This big beautiful province is a treat to explore any time of year, and the colder months are no exception. Whether you’re looking to relax seaside, spend time in the mountains, or just see something different, there are more than a few hidden gem adventures that await you in BC! And, we’re here to share some of our favourites with you.

Here are the best hidden gem adventures to take around BC this winter.

Go for a skate on the world’s longest trail

Thought that the Rideau Canal was the place to beat for ice skating in Canada? Think again! Windermere Lake, located beside Invermere in the Columbia Valley, offers a mind-boggling skating trail stretching over 30km when fully open. With incredible views every step (or stride) of the way, this is a veritable winter wonderland.

Where: Invermere

Check out Canada’s largest natural hot springs

If you’re making the drive to Invermere, you should definitely take advantage of all the nearby treasures as well. Less than 30 minutes away lies the Fairmont Hot Springs, which are the largest natural ones in Canada. Or, if you’re heading north (thanks to our next pick) then the Radium Hot Springs are even closer!

Where: Fairmont Hot Springs

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Dine on top of a mountain

While Kicking Horse already made the list of our top ski resorts in the province, it also has one of the most interesting dining options in the country. That’s because the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant located here is actually the highest elevation in all of Canada. Talk about an amazing apres-ski option.

Where: Kicking Horse Resort, Revelstoke

Ski near Canada’s only desert

While Osoyoos is the place to stay to see the Okanagan Desert, an amazing ski resort exists just an hour outside of it. Our advice? Spend half the trip exploring this truly unique Canadian landscape, and the other half enjoying a hidden gem skiing spot. It’s a win-win!

Where: Baldy Mountain Resort, Oliver

Surf in the winter

 

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Maybe skiing isn’t your top pick as a winter sport. For those looking to embrace the British Columbian seaside during the colder months, then winter surfing is a must. What’s more, this is usually the best time of year to visit (for both surf conditions and prices), just as long as you’re properly prepared.

Where: Tofino and Ucluelet

Visit the Great Bear Rainforest

These next two picks might be well known, but their remote locations (and serious levels of environmental protection) ensure that they will be hidden gem adventures in BC for years to come. While you might not get to see a Spirit Bear, the Great Bear Rainforest is a stunning destination for nature lovers year-round.

Where: Kitimat-Sikine

Explore Haida Gwaii

 

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In a similar vein, the Haida Gwaii archipelago is often seen as the jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Not only does this destination feature some of the most stunning vistas in North America, but it has also been inhabited by the Haida peoples for the past 13,000 years. Naturally, an area like this deserves both cultural and environmental protection, and so potential visitors are asked to review the Haida Gwaii Pledge.

Where: Tlell and other areas

See a stunning winter waterfall

And for our final pick, we’ve got a very popular summer destination that we think is even more beautiful in the winter. Sitting in northern BC’s remote Wells Gray Provincial Park, Helmcken Falls form an awe-inspiring cone of ice during the winter, even though the water still runs. Talk about a visual feast!

Where: Wells Gray Provincial Park

That’s our list of the best hidden gem adventures to enjoy in BC this winter! Because after all, when you’ve got one of the most diverse regions to explore in Canada, why not make the most of it all?

Curiocity Staff

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that you’re always in the know.
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