If you’re itching for a road trip, you can’t go wrong with these BC destinations. Go skiing at the oldest resort in Western Canada, unwind at some hot springs, or catch some winter waves. Here are 8 must-visit places in BC to check out before winter ends.
Unwind at Harrison Hot Springs
Hey, it’s a classic for a reason. Soothing hot waters, quiet spas and relaxing massages are what come to mind when thinking of Harrison Hot Springs. And so for that reason, we want to put the hot springs on your road trip map this winter, if you haven’t made it out yet. After all, it’s only an hour and a half drive away from the city!
Where: Fraser Valley
Check out Canada’s largest natural hot springs
Speaking of 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
Visit the oldest ski resort in Western Canada
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We know it’s a bit of a trek, but a trip to the oldest ski resort in Western Canada is always worth it, especially given the number of exciting events coming up this winter and spring. RED Mountain Resort has weekly night skiing, open mic nights, chair yoga, and more – as well as a few standout events coming up, including the U16 Alpine Championships, Rattlecat Cup, Saint Patrick’s Day Party, and the second annual wiener dog race.
Where: Southeast of Vancouver, BC
Spend the day in Lillooet
Lillooet is your typical BC beauty lined with mountains, lakes, and rushing creeks scattered in the hilly areas. Naturally, there are enough trails and water activities to keep you busy all day long, plus a ton of first-come-first-serve campsites that are perfect for getting away from the city and enjoying a good campfire & smores setup. So long as you have plenty of layers and are okay with the cold – there are simply too many natural wonders here to pass up.
Where: Northeast of Vancouver, BC
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
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Hit the slopes at Big White
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While Kelowna might be a hot spot for tourists during the summer months, it doesn’t quite get the recognition it deserves in the winter. From the dark blue waters of the Okanagan and the snow-dusted mountains, to the bounty of wineries bordering the lake, there’s still a ton to see and do when the weather is cold. But a quick rip from the town lies Big White, one of the province’s top destinations for skiers, snowboarders, and snow lovers of all kinds.
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
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
And that’s a wrap on some beautiful winter destinations and activities to look into in BC before the season ends. Cheers!
