Info in other threads with lots of ideas about what to do in Vancouver have been very helpful. I'm planning to extend a Feb Ski trip with 4-5 days in Vancouver. I realize a number of things like bus tours and markets don't operate in winter. In general, can I have a worthwhile visit that time of year? In addition to art galleries, museums, I like to walk around a City and get a feel for the non-tourist neighborhoods. Also like taking in whatever makes a City scenic, both natural and man-made. I don't mind being out and about in cold weather but am concerned mid-Feb may be still in winter rainy season?

Thanks.

Yes, it will still be the rainy season but that shouldn't stop you from visiting. I go up to Vancouver often in the winter time and it's very enjoyable. Those of us who live in the Pacific NW just put on our goretex jackets and go out and do things in the rain. Besides, usually it's just rainy for part of any given day, not the whole day, and usually it's not heavy rain--it's more of a drizzle.

And coming at another time doesn't guarantee sunshine--both times I've done the Vancouver Half Marathon in early May it has rained steadily. So you never know. You'll have a better chance of dry weather in the summer months of course but I think Vancouver is a great place any time of year.

Vancouver in the rain beats most Canadian cities on sunny days. Just dress warmly.

The Granville Island Market is indoors, so it will be open.

I used to be in VAncouver all the time, and quite enjoyed sitting inside coffee shops, or the Market, drinking coffee and watching people out in the rain. Boating keeps going in the winter, so you can even see boats of all sizes through the mist.

Which is not to say that the sun NEVER shines. You might be lucky.

You can take a bus to Victoria, too. Great museum there, and you can go over and back in one day.

BAK

I agree with others. If a tourist in Vancouver on even the snowiest of winter days, you can find or create plenty to do if centrally located.

Downtown Vancouver is compacted by water on most sides and few other cities have that many residents in the main downtown core, so there are tons of eateries with a full gamut of cuisines.

Not only that but I challenge anyone to find a North American city which has more 'normal' people walking the streets all night long.

Don't hesitate to extend your ski trip and gain a sense for Vancouver.

Do Chinatown during daylight hours and have a look at the Broadway neighborhood and walk Granville and Robson streets at most any hour.

Some bus tours do run year round now I see them from time to time.

If you're a do-it-yourself type the a book of transit tickets is a great bargain and the transit system isn't perfect but will do for your needs http://www.translink.bc.ca

Vancouver magazine has some info on different neighbourhoods-a bit '<i>fluffy</i>' but handy all the same.

http://vanmag.com/travel/Visitorsgui...bourhood.shtml

IMO the only museum worth visitng is the Anthropology Museum @ UBC-check for opening hours
www.moa.ubc.ca/

Walk Vancouver link http://www.walkvancouver.com/index.html

More walk focussed info http://www.cracklecom.com/PRODUCTS/T...s/insiders.htm

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and thumbs up on my plans.