"Part of the North Shore mountain range, this 4,039-foot peak offers jaw-dropping views of the city. It’s busiest in the winter, when four chairlifts service 33 ski runs, but remains popular in the summer thanks to the steep, 1.8-mile Grouse Grind hiking trail. Those wishing to skip the sweat can ride the gondola to the summit—the ticket price includes access to lumberjack shows, the grizzly refuge, and guided eco-walks. Pay extra to zip-line, throw axes, or ascend Eye of the Wind, the world’s first and only wind turbine with a viewing pod. Afterward, hit one of the eateries like the self-service Lupins or The Observatory, which serves upscale West Coast cuisine."

"Vancouver’s most famous urban space, the thousand-acre Stanley Park, epitomizes everything that locals here love about the outdoors, and visitors have many ways to explore the expansive grounds. Hiking trails weave around totem poles and hemlock trees, while at the beaches, you can swim, people-watch and picnic. Rent a bike or a pair of in-line skates for a scenic ride along the Seawall, or wander through the many gardens where rhododendrons, azaleas and roses bloom."

"It’s the Hot Choc Fest! Gotta Drink ‘Em All You have to find ways to keep cheery in the long, grey Pacific Northwest winters and as we all know, few things make us happier than chocolate. So, hurrah for the annual Hot Chocolate Festival which rolls into town mid-January for a month across around 25 venues offering about 60 different flavours of hot chocolate with a side of (usually) a cookie or ice cream. Cafes vie to create the most unusual combos, I think this was won in 2016 by Mink who served up a fabulous concoction called ‘The Voices In My Head Tell Me This Ain’t No B.S’ made of an organic butternut squash, almond milk and 70-percent dark chocolate drink served with a smoked oyster!If that’s too wild, don’t worry you can still have plenty of other more traditional flavours, but with 60 to try, you’ll definitely find something you love."

"Hit the Ice in the Heart of Town Open mid-November through the end of February, the Robson Square Ice Rink gives both residents and visitors an opportunity to skate for free in the heart of downtown Vancouver . Skate and helmet rentals and a concession stand are available on site. Skate rentals are available for a cost of $4. Helmets are mandatory for children 12 and under. Skating is free if you bring your own skates."

"Tuck Into Canada’s Largest Food festival Canada’s largest dining festival takes place across Vancouver over 17 delicious days in January. Hundreds of restaurants across the city offer three (or more) course prix-fixe menus at $20, $30 or $40 per person, giving diners the chance to get out of their usual ‘restaurant rut’ and experience Vancouver’s amazing culinary scene. My favourite part of Dine Out is the events, this year I went to a Bollywood Dinner at Vij’s, ate a superb Marco Pierre White-influenced dinner at Bauhaus and was blown away by an incredible tea-paired meal at the Urban Tea Merchants. There are dozens of foodie adventures from chef lectures, brunch crawls and cocktail masterclasses to Instagram food photo walks and DIY pizza nights. Hotels join in too offering package deals, making January the tastiest month in Vancouver"

"Dockside: A Brewery with a Patio to match! Located "around the bend," in the beautiful Granville Island district is the Dockside Brewing Company. There's eight different brewed beers here. My favourite was the Jamaican brew, blended with hibiscus. The piece de resistance is the gorgeous outdoor patio with a fireplace and scenic view of the marina False Creek in the background. This is a great place for a group or a party. I'm glad I got to see it! For more: http://nearafar.com/2011/06/21/vancouver-foodie-wrap-up/"

"Join Locals in the Polar Bear Dip I’ve done this twice and it was one of the most fantastic ways to start the year! Hundreds of people gather every New Year’s Day on English Bay to watch crazy/brave souls take a Polar Bear Dip into the freezing cold water. It’s a lot of fun and, hilarious to watch, but if you have close access to a hot shower (or even better a hot tub in your hotel!) I’d recommend taking the plunge yourself. It’s definitely an unforgettable way to say hello! to the New Year and as a hangover cure it’s unbeatable!"

"Say Hi to Santa and Watch the Parade One of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions is the annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade which takes place at the start of December and kicks off the Christmas season with a bang. It gets very crowded: some 300,000 people come to watch the marching bands, floats, choirs –and Santa! Before the parade begins, the area in front of the art gallery turns into Christmas Square with a Food Bank drop-off zone, gingerbread decorating station, face painting, Letters to Santa station, balloon twisting, and an entertainment stage featuring music and dance performances. It’s a fun family day out that’s not to be missed."