Shipbuilders’ Square, 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Dates: December – February (weather dependent)
Best for: Families, couples, and anyone who loves a winter evening with a view.

This large outdoor rink sits right by the waterfront, with the city skyline glowing across the inlet. I’ve skated here on rainy nights and found it quieter and surprisingly atmospheric. Bring gloves — it’s chillier by the water.

2. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Where: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver
Dates: Through January 18, 2026
Best for: Visitors and locals who want a final taste of holiday sparkle.

Canyon Lights wraps up mid-January, making it a perfect way to brighten dark evenings. I’ve gone during this quieter stretch and found it far less crowded than December.

3. Lights at Lafarge (Coquitlam)

Where: Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
Dates: November 28, 2025 – late February 2026
Website: coquitlam.ca/lights
Best for: Families, strollers, and dog owners.

This massive, free display circles Lafarge Lake with themed light sections. It’s flat and easy to walk, even in drizzle. Taking the SkyTrain means you skip the parking headaches.

An aerial view of the illuminated glass dome covering the Robson Square ice skating rink at night, with a mix of blue and golden lights shining through, surrounded by urban architecture.

4. Robson Square Ice Rink (Downtown Vancouver)

Where: 800 Robson St, Vancouver
Dates: Late November – February
Best for: Budget-friendly downtown fun.

This free rink is a Vancouver classic, tucked under the glass dome with music and lights. I’ve skated here after dinner downtown — it’s a fun way to end an evening, and rentals are available on-site.

5. PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

Where: Multiple venues across Vancouver
Dates: January 22 – February 8, 2026
Best for: Theatre lovers and culture seekers.

PuSh brings international and local performances across theatre, dance, and multimedia. I’ve seen shows here that pushed me out of my comfort zone — in the best way.

6. Dine Out Vancouver Festival

Where: Citywide restaurants
Dates: January 21 – February 8, 2026
Website: dineoutvancouver.com
Best for: Foodies wanting to try new spots at set menu prices.

Hundreds of restaurants offer multi-course menus, plus culinary events like cocktail classes. I like using it as an excuse for a mid-week dinner out when January feels quiet.

7. Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

Where: Cafés across Metro Vancouver
Dates: January 18 – February 14, 2026
Website: hotchocolatefest.com
Best for: Families, couples, and anyone craving comfort.

Each café creates limited-time hot chocolate flavours. I make a point to map out two or three stops in a single neighbourhood, it turns into a cozy afternoon crawl.

8. Concerts and Shows in January

Where: Venues like the Orpheum, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vogue Theatre
Dates: Throughout January (check local listings)
Best for: Music lovers and night-out seekers.

January often brings touring productions, from symphony concerts to live movie scores. It’s a good chance to enjoy culture without the December rush.

9. Museum and Gallery Days

Where: Vancouver Art Gallery, Museum of Vancouver, Chinese Canadian Museum, Museum of Anthropology
Dates: Year-round
Best for: Rainy afternoons and culture lovers.

January’s rain makes it a perfect month to spend indoors. I often head to the Art Gallery or the Museum of Vancouver for a slower-paced day, and the new Chinese Canadian Museum is worth a stop downtown.

10. Brackendale Eagle Viewing (Squamish)

Where: Eagle Run Dike, Squamish
Dates: Peak in January
Best for: Nature enthusiasts and easy winter walks.

January is peak bald eagle season in Brackendale, one of the largest wintering sites in North America. I’ve gone mid-month and seen dozens of eagles perched in the trees; binoculars make it even better.

11. Cypress Mountain – Lights to the Lodge Snowshoeing

Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver
Dates: December – February, evenings (check daily conditions)
Best for: Non-skiers wanting a magical alpine night out.

A lantern-lit snowshoe trail leads to Hollyburn Lodge for food and drinks before looping back. It’s an easy way to enjoy mountain snow without strapping on skis.

What to Wear in Vancouver in January

Vancouver’s winters are wet and chilly, so staying dry is key.

You’ll appreciate having a good waterproof jacket. Preferably, you’ll go for a breathable shell that can handle hours of steady rain. Pair it with a fleece as a mid-layer and wear waterproof boots with traction so you’re comfortable on city sidewalks and muddy park paths.

Plus, you’ll be ready in case we get a snowstorm that shuts down the whole city.

I always keep a compact umbrella in my bag for sudden downpours, and layering with a light puffer mid-layer or fleece makes it easy to stay warm without overheating when you duck into cafés or shops.

Easy Winter Day Trips from Vancouver in January

Manning Park Resort (E.C. Manning Provincial Park)

A classic winter escape for downhill and Nordic skiing, tubing, or snowshoeing. If conditions allow, you can skate on Lightning Lake.

Sasquatch Mountain Resort (Hemlock Valley)

Closer than Manning Park, this Fraser Valley resort offers skiing, tubing, and a relaxed alternative to the North Shore or Whistler.

Callaghan Valley (Whistler Olympic Park / Callaghan Country)

Just south of Whistler, this area has extensive Nordic skiing and snowshoe trails with deep snowpack and a quieter vibe than Whistler Village.

FAQs About Vancouver in January

What is the weather like in Vancouver in January?

The weather in Vancouver in January is cool and rainy, with highs around 6–7 °C and lows near 0 °C.

Is January a good time to visit Vancouver?

Events in Vancouver in January include the PuSh Festival, Dine Out Vancouver, and the Hot Chocolate Festival.

Where can you go skating in Vancouver in January?

You can go skating in Vancouver in January at Robson Square downtown or at the Shipyards Skate Plaza in North Vancouver.

Person wearing ice skates on a snowy rink in Vancouver during January. Overlay text highlights a guide to Vancouver in January with local winter activities. — Skating downtown is a classic January activity in Vancouver, with snowy backdrops and winter charm.

Tips for January in Vancouver

Book tickets early for festivals and night snowshoeing.
Use SkyTrain or buses to reach downtown and North Shore skating.
Rain makes light displays sparkle — don’t let drizzle stop you.
Weeknights are quieter and more relaxed than weekends.

Keep Enjoying Winter in Vancouver

January is just one part of the season. For more ideas on cozy indoor spots, snowy adventures, and seasonal highlights, read my full guide to Vancouver in winter.