If you’re in search of a cool day trip idea in BC this winter – it’s time to add Bridge River Valley to your road map. Situated near the small recreational community of Bridge Lake, this winter excursion is a great add-on to a day of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the area.

If you’re up for a short but moderately challenging hike, the Bridge Lake Ice Caves is a trail network consisting of a 2 km loop, and your reward is several small ice “caves,” which early settlers would harvest ice from to keep their food cold, according to local historians. 

What’s more, it’s not uncommon to find ice within these caves year-round, including late summer.

Visitors can hike through the forest to a couple of viewing platforms overlooking the southern shore of Bridge Lake.

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bridge lake ice caves
Photo via Shutterstock

To get to the trail network, visitors can drive south on Highway 97 for approximately 8 km and turn left onto Highway 24. After around 43 km east, you’ll find a parking area on the left-hand (north) side of Highway 24.
Here, you’ll see two totem poles at the parking lot’s entryway.

Note that the trail leads to an escarpment above Bridge Lake, which has a potential falling hazard. So exercise caution, and enjoy the views!

So there you have it, explorers. If you’re looking for something fun and wintery to do on your next local adventure in BC, this is a great option.

Bridge Lake Ice Caves Trail  

Where: Bridge Lake, BC