Hit the Road With These 7 Unforgettable Winter Adventures.
November 09 2022, Mercedes-Benz Vancouver
Winter in Canada is more than just a season for hibernation. As pristine blankets of snow fall across the Pacific Northwest, we’re treated to a winter paradise that’s not to be missed as the roads open up to cold weather adventure.
Watch the snow fall around you as you rejuvenate in the natural hot springs of BC, or feel the crisp winter breeze on your face while you’re pulled through the Rockies on a dog sled. Wherever the road takes you, there’s no shortage of experiences to discover this winter.
Read on to discover some of our favourite road trip adventures.
The Rimrock Resort & Spa
We must advise caution as you step through the doors of the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, Alberta, as you may never want to leave! This massive rustic luxury resort carved into the side of Sulphur Mountain boasts spectacular views of the Rockies and its surrounding forests.
Rimrock rooms have a certain magic to them, woven with a combination of rustic and modern elements, creating an atmosphere of comfort that’s hard to find anywhere else.
You can dine at a variety of restaurants and lounges including Primrose, Eden, Larkspur, and Divas, or opt for comfort with premium room service. We recommend staying for at least three nights to get the full experience, and make sure you book your spa treatment.
Liard River Hot Springs
If you’re looking for the perfect winter road trip getaway, look no further than Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park. These natural springs are open year-round but visiting them in the winter offers an experience unlike any other.
The Northern BC destination is less crowded in the winter months, meaning you’ll have the place to yourself as you rejuvenate your body in the natural mineral waters, filling your lungs with fresh mountain air.
If you're planning on staying for more than a day, cozy up at the nearby Northern Rockies Lodge in Muncho Lake. This allows an opportunity to experience a night time soak in Liard Hot Springs, where you’re likely to witness a majestic Northern Lights show.
Banff SnowDays Festival
Set aside a few days (or a week) sometime between January 18-29, 2023 for the perfect blend of history, culture, and winter action at the annual Banff SnowDays festival.
We recommend exploring the TRIBUTE Craft Spirits Celebration for amazing cocktail menus and a two-day outdoor event at the end of the festival where the historic Bear Street is transformed into a host of spectacular food and drink stations.
If you’re into shredding the powdery slopes, you’ll find tons of opportunities for skiing, mountain tubing, and even dog sledding. After you’re done on the slopes and ready to warm up, try making a s’more at the outdoor bonfire or soaking in the Upper Hot Springs of Banff.
There’s truly no better place to make some amazing winter memories than Banff.
Tofino Storm Watching
Take a break from the snow and frost with a scenic drive to Tofino to experience a temperate coastal rainforest and its famed tumultuous weather.
This storm watching hot spot is known for its dramatic swirling skies and winds during the winter months. Watch from the comfort of the Wickaninnish Inn, or any of the numerous Tofino resorts, as the winds bend the trees and the waves crash and swell up to 20 feet!
Aurora Borealis
There’s no better way to put your world into perspective than to gaze in awe at the sheer beauty and majesty of the Aurora Borealis in Northern BC from December to March.
If you’re already planning on driving the Alaska Highway up to Liard Hot Springs, set aside time to make a stop at one of the communities along the way, such as Dawson Creek. These small towns have almost no light pollution, making them perfect for watching the late-night spectacle.
Snowmobile Tours
Young or old, experienced or new, snowmobiling in BC is the perfect group activity.
Contact a snowmobile tour operator like White N’ Wild for a scenic ride through the trees and mountains of the Rockies. You’ll have guides coach you through the snowy terrain of BC, instructing you on the use of snowmobiles (which are surprisingly easy to learn for new riders). Just remember to layer up for the weather.
Fun Fact: White N’ Wild tours also provide you with delicious hot chocolate and home-made cookies for your trip.
Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is likely the most Canadian-esque activity of all winter adventures, and yet most Canadians have never experienced it.
Feel the raw power of the huskies pulling you through a winter wonderland, all while learning about this historic mode of northern transport used by Indigenous communities of the north. Whether you try it at the Banff SnowDays Festival, or pair it with a ski trip at Whistler Blackcomb or Sun Peaks Resort in Kamloops, you’ll be recommending this exhilarating experience to family, friends, and colleagues for years to come.
You can also choose from a variety of other tour guide providers around BC:
- Mountain Man Dog Sled Adventures
- Canadian Wilderness Adventures
- Cold Fire Creek Dog Sledding
- Revelstoke Dog Sled Adventures
