Winter Activities in British Columbia

Winter in British Columbia can be frigid and harsh, with short days and brutal snowfall. But the hardy residents of Canada’s fetching western province make the most of it, turning what would otherwise be a misery into a season of adventures.

Among the best winter activities to try are:

Skiing

While this is an obvious choice for winter, British Columbia’s ski resorts make this worth traveling. There’s world-famous Whistler, of course, plus lesser-known gems, like Big White and Sun Peaks, that still offer great runs without the crowds. And in the Canadian Rockies, daring experienced skiers can run down the longest vertical drop of any resort in North America at Revelstoke.

Snowmobiling

Hit the backroads on a thrilling and scenic run that often involves a comfortable seat and heated handlebars.

Ice fishing

Hundreds of lakes freeze over in winter, yet are home to thriving populations of fish like rainbow trout. The province allows you to keep fish within certain parameters (they can vary by location), making for a tasty souvenir.

Snow Tubing

Ski resorts usually have thrilling tubing hills, with some offering side-by-side runs for racing and others complex courses with banked curves.

Ice Climbing

Frozen waterfalls abound, giving hardy climbers a reason to break out the ropes and harnesses in winter.