We are heading to Whistler to ski/board at the end of January. As it's such a long journey from the UK we're planning to stop for a few days in Vancouver first to recover from the flight before we get to the slopes.

Now I noticed on some other threads that the waterfront might not be the best place to stay in winter. Bit unfortunate as we'd booked the Marriott Pinnacles which seems to be not the best bet! But it's cancellable so we can change to somewhere else.

What area would we be best to look at staying in at that time of year? And what is there to do? I keep seeing reviews of Vancouver which talk of enjoying the sun and the parks but I think that might not be best in January!

Any help appreciated - thanks.

The weather in January isn't the greatest. While not excessively cold, there is often rain and wet snow.

If you're wanting to stay within your hotel programs (from your sig), the Pinnacle may be the best bet. The Hampton Inn downtown is ridiculously priced for what is (although I have no idea for pricing in January) and there aren't any IC's in Vancouver.

Before answering, what were you hoping to do? Stay downtown or get out and explore outside of it?

Thanks for your reply. I'm also in SPG but the lowest level tier so not usually much good for anything. Was hoping to stay within one of my programs but we'd consider another option rather than end up having to taxi everwhere at night for example.

I wasn't sure that the weather would hold up for getting out of downtown much so we expected to be mostly downtown. I'm looking forward to walking around some interesting areas (Yaletown and Gastown?) and having some good food. Maybe a bit of culture as well - museums or art galleries - but mainly pottering around.

As we're heading to Whistler we'll have decent clothing I think to keep warm and dry if necessary (I hope!).

Based on you being Marriott Gold and assuming you're hoping for upgrade chances, I'd probably stay with the Pinnacle.

Your use of taxis will be minimal if you're staying within the downtown core. Gastown is certainly walking distance. If anything, you might use the Skytrain ($2.50 one way) to get to Yaletown. Walking to English Bay will be a good hike but it sounds like you might have a car.

There is the Vancouver Art Gallery but no real museums. There are lots of good restos downtown but if you're looking for good asian restos, almost all of them (I say that because I'm sure someone will argue a resto or two) are outside of the downtown core. You've got to hit Richmond for the best Chinese restos - also doable on the Skytrain.

There are a couple of threads which talk about areas to see within Vancouver.

Really? I've always enjoyed the Museum of Anthropology at UBC.

Like I said, no real museums.

On a more serious note, compared to European museums of natural history, the Museum of Anthropology is a joke. It might be worth a visit if you were really, really interested in First Nations history. I did visit their "new" exhibit that was non-FN and it needed some serious improvement.

Culturally, Vancouver may best be (charitably) described as provincial; OK for the natives but underwhelming for anyone who has traveled extensively.

Weather-wise January is a bit Pareto-like; 80% wet and dismal, 20% bright and sunny. And what's wrong with the waterfront anyway ?

This thread might get moved to OMNI if we open that can of worms again.

The weather the past few winters have been all over the place. Rain is obviously the norm but it's pretty random if the arctic air will get south far enough to turn it into wet snow at sea level or not. On the worst rainy days, heavy rain with a bit of wind will soak your pants walking around even with an umbrella so you kind of have to be ready for the wet stuff.

Not a lot of touristy stuff to do under cover if the weather is miserable IMO; Granville Island is maybe the best, or window shopping/hopping into stores along Robson & Denman. Maybe a walk thru Stanley Park and a dry off at the Aquarium? A bit tourist trappy but you can also do some snow shoeing on Grouse Mountain (local ski hill) that has other activities like ice skating & sleigh rides.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of the museum of anthropology either.

At this rate we might have to include a visit to the Museum of Anthropology just so we have a view on it. At the very least it'd be dry!

What weather did Vancouver have for the Winter Olympics?

Unusually good. Sunshine and clear skies most days and some initial concern about the lack of snow, although a few mountain events had to be rescheduled due to fog.

One journalist complained that the full moon kept him awake at nights but maybe he wasn't being serious .

The werewolves probably suffered more.

We are heading to Whistler with our 8 year-old son for the first time over New Year's, taking the bus from YVR on the way up and the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb train on the way back, arriving Vancouver @ 7 p.m.

Having never been to Vancouver we'd like to see the city a bit, so are wondering how many nights locals recommend. 1, 2 or 3?

I've researched online and it seems like the most popular attractions are fair-weather ones.

I appreciate your input. Thank you.

Not sure where you're staying, but not that the train drops you in North Vancouver, across the harbour from downtown - So you may still have a coach ride to your hotel.

I would say 2 nights which will give you a day-and-a-half to see the city.

As I'm sure your googling has shown you, kid-friendly activities include -

- Science World
- The Aquarium
- Granville Island
- SeaBus ride