7 places to go on a magical holiday sleigh ride in BC this winter

If you’re looking for a holiday activity filled with small-town charm, it doesn’t get much better than a festive sleigh ride. And if you’ve been craving a day trip out of Vancouver, even better, because these spots provide a much-needed getaway from the city. Time to hit the road, see some sights, and go on some family-friendly sleigh rides this winter.

Sleigh rides in Radium

As it turns out, the village of Radium Hot Springs is home to more than just its famed hot springs. From December 26th to 30th, visitors can cozy up in a horse-drawn sleigh that takes them on a tour of the charming town. Each ride is priced at $10 per seat, and must be booked in advance. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis, and can accommodate up to 10 to 12 riders depending on the sleigh ride time (11 am to 4:30 pm).

Where: 4863 Stanley Street, Radium Hot Springs

Sleigh Rides at Big White Ski Resort

From December 22nd to January 19th, visitors of Big White Ski Resort can go on a nostalgic journey on a horse-drawn sleigh through the enchanting winter wonderland of Big White, snuggled up beneath warm blankets as you glide across snow-covered trails. For a sleigh ride that is guaranteed to be surrounded by snow, this is a great pick.

Half-hour holiday tours are available at 11 am, 4 pm, and 4:30 pm daily for $35 per person or $25 per child between 5 and 11 years old. Hour-long tours are available at noon and 3 pm for $45 per adult and $35 per child.

Where: Kootenay Boundary, BC

Sleigh Rides at Grouse Mountain 

For a spot that’s closer to Vancouver, head to Grouse Mountain for a memorable mountaintop journey with access to a ton of holiday fun, including its popular pond skating rink. Visitors can hop on a sleigh ride just behind Santa’s Workshop throughout the winter season, the price of which is included with a Mountain Admission Ticket, Annual Pass, or Lift Ticket.

Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

Fort Steele Heritage Town 

During the winter months, the 98 heritage buildings and structures at Fort Steele Heritage Town may be closed for the season, but there is still plenty of fun to be had. For one, the National Historic Site will offer visitors sleigh and wagon rides every Sunday in December, weather permitting.

Where: 9851 BC-95, Fort Steele, BC

Horse Drawn Okanagan

Ready for the magic of Christmas carols, sleigh bells, and eight days of sleigh rides in the Okanagan? Head to Armstrong for the annual Horse Drawn Okanagan event, which offers visitors the chance to glide through the snow-covered valley.

Tickets are $23 for adults and $15 for children, and include a bonfire, complimentary cookies and cocoa, and visits with the horses and farm animals.

Note that three sleighs will be running on December 22nd to 24th and 26th, and two sleighs will operate from December 27th to 30th.

Where: 4735 Grandview Flats Road North, Spallumcheen

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Sun Peaks 

Every year from December to April, Sun Peaks Stables offers horse-drawn sleigh rides to visitors looking for a private tour of Sun Peaks Village. Starting at $425 for family sleigh rides, these 40-minute tours are definitely a splurge – but if you’re treating your family for the holidays, they’re well worth it.

Where: Unnamed Road, Heffley Creek

Holiday Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Fernie Alpine Resort

This month, visitors of Fernie can go snowmobiling on Coal Creek, ride in horse-drawn sleighs at the Fernie Alpine Resort (available daily from December 22nd to January 5th), indulge in a pancake breakfast with Santa, and take part in a number of community Christmas parties, craft fairs, and holiday concerts.

As for even more sleigh rides, the resort is hosting a special NYE celebration with even more opportunities to enjoy a festive ride, as well as free family-friendly activities and night skiing.

Where: 5339 Fernie Ski Hill Road, Fernie

And that’s a wrap on some magical sleigh rides you can go on in BC over the holidays. Enjoy!