10 Winter Senior Activities to Enjoy in Vancouver

It’s a common misconception that if you don’t ski or snowboard, you’re stuck indoors through winter until the spring. It can be an isolating time for seniors. In actuality, there are so many winter senior activities to take part in as the days grow colder, both indoors and out. Here are some of our favourites!

10 Things To Do With Seniors In Vancouver During The Winter

Ride the Stanley Park Train

All aboard! The festive season is the perfect time for a little nostalgia. The Stanley Park Train hosts over 200,000 visitors each year. There are a few themes to the trips, but none so magical as the Bright Nights Train, the wintertime train ride experience which features nostalgic carols on a locomotive lit up with colour through 2 km of dazzling woodland that’s equally impressive.

Visit the Vancouver Christmas Market

The Vancouver Christmas Market has returned to Jack Poole Plaza for the 2021 festive season! This Vancouver favourite offers incredible German food and drink that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.

You can find stocking stuffers for little ones and adults alike. There are also handmade clothes, toys, ornaments, decorations, jewellery, wallets, candles, incense burners and more! It’s one of the winter activities seniors love best as it gets the whole family involved.

Walk the Festival of Lights

If you want a magical winter evening with your senior loved ones, bring them to the Festival of Lights. Explore some festive flora in this winter wonderland, where beautiful flowers and trees are adorned with thousands of colourful lights, arranged with the utmost care for maximum effect. The result is a stunning visual experience like something out of a Disney Pixar movie.

Tour Maplewood Farm

Maplewood Farm is a lovely rural escape in North Vancouver for a day among nature, where you’re guaranteed to see some wildlife. The 5-acre farm began as a dairy farm but now boasts 200 animals and birds to wander amongst. If you’ve gotten into older age without petting a baby goat, you have some unfinished business.

Heritage Christmas at the Burnaby Village Museum

Take a stroll through the historical village and museum for a cozy and festive treat. You can eat, drink and be merry while taking in some dazzling lights, stunning sculptures and excellent performances, including choirs, musical acts and street entertainers. If you or your senior relatives take the kids, top off your day out by getting a picture with Father Christmas.

Take a Light Hike

This will, of course, depend on how active you or your senior loved one are. This list is all about including seniors in winter activities, so none should be discounted, and seniors still need regular exercise. We’re not talking about the Grouse Grind. There are so many great hikes around Greater Vancouver for all experience levels.

From a light walk to a tough climb, BC really has it all – with stunning views and scenery wherever you turn. For example, there are light trails around the flatter parts of Pitt Meadows while Brother’s Creek is a moderate hike in West Vancouver. Do a little research on the weather and if you’re up to it, why not go snowshoeing?

Visit Fort Langley for its Heritage Holiday event

The chestnuts are roasting, the open fire is calling out for you to take a cozy seat. They have some excellent winter crafts for seniors and you can hear all about the festive traditions of the 1840s and 50s in a guided tour. If you bring the little ones, there’s a play area and scavenger hunt to keep them happy too!

See Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Theatre from December 15 to 18, 2022. Dancers will have the opportunity to work in studio with world-renowned choreographer Anna-Marie Holmes and perform Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet score performed live by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra.

Experience Clara’s dream come to life as she embarks on a magical journey through the Land of Snow, across the Lemonade Sea, to the Kingdom of Sweets, where she is greeted by the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. An unforgettable adventure awaits as her gallant Nutcracker battles the evil Mouse King and his army of mischievous mice.

See the Vancouver Canucks

Does anything give you more of a buzz on a winter night than watching your home team take home a win? Watching the Vancouver Canucks is a great day or night for the whole family. With eight games in December, there are a lot of electric games to choose from for a night out!

See the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Perform Christmas Favourites

There’s something spinetingling about seeing a symphony orchestra perform live. Treat yourself or your senior relative to one of life’s wonderful activities that don’t happen every day. Every year the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs a traditional Christmas concert at locations in Burnaby, the North Shore, Surrey, Delta and Downtown Vancouver.

Winter Tips For Vancouver Seniors

Looking for more Vancouver senior care tips? Check out the Lynn Valley Care Blog for more insights!