Your ultimate guide for a wonderful winter in Vancouver

Winter arrives in Vancouver with grey skies and drizzle, but the city doesn't let the weather dampen its spirit. Instead, it spreads colour and lights through a variety of events across the city.

From lively markets showcasing local crafts, to cultural festivals celebrating the city's diversity and comedy to get you chuckling and more – VanCity has something for everyone in the coldest months of the year!

Just For Laughs l Feb 15-24: Just For Laughs VANCOUVER returns February 2024! Western Canada’s biggest comedy festival hits stages and streets across the city for 10 hilarious days of star-powered stand-up, podcasts, improv and sketch performances, alongside breakout comics you didn’t even know you loved!

Winter Arts Festival l Feb 22-27: Now in its ninth year, Vancouver’s Winter Arts Festival lights up the city and connects diverse communities through meaningful art and inclusive experiences that reflect its many stories and cultures. The festival includes a wide array of interactive public art and light installations, tours, pop-up parties, and an all-ages hub featuring art, a licensed bar and free daily live entertainment.

Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show l March 2-3: The biggest exhibition of its kind in Canada, the Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show features the latest in adventure-style travel and the coolest gear you’ll need to get the most out of it, including tents, camping equipment, kayaks, surfboards, paddleboards and more. There’s even an indoor climbing wall for those daring enough to try it.

Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade l Feb 11 (tbc): An annual Vancouver event that falls on the Sunday after the Lunar New Year, the Chinese New Year Parade begins at the Millennium Gate, featuring over 5000 participants, along with floats, lion dancers, firecrackers and marching bands and more. The popular event gradually winds its way through Chinatown and typically attracts up to 100,000 spectators, so be sure to snag your seats early!

Fan Expo l Feb 17-19: Get your cosplay together! Family Day weekend plays host to FAN EXPO, an opportunity for fans of all ages to snag celebrity photos and autographs and attend special panels and Q&A sessions featuring their favourite fictional characters, superheroes and anime, along with special Star Wars events, workshops and seminars. For the true fanatics, FAN EXPO also offers the opportunity to get your hands on rare collectibles and comics, along with costumes, action hero figurines, posters, souvenir clothing, games and more!