We're spoiled in B.C. and that's the truth. From unique festivals and events to the most stunning natural setting imaginable, B.C. is sitting pretty, especially in the coldest season. We've put together some of our favourite magical places to go in B.C. all in one list so you can take advantage of this winter and make it your best ever.
Whether you're searching for an epic B.C. adventure or you want a little inspiration for the upcoming weekend, you'll find something on this list that's perfect for you.
This list rounds up the best in the province that you can experience this winter from your favourite annual standbys to unique places and activities you've never heard of before.
Winter in B.C. is special because unlike the rest of the country (sorry) it's typically warm enough to be out in the fresh air all season long.
That gives us plenty more chances to tick off items on our bucket list and it also makes us the envy of everyone freezing in - 40 C weather out in the eastern provinces.
If you love magical holiday lights, winter road trips and unique getaways then you're going to want to bookmark this page, send it to your friends and get a head start on this winter bucket list. Here are 20 of the most amazing things to do in B.C. this winter:
Ice Skating at Robson Square
Price: Free
When: December 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020
Address: 800 Robson St., Vancouver, BC
Why You Need To Go: This urban ice rink in the heart of the city is the most colourful and vibrant place to skate this winter.
Liard River Hot Springs
Price: Free until May 1, 2020
Address: 75100-81198 Alaska Hwy., Northern Rockies B, BC
Why You Need To Go: Soak in the most magical and picturesque hot springs way up in Northern BC for the ultimate bucket-list-worthy adventure.
Snowshoe on a Suspension Bridge
Price: Free
Address: Cheakamus River, Squamish, BC
Why You Need To Go: This insane suspension bridge near Whistler is perfect for snowshoeing but only if you're brave.
Ice Cave Explore
Price: From $1,395
Address: Whistler, BC
Why You Need To Go: Only for the ultimate winter bucket list, you have to try this luxury experience at least once. Travel to unreal blue ice caves by either snowmobile, snowbuggy or snowmachine on this once-in-a-lifetime guided adventure.
Explore the Kettle Valley Railway
Price: Free
Address: Trail runs from Hope to Castlegar, BC
Why You Need To Go: Whether you want to hike, snowshoe, fat bike or ski — exploring this epic B.C. trail when it's covered in snow is amazing.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Price: From $19
When: November 30, 2019, until January 5, 2020
Address: VanDusen Gardens, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver, BC
Why You Need To Go: Vancouver's most classic holiday light event will take you through a magical glowing garden full of Christmas delights like a mistletoe tunnel.
Lights by the Lake
Price: Free
When: Saturday, November 23 to Sunday, January 12
Address: Harrison Hot Springs, BC
Why You Need To Go: Walk the Christmas tree trail and skate on a pop-up ice rink right next to the picturesque lake at Harrison for a cute and cozy adventure not too far from Vancouver.
See the Helmcken Falls Snow Crater
Price: Free
Address: Wells Gray Provincial Park, 416 Eden Rd., Clearwater, BC
Why You Need To Go: One of B.C.'s most beautiful waterfalls gets cold in the winter and ends up creating a giant snow crater around its base that's incredible to see in person.
Light up the Vines
Price: Free, some wineries have tasting fees
When: Saturday, November 23, Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: Various locations in Summerland, BC
Why You Need To Go: This self-guided tour will take you through some of B.C.'s best wineries that are all decked out for the holidays. It's perfect for any wine-lover and holiday lights-seeker.
Check out Victoria's Epic Lights
Price: Free
Address: Victoria, BC
Why You Need To Go: From the magical holiday lights at Butchard gardens to the glowing parliament building and empress hotel, Victoria is the cutest place to be in the winter and you have to pop over on the ferry at least once this winter.
Book an Airbnb Getaway
Price: Varies
Why You Need To Go: With all of the wanderlust-worthy Airbnbs in B.C. there's bound to be one with your name on it.
Catch a Glimpse of the CP Holiday Train
Price: Free
When: Various dates in December
Address: Multiple cities
Why You Need To Go: Catch the CP Holiday Train rolling into B.C. cities like Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Moody and Port Coquitlam and join in the festivities like music and lights.
The Polar Express In Concert
Price: Tickets from $26.50
When: Tuesday, November 19 at 7 p.m.
Address: Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe St., Vancouver, BC
Why You Need To Go: If you loved the Polar Express, then you'll love experiencing it again with a full orchestra. It brings a whole new dimension to the holiday favourite movie.
See The Nutcracker
Price: From $37.50
When: Friday, December 20 to Sunday, December 22
Address: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver, BC
Why You Need To Go: You can't have winter without The Nutcracker. This magical ballet sets the tone for the most whimsical and wonderous winter ever.
Glow
Price: $19.99
When: From Thursday, November 21
Address: Various locations in Metro Vancouer
Why You Need To Go: There are two Glow Gardens in Metro Vancouver this year and they're perfect for getting lost in magical holiday lights while staying cosy warm inside.
Bumper Cars on Ice
Price: $30
When: February 2020
Address: TBD
Why You Need To Go: Just when you didn't think bumper cars could be more fun, now there are bumper cars on ice.
Canyon Lights
Price: $53.95 for adults, $39.95 for students
When: Friday, November 22, 2019, to Sunday, January 26, 2020
Address: 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver, BC
Why You Need To Go: Canyon Lights is a splashy adventure that you have to try at least once because you get to see a wild B.C. landscape magically transformed with lights.
Miracle Pop-up Bar
When: Monday, November 25 to Thursday, December 26
Address: Terra Restaurant, 326 Victoria St., Kamloops, BC
Why You Need To Go: There's no better place to indulge in a Christmas libation than the adorable Miracle pop-up bar in Kamloops this season.
Go Wild Ice Skating
Price: Free
Address: Various locations in B.C.
Why You Need To Go: Grab your skates and head out to a lake when the conditions are just right and go wild skating out on a lake.
Find the Perfect Tree at a Christmas Tree Farm
Address: Various locations
Why You Need To Go: There are a ton of cute as a button Christmas tree farms in B.C. where you can find your perfect tree, sip hot chocolate and spend a winter's day on the farm.
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