Winter Activities
Mountains reign supreme in winter
Skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, dogsledding, and heli-skiing: British Columbians know the excitement and adventures that can be found in winter months.
​
For some of the world’s best powder and second-to-none heli-skiing, head to the mountains. Both cat-skiing and heli-skiing were pioneered here, and the province is home to some unforgettable snowmobiling terrain. BC is home to more than 50 Nordic ski areas, many offering lit trails for night skiing. But there’s plenty to do besides skiing. Other popular winter pursuits in BC include snowshoeing, storm watching, and ice climbing.
Skiing & Snowboarding
10 mountain ranges and 13 destination ski resorts beckon with vast terrain, incredible snow, and an abundance of winter activities.
​
A trip to BC delivers life-affirming moments at altitude. Deep, consistent snowfall and vast mountain ranges with every imaginable terrain come together to create a playground of endless possibilities. British Columbia's 10 mountain ranges stretch across the province, punctuated by 13 resorts. Road trips over mountain passes reveal steep coastal peaks, slopes blanketed in champagne powder, and endless vertical chutes. In BC’s small mountain towns, locals enjoy a wilderness culture all their own, beckoning skiers from far and wide.
Cross Country Skiing
With more than 50 Nordic skiing areas across the province, it’s no wonder British Columbia is a popular cross-country ski destination.
​
No lifts, no lines–just gliding along a forest trail. Besides being a great aerobic workout, cross-country skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy BC’s snow-draped winter landscape. More than 50 Nordic skiing areas around the province offer everything from easy loops around ski resorts to world-class tracks at Whistler Olympic Park.
Snowshoeing
The sheer number of parks, resorts, and wilderness areas in British Columbia makes snowshoeing a winter favourite for beginners and experienced snowshoers alike.
​
Wander through snow-covered forests, spot wildlife tracks, and go where skiers can’t. Snowshoeing is a serene way to experience the winter landscape. Most BC ski resorts offer snowshoeing, and an evening tour might lead to a backcountry lodge fondue party or a marshmallow roast in the woods. Or, head out for a multi-day, hut-to-hut guided trek in one of BC’s wilderness parks.
Backcountry Skiing
British Columbia is home to 10 mountain ranges, and almost 15 per cent of the land is protected. Here, the backcountry terrain goes on seemingly forever.
​
Backcountry skiers truly “earn their turns.” The demands are big, and the rewards, even bigger. Think untouched runs, glades, glaciers, and remote vistas that few other skiers will ever see. The only catch? You need to get up the mountain with your own two feet. British Columbia, with its vast alpine wilderness and heavy snowfalls, is prime territory for backcountry skiing. Join an experienced mountain guide on a day’s exploration, or sign up for a multi-day, hut-to-hut backcountry adventure.
Dogsledding
Bundle up and let the pups lead the way as you explore British Columbia’s winter wilderness by dogsled.
​
Channel your inner polar explorer on a husky-powered run across the backcountry. Speeding through a frozen landscape behind a team of racing dogs is one of the most exhilarating ways to enjoy winter. Several BC ski resorts offer a variety of trip options with teams of friendly huskies that love to run. This historic method of transport used by Canadian fur traders and gold prospectors still echoes through BC’s frozen landscape to this day—along with shouts of “Gee!” and “Hike!” Enjoy dogsledding at many winter resorts in the province, including Whistler Blackcomb, Sun Peaks Resort in the Thompson Okanagan, and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in the Kootenay Rockies. Sit back, feeling exhilarated, as the eager team of huskies flies over snow-blanketed trails, panting and yipping with excitement.
Storm Watching
During the fall and winter months, powerful storms barrel across the Pacific Ocean, making the communities on the west coast of Vancouver Island the perfect place for storm watching.
​
Between October and March, winter storms pummel the west coast of Vancouver Island with waves that can be several metres high. The best part is watching them from inside a cosy coastal inn. While the more adventurous can head out for storm watching from the many trails and beaches surrounding Tofino and Ucluelet.
Wildlife Viewing
By land and sea, British Columbia is ecologically diverse.
​
British Columbia has some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and spotting wildlife in BC can take place at unexpected times and places. For the best experience, consider a professionally guided wildlife tour. Trained guides and naturalists take visitors into natural environments safely, informatively, and in comfort. Winter can be a great time to spot eagles, whales, and wildlife tracks.
Indigenous Cultures
Gain a deeper understanding of how the people and the land are intertwined.
​
Towering totems, ceremonial regalia, salmon feasts, and contemporary art—these are all part of British Columbia’s fascinating Aboriginal heritage. Throughout the province, galleries, studios, cultural centres, and First Nation-run hotels and resorts, as well as wildlife viewing tours and cultural experiences led by Aboriginal people, offer insights into these ancient cultures.
Food & Wine
Indulge in mouth-watering food and drink or find balance and wellness in BC.
​
Fresh local bounty, talented chefs, and a melting pot of cultures combine to make British Columbia a top culinary destination. In restaurants throughout the province, innovative chefs bring together international influences and a wealth of local produce, seafood, game, and wine to define a regional cuisine. In Vancouver, restaurants include some of the best Asian dining rooms east of the Pacific, while Victoria boasts more restaurants per capita than almost anywhere else in Canada. Whistler, the Okanagan Valley, and other regions each celebrate their distinct local flavours.
