British Columbia is a world-class destination all year around – but it really comes into its own in the winter. From skiing to skating to ziplining through the mountains, our province really has it all.

As the weather starts to dip, it’s time to get ahead of the game and consider which must-do winter activities to check off your BC bucket list.

Here is a fantastic list of activities for you to dive into this winter.

Snowshoeing

BC has an insane amount of snowshoe trails – there are 1,130 snowshoeing trails listed on Alltrails.com. For this activity you’ll need snowshoes that are right for your weight, the terrain and snow conditions. Depending on the length of the trail, you’ll also need water, snacks and layers. And of course, waterproof boots. Here’s a great resource to learn more. Picking the best trail is tricky, but here are two that we love:

Wapta Falls, Yoho National Park (Easy)

An almost 5 km out-and-back trail, around 40 km outside of Field. It takes just under 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. It’s a popular trail so you’ll encounter other explorers along the route. Wapta Falls is the largest waterfall of the Kicking Horse River, at approximately 18 metres high and 107 metres wide.

Black Tusk Trail, Garibaldi Provincial Park (Hard)

Not for the faint of heart. It’s a 25.9 km loop, about halfway between Squamish and Whistler, that takes over 10 hours to complete with an elevation gain of over 1,700 metres. The views on the climb are breathtaking. This is one of the most scenic hikes in the area. Due to shorter days in winter, this snowshoe will likely roll into a two-day adventure. All the details you need about the trail is here, which includes great info on planning an overnight trip.

Skiing 

It’s hard to fathom winter in BC without skiing. There are 13 major ski resorts around the province, plus an array of smaller ones. For this activity you’ll need: properly fitted skis and boots, helmet and poles, winter clothing, sun cream and lip block. Here are two must-visit ski resorts for all levels:

Sun Peaks Resort 

Located 50 minutes outside of Kamloops, Sun Peaks Resort has everything you’ll need... three skiable peaks that stretch across 4,270 acres. It is Canada’s second largest ski area. It receives over six metres of snow per year and the mountains become covered with dry powder that is famous in the interior. All skiing levels welcome!

Big White Ski Resort (known by locals as “Big White’) 

Located 45 minutes outside of Kelowna, Big White Ski Resort calls itself “Canada’s Favourite”. It’s a beautiful time of year to visit the Okanagan and the views do not disappoint. This resort sits at the highest summit in the Okanagan Highland between the Monashee Mountains and the Okanagan Valley. There are 105 km of marked runs broken down as follows: 18% for beginner, 54% for intermediate, 22% for expert, 6% for extreme.

Storm watching in Tofino

Tofino is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island – at the westernmost part of the Island. There is nothing between Tofino and Japan except Pacific Ocean. That gives everyone an opportunity to view Mother Nature at work: dramatic skies, rain, beautiful colours and occasional sunshine. Grab a chair and lean into the wind at Chesterman Beach. Or head to Cox Bay Beach, where it’s known to have the biggest waves. What to bring? Warm clothes, rubber boots and a waterproof jacket. Be safe! Check the weather forecast before you go and get all your Tofino stormwatching info right here.

Driving to Tofino can sometimes be a full day of transit when you factor in the ferries. Did you know you can fly there in 45 minutes and save 10% with your BCAA Membership with Pacific Coastal Airlines?

Ice fishing at Dragon Lake, Quesnel

The 225-hectare Dragon Lake is minutes away from downtown Quesnel. It also happens to be stocked with rainbow trout. One of the highlights of the Cariboo Region, Dragon Lake is the home of trophy-sized rainbows. Fish over 10 pounds are caught regularly. Things you will need: ice auger, ice fishing rod, ice fishing lures and more. Check the freshwater regulations before you go and ensure there isn’t an ice-fishing closure or bait ban in place. In BC, all anglers over the age of 16 require a freshwater fishing license to go ice fishing. All the details are here.

Skating in Invermere

Invermere has the world’s longest natural skating rink dubbed “The Whiteway”. It stretches 34 km across groomed surface on Lake Windermere (once it’s frozen, of course). There are three official ways to access the ice: one at Kinsmen beach in Invermere, one at the Invermere Bay Condos in Invermere and one at Windermere beach in Windermere. What to bring? Skates, warm clothing, water and snacks.

Zipline through the snow in Whistler

Ziplining is not only a summer activity! Winter ziplining is becoming more popular. If you’re in the Whistler area, you’ll want to consider a Winter Après Tour. You can do this after a day of skiing or make it the main activity of the day. Zip through old growth forest and catch some snowflakes along the way. All gear is provided—you’ll just have to meet the ziplining height, age and weight requirements.

Soak in a hot spring in Northern BC 

You’ll find the second largest natural hot springs in Canada located at kilometre 765 of the Alaska Highway, approximately 60 km north of Muncho Lake Provincial Park. Liard River Hot Springs is a natural river of hot water rather than a spring-fed, man-made pool. Situated in a diverse area, it was originally known as the Tropical Valley. Pack your bathing suit and some warm layers for an epic trip to Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park.

Those are some of our winter bucket list activities. What are yours? Share your favourite, must-do BC winter activities with us on Facebook or Instagram and have an epic winter!

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