Christmas & Winter Tours From Vancouver
Winter is one of the most memorable times to explore British Columbia, and our winter tours from Vancouver make it easy to experience the season’s highlights in comfort. From snow-capped mountain day trips and festive holiday tours from Vancouver to flexible city sightseeing experiences, these guided winter tours are designed for travelers who want stunning scenery without the stress of winter driving or planning.
Whether you’re visiting during the Christmas season or enjoying a quieter winter getaway, our carefully selected winter sightseeing tours from Vancouver offer a perfect balance of comfort, scenery, and seasonal experiences.
Popular Winter Tours from Vancouver
Celebrate the winter season with our most popular Vancouver winter tours, including Whistler day trips, Victoria & Butchart Gardens Christmas tours, and Canyon Lights experiences.
Victoria + Butchart Gardens Christmas
From
CAD $312
Location: Vancouver Island
Duration: 12.5 Hours
Swap mountains for seaside charm! This festive seasonal tour takes you to Victoria, British Columbia’s historic capital, for a full day of scenic coastal cruising and Christmas spirit.
Highlights
90-minute BC Ferries cruise through the Strait of Juan de Fuca
Stroll Victoria’s Inner Harbor, with its historic Fairmont Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings lit for the holidays.
Butchart Gardens’ Christmas displays
Tour Itinerary
Enjoy a magical full-day winter escape from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, combining scenic ocean views, charming city highlights, and festive holiday lights that make this season unforgettable.
1. Scenic BC Ferries Cruise
Your journey begins with a delightful 90-minute ferry ride across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Grab a spot on deck to take in sweeping coastal panoramas, the Gulf Islands, and maybe even some marine wildlife before arriving on Vancouver Island.
2. Explore Victoria’s Inner Harbour
Once ashore, you’ll head into Victoria’s historic Inner Harbour, where iconic landmarks like the Fairmont Empress Hotel and BC Parliament Buildings are beautifully lit for the season. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront and take in the festive décor and holiday spirit.
3. Butchart Gardens Christmas Lights
Next, immerse yourself in the world-famous Butchart Gardens, transformed into a glittering holiday wonderland. Wander along pathways lined with thousands of twinkling lights, see seasonal floral displays, and soak up the creative Christmas themes including the classic Twelve Days of Christmas.
4. Return Ferry to Vancouver
After your festive garden visit, relax aboard BC Ferries as you return to the mainland, reflecting on a day filled with seasonal charm and picturesque west coast scenery.
Canyon Lights & Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Tour
From
CAD $192
Location: North Vancouver
Duration: ~5–5.5 hours
This half-day experience combines urban sightseeing with a winter wonderland in nature. Enjoy decorated city highlights around Vancouver followed by a magical light display in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
Highlights
Seasonal holiday lights animation across the suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, and Cliffwalk paths.
Stops in Stanley Park, Granville Island, and other city highlights.
Perfect for visitors with limited time who want a rich mix of city and nature.
Tour Itinerary
Enjoy a thoughtfully planned evening tour with perfectly timed stops at Vancouver’s most iconic sights, ending with the magical Canyon Lights experience at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
1. Stanley Park Totem Poles
Stop at Brockton Point to view Vancouver’s iconic totem poles, showcasing beautiful Indigenous artistry and cultural heritage. Enjoy photo opportunities and learn about the significance of these world-famous landmarks.
2. Granville Island
Visit the lively Granville Island, home to the famous Public Market, local artisans, galleries, and waterfront views. Enjoy free time to browse, snack, and soak up the island’s creative West Coast atmosphere.
3. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
End the evening at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, transformed by thousands of twinkling lights for the holiday season. Walk across the illuminated suspension bridge and explore glowing treetop walkways set within the coastal rainforest.
Winter Whistler & Squamish Canyon Adventure
From
CAD $179
Location: Whistler
Duration: ~10.5 hours
From alpine mountain escapes to festive light displays and historic harbour city magic, these winter tours departing from Vancouver are the perfect way to enjoy seasonal scenery and iconic sights across the region.
Highlights
Scenic drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway with mountain views and photo stops.
Walk through the newly opened Squamish Canyon and visit Mamquam Falls.
Free time to explore Whistler Village, shop, dine, or enjoy optional winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing
Tour Itinerary
Join us for a breathtaking full-day adventure from Vancouver to Whistler Village, travelling along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway and exploring some of British Columbia’s most stunning winter landscapes. This thoughtfully curated itinerary gives you time to experience natural wonders and alpine charm at your own pace.
1. Hotel or Airport Pick-Up
Your day begins with convenient pick-up from select Vancouver or Vancouver Airport hotels. Times will be provided at booking.
2. Squamish Canyon Walk & Mamquam Falls
Stretch your legs on a guided walk through Squamish Canyon and to Mamquam Falls. Enjoy elevated rainforest paths, interpretive signage, and peaceful natural surroundings before continuing northward.
3. Whistler Village (Free Time)
Arrive in the iconic Whistler Village, where you’ll have several hours to explore on your own. Stroll cobblestone streets, browse boutique shops, choose from a variety of restaurants, or simply take in snowy mountain views. Your guide is happy to help suggest optional activities.
4. Sea to Sky Highway Drive
On your return to Vancouver, enjoy the magnificent Sea-to-Sky Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the world, with sweeping views of coastal fjords and snow-covered peaks.
5. Hotel or Airport Drop-off
Finish your unforgettable winter journey with drop-off at your Vancouver or Vancouver Airport hotel — relaxed, refreshed, and filled with memories.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Pass - 24 Hours
From
CAD $74
Location: Vancouver
Duration: 24 hours
- Flexible Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Pass (24- or 48-hour options) — explore at your leisure
- Access to multiple bus stops throughout Vancouver’s top neighbourhoods
- Recorded commentary with local insights available in English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin via the AudioMe app
- Access to self-guided walking tours (downloadable) of Downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park included with your pass
- Live map and real-time bus tracking so you always know when your next bus arrives
- Visit iconic areas like Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, and Granville Island — all at your own pace
Winter Tours from Vancouver
Winter is a special time to explore British Columbia, and winter tours from Vancouver offer an easy, stress-free way to experience the region at its most scenic. From snow-dusted mountain highways to festive holiday tours from Vancouver, guided winter experiences let you enjoy the season without worrying about weather or logistics.
Why travelers love winter sightseeing tours:
- ✔
Seasonal landscapes: Snow-capped mountains, misty coastal views, and dramatic winter scenery. - ✔
Christmas light events: Access to festive highlights like holiday displays, Christmas gardens, and winter light festivals. - ✔
Fewer crowds: Winter travel from Vancouver often means quieter attractions and a more relaxed pace. - ✔
No winter driving: Comfortable transportation and local guides handle winter road conditions for you.
Whether you’re visiting during the holiday season or planning a winter escape, these
winter sightseeing tours from Vancouver combine comfort, scenery, and memorable seasonal experiences.
Best Months for Winter Tours
Winter tours from Vancouver run from November through March, offering festive holiday experiences, snowy mountain scenery, and quieter sightseeing depending on the month.
November: Early winter scenery with fewer crowds — great for scenic day trips.
December: Peak festive season with Christmas lights, holiday tours, and seasonal events.
January–February: Snowy landscapes and alpine views, ideal for Whistler winter tours.
March: Late winter with milder weather and fewer visitors.
Best Time to Book Your Seasonal Tour
Winter tours from Vancouver are highly seasonal, and booking at the right time can make a big difference in availability. December is the busiest month, with Christmas and holiday-themed tours often selling out well in advance due to high demand and limited departures. If you’re planning to visit during the festive season, booking early is strongly recommended.
Weekends and public holidays also tend to fill up faster than weekdays, especially for popular winter sightseeing tours and day trips. Travelers with flexible schedules may find better availability midweek, while those traveling during peak dates should plan ahead to secure their preferred tour.
Last-minute bookings may be possible outside of peak periods, but availability can vary depending on weather conditions, tour capacity, and seasonal demand. To ensure the best selection of winter tours from Vancouver, reserving your tour in advance is the safest way to avoid disappointment.
Experience Winter’s Best Without the Stress
Scenic Winter Landscapes
Snow-capped mountains, coastal views, and winter forests — experience British Columbia at its most beautiful.
Festive Seasonal Delight
Enjoy Christmas light displays, holiday events, and winter attractions only available during the festive season.
Comfortable Guided Travel
Relax in comfortable transportation while experienced guides handle winter roads and planning.
Well-Paced Itineraries
Perfectly balanced tours with scenic drives, guided sightseeing, and free time to explore.
Ideal for Winter Visitors
Designed for travellers without a car — perfect for first-time visitors, families, and holiday travellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to travel in Canada in winter?
Vancouver and Whistler are among the best places to visit in Canada during winter. Vancouver offers mild weather, scenic city views, and coastal attractions, while Whistler provides a true winter experience with snow-covered mountains, gondolas, and alpine villages — all easily accessible on guided city and day tours.
Do winter tours include outdoor activities?
Yes, depending on the tour. Winter itineraries may include:
- Scenic viewpoints
- Snowy walks in towns and parks
- Gondola rides (weather permitting)
- Optional winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing (not always included)
Activity availability depends on weather and local conditions.
Are winter tours suitable for families and seniors?
Yes. Winter tours are suitable for most age groups, provided participants are comfortable with cold weather and light walking on snowy surfaces. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us before booking.
From there, select your key destinations, popular stops include Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, and the Icefields Parkway, and plan your accommodations early, especially in peak season. Whether you prefer a relaxed, organized itinerary or a more independent approach, the Rockies offer countless ways to build a memorable and scenic trip.
When is the best time to book winter tours?
Winter tours are popular during:
- December (holiday season)
- January–February (snow peak)
- March (longer daylight, still snowy)
Booking early ensures better availability and preferred dates.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
You can reach our team anytime via:
Email: res@keywesttours.ca
Phone: 1-604-632-3757
We’re happy to help you plan the perfect winter experience.
Are winter roads safe for travel?
Yes. All tours use professionally driven vehicles equipped with winter tires, and routes are planned with safety as the top priority. Drivers are experienced in winter mountain conditions, and itineraries may be adjusted if needed.
What should I wear on a winter tour?
We recommend dressing in layers. Essential items include:
- Warm winter jacket
- Waterproof boots with good grip
- Hat, gloves, and scarf
- Thermal or insulated layers
Temperatures can vary significantly between cities and mountain regions.
Questions? Feel Free to Reach Out
Have questions about our Winter City tours from Vancouver or need help choosing the right itinerary?
Our team is happy to help you plan the perfect sightseeing experience.