Does the rain have a negative effect on tourism in the winter?
“It’s obviously not our high season,” said Emily Armstrong with Tourism Vancouver.
“We definitely still market the city during the winter months. We promote the culinary scene and all the cultural (activities) like plays.”
In some cases, she said, the rain is actually a draw.
“If you go to the Dr. Sun Yet Sun garden when it rains, the tiles are designed for when the rain falls so it looks like pearls.”
Armstrong added that outdoor activities are still accessible because it doesn’t get too cold and snowy.
“Vancouver is so green because of rain, and the rainforest itself is an attraction,” she said. “The forest is kind of cool when it’s raining.”
THINGS TO DO ON A RAINY DAY:
- Take a culinary tour of Granville Island Public Market. Learn about local ingredients and what to do with them. Info: www.edible-britishcolumbia.com.
- Recharge in the tropical heat of the Bloedel Floral Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park. Info: www.vancouverparks.ca.
- Embrace the rain with a guided rainforest tour and gourmet lunch in Lighthouse Park. Info: www.rockwoodadventures.com.
- Duck out of the rain at the Vancouver Art Gallery or Museum of Anthropology, or catch a show at one of Vancouver’s live theatres.
