Comprehensive 12-Day Winter Itinerary for Vancouver, BC - December 20 to 31, 2025

Day 1: Urban Exploration

Vancouver, BC, Canada on December 20, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Medina Cafe

Start your day with a delicious brunch featuring their famous waffles and lavender latte, located downtown and open from 8am to 3pm.
CAD15, 1h

10:30am

Visit Vancouver Art Gallery

Explore Canadian and Indigenous art pieces in this centrally located gallery, open from 10am to 5pm daily.
CAD24, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Japadog

Enjoy unique Japanese-style gourmet hot dogs from this popular street food vendor, perfect for a quick urban lunch.
CAD10, 1h

2:00pm

Walk Around Gastown

Discover the historic Gastown district with its steam clock, cobbled streets, boutique shops, and galleries.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Miku Restaurant

Enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine specializing in aburi sushi, with views of the waterfront. Open until 10pm.
CAD50, 2h
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Day 2: Nature & Views

Vancouver, BC, Canada on December 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Purebread Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at this local favorite bakery, open from 7am to 6pm.
CAD12, 1h

9:30am

Stanley Park Seawall Walk

Take a scenic walk or rent a bike to explore the famous 9 km seawall around Stanley Park with views of water, mountains, and city skyline.
Free (bike rental approx. CAD30), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Teahouse in Stanley Park

Dine in a beautiful park setting with West Coast cuisine and local seafood specialties, open till 3pm.
CAD30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit to Vancouver Aquarium

Explore marine life exhibits in Stanley Park; aquarium open 10am to 5pm.
CAD38, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes with a view of False Creek. Open till 10pm.
CAD45, 2h
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Day 3: Mountain Adventure

Grouse Mountain, Vancouver, BC, Canada on December 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Granville Island Public Market

Choose from numerous fresh food vendors for a hearty breakfast. Market opens at 9am on weekends but normal weekdays it is by 8am.
CAD15, 1h

9:00am

Grouse Mountain Skyride

Take the aerial tramway to the summit of Grouse Mountain for panoramic views, hiking trails, and winter activities. Open 9am-10pm in winter.
CAD61 (round-trip, adult), 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Altitudes Bistro on Grouse Mountain

Enjoy casual dining on the mountain with a variety of freshly prepared meals and a great atmosphere.
CAD30, 1.5h

4:30pm

Explore Wildlife Refuge and Ice Skating

Visit the wildlife refuge for resident owls, bears, and wolves, and try ice skating on the outdoor rink available until 9pm.
Included with Skyride ticket / skate rental CAD15, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner back in Vancouver at The Naam

Savor vegetarian comfort food served 24/7, a classic in Vancouver’s dining scene.
CAD20, 1.5h
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Day 4: Cultural Experience

Vancouver, BC, Canada on December 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Artigiano

Enjoy artisan coffee and breakfast sandwiches from this popular local chain, open from 7am.
CAD12, 1h

10:00am

Museum of Anthropology at UBC

Discover First Nations art and artifacts in a world-class museum open 10am-5pm.
CAD18, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Naam

Enjoy wholesome vegetarian fare to recharge after your museum visit.
CAD20, 1h

3:00pm

Walk at Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Relax in forested walking trails located near UBC, open daylight hours and free to enter.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Blue Water Cafe

Experience one of Vancouver’s top seafood restaurants located in Yaletown, open until 10pm.
CAD60, 2h
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Day 5: Holiday Festivities

Vancouver, BC, Canada on December 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Jam Cafe

Enjoy hearty, classic Canadian breakfasts in a cozy setting. Open 8am-3pm.
CAD18, 1h

10:00am

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Experience the iconic suspension bridge and festive holiday lights event. Park opens 9am to 8pm during winter holidays.
CAD54, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Cliff House Restaurant

Dine at this park-adjacent restaurant with a scenic view and elevated West Coast fare.
CAD35, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit Grouse Mountain Peak of Christmas

Enjoy the festive lights, visits with Santa, and holiday activities on the mountain. Open until 9pm.
CAD61 (Skyride ticket if not previously purchased), 3h

7:30pm

Light Holiday Dinner at Seasons in the Park

Dine with panoramic views overlooking the city and enjoy a festive menu. Open till 9pm.
CAD55, 2h
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Day 6: Christmas Day Leisure

Vancouver, BC, Canada on December 25, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe (check holiday openings)

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast as many places have limited hours on Christmas Day; hotels often provide special offerings.
Varies, 1h

11:00am

Walk around Coal Harbour and Stanley Park

Enjoy a peaceful winter walk admiring Vancouver’s waterfront and nature in Stanley Park, open all day.
Free, 3h

2:30pm

Christmas Lunch or Dinner at L’Abattoir

Pre-book a festive meal at this stylish Gastown restaurant known for its seasonal and local ingredients. Open on Christmas with special hours, confirm in advance.
CAD70, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at hotel or enjoy Christmas evening stroll

Many downtown streets are decorated beautifully for the holidays; enjoy the festive atmosphere after your meal.
Free, 2h
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Day 7: Shopping & Museums

Vancouver, BC, Canada on December 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Thomas Haas Chocolates & Patisserie

Treat yourself to exquisite chocolates, coffee, and pastries to start the day. Open 8am to 6pm.
CAD15, 1h

10:30am

Shopping at Pacific Centre & Robson Street

Explore downtown Vancouver’s premier mall and nearby Robson Street boutiques for holiday sales and browsing.
Free to explore, 3h

2:00pm

Visit Science World

Interactive science exhibits and an OMNIMAX theatre, perfect for families and open 10am-5pm.
CAD27, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Vij's

Savor innovative Indian cuisine at this renowned Vancouver restaurant, open till 10pm. Reservations recommended.
CAD50, 2h
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Day 8: Day Trip Whistler

Whistler, BC, Canada on December 27, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early before the day trip to Whistler; many hotels offer early breakfast services.
Varies, 1h

7:30am

Drive to Whistler (approx. 2 hours)

Enjoy the scenic Sea to Sky Highway leading to Whistler for a day of mountain activities.
CAD20 (parking approx.), 2h

10:00am

Explore Whistler Village

Stroll the pedestrian village, shops, and galleries; festive winter atmosphere with lights and decorations.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Bearfoot Bistro

Upscale contemporary dining experience in Whistler; open noon to 3pm for lunch.
CAD60, 1.5h

2:30pm

Winter Activities or Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Try skiing, snowboarding or ride the record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola for fantastic views. Gondola operates 10am-3:30pm in winter.
Gondola CAD64, 3h

6:00pm

Drive back to Vancouver

Return journey along sea-to-sky highway.
Included in earlier cost, 2h

8:30pm

Light Dinner or snacks in Vancouver

After a long day, opt for a casual light meal near your accommodation.
CAD20, 1h
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Day 9: Local Markets & Gardens

Vancouver, BC, Canada on December 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Thierry Cafe

Enjoy French pastries and gourmet coffee in this intimate downtown café, open 7:30am to 5pm.
CAD15, 1h

10:00am

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Visit this extensive garden with beautiful winter displays and a festive Wonderland of Lights event, open 9am to 4pm winter hours.
CAD12.50, 2.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Acorn

Enjoy upscale vegetarian cuisine with a focus on sustainable local produce. Open till 3pm for lunch.
CAD35, 1.5h

3:00pm

Granville Island Public Market

Explore artisanal foods, craft shops, and galleries. Open daily 9am to 7pm.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Edible Canada Bistro

Savor Canadian culinary specialties with local ingredients on Granville Island, open till 10pm.
CAD50, 2h
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Day 10: Historic & Cultural Tour

Vancouver, BC, Canada on December 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Medina

Relish Belgian waffles and artisan coffees in a bustling downtown café, open from 8am to 3pm.
CAD15, 1h

10:00am

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Visit this serene authentic Ming Dynasty style garden, open 10am to 5pm daily.
CAD14, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

Sample authentic dim sum and Chinese cuisine located in Chinatown, open until 3pm.
CAD25, 1.5h

2:00pm

Bloedel Conservatory Visit

Explore a tropical garden under a huge glass dome in Queen Elizabeth Park, open 10am to 5pm.
CAD7.75, 1h

4:00pm

Queen Elizabeth Park Walk

Enjoy views from the highest point in Vancouver and winter blossoms in beautifully maintained gardens.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Nightingale

Experience local, seasonal dishes with a modern twist in a vibrant downtown setting, open until 10pm.
CAD55, 2h
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Day 11: Relax & Explore Neighborhoods

Vancouver, BC, Canada on December 30, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Le Marché St. George

Enjoy French-inspired breakfast dishes in a cozy neighborhood cafe, open 7am-3pm.
CAD15, 1h

10:30am

Explore Kitsilano Beach and Village

Walk along the beach, browse local shops and enjoy the seaside village atmosphere, accessible year-round.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at AnnaLena

Taste modern Canadian cuisine with innovative preparations, open for lunch on weekends 11:30am–2pm.
CAD45, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit Museum of Vancouver

Learn about the city's heritage and culture with engaging exhibits, open 10am-5pm.
CAD20, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Burgoo

Comfort food with hearty soups and stews perfect for winter evenings, open till 9pm.
CAD25, 1.5h
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Day 12: New Year’s Eve

Vancouver, BC, Canada on December 31, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at 49th Parallel Café

Enjoy quality coffee and light breakfast offerings, open 7am to 6pm.
CAD12, 1h

10:30am

Last minute shopping and exploring Robson Square

Visit the heart of downtown for holiday shopping and enjoy the outdoor skating rink, open until 11pm on New Year’s Eve.
Skate rental CAD15, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

Classic Vancouver spot offering fresh seafood and steak, open until 3pm.
CAD50, 1.5h

4:00pm

Return to hotel for rest and preparation

Relax and get ready for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Free, 3h

8:00pm

New Year's Eve Dinner and Celebration at The Roof at Black + Blue

Ring in the New Year with fine dining and great views of the city’s fireworks, open late for the celebration. Reservations highly recommended.
CAD100+, 4h
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