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Top British Columbia Small Towns & Cities For a Winter Getaway

Published by To Do Canada On January 10, 2026 Leave a response

Do you want a winter getaway in the Rockies, the coastal mountains, the rainforest, oceanside, lakeside, or riverside? No matter the type of scenery you prefer, the province of British Columbia has all of the above to offer a winter vacation! Within each of BC’s varying landscapes and regions are several vibrant communities, towns, and small cities, to make a basecamp for outdoor adventures or a sole vacation destination.

Some of BC’s best towns this winter feature several ways to explore the province’s great outdoors, like skating, sledding, alpine sports, Nordic skiing, or snowshoeing. Plus, many of these BC destinations host annual winter festivals that embrace the best parts of the season, from arts and culture to food and drink, recreation, sports, and more.

 

Note that winter tires are legally required on most BC highways from October 1 to April 30, including those on Vancouver Island.

Vancouver Island

Port Alberni

Located within the dense coastal forests of central Vancouver Island, Port Alberni is a hiker’s dream getaway location, no matter the time of year. The town itself is surrounded by expansive year-round hiking trails which lead to scenic lookouts, through scenic wooded areas, or both types of views. Whether you prefer a winter getaway centred around outdoor adventures like winter hiking or one centred around more relaxing activities like dining and shopping, Port Alberni has it all to offer visitors.

 
  • The Island is filled with many chances for winter adventures, as well as calmer, more relaxing outdoor activities. In Port Alberni, enjoy a quiet hike along the Alberni Inlet Trail or the Canal Waterfront Park.
  • Get out of town for a few hours with lengthier winter hiking trails found at Loon Lake, Stamp River Provincial Park or Fossli Park.
  • Keep your eyes and ears open during any outdoor adventures, whether closer to the water or the forests and mountains- this part of the island is home to a diverse wildlife population, including dozens of bird species. Wildlife viewing is a perfect activity for calmer days, while storm viewing is a perfect activity for the, of course, stormier days! Port Alberni’s waterfront becomes a great spectacle during coastal winter storms.
  • Local curling or hockey teams are a great source of indoor winter events.
  • Choose between a number of accommodation options in Port Alberni, which also offer a bit of variety in terms of ways to stay. Within town are locally owned hotels and motels, like the Riverside Motel, Redford Motel & RV, Ocean Marina Hotel, Chims Motel, or the Blue Marlin Inn.
  • After all of the hiking, shopping, and exploring, savour the local food and drink scene of Port Alberni. A few notable locations include the local breweries and distilleries like Alberni Brewing Company, Antidote Distilling Co., Twin City Brewing, Dog Mountain Brewing, and Cherry Creek Cidery.

Campbell River

The small city of Campbell River faces the northern stretch and end of the Strait of Georgia on Vancouver Island’s East Coast. The forested coastline town and area are made even more scenic with the surrounding mountains, and the distant mountains across the water. The city boundaries encompass much more than the city centre, including Elk Falls Provincial Park, the Beaver Lodge Lands, and more areas north of the River. And if one wanted to venture outside of Campbell River for the day, there is even more to find for adventures, accommodations, or sightseeing.

  • Most notable of those attractions that are a quick drive from Campbell River include the Mount Washington Alpine Resort. The park offers cozy winter accommodations, a Nordic Centre with cross-country ski trails and a toboggan hill, snowshoe trails, and downhill trails for skiers or snowboarders.

 

  • Keep the adventures within the city limits with the winter trails available within Elk Falls Provincial Park. The hiking trails follow the Campbell River on both sides with access to a suspension bridge and views of the waterfall.
  • The city of Campbell River has ferry access to the nearby and large Quadra Island, where you’ll find numerous scenic places to stay like the High Point Resort, Steep Island Lodge, the Gowlland Harbour Resort, or the Heriot Bay Inn.
  • There are plenty more options within Campbell River and on Vancouver Island, including waterfront hotels, bed and breakfasts, resorts, and private vacation rentals.

Duncan & Cowichan Bay

Cowichan Bay sits right beside the waters of the Saanich Inlet on southeastern Vancouver Island, while the town of Duncan is a bit further inland. Both locations are located right along Highway BC-1, with several scenic places to see between the two towns. These parts of the island’s coastline also face directly across from Salt Spring Island, another worthy destination which requires a ferry ride to access.

 

Kootenay Rockies

Revelstoke

There is no doubt that Revelstoke is one of the top base camps for mountain adventure in BC. The mountains or forests around the town and Mount Revelstoke National Park are a huge source for year-round outdoor recreation- from slow-paced and relaxing activities to more thrilling adventures. The mountains are a huge source of Revelstoke’s overall charm and stand imposingly behind the picturesque main streets. Beyond the mountains and recreation, Revelstoke also offers visitors a vibrant local scene of dining, shopping, and winter celebrations.

  • Embrace the winter weather in the scenic mountain setting of Revelstoke with the town’s annual Winter Carnival.
  • Mount Revelstoke National Park is a source for several types of winter activities, all within a 40-minute or 30km drive of Revelstoke. The park is home to incredible winter hiking, snowshoeing, fat biking, and cross-country ski trails.
  • More cross-country skiing awaits south of town at the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club, who groom an expansive number of trails along the west side of the highway.
  • Enjoy the downhill ski or snowboard experience at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort. The hill has areas for beginner to expert levels, as well as heli or cat skiing, and snowmobile tours!
  • Keep the winter fun turned up with Revelstoke Dogsled Adventures, which offer rides and tours along with interpretive and historical information about the area and trails.
  • The picturesque main streets of Revelstoke are enhanced by scenes of falling snow, or the white-covered mountains and trees. Explore tthe own to find numerous photo ops along with restaurants, pubs, and cafes.
  • The southern part of Revelstoke is home to a huge array of accommodation options, including the Mountain Resort, bed and breakfasts, chalets, and lodges. Many other options are available as well, along the scenic main streets of Revelstoke, closer to dining and shopping.

Vernon

The small BC city of Vernon sits on the northern side of the southern interior region and on the northern shores of Okanagan Lake. Beyond the fun offered by the lake over the warmer months, Vernon can offer just as much for a winter vacation. Surrounding Vernon are a handful of Provincial Parks and a major mountain resort.

  • The Vernon Winter Carnival will be back in town with an all-out-1980’s theme! Celebrate the annual Winter Carnival with all of the festival’s best flashback fashion, music and concerts, family events or dances, and culinary or dining! The Carnival includes over a week of fun throughout Vernon during two weekends in February.
  • BC’s Silver Star Provincial Park is only about 20km from Vernon, with a wonderful selection of winter activities. This includes downhill sports at the Silver Star Mountain Resort or world-class cross-country skiing with the Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre trail. Plus, many ski trails are near snowshoe trails, while the remainder of the park can be enjoyed on snowmobiles.
  • Closer to town is the Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, where snowshoers and skiers go for wilder, ungroomed trails and experiences.
  • Dive into Vernon’s history with visits to the Canadian Wildlife Museum or the Rustlers Table Restaurant at the Historic O’Keefe Ranch.
  • Warm up with those indoor attractions or a cozy drink from the local cafes like Ratio Coffee & Pastry, the Boarding House Café, Bean to Cup, or Mug N’ Muffin.
 

Invermere

Situated about halfway between Fairmont and Radium in the eastern BC Rockies, Invermere is surrounded by unique opportunities for mountain adventures. And while the town of Invermere is among BC’s great outdoors and near peaceful wilderness, it also has every service or amenity one would want on a cozy winter vacation.

  • Those unique opportunities for outdoor fun and winter adventures in the mountains begin with the two towns north and south of Invermere on Highway 93: Radium and Fairmont. These locations are great because while the pools are naturally fed, the facilities provide amenities like washrooms/changerooms, lockers, and a full resort in Fairmont.
  • Those two locations provide the winder adventures to the north and south, while the small ski village of Panorama offers adventures in the wilderness west of Invermere. The village is relatively small, but the Panorama Ski Resort is considerably large for a downhill ski area and is considered one of the top 10 places to ski/snowboard in North America. The resort area offers dining, outdoor pools for resort guests, and quiet walking trails through town.
  • Invermere is on the northern shores of Lake Windermere, one of many expansive lakes in the Kootenays. And over the colder winter months, the lake’s frozen surface is maintained for ice skating as the Lake Windermere Whiteway. Get your winter fun to the south and east of town with this 30km natural skating path. If skating isn’t your jam, then try the groomed cross-country ski trails which border the Whiteway.
  • Within Invermere, there will be several options for dining spots that help fuel these winter adventures. Start the day off with Invermere’s local Kicking Horse Coffee (available across Canada) and the brand’s flagship Kicking Horse Café. A few local casual dining options include Invermere’s Pizzeria Mercato, Rocky River Grill, or Fuze Takeout.
  • Find several more places to eat, drink, and socialize, in the heart of Invermere near 7th Avenue: these include the Spice Hut, Birchwood Restaurant, Bistro Family Restaurant, the Blue Dog Café, Peppi’s Pizza, or Stolen Church Gelato & Coffee.

 

Golden

When heading east in BC, Golden is one of the last major towns or stops before the Alberta border and Banff National Park. And while Banff is a great destination for winter, there is certainly no need to go that far east with all the winter fun in and around Golden. The town sits over the confluence of the Kicking Horse and Columbia Rivers to create several scenic waterfront areas around Golden. This unique town is surrounded by gorgeous mountain landscapes that house several types of adventure. Plus, the town itself is easy to navigate as a pedestrian with paths, bridges over the rivers, and a central area with all the local dining and shopping.

 
  • The gates for Yoho National Park are about 28km east of Golden. The park has a great number of winter trails to explore, including a few around the gem of the park, Emerald Lake. A few of Yoho’s winter trails are for cross-country skiing only, with others as multi-use for skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.
  • The Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, west of Golden, is a second excellent and nearby source for winter fun. The mountain resort is well-known for its downhill skiing and snowboarding runs, but offers much more for a winter vacation. This includes accommodation options, dining, and more activities like Nordic skiing, snow tubing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing.

  • Explore these Rocky Mountain views on an adventure like no other with the snowmobile tour options available with White n’ Wild in Golden.
  • There are just as many opportunities for fun inside and away from the cold as there are for outdoor adventures. Visit Golden’s Museum & Archives for historical info, or the Art Gallery of Golden for a perusal of local art in various forms. Plus, the Gallery has a full lineup of live winter shows for 2025.
  • Those organizations also help to host Golden’s annual Emberfest. The winter festival is a celebration of “the magic of light returning to the Columbia Valley” with free family-friendly entertainment and activities, and ticketed adult-only events.
  • Whether you want to stay right in Golden, closer to the ski hill, or closer to Yoho, there are a variety of options for all of the above needs! Several hotels and lodges surround the Kicking Horse ski area, while Yoho National Park provides on-site accommodations with winter backcountry cabins. There are also many options along the highways leading between Golden and these main attractions.

 

Southern Interior

Nelson

Nelson, a small city in BC’s southern Rockies, sits on the western side of the massive Kootenay Lake, and near where the lake meets the river of the same name. The natural beauty of the Nelson region makes it an obvious choice for a winter getaway, while there are many other reasons to visit. Nelson has a storied history, and much of that history was preserved through Nelson’s buildings and architecture to add to the picturesque views around town.

  • Get those historic vibes, picturesque town views, and access to Nelson’s local economy with a walk down Baker Street. The area is filled with historic buildings, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and ,on the far southwest end, the Nelson Visitor Centre.
  • This same area is also home to over a dozen hotels with varying amenities like spas, pools, or waterfront views.
  • Winter is a busy season for events in Nelson: celebrate local drink with the Nelson Tap Takeover, the arts with the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival, or the Kootenay Artisan Fair. More winter events include the Polka Dot Dragon Lantern Festival, or Kaslo’s Winter in the Forest Festival.
  • Outside of Nelson, by about 20km to the east, is the riverside Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. This easy-to-access park surrounds the main highway 3A with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities throughout the campgrounds. These trails are excellent for the scenery, wildlife viewing and birding, and winter picnics.
  • Add some thrills to your winter getaway with outdoor adventures at the Whitewater Ski Resort ,where you can easily fill a day with downhill skiing or snowboarding, as well as cross-country skiing. The resort also offers on-site accommodations beside the hill at the Hummingbird Lodge.
  • After your time with the thrills, cold weather, or recreation, spend some time soaking, relaxing, and taking in the views from the Ainsworth Hot Springs, 50km from Nelson.

Rossland

BC’s southern interior may not be as mountainous as other interior parts of the province, but areas like Rossland around the U.S. border still have plenty of large hills, small mountains, and breathtaking scenery. The small city sits at a relatively high elevation and near some of southern BC’s more remote wilderness areas. Overall, Rossland is a perfect combination of rural and urban to provide services, events, and accommodations, as well as outdoor recreation, quintessential BC scenery, and places where one can escape into nature.

  • The Rossland Winter Carnival will take place alongside the Blizzard Music Fest with family-friendly activities happening outside all weekend. Take part in outdoor recreation, enjoy the winter art, and find plenty of opportunities for local entertainment with the festival and carnival.
  • The RED Mountain Resort is a short drive north of the town of Rossland with expansive downhill ski areas, accommodations, dining, cross-country skiing, shopping, and more.
  • And across the highway from the Mountain Ski Resort is an expansive cross-country skiing area courtesy of the Black Jack Ski Club.
  • Between the ski resort area and the city, the area has plenty of options for ways to stay overnight. Within Rossland are several smaller inns and motels, or bed and breakfasts. And near the base of the RED Mountain Resort are a handful of lodges and smaller inns.
  • Take in the variety which Rossland’s dining and food scene has to offer. This could include sweets from Mountain Nugget Chocolate Co., brews from the Rossland Beer Company, authentic Chinese food and Dim Sum from Ying Cafe, or takeout from the Underbelly Bistro.
  • Keep the fun indoors for a colder day with the Rossland Museum & Archives, or the Trail Museum & Archives.

 

Northern British Columbia

Fort St. John

Fort St. John is BC’s major centre within the Mighty Peace Region. The area gets this name from the mighty Peace River, which runs to the south of Fort St. John. The town is also in a location where the Peace River branches into several smaller rivers, like the Pine or Beatton Rivers. This small city of the north is all about winter fun, whether in the form of recreation and sports, events and celebrations, or hiding from the cold with hearty food and warm drinks.

 
  • The High on Ice Winter Festival in Fort St. John is the town’s premier and signature winter event, with several ways for guests to embrace the best parts of winter. This includes everything from arts and culture to recreation, outdoor adventures, and dining or the culinary arts.

  • During the festival, or any other time over a winter vacation, take time to explore the vibrant local dining scene of Fort St. John. Gather for a drink or social time with the Silver Creek Cookhouse, North Bar & Grill, Audielicious, Mighty Peace Brewing Co., or Beards Brewing Co.
  • Similarly, there are as many wonderful local options for an early morning start, a warm drink, or for sweet treats. Fort St. John is home to cafes like Farmhouse on Main, Bean UpNorth Coffee House, The Canadian Grind Coffee & Tea, and the Red Barn Café & Catering.
  • Bring along skates for a winter getaway in Fort St. John, where there are three city-maintained outdoor rinks: the Alliance Church parking lot, the Mathews Park Skating Ribbon, and Surerus Park Rink.
  • Follow the trails around the Fish Creek Community Forest to also follow some of the small creeks created by the Peace River. These trails are easily accessible from the north end of town. The area offers 4-5km of level and simple trails.
  • Most of Fort St. John’s main or chain hotels are located along the Alaska Highway, which runs through the south side of town. Find even more toward the centre of Fort St. John around 100th Avenue.

 

Fort Nelson

Welcome to BC’s northern Rocky Mountains! Fort Nelson, one of the last major towns before hitting the NWT, sits at the northeastern base of the Rockies and alongside the confluence of the Muskwa and Fort Nelson Rivers. The area, as a winter getaway destination, has plenty to offer for any type of vacation: whether you’re after relaxation, winter adventures, or sightseeing and shopping around town.

  • Get out to help Fort Nelson and the Heritage Museum celebrate Heritage Days in the middle of the winter; or, close out the winter season with Fort Nelson’s Northern Lights Festival, specifically aimed at embracing the beauty of Northern BC’s Aurora views.
  • Many of Fort Nelson’s top restaurants or cafes, and pubs are located either on the Alaska Highway or a short drive off the main road. Many of these spots are perfect for a family meal, like the Triple G Hideaway Restaurant, The Fort Café, Northern Spice Pizza & Donair, or Yammy Sushi Restaurant.
  • Build up a hunger for these local spots with a visit to the Fort Nelson Demonstration Forest. The area is home to hiking and ski trails, washrooms, and picnic facilities.
  • While spending time up north, especially later in the winter, it is important to keep your eyes up and open for the Northern Lights, which may make a nighttime appearance in the skies around Fort Nelson.

Prince George

Prince George sits almost at the centre of British Columbia and on the banks of the Fraser River. The Fraser River Valley has carved out large hills all around the Prince George Area, with the Rocky Mountains to the east and BC’s coastal mountains to the west. Over the winter months, Prince George is an ideal location for various types of winter activities, given the small city’s warmer temperatures and heavier snowfalls. All that snow helps to make the area ever more scenic, too!

 
  • There is no shortage of room, opportunities, or trails for outdoor adventures around Prince George. Make use of the groomed trails at the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, or make use of one of sthe even outdoor skating rinks within Prince George. The Forests for the World on the west side of the city is one of the best nearby trails for a winter hike with lookout areas, a picnic shelter, and outhouses.

 

 

Lower Mainland/Coastal Mountains

Pemberton

Head beyond Whistler north of Vancouver this winter to find a quieter winter getaway than one might expect from the mountain resort and Whistler ski area! The village of Pemberton is about 150km north of Vancouver in the Squamish-Lillooet area and is the final stop, or “sky,” on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. So, while the fun of Whistler is always a day trip away for anyone in Pemberton, there are several reasons to keep the vacation within town or to the north. The drives between Vancouver and Pemberton, or from Kamloops to the east, make the visit worth the trip; Pemberton is in a large valley at the base of Mt. Currie with stunning 360-degree backdrops.

 

  • These coastal BC mountains offer a plethora of winter recreation with relaxing activities to the more thrilling and adrenaline pumping winter fun. Pemberton is especially well-known for having close access to expansive backcountry areas, too.
  • Head to the nearby Nairn Falls Provincial Park on the Soo River for a relaxing day of cross-country skiing; the park’s campground roads are regularly groomed for skiers each winter. Find more relaxing recreation in town by skating on the One Mile Lake. The natural ice surface is usually thick enough by mid-winter for safe ice skating. Bring skates and a sled/toboggan to One Mile Lake as the park is also home to a great hill.
 
  • If skiing isn’t quite enough adventure, you can take advantage of the thrilling tours available from Pemberton. Book a snowmobile tour through the backcountry with Broken Boundary, an ice fishing trip with Pemberton Fish Finder, or a winter trail ride with Adventures on Horseback.
  • These outdoor adventures or activities will build an appetite. Find your fuel or post-adventure meals with several great local options in Pemberton. The Beer Farmers are considered a must-visit in town with a micro-brewery and food menu while other highly rated local places include Mile One Eating House, The Pony, Lynx Café, or Backcountry Pizza.
  • Stay with places like the Pemberton Valley Lodge or the Ancient Cedars Lodge to have your room right in town. Or, find yourself a cozy cabin with private Air Bnb rentals available along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, or north and east of Pemberton.

 

Squamish

Squamish is also a major stop and town on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, but south of Whistler and closer to Vancouver. The coastal town sits over the Howe Sound which is dotted with islands both large and small. These coastal views, combined with the tall peaks which surround Squamish and Howe Sound, all create an incredible backdrop for any winter getaway or vacation in the area.

  • January will be one of the last months to get great glimpses of the eagle populations which inhabit the surrounding wilderness, especially within Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park. Fishing on the Squamish River and watershed are also permitted in the park!
  • Snowshoeing is another easily accessibly activity in Squamish that is suited to an array of athletic abilities. Grab a pair of rentals from Valhalla Pure Outfitters or book a guided snowshoe tour with Rise Mountain Adventures.

 

  • No trip to Squamish in the winter would be complete without a ride up the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, open year-round! The large park offers gondola rides, plus snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, tubing, scenic hiking trails, and onsite dining. And starting January 19, the Summit Lodge will feature live music every Sunday.
  • Warm up with a cozy, hot, or sweet drink while getting to know the best of the local restaurants and cafes in Squamish. This February, Squamish will host their Hot Chocolate Festival over several dates with hot chocolate guides available digitally or as hard copy (from the Squamish Adventure Centre).
 

Sechelt

The Sunshine Coast community of Sechelt is accessible by ferry from the Horseshoe Bay terminal in West Vancouver. The ferry stops in Langdale with about another 27km of Sunshine Coast Highway to cover before the stop in Sechelt. And along this drive are more vibrant communities to see or explore like Gibsons, Elphinstone, or Roberts Creek. Sechelt is situated in a unique spot where several different inlets meet to create the Sechelt Inlet on the north side of town. These watersheds then connect to the Strait of Georgia on the south side of town. This winter destination will have your vacation or activities surrounded by coastal, mountain, and forest scenery.

  • Take advantage of any calmer or warmer winter day in Sechelt with a stroll along the main Boulevard, through Friendship Park, or over the Trail Bay Pier.
  • From here, take time to explore the dining, local drinks, and quiet streets of Sechelt. Stop for drinks at the Batch 44 Brewery & Kitchen, for brunch at the Basted Baker, or for international cuisine with Taco Republic, or Thai Sechelt.
  • A few local places also host weekly or monthly events and concerts: track calendars for Batch 44, The Bricker Cider, or Artesia Coffee House.
  • Outside of town is where you can find great opportunities for winter adventures. The nearby Dakota Ridge Ski Area is home to 20km of groomed ski trails, 4km of snowshoe trails, backcountry snowshoe areas, and a toboggan hill.
  • For more of the great waterfront and coastal views available on the Sunshine Coast, plan a hike or winter picnic for Sargeant Bay Park.
  • Sechelt, also known as the town between two waters, has plenty of waterfront views to enjoy during your stay. Enjoy those views from your own room at hotels and inns like the Driftwood Inn
  • There are numerous private cabin rentals along the Sunshine Coast around Sechelt, Gibsons, and Langdale. Check out dozens of cabins between Airbnb and VRBO.

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