Canada, North America

Vancouver in February

Still the rainy season, still great skiing. Cheap hotels and quiet museums, with early plum blossoms by month's end.

TradeoffsCool and wet, highs near 47F (8C)

Vancouver skyline, Canada — VancouverPhoto: Xicotencatl, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Vancouver. Still the rainy season, still great skiing. Cheap hotels and quiet museums, with early plum blossoms by month's end.

Weather: Cool and wet, highs near 47F (8C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What February is like in Vancouver

February is still the rainy season, with highs near 47F (8C) and plenty of gray days, though the light lasts noticeably longer by the end of the month. Skiing is strong on the North Shore and at Whistler. Hotels stay cheap, museums are quiet, and early plum blossoms can appear on city streets by month's end.

Come now if you want a ski trip paired with a food-focused city break at a low price. Skip it if you want dry weather for walking, cycling or hiking. For a softer version of the same trip with blossoms added, look at late March or April instead.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Vancouver this month.

Snow on the local hills

Grouse, Cypress and Seymour are an easy trip from downtown, and night skiing lets you fit in runs after a day in the city.

First blossoms

Early plum trees can bloom in late February, a small preview of the cherry blossom season to come.

Quiet museums

The Museum of Anthropology and the aquarium are calm on weekdays, so you can take your time with the exhibits.

Lynn Canyon on a wet day

The free suspension bridge and forest trails feel moody and green in the rain, and you will have them nearly to yourself.

What to pack for February

A rain shell and waterproof boots
Thermal base layers for the ski hills
Gloves and a warm hat
A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for forest walks

Our timing tip

Look for a mid-month weekday with a dry forecast and save the seawall walk for that day, since clear breaks between storms are short.

Book Vancouver for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Vancouver
Opens a hotel search for Vancouver in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Vancouver
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Vancouver
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Vancouver for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Whistler ski season

Late November to April or May

Whistler Blackcomb often runs well into spring. January through March is the most reliable snow.

Things to do in Vancouver

Full guide

Stanley Park seawall

Rent a bike and ride the loop counterclockwise, as the one-way path requires. Allow two hours with stops at Prospect Point and Third Beach.

Tickets and tours →

Granville Island Public Market

Food stalls, produce, and local makers. Go by the little False Creek ferries and arrive before 11am on weekends.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Grouse Mountain

Skyride gondola to city views in summer, ski slopes in winter. The Grouse Grind trail is a steep, famous climb that opens in the warm season.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Pricey but well run, with the treetop walkways and cliff walk. The winter Canyon Lights season is a good rainy-month outing.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Whistler day trip or overnight

The Sea to Sky Highway is a highlight on its own. Whistler Blackcomb is one of North America's largest ski resorts, and the summer mountain-bike park is world class.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Vancouver Aquarium

The best rainy-day plan in Stanley Park, strong on Pacific coast marine life.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Ride the seawall and visit Granville Island before 10am in summer; cruise ship days bring waves of day visitors to downtown sights.
Book summer hotels well ahead: July and August downtown rates are among the highest in Canada, and Alaska cruise departures fill hotels on turnaround days.
Pick September over July. Weather is nearly as good and the crowds and prices drop right after Labour Day.
Swap Capilano for Lynn Canyon Park, a free suspension bridge and forest walk on the North Shore that many locals prefer.

Know before you go

Some mountain hiking trails, including the Grouse Grind, close in winter and typically open in late spring once snow clears. North Shore trails at elevation can hold snow into June.
Whistler's summer season (mountain biking, Peak 2 Peak gondola sightseeing) and ski season have short gaps in between, usually in spring and fall shoulder weeks. Check the resort calendar.
Canada Day on July 1 and BC Day, the first Monday in August, close some offices and shops and fill parks and beaches.
Almost nothing shuts down in the rainy season: museums, restaurants, and markets run year-round, which is why winter is a viable budget trip.

Vancouver in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Vancouver?

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Vancouver. Still the rainy season, still great skiing. Cheap hotels and quiet museums, with early plum blossoms by month's end.

What is the weather like in Vancouver in February?

Cool and wet, highs near 47F (8C).

Is Vancouver crowded in February?

February is one of the quieter months in Vancouver; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Vancouver in February?

Whistler ski season (late november to april or may).