For those looking for things to do during the Christmas holiday season, British Columbia is hopping with festive events, activities and family fun. These holiday travel ideas cover families, couples, friends and single travellers as they gear up for Xmas.
Holiday Hotels & Holiday Packages
Think Vancouver hotel rooms are just too expensive? With the 2010 Winter Games coming in February, it’s a stigma the city is trying to shake. To prove it, they’ve launched a “Third Night Free” holiday package with numerous participating hotels.
Rates start at $69 CAD, unprecedented in the city, especially during Christmastime. Make sure to book early, though, as these rooms will get snapped up fast. The deal runs until December 30, 2010, so it’s possible to book for this year or even next.
‘Tis the season to also give back and it’s possible to book a holiday package and still help out those in need. Victoria’s Historic Inns (comprised of Abbeymoore Manor, Albion Manor, Amethyst Inn, Beaconsfield Inn, Dashwood Manor Seaside Inn, Humboldt House Inn, Oak Bay Guest House, Prior House Inn and Villa Marco Polo Inn) are all donating 10% of bookings made between December 6, 2009 and January 6, 2010 to Plan Canada, a charity that buys cows for farmer’s in developing countries. On top of that, the rates start at $129 CAD per night.
Christmas in British Columbia
There are so many things going on for holiday travel in BC. Here is just a very condensed list of the highlights:
- Barkerville Historic Town of Old Fashion Christmas: This gold rush town, already a historic wonder from the 1800s, gets festive with horse-drawn sleigh rides, theatre performances, yuletide carols and holiday baking.
- Burnaby Village Museum’s Heritage Christmas: Another historic site, this one a museum depicting the early 1900s, decks itself out with storybook holiday merriment. Kids (and adults!) can ride the heritage carousel and meet Father Christmas.
- Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle: This grand house transforms into an authentic Victorian Xmas experience. Look for original toys under the trees, as well as Kate the maid and Christopher the butler who might pay a visit.
- Fort Steele Heritage Town: It’s 1864 and black Clydesdale horses are taking people through the streets in antique sleighs. Join in on the carolling, crafts and bonfires during the holiday season.
- Christmas Lights in BC: Milner Christmas Magic lights up Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island; Bright Nights at Stanley Park and Festival of Lights at VanDusen Gardens in Vancouver illuminate the city’s favourite parks, while the Carol Ship Parade of Lights floats by Coal Harbour and Canada Place’s Making Spirits Bright event; the Wildlights Event in Kamloops boasts over 350 life-sized wildlife sculptures; Prince George hosts the Northern Lights Festival with animated displays; the Butchart Gardens proves it can be even more lovely than usual with tens of thousands of festive lights; and the Capilano Suspension Bridge makes sure it’s seen with over 250,000 lights.
- BC Mountains: If skiing, snowboarding and snow shoeing are more interesting than sitting in, head to Cypress Mountain, Whistler, Mount Washington and Grouse Mountain to skate outdoors and participate in their holiday programs.
- Winterfest in Prince Rupert: Experience a real northern BC winter during two days in December.
- Vancouver Santa Claus Parade: This huge parade through the streets of downtown Vancouver is always a Christmas favourite. The route goes along Georgia and Howe streets.
- Granville Island: From December 5th on, every weekend brings entertainment and holiday shopping starting in Triangle Square.
All of the above event dates change slightly each year. Contact Tourism BC (1-800-435-5622) for the most current.
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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