As I stare out the windows at the perpetual drizzle of Vancouver I can’t help thinking that February is perhaps not the best month for the Weekly Photo Challenge to challenge us on what we love about our home town.
Although it did get me thinking. Maybe I could scare up a few reasons to like Vancouver in February after all.
Nature
The mountains of Vancouver are kind of in your face. In the summer there’s tons of hiking and places to explore; in the winter all that rain in the city translates into snow in the five local mountains with lots of opportunities to ski.
Up at Blackcomb the air is filled with crystalline sparkles that show up as little rainbow circles in the photo.
Multicultural Celebrations
One of the great things about this city is that it is made up of so many cultures resulting in a mass of different cultural celebrations.
In February the big event is Chinese New Year and it’s coming up soon. I’ve written about it a lot over the years and can’t even begin to pick my favourite moment or photo.
- Chinese New Year 2012, the Parade and Food
- Chinese New Year 2013, the Year of the Snake
- Chinese New Year 2015, the Year of the Ram
Bonsai quince in Sun Yet Sen Garden, usually a place of quiet contemplation, but full of cultural events during the New Year celebration.
All the Rest
Like any big city there are a host of other events, from Food Festivals like Dine Out Vancouver and the International Wine Festival, to shows like Winter Jazz (free) and the Chutzpah! Festival. Then there are the non-events like just going out to a cozy pub and dancing to a local band (last one, The Wolf and Hound, good Irish-style pub food, $5 craft beers and the entire place was hopping). Or trying to see all the Oscar-nominated films before the Oscars (last night: The Phantom Thread).
So enough of this sitting around and writing, have to get out in that drizzle and do some things.
The Daily Post’s Weekly Photo Challenge: Tour Guide.
Albatz Travel Adventures 
I’ve visited Vancouver in summer and winter–liked it in both seasons. Stanley Park = amazing and the view from Burnaby Simon Fraser campus aussi.
I’ve never been to Michigan but from your photos it looks like I’m missing something!
Lots of water and pine trees….sound familiar? Substitute the Great Lakes for English Bay. No mountains, though. Well, maybe little “mountains” in the far northwest corner of Michigan.
This is my first winter in Vancouver and I am loving it so far, despite the rain! I mean, I don’t *love* the rain BUT when the mist lifts it is amaaazing to see those mountains. Plus, now i know how fun snowshoeing/skiing can be, I am keen to get out and about whenever I can!
You are so lucky to be from such an awesome city!
Keeping the snow out of the city but in the mountains is a big advantage to get out and play! Glad you love snowshoeing and skiing – the scenery is so amazing.
I have been fortunate to visit Vancouver twice. Once in the summer and once in the autumn. I love your city. I love Stanley Park, I love the way you can walk around the city, I love the mountains, so close, I love the Anthropology museum, I love the BC ferries and I love the closeness to Vancouver Island. Now that I love most of all.
Vancouver Island is indeed a treat – a very special place to go to any time of year.
What is NOT to like living in Vancouver rain or shine. So much to see so little time.
One of my best friends has visited a couple of times and Loves it. I can see why!
There’s a little bit of something for everyone…
Wow what a lovely city!! Great post thanks!!
It’s a great place to live!
would love to visit Vancouver city. nice post very informative