Well folks, not only are we at the end of December, but we’re also at the end of 2021! Between recent restrictions and the cold weather, you might think that the roundup of things to do in Vancouver this January is limited. Not so fast! We’ve got a wide range of options lined up for you, ranging from live events to outdoor activities and food festivals. Let’s check it out!
Here are the best things to do around Vancouver this January.
Live Events
Vancouver Canucks
Ever since the Canucks cleaned house, things have been going swimmingly for the team. Winning their last 7 straight games at the time of writing, the Canucks, now led by Bruce Boudreau, are poised to be a dominant name in the league for the rest of the season. Go cheer them on!
When: Games throughout January
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: Varies
PuSh Festival
That’s right, one of the best performing arts festivals in Canada is coming back to Vancouver! PuSh will be (so far) going for a hybrid setup this year, which means you can enjoy some incredible performances either in-person or from the comfort of your own home.
When: Starts January 20th
Where: In-person and virtual events
Cost: Varies
Made in Italy
On a related note, the play Made in Italy kicks off courtesy of Arts Club Theatre this month! It follows a second-generation Italian man living in Jasper, Alberta, as he transforms into a suave character based off John Travolta and Rocky Balboa. We like the premise, a lot.
When: Starts January 13th
Where: 2750 Granville Street
Cost: $35+
Flight Facilities
That’s right folks, not all of the concerts planned for January have been cancelled yet. The Australian electronic duo Flight Facilities will be heading to the Commodore later this month, and they’re bringing their unique, laidback, but somehow energetic sounds with them.
When: January 22nd
Where: 868 Granville Street
Cost: $30+
Charlotte Cardin
A week later, the Quebec singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin is also playing at the Commodore! She’s got a beautiful voice, and is sure to have you feeling all warm inside after the concert is over.
When: January 29th
Where: 868 Granville Street
Cost: $53+
Activities
Rolla Skate Club at the PNE
Rolla Skate Club has found a permanent home at the PNE, and they’re hosting weekly roller skating parties for kids and adults alike! If you’re looking for some outside-the-box fun, this is it. Plus, it’s a great break from all the outdoor options around the city.
When: Saturdays throughout January
Where: 21 N Renfrew Street
Cost: $15+
Snowshoeing
While there are a ton of snowshoe trails to enjoy all around Vancouver, Grouse Mountain does boast ‘The Snowshoe Grind’, which is a tamed-down, winter version of the ever-popular trail up the mountain. Looking for something even more adventurous (and cheaper)? Then you might want to try a day trip to Squamish.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $61
Cross-Country Skiing
While snowshoeing is a toss-up for the best place to go, cross-country skiing has a clear-cut winner in Metro Vancouver. Cypress Mountain boasts some of the best, and most popular, cross-country trails in all of Canada. Head out during the day for a fun expedition, or, enjoy the 7.5km of lit trails at night!
When: Open throughout January
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $25+
Snow Tubing
Tubing (or tobogganing) is certainly a rare opportunity for Vancouverites. Luckily, you can enjoy both on dedicated hills at Mt. Seymour. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip, or as a way to unwind after a day on the actual slopes.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 1700 Mt Seymour Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $29
Downhill Skiing
Speaking of actual slopes, we can’t forget that all three of Metro Vancouver’s mountains offer great, close-to-home on-piste options. This is a no-brainer pick, so all we’ll say is that you’re better off playing hooky during the week than trying to visit on the weekend.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 1700 Mt Seymour Road, North Vancouver, 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver and 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Varies
Canyon Lights
You’ve still got some time to check out one of Vancouver’s most iconic winter attractions! Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension is maybe even better to check out after Christmas, since the crowds there won’t be as intense most nights.
When: Open until January 23rd
Where: 3735 Capilano Road
Tickets: $54.95
VanDusen Festival of Lights
With well over a million lights and a wide variety of installations, the Festival of Lights at VanDusen is another must-see option in the city. After all, it combines an incredible setting with some mind-boggling technology, and that’s a winning combination. Act fact though- it ends pretty darn soon!
When: Open until January 3rd
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Tickets: $17.50
Shipyards Skate Plaza
Next up is the Shipyards Skate Plaza, which is actually the largest skating rink in the region! Pair that with some stunning views of Vancouver, a wide range of food/drink options nearby, and the fact that it’s free to access, and this is easily worth the SeaBus trip over there.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free!
Robson Square Ice Rink
Last up is the Robson Square Ice Rink, which is returning after a hiatus last year. The ever-popular downtown location ensures that this is going to be busy throughout the winter, so make sure to try and get there outside of peak hours for the best experience.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: Varies per rental
Arts and Culture
Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery has a ton of limited exhibitions to check out this month, ranging from Vancouver-specific artists to a major exhibition from Yoko Ono. Head down on a rainy Tuesday night and take advantage of admission by donation for the best bang for your buck.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: Varies
Bill Reid Gallery
Meanwhile, the Bill Reid Gallery has two current exhibitions that are mainly focused on Indigenous weaving and fashion in general. A mix of traditional and modern designs are ready to be explored, with political themes present throughout.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 639 Hornby Street
Cost: $13
Polygon Gallery
This admission-by-donation gallery on the North Shore has two exhibitions to check out this month. One focuses on the city’s punk subculture, while the other is a solo exhibition from the world-renowned artist Steven Shearer. Plus, their holiday gift shop features some amazing options.
When: OG Punk ends January 16th, Steven Shearer open throughout January
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Museum of Vancouver
The Museum of Vancouver is currently showing an exhibition called Boarder X, that focuses on the similarities and contrasts between less ‘reputable’ sports and Indigenous experiences. That alone is worth seeing, but as a bonus, there’s the Neon Vancouver exhibition to check out as well.
When: Open throughout Vancouver
Where: 1100 Chestnut Street
Cost: Varies
Imagine Picasso
You’re running out of time to check out this huge exhibition! Imagine Picasso features a similar concept- showcasing an iconic artist in a unique and immersive fashion. This time around, expect an origami-like setting for the high definition projections.
When: Open until January 8th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Tickets: $34.99
Food and Drink
Dine Out Vancouver
Oh yeah, we’ve got Dine Out to look forward to this month. Spanning over two weeks, Dine Out is an amazing way to enjoy a whole boatload of the best dining options in Vancouver, whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch or going all out for dinner.
When: January 14th to 31st
Where: All around Vancouver
Street Food City
This is a part of Dine Out, but we think it deserves a special mention. For one week only, some of Vancouver’s best food trucks will be converging at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square (near the Vancouver Art Gallery). Swing down any day to try some delicious eats while you wander around.
When: January 15th to 23rd
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
Swing by your local Farmers Market
You better believe that we think a trip to the farmers market is worthwhile any time of year! Picking up great groceries from local producers? This requires no selling on our part.
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Misc.
Bloedel Conservatory
Wanting to take a break from all the winter options? Your best bet is the Bloedel Conservatory, which houses hundreds of tropical plants and birds. That’s right, this is your own local oasis, and it’s sure to help you overcome those rainy day blues.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 4600 Cambie Street
Cost: $7.05
Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium consistently gets mentioned because it is simply consistently great! It is, after all, one of the best aquarium experiences in the world, and it’s been made better thanks to the new Marine Mammal Rescue exhibit in there.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $42 for GA
Watch a movie
2021 has been absolutely screaming along on the movie front, from major blockbusters to niche titles from major directors and art-house options all coming together. So, if you’re thinking January is a good time to see what’s playing at the Rio, the Cinematheque, or the VIFF Centre, you’re absolutely right.
When: Showtimes throughout January
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: Varies per event
Alright folks, that’s our roundup of the best things to do around Vancouver this January! We hope a couple of these options tickle your fancy. Have fun and stay safe out there!
