The green of pine trees peek through the white sparkle, the snow-covered branches dancing in the sunlight during winter in British Columbia.
The crunch of snow under your feet brings a satisfaction like no other. Snowy peaks near and far create a breathtaking atmosphere that one just can’t get enough of. The variety of activities and places to visit within the province doesn’t mean that winter activities are limited to just skiing. If you are not one to get out on the slopes, there are plenty of places where you can visit to simply enjoy the season, the snow, or other outdoor and indoor activities. Try ice fishing, snowshoeing, skating, or dog sledding, or simply soak in the plentiful hot springs to keep warm during these cool months.
Harrison Hot Springs Resort
Just outside of Vancouver, you will find a gem of a getaway. Harrison Hot Springs is located in a lovely spot on the banks of Harrison Lake, which itself provides a beautiful atmosphere.
The real draw here, though, during the winter months, are the hot springs themselves. There are five rejuvenating Mineral Pools to soak in and enjoy, which were originally used by the Coast Salish for their medicinal properties. These natural, hot-spring-fed mineral pools are each kept at a different temperature, so you can move about as you please.
In winter, there is nothing better than soaking in a hot spring while surrounded by snow! The springs are only available to resort guests at the moment, so this is a great excuse to take a couple of days away to enjoy the springs and the area.
Enjoy the dining options in the hotel or discover the village and the activities and restaurants. Don’t forget to take some time to look for the famous Harrison Sasquatch!
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Fernie
When people hear the name “Fernie,” they automatically think of the ski hill here, which is pretty famous on its own, and understandably, since the charming town is surrounded by the Rockies. What you may not realize is that this picturesque heritage town is a breathtaking place to have a getaway.
The downtown core is chock full of beautiful heritage buildings and a fun place to visit near Christmas when it is all lit up for Christmas. Wander the streets, enjoy the atmosphere, check out the interesting shops, eat some good food, or visit the heritage library and local museum.
If you want adventure, strap on snowshoes or hop on a snowmobile and explore the great outdoors.
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Prince George
This city is a nice place for a couple of days away to enjoy some winter fun and relaxation. PG is a great place to glimpse the gorgeous Northern Lights, which shine throughout the long nights.
The best place to see them is at the top of Teapot Mountain. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do in winter here, such as snowshoeing, ice climbing, winter biking, skating, and snowmobiling – take your pick.
There are dozens of snowshoe trails around town: Forests for the World, Otway, and Eskers Provincial Park are just a few places that offer varying degrees of difficulty.
If you would like to experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the beautiful winter scenery, check out the Crazy M. Ranch just twenty minutes outside the city.
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Victoria
This incredible city is breathtaking at any time of year, and with a milder climate than most of the rest of the province, the Island is a fantastic place to hide away from the world for a couple of days during the winter months.
A slight dusting of snow sometimes covers the heritage buildings and charming harbour. The lights around the city during the holidays bump up the appeal even more, not that it’s needed!
With plenty of indoor activities available, such as the museums and historical houses, there are also open spaces to explore.
The Butchart Gardens always has a wonderful display of lights in the winter, and even in these cooler months, you can enjoy the gardens themselves.
Enjoy the festive stroll and spectacular lights during the Christmas season. Head on up to Beacon Hill Park for fantastic views of the area, or out to Goldstream Provincial Park, just 20 minutes outside the city, to get some time amongst the 600-year-old firs.
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Grand Forks
Flanked by the Monashee Mountains, just a little way past Osoyoos and right along the border with the United States, this is an incredible little town worth checking out in the winter months.
The town is host to tree-lined streets and heritage buildings, which will remind you of a scene from a Christmas card. You will want to check out the Pride of the Valley Flour Mill, which is run by members of the local Doukhobor community and is where you can learn about the town’s history and the people that make it so special.
There are plenty of trails that lure mountain bikers and hikers in summer and which continue to be a natural draw for snowshoers.
The relatively flat terrain and moderate snowfall here combine for a quiet interlude. Outside the city, you can work up an appetite snowshoeing the Marshall Lakes trails.
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Field
When you hear people speak of this little town, they might use the words “cool” or “chill,” but we use the description “magical” when it comes to a visit here.
Located in the gorgeous Yoho National Park, this tiny town is also home to some fantastic scenery.
If you want just to chill out and enjoy the magic, stay at the Emerald Lake Lodge, which is right on the lake shore and has an incredible view of the Rocky Mountains. They even have a reclaimed bar from an 1890’s saloon inside, so spending your time indoors also puts you into a unique ambiance.
If you like to snowshoe, there are multitudes of trails right onsite at the lodge or discover those that take you further into this off-the-beaten-track National Park. There is ice climbing and dog sledding to be experienced here as well if you are looking for more adventure. You will want at least two days to savour the experience here.
Fly into Calgary and drive the short 2.5 hours, or drive east from Vancouver on Highway 1 – about 8 hours.
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Dawson Creek
The true beginning of the Alaska Highway, Dawson Creek is at Mile Marker 0 and is a great destination on its own in any season. For those who aren’t really into winter sports though, this is a great little town to explore the area’s history.
Grab a walking tour brochure from the Tourist Center and find your way around town while learning about the history.
The Tourist Center is worth some time, as they have an incredible collection of historical items and photos to enjoy. Also, because it is flat land here, it is perfect for spending late nights watching the incredible Aurora Borealis.
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You can also do some winter hiking at Bear Mountain Wind Park, which is a real treat at sunset.
Experience wind power while gazing out at expansive views of the Rocky Mountain foothills to the southwest.
You can take some side trips to Fort St John (55 minutes) or Chetwynd (1 hour) for some incredible road trip views and sites.
This is an easy drive up from either Alberta or other parts of B.C., or utilize their airport which has several flights coming in and out.
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Valemount
Where’s Valemount, you might ask. Most people have not heard of this charming little town located just south of Highway 16 on Highway 5. This quaint little place is a great off-the-beaten-track town to hide away for a couple of days this winter.
Usually, in February, the town hosts an annual Winter Festival, complete with dogsleds riding through town, snowman contests, a bonfire and more. Check out the interesting museums located inside an old railway station. You can experience riding on a dogsled, skating, snowshoeing and more in the area.
Valemount is also a perfect place to use as a hub while you do some short road trips in the area – Mt Robson Provincial Park is only about 25 minutes away, and McBride is about an hour away.
Both of these are accessed from the main Highway 16, which offers great pullouts and lookouts for the incredible scenery of the Rockies.
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Nelson
The charming town of Nelson is snuggled right next to the west arm of Kootenay Lake in the Selkirk Mountains. This heritage town has unique, independent stores and a small-town atmosphere.
There are plenty of winter markets to check out as well. If you want to spend some time outside and have your own snowmobile, there are fantastic places to head out to here. Otherwise, take the time away to soak in the ambience and the beauty here.
There are more than 50, that’s right, 50 restaurants and eateries to try here, not to mention the spas and other services available.
Plenty of hotels and accommodations mean that there is something for every budget. Head out on a day trip to explore other small towns, hot springs and fun destinations in the region. There is a small airport about 30 minutes outside of Nelson, otherwise you can drive from Vancouver (8 hours) or the Okanagan (4 hours).
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Castlegar
The West Kootenays are home to the town of Castlegar, which is a much-underrated destination in British Columbia. This is one of the best places for cross-country skiing, mostly because the temperature really doesn’t get that cold here, but for those who don’t want to get on skis at all, this is still a great getaway place to enjoy.
Take a walk through the downtown area to experience the Sculpture Walk, where you can enjoy artworks from both local and international artists. Otherwise, you can consider strapping on a pair of skates and hitting the outdoor rink. Take any kind of sled and enjoy the three places that offer up free tobogganing. Don’t forget to check out the Columbia and Western Railway. This is a perfectly chill location to spend some winter downtime.
Take a road trip to Nelson, which is just half an hour away, to enjoy the heritage main street there. Fly into the small airport here or come by vehicle from Vancouver (7.5 hours) or the Okanagan (less than 4 hours).
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Tofino
Most people know that Tofino is one of the best destinations in British Columbia any time of year, so it’s no surprise that it has made our list. It’s a magical city that offers up some of the best food and drink that can be had, so finding ways to enjoy the indoors is not difficult if you are a foodie.
Check out the Tofino Brewing Club or OG Tacofino for cheap eats, or splurge and head to the Wolf in the Fog restaurant. Spend some time enjoying the outdoors as your experience their Winterlights display.
Bundle up and storm watch, walk on the beach, or simply explore. If you like to stay up late, go outside to see the gorgeous night skies – due to lack of lights, you can see the stars, planets and the Milky Way in all their glory on clear nights.
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There is so much to do in this laid-back place that you will never want to leave. You can take a ferry from the mainland to the Island and drive to Tofino or take a short flight from Vancouver.
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Fort Langley
Just a half-hour outside Vancouver, you come across the quaint town of Fort Langley.
Well known for its food offerings and lovely shops to browse, this is a nice place to slip away to for a couple of days, especially if you are from Vancouver and want someplace nearby.
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Coming here is like stepping back in time. Visit the Fort itself to experience life in the 1800’s here.
See where Hudson’s Bay Company fur traders mingled with California gold prospectors and hear First Nations interpreters tell century-old tales. Feel the blast of the musket fire, pan for gold dust dreams and dress up to play a historic trading boss.
One of the best things about this getaway? If you are from Vancouver then you don’t need a car to get here, just jump on some public transit!
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Nakusp Hot Springs
What is better than soaking in hot springs on a cold winter day? Not much! Make this a true getaway and stay in the chalets here, but reserve well in advance, as these tend to fill up quickly.
If you want to spend some time having some adventures before jumping in the pools to warm up, check out the snowmobiling, cross country ski, or snowshoe trails that abound in the area.
The Springs themselves are considered one of B.C.’s best-kept secrets, a pristine setting within the foothills of the Selkirk Mountains.
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These are the cleanest, clearest soaking mineral pools you will ever see, with 200,000 litres of fresh, filtered water entering each pool daily. Two pools are fed by water from natural mineral springs set in the forest.
The Hot Pool is kept at 107°F(41°C) in the winter, and the Warm Pool is kept at 100°F(38°C). Driving is the best way to get here, but if you are far away, hop a flight to Kelowna and head out from there.
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Pemberton
Located north of Whistler on Highway 99, you will find this lovely little town just two hours away from Vancouver in some of the prettiest scenery that you can find in the province. While others may come to ski, those who don’t want to can experience some of the best ice fishing you can find.
The Pemberton area offers sturdy ice and big fish, like Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout and Kokanee, to name a few. Pemberton Fish Finder offers a fish-catch guarantee for all-day fishing trips, ensuring you leave the ice with a catch in hand.
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River fishing is also an option from November to April when Coastal Cutthroat comes rushing down the river in droves. If fishing isn’t up your alley, perhaps a day out on a snowmobile with Snowmobile Pemberton will be what you are looking for.
The best way to get to the area is to drive up from Vancouver and leave time for picture stops along the way.
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Fairmont Hot Springs
Skiers love this destination because they can enjoy the slopes all day and soak in the early mornings or the evenings, but if you are not a skier, don’t let this stop you from making this a getaway destination.
There is much more to discover and enjoy here than just the slopes. This gem of the Rockies is just down the road from Invermere, which has a 30-kilometre skating pathway which even beginners will enjoy.
The Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is the perfect place to stay, especially because guests get special access to Canada’s largest natural mineral hot springs!
Take a walk, experience the town, enjoy the scenery, and take a drive. There is plenty to keep you busy for a day, a weekend, or a longer winter vacation.
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Pender Island
Winter doesn’t stop sunrises or sunsets from happening, even though they might come a bit later or earlier in the day than the rest of the year—one of the best things about spending some winter time on one of the South Gulf Islands.
Pender Island consists of two islands – North Pender and South Pender, which are separated by a narrow canal connected by a one-lane bridge. Lying between Vancouver and Victoria, the island is a 2-hour ferry ride from Vancouver and a 40-minute ferry ride from Sidney.
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Here, you can wander one of the beaches in the rain or explore the lakes, hills, farmland, mountains or coves.
The sub-Mediterranean climate means that winter here is not as harsh as in some other province areas, although rain is common and frequent. There are numerous art galleries, shops, and restaurants to enjoy, and outdoor activities abound if you don’t mind getting wet. A great escape from everyday life!
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Ainsworth Hot Springs
There is a village and a resort of the same name here because everything is built around the hot springs. The village is the oldest one on Kootenay Lake, having been occupied since 1883.
Located in Cody Caves Provincial Park, the natural springs are a fantastic place to spend some winter time this year. Soak in the healing mineral waters while you soak up the stunning view.
At the moment, you can only utilize the hot spring pools if you are a guest at the hotel, so it’s a perfect reason to book yourself in for a couple of nights and relax.
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The fab restaurant onsite has excellent food and even better views. Ainsworth Hot Springs is only 45 minutes away from Nelson, so there is plenty to do besides soak.
Fly into Castlegar or Kelowna and rent a car, or take a road trip from your hometown.
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Grouse Mountain and North Vancouver
If you are in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland, this is a short drive but still a lovely getaway. Grouse Mountain makes for a sweet day trip with the different activities that you can find here.
Get on North America’s largest aerial tramway system, which is your gateway to the majestic nature of The Peak of Vancouver. Try skating on the 8,000-square-foot ice skating pond – the only mountaintop outdoor skate pond in the lower mainland.
Take a Snowshoe Fondue tour – the private group tour combines snowshoeing and a scrumptious fondue in an evening of adventure and fun for you and your friends, family or colleagues.
The tour includes snowshoe and headlamp rentals, an experienced and informative guide, and an après snowshoeing fondue in Altitudes Bistro where you will enjoy a social dining experience with Cheese, Broth and Chocolate Fondues. These are just a few of the activities that await you here.
Stay in North Vancouver and discover the fun that can be had there – ice skating at the Shipyards, exploring Lynn Creek or other parks, or visiting the multitude of shops and restaurants.
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Vancouver
The metro city of Vancouver is a destination for those who live outside the city at any time of year, but since the winter months are somewhat warmer, although somewhat wetter, than many other areas of the province, if you are not an outdoors person then this city is your perfect getaway.
Stay right downtown to pick up the vibes of the city.
Walk the streets, try out any (or many) of the world-class restaurants and eateries, go shopping, visit Gastown, take a pic in front of the steam clock, or spend some time in Stanley Park. Visit the Art Gallery, the Science Center, Granville Island or Vancouver Lookout.
There are too many places to list and insufficient time to visit them all! Fly into the Vancouver International Airport or drive to the city from your hometown.
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Muncho Lake and Liard Hot Springs
Winter is a spectacular time to travel to this area. Don’t expect fancy hotels or resorts here; instead, expect beauty, quiet and gorgeous open spaces and wilderness areas.
Reserve a night or two at the Northern Rockies Lodge at Muncho Lake.
Stay up late to experience the incredible northern lights which frequent the sky. When you get cold, take a drive up the highway to Liard Hot Springs and soak the cold away.
One of Canada’s largest hot springs is waiting to help you warm up during the year’s cold months. Head north on the Alaska Highway from Muncho Lake to find this incredible gem of a place.
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You can drive up to Fort Nelson and then on to Muncho Lake from Fort St. John or Dawson Creek, which both have airports, or take one of the limited flights into Fort Nelson.
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Kelowna
While Kelowna is a well-known summer spot, it’s a great winter destination as well. The mild weather lets you enjoy the outdoors without freezing or fighting with mounds of snow.
Take the time to ice skate by the lake at Stuart Park, a free outdoor rink with a fire pit for warming up.
Knox Mountain Park, just north of downtown, is perfect for a winter hike with rewarding views.
Explore the downtown cultural district with its museums, shops, cafes, breweries and restaurants.
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There are lots of places to hike or snowshoe or step outside the city to visit some of the local wineries. Fly into Kelowna for your getaway or drive from your hometown, as the city is conveniently located on Highway 97, just 5 hours from Vancouver.
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Cranbrook
Even though there are eight world-class ski resorts within an hour of Cranbrook, there is more to do here than just the downhill snow sports.
Well known for its mild winters, this is a great destination for cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowmobiling, ice fishing, skating and snowshoeing. South Star Recreation Area offers more than 50 km of trails set amongst western larch and pine trees for cross-country skiers and fat bikers.
The Cranbrook Community Forest is also great for snowshoers and fat bikers. Lumberton has over 50 km of groomed snowmobile trails just south of the city.
There are four outdoor skating rinks and many lakes to enjoy skating on.
You probably want at least two days to explore and experience this winter wonderland. Fly in from Vancouver or Calgary and rent a car to get around. The drive from Vancouver is about 10 hours, from Kelowna about 6 hours, and from Calgary about 4 hours.
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Smithers
The lovely small town of Smithers has an Alps vibe at any time of year, but the snowy months of winter create a magic in this area that you may not have experienced before.
There are unlimited opportunities to go snowshoeing through the winter wonderland here.
The town boasts great little shops, eateries and accommodations, including its own brewery. There is a lovely little museum in the Visitor’s Center, and the volunteers will tell you stories of the town and its history.
The Smithers Snowmobile Association grooms trails in three areas and maintains six mountain cabins, so you can enjoy some time out if you happen to be bringing along your own machine. Check out the available snowmobile tours and rental equipment from Harvey Mountain Adventures.
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Take a short drive down the highway to Hazelton to see the much-admired Kispiox totem poles. There are approximately 24 totem poles here to view.
There are limited flights into Smithers with Air Canada from Vancouver, or it is an easy, and beautiful drive down Highway 16 from either Prince George or Terrace, where flights are more common.
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Kamloops
The little city of Kamloops sometimes misses travellers’ radars because it is a bit unknown compared to the other cities in the province. However, Kamloops is a nice place to spend a couple of days if you would like to experience some different activities this winter.
You can visit the British Columbia Wildlife Park, where you can wander around the park’s 100+ acres to view wolves, cougars, bison, moose, bighorn sheep, birds of prey, reptiles, and even a rare white Kermode bear.
Don’t miss the Wildlights Festival if you are visiting from mid-December to early January. If you want to have a bit more adventure, take some time on a fat bike touring down the snowy trails. There is even a fat bike club here – the Fat Fockers – who organize group rides in the winter.
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Spend a bit of time at Harper’s Trail, the first winery to open in Kamloops. This scenic spot boasts a spacious tasting room where you can sample award-winning wines in a spectacular setting.
The winery sits along the South Thompson River, surrounded by sagebrush-covered hills and hoodoos: tall, thin, otherworldly-looking rock spires.
Fly into the airport here or choose to drive from your home city or town as it is conveniently located on Highway 1, 3.5 hours from Vancouver, 2 hours from Kelowna or 7 hours from Calgary, AB.
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Whistler
While people head up to Whistler to ski and snowboard, this fun little resort town is also a great place to hang out for a couple of days.
There are plenty of shops to browse, restaurants to eat in and hotels to stay in. You can sit and watch the people on the slopes, go ice skating, fly down the tube slope, or have a bobsled experience. There are some great snowshoe trails around as well. Get a spa treatment to treat yourself.
Pick up a self-guided Cultural Connector brochure and map from the Visitor’s Center to take a tour of the wonderful galleries and museum.
The Peak to Peak Gondola is the highlight of your visit here – the scenic gondola will give you an excellent view of the stunning Blackcomb Mountains.
At the top, you can hide away in the chalet and drink a hot chocolate while soaking up the beautiful view. The only way to get here is by driving, so make time to enjoy the drive on the way up from Vancouver and back.
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