British Columbia

Winter in BC

Snow, warmth, and adventure — BC winters are unlike anywhere else

British Columbia transforms in winter. The mountains fill with powder, the hot springs steam against the cold air, and the province's independent motels become warm refuges between adventures. Whether you're chasing deep snow or just looking for a cozy escape, BC has a winter experience waiting for you.

Province-wide

Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding

BC is home to some of North America's finest ski resorts — from Whistler Blackcomb and Big White to Red Mountain and Revelstoke. World-class terrain, reliable snow, and far fewer lift lines than you'd expect.

✓Whistler Blackcomb — largest ski resort in North America
✓Red Mountain, Rossland — legendary steep terrain
✓Big White, Kelowna — family-friendly with ski-in/ski-out villages
✓Revelstoke — deepest snowpack in BC

Book your motel in the nearest town rather than resort-side — you'll save significantly and still be minutes from the lifts.

Province-wide

Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing

BC's backcountry trail networks offer hundreds of kilometres of groomed cross-country tracks and snowshoe routes. Manning Park, Cypress Mountain, and the Kootenays are standouts for a quieter, more meditative winter day.

✓Manning Park — groomed trails through old-growth forest
✓Cypress Mountain, North Vancouver — closest to the city
✓Kootenay Pass — high-elevation snowshoeing with panoramic views
✓Lac Le Jeune — peaceful Nordic centre near Kamloops

Many Nordic centres rent equipment on-site — no need to haul your own gear across the province.

Kootenays & Interior

Hot Springs

Soaking in a natural hot spring while snow falls around you is one of BC's most memorable winter experiences. Nakusp, Radium, Ainsworth, and Halcyon are among the finest — all within easy reach of StayBC motels.

✓Nakusp Hot Springs — forested setting, uncrowded
✓Radium Hot Springs — dramatic canyon location
✓Ainsworth Hot Springs — unique cave pool experience
✓Halcyon Hot Springs — remote and serene on Upper Arrow Lake

Weekday visits are far quieter. Pair with a night in Nakusp or Castlegar for a proper winter escape.

Interior & Northern BC

Snowmobiling

BC's snowmobile trails are legendary. The Cariboo, Kootenays, and Northern BC offer thousands of kilometres of backcountry riding through some of the deepest powder on the continent.

✓Blue River — gateway to the Monashees, world-class powder
✓100 Mile House — extensive groomed trail network
✓Golden — Kicking Horse country with big mountain access
✓Smithers — Northern BC riding with spectacular scenery

Guided tours are available in most snowmobile hubs — a great option if you're new to the sport or unfamiliar with the terrain.

Interior & Northern BC

Ice Fishing

When BC's lakes freeze over, a whole new kind of fishing begins. The Interior and Northern BC offer excellent ice fishing for rainbow trout, lake trout, and kokanee — often in stunning mountain settings.

✓Lac Le Jeune — popular and accessible near Kamloops
✓Sheridan Lake — renowned for rainbow trout
✓Stuart Lake, Fort St. James — Northern BC classic
✓Kootenay Lake — large lake trout through the ice

Check ice thickness before heading out — a minimum of 10cm for walking, 25cm for a snowmobile. Local bait shops are your best source for current conditions.

Province-wide

Cozy Winter Stays

Sometimes the best winter activity is simply settling into a warm, welcoming motel after a day in the cold. BC's independent motels are at their best in winter — quiet, unhurried, and genuinely hospitable.