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 B.C. 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.
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
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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
Surf in the winter
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
Explore Nelson
Here’s a fun road trip idea: Head to Nelson to make some funky memories this season, and see how the charming town transforms into the ultimate winter wonderland. Hit the nearby slopes at Whitewater Ski Resort or explore the galleries, boutique stores, and restaurants along the decorated historic main streets. This pick is a pretty broad one, but there are plenty of unique experiences to choose from.
Where: Nelson
Ski near Canada’s only desert
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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
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?
