Winter is a truly magical time of year to explore all that B.C. has to offer. Renown skiing, snowshoeing, and Nordic trails, hidden hot springs, and incredible views in every direction you look. Here are some scenic winter road trips you can take from Vancouver to get out of the city for a little bit.
While it’s most popular during the warmer months, Osoyoos has many winter experiences to offer residents and visitors alike. Hit the slopes at Mount Baldy, visit the Art Gallery, or peruse the cute cafes and specialty shops on Main Street.
Drive time from Vancouver: Five hours
From amazing skiing options to cozy winter getaways on the lake, Nelson and Kootenay Lake have an undeniable draw during the wintertime. Catch a movie at the iconic Capitol Theatre, peruse the local shops, and warm up with some local brews.
Drive time from Vancouver: Eight hours
Revelstoke is home to no shortage of snowy, winter adventures, but chasing frozen waterfalls has to be at the top of our list. Some of the area’s most breathtaking, hidden waterfalls are known to freeze over every year, including Sutherland, Begbie, and Bear Creek Falls in Glacier National Park, and you can snowshoe directly to them.
There’s also a historic downtown with an open-air art gallery that has transformed its picturesque streets and alleyways with vibrant artwork that illuminates the night.
Drive time from Vancouver: Six and a half hours
Just 20 minutes north of Whistler, Pemberton has plenty of year-round hiking opportunities to take advantage of this upcoming season. After adventuring, you can unwind at some spectacular natural hot springs (Skookumchuck/Tsek Hot Springs and Sloquet Hot Springs). The former features tub-style pools, located one and a half hours north of the village of Pemberton along the Lillooet River. The latter are open year-round and offer visitors a chance to unwind on a first-come, first-served basis.
Drive time from Vancouver: Two and a half hours
Fernie is an emblem of small-town charm, home to a number of intriguing myths and legends. That aside, it’s considered a classic ski town in the Canadian Rockies, with plenty of runs and trails to choose from at Fernie Alpine Resort and beyond. From seasonal fireworks and carolling to the Light Up The Arts exhibition at the Fernie Arts Station, Fernie has a little bit of everything to offer.
It requires quite a bit of planning and driving to get there, but it’s well worth the trip!
Drive time from Vancouver: 11 hours
Not only is Vernon home to some of the most beautiful, snowy trails in all of Canada, but the quaint mountain city has tons of festive cheer to offer visitors. Caravan Farm Theatre has an immersive winter production that’s inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and there are over 105 km of groomed cross-country trails to explore. Plus, the Nordic trails at both SilverStar Mountain Resort and Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre are considered world-class, and the latter is home to some of the largest networks in North America.
Drive time from Vancouver: Five hours
Soothing hot waters, quiet spas and relaxing massages are what come to mind when thinking of Harrison Hot Springs, which are reason enough to make the trip this upcoming season. And if you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, be sure to check out Lights by the Lake, a vibrant promenade of holiday light displays that enchant visitors every night until Jan. 11, 2026.
Drive time from Vancouver: One and a half hours
This one is also a trek, but Kimberley is well worth it. Home to North America’s longest-lit night-skiing run, Kimberley Alpine Resort is a must-visit for winter sports lovers. You have 80 downhill ski runs across two mountain ranges and five trail networks to choose from, as well as plenty of groomed cross-country tracks at the Kimberley Nordic Club.
Kimberley’s downtown features a Bavarian-inspired town square, with a pedestrian-only Main Street (“The Platzl”) and the world’s largest free-standing cuckoo clock.
Drive time from Vancouver: 10 hours
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