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. We’ve curated eight of our favourite finds for you, based on recommendations from our team and Members.

 ^{Photo by Moosu Guest House and Spa}

Kootenays

Moosu Guest House and Spa
Nelson, BC
Known for: Railway-style cabin with 12-foot ceilings, cedar hot tub, cedar sauna

Nestled on the mountainside of Blewett, a five-minute drive to downtown Nelson, Moosu Guest House gives you a relaxing spa stay with modern comforts. Moosu Guest House is a modern, railroad-style cabin for two people with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling bedroom windows for an incredible stargazing experience, and panoramic views of mountain peaks and Kootenay Lake.

Guests rave about Moosu’s five-star amenities, gas fireplace, thoughtfully-chosen welcome gifts and the private outdoor spa that features a salt water cedar hot tub and barrel sauna. Moosu is beautiful, comfortable, cozy, sweet and an excellent couples retreat.

Find it on: Airbnb  ^{Photo by Black Box Studio}

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
Find it on: Airbnb

 ^{Photo by A Suite Retreat}

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, where you can hike and bike in the warmer months.

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

Find it on: Airbnb and their website

^{Photo by Skohgus}

Fraser Valley

Skoghus
Chilliwack, BC
Known for: It’s a luxury treehouse with a hot tub and cows to feed

Next time you want to get away from it all, climb a tree to really get up and away. Skoghus ('forest house' in Norwegian) is a private, modern, A-frame treehouse. Perched in the centre of a Scottish Highland cattle farm, you’ll see pasture, forest and four-legged friends in every direction.

To get to this treehouse, you have to cross an elevated steel bridge. When you do come visit (and you really should), it’s recommended to park inside the fenced yard so cows don't rub on your vehicle! The yard has lots of space for bocce, campfires and hot tub soaking. Comfortable, cozy, breathtaking, unique.

Instagram: @bctreehouse

Find it on: Airbnb

^{Photo by Wildernest}

Bowen Island

Wildernest
Bowen Island, BC
Known for: A1971 31’ Airstream trailer on a private acre with an outdoor tub for two.

Located on beautiful Bowen Island, just a quick 20-minute float from West Vancouver, Moonshot the land yacht has been totally rebuilt into a comfortable and memorable escape. Ideal for couples, it has its own private acre of land. You’ll enjoy the record player, an indoor heated bathroom and shower, plus there’s a hot water outdoor shower and a vintage bathtub built for two. Enjoy the propane fire pit, picnic table, hammock and a charcoal BBQ.

As the Airstream borders the 450-hectare Bowen Island Eco Reserve, some of its woodland inhabitants may stop by for a visit, like the resident deer named Fez. This is an utterly charming, one-in-a-lifetime romantic getaway.

Instagram: @wildernest.bowenisland

Find it on: Airbnb
^{Photo by Point No Point}

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

Find it on their website

^{Photo by Buccaneer Beach House}

Buccaneer Beach House
Bowser, BC
Known for: rustic luxury, private beach, coastal rainforest

This one’s a hidden gem. Offering restful rustic luxury, this private, waterfront retreat delivers the relaxation and deep sleeps you desire on Vancouver Island. Located 84 km from Nanaimo, you’ll find this 400-square-foot cabin at the bottom of a winding trail amongst the tall trees along the Salish Sea. You’ll love the king-sized bed up in the loft and if climbing stairs is not your thing, there’s a sofa-bed on the cabin’s main floor.

This beach house is an oceanfront cozy-seeker’s dream. There’s a full-sized soaker tub, BBQ, wood burning stove, plus an outdoor fire pit (and you can have a nice beach fire just steps away). Coming for the wildlife? From your private deck, you’ll see sea lions, orcas, whales, bald eagles, blue herons and flocks of birds. Best enjoyed by one or two adults seeking rest, relaxation, romance, board games, fast Internet and absolutely zero TV screens.

Instagram: @buccaneerbeachhouse

Find it on Airbnb

^{Photo by Calmwater}

Calmwater Retreat
Ucluelet, BC
Known for: Scandinavian design, nearby beaches, hot tub views of a cove and trees

Want a gorgeous cabin near amazing Tofino beaches? Head to Calmwater Retreat that’s close to surfing and incredible sunsets at Little Beach and Brown’s Beach in Ucluelet.

This west coast beauty is inspired by modern Scandinavian design. Calmwater Retreat has six cabins, large elegant fireplaces, three EV chargers, fully-stocked kitchens and your own private hot tub. The moment you walk in the front door, you’ll see a beautiful, floor-to-ceiling view of cedar trees and Spring Cove below. That’s the view from your hot tub downstairs, near the two bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. Calmwater is, indeed, so peaceful, you probably won’t get out of the tub. If you do venture out for lunch, be sure to devour a delicious poke bowl at Ukee Poke.

Instagram: @calmwaterretreat

Website: calmwaterretreat.ca

Find it on: Airbnb

And there you have it, eight amazing cabins to add your must-visit list – just a few of the many incredible places around the province.

Travel like a pro and bring us along

Here are a few tips and reminders before you hit the road to keep your trip running smoothly and to maximize your BCAA Member savings along the way.

• Review your Membership plan to make sure you have the right level of coverage. BCAA Members always get access to exclusive savings, and if you're driving, cycling or taking your motorbike, you'll want to choose a Membership option with 24/7 Roadside Assistance; Basic, Plus or Premier Membership. Log on to your BCAA Account if you need to make changes before you go, or call us at 1.888.268.2222.
• Check your route and make sure you have the appropriate tires. Most BC highway routes require winter tires from October 1 to April 30. You can also prep your vehicle for winter driving conditions by visiting a BCAA Auto Service Centre, where you can get a maintenance package from $72. 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 App, your ultimate travel companion. In addition to helping you get faster Roadside Assistance, the BCAA App gives you access to 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 App.
• Protect your cozy getaway. It’s always a good idea to make sure you’re covered before 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. Plus, BCAA Members save 10%.*

Not a BCAA Member yet? Join today!

Have a cozy cabin recommendation to share? Join a new online community of likeminded people in BC to chat about life in our beautiful province at BCAA Connect.

Now you’re ready to unwind and enjoy a cozy cabin escape. Have a great getaway! And stay up to date on all the great ways to save, new BCAA Member savings partners, benefits and much more by subscribing to BCAA’s monthly eNewsletter.

 

^{Travel Insurance is sold through B.C.A.A. Holdings Ltd. dba BCAA Insurance Agency, a licensed insurance agency and is underwritten by BCAA Insurance Corporation. Insurance claims are administered by Global Excel Management Inc.
*Travel Insurance mice to call out TI savings available with Basic, Plus, Premier only.}