If, like us, you’re constantly on the lookout for unique getaway ideas, here’s a thought: why not make your next road trip destination a cozy cabin escape. Relaxation? Check. Beautiful scenery? Absolutely. Lucky for us, British Columbia offers a wide array of incredible places to wake up in the woods, by a lake or with an ocean view. So, we’ve curated seven of our favourite recent finds for you, based on recommendations from our team and Members.

Helpful tip: Ever popular, these cabins are filling up quickly this fall, especially now that international travellers are returning to BC, so it’s a good idea to reserve well in advance. Even if you can’t secure a spot this year, these stunners are worth bookmarking for the future.

Here are seven of BC’s coziest cabins and cottage-esque studios, divided by region:

Kootenays

Two Bears Cabin
Kootenay Lake, BC
Known for: Log cabin with panoramic view and decorative bear carvings

Two Bears is an incredible retreat for 1-3 couples or your small family. Built on a cliff in 1999, this lovely log cabin has a huge wrap-around deck and two-storey windows overlooking Kootenay Lake, BC. You’ll get a wood stove, claw foot tub, firepit and firewood, two bedrooms, three beds and the finest lake view anywhere.

Enjoy spectacular views of the Selkirk Mountains and the north and south of the lake. 7-night minimum peak season (May - mid-October), then 4-night minimum for fall/winter. You can take a free, 35-minute ferry ride to the west side of Kootenay Lake (it’s the longest free scenic ferry ride in the world), where you can soak in hot springs, hike to a glacier, fly on a zipline or visit the historic towns of Nelson and Kaslo.

Facebook: @twobearscabin
Bookings & more photos via VRBO

Thompson Okanagan

Black Box Studio
Kamloops, BC
Known for: Firepit, BBQ, garage door and a record player

Escape to a spectacular desert paradise. Sure, this is more a private studio than a full-blown cabin, but we thought you’d enjoy a peek inside a truly special BC vacation rental. Located in the sagebrush hills 20 minutes east of Kamloops, BC, the Black Box Studio (and Black Box Container Home) is lovingly built from four recycled shipping containers from the Edmonton-based modular home builder Honomobo.

The Black Box Studio is an ultra-modern, modular studio attached to the owners’ home via a dividing breezeway. Guests rave about the river view, spectacular sunset light in the valley, 55” TV with Apple TV, horses in the front yard, a 3-minute drive to the award-winning Monte Creek Winery and a private trail down to the South Thompson River. Simply spectacular.

Instagram: @blackboxcontainerhome
Bookings via Airbnb

A Suite Retreat
Whitecroft, BC
Known for: Your own 330 square-foot deck, lovely hot tub and wood-burning fire pit under the stars

To quote wowed guests, this rustic-meets-industrial retreat is “better than home.” It’s technically a suite inside a log cabin but, thanks to stylish décor and a ton of amenities, you’ll think you’re in a 5-star luxury cottage. And just 7 km from Sun Peaks ski resort.

Every direction you look, you see a dozen thoughtful touches like reclaimed wood artwork, crisp linens, a jam-packed pantry, water cooler, tea station, fresh herbs, infrared sauna, hotel-grade mattress and barn door entrance. There’s also a well-thought-out media room/station with a plush napping couch and a delicious organic breakfast every morning. Book this when you can – it’s one of the best romantic getaways out there.

Instagram: @asuiteretreatbnb

Coast Mountains

Ivey Lake Lodge (The Bunkhouse)
Pemberton, BC
Known for: Lakefront, 1-bedroom log cabin with stunning views of Mount Currie

Perfect for your couple’s getaway and just 35 minutes from Whistler, The Bunkhouse is ready to host your relaxing retreat away from all of it. Located on a beautiful, 5-acre, lakefront property, the cabin features a private deck, BBQ, fully equipped kitchen, washroom, cozy living room, wood stove and queen bed in an open loft (you climb up a pull-down step ladder). Ivey Lake is known for trophy fly-fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, forgetting the city and enjoying long, relaxing sleeps in the mountain air. Cell phone reception is touch and go, but you don’t come here to be on your phone.

Facebook: @iveylakelodge

Bowen Island

Eastman Waterfront Cottage
Bowen Island, BC
Known for: Hand painted furniture and a private beach and deck

A very popular Bowen Island getaway (it’s pretty full until after New Year’s), this charming cottage was built from cedar in the 1950s and delivers spectacular westerly views, a panoramic view of Howe Sound and gorgeous BC sunsets. The cottage sleeps 2-4 guests in 2 bedrooms and features hand-painted furniture, a wood stove, BBQ on the deck, a convection oven and your own private beach for swimming and kayaking.

Just a quick 20-minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, this Bowen Island beauty invites you to bird watch, seal watch, hike or bike up Mount Gardner, play games or read a stack of books. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll see a migrating grey whale or killer whale (in the ocean, that is, you won’t have to share your cottage).

Bookings and photos via Airbnb and Bowen Island Accommodations.

Vancouver Island

Point No Point
Shirley, BC
Known for: 25 private beachfront cabins with hot tubs on every deck

Located about 25 km west of Sooke on Vancouver Island’s rugged southwest coast, Point No Point has hosted cabin-lovers since 1952. Whether you like rustic or modern, Point No Point has a cabin for you. They’re all perched on a bluff high above the shore on 40 acres of west coast waterfront.

You get fireplaces, full kitchens, a take-out restaurant, hot tubs, in-cabin massages and endless crashing surf. You’ll find lots of classic Adirondack armchairs that are begging for you to relax in with a good book, binoculars, or a well-earned, post-hike nap. Come morning, make sure you get coffees and croissants at the nearby Shirley Delicious cafe, one of our 10+ best restaurants and food experiences on Vancouver Island.

Instagram: @pointnopointresort

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
Parksville, BC
Known for: Beach spa resort with rustic, all-wood cottages

Two hours northwest of Victoria, you’ll find this classic island paradise on a three-kilometre stretch of sandy beach that boasts the warmest ocean swimming waters in Canada. Tigh-Na-Mara is home to vacation experiences for families, explorers, and those reconnecting in nature with more than 18 room types.

The resort has suites and pet-friendly, 1-2 bedroom cottages featuring rustic log headboards, wood-burning fireplaces, full kitchens, private decks, six nearby golf courses and a mineral pool, all just steps from the Pacific Ocean. After a treatment in the Grotto Spa (the #1 spa in BC), dine in your bathrobe at the spa’s tapas restaurant, or head to the Cedars Restaurant & Lounge. Sooner or later, you’ll be invited to a wedding here, and you’ll be glad you made the guest list.

Facebook: @Tigh.Na.Mara
Instagram: @tighnamara

And there you have it, seven amazing cabins to add your must-visit list – just a few of the many incredible places around the province. Are there any fave BC cabins that you’d add? We’d love to hear from you. Plus, share your pics with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #TravelwithBCAA!

Travel like a pro - bring us along for the ride

Driving to your cabin destination? Your BCAA Membership will help keep your vehicle moving and earn you Member exclusive savings along the way. With 24/7 Roadside Assistance, we’re always here to help in case of the unexpected. If you’re travelling in cooler months, it’s always a good idea to take a bit of extra time to plan before you go to ensure your adventure goes smoothly. A few reminders before you hit the road:

• Review your Membership plan to make sure you have the right level of coverage. With a Plus or Premier BCAA Membership, you’ll get up to 160/320km of towing distance, motorcycle and e-bike coverage, road trip interruption coverage, and more. If you need to upgrade your BCAA Membership, be sure to upgrade or make any changes well before you leave by logging in to your BCAA Online Account or calling us at 1.888.268.2222.
• Check your route and be sure to get your winter tires on if needed. Most BC highway routes require winter tires after October 1. Beat the 'first snowfall’ rush by scheduling your appointment in October. You can also prep your vehicle for winter driving conditions by visiting a BCAA Auto Service Centre, where you can get a winter maintenance package from $58. This provides you with a status check on various safety aspects of your vehicle so you can feel confident when you hit the road.

• Download the BCAA Mobile App, your ultimate travel companion. In addition to helping you get faster Roadside Assistance, you can access real-time travel conditions and savings from BCAA Rewards Partners along the way. Learn more about how to get the most out of your BCAA Mobile App.
• It’s always a good idea to insure your cabin getaway. Should you need to cancel your trip, BCAA’s Trip Protection Coverage can cover your cancellation expenses like your pre-paid ferry reservations or vacation rental if the reason isn’t related to COVID-19. Plus, BCAA Members save 10%.

Not a BCAA Member yet? Join today and get the Best Roadside Assistance for less than $8 a month.

Have a great getaway!

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