Archie MontroseBest Day Trips from Vancouver in Winter
We’ve been there. It’s the winter season, and you’re stuck indoors. But hey! Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t have fun outdoors, right?
In fact, we’re here to tell you that we’ve found some of the best day trips you can take from Vancouver in the winter. We had a ton of fun checking these places out, and we’re here to tell you all about them.
Go Skiing at Whistler Blackcomb
Website: https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/
Address: 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-967-8950
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Hours from Vancouver: 1 hr 32 min (122.6 km)
Lift ticket price:
- Adult – $132
- Child – $67
Being one of the best ski resorts in and around Vancouver, here you’ll find great mountains with incredible terrain and groomed trails. And the views, when you ride the peak-to-peak gondola ride, when the clouds clear, are breathtaking.
We’ve got to tell you, though, that the lifts at the bottom are busy, but they move, so you won’t have to wait too long to get up the mountain. Once you’re on the Gondola ride, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for black bears, marmots, and chipmunks.
Pro tip:
- Make sure to take your map with you! Yes, there are signs, but some of them are a little worn so it’s wise to have your map with you to avoid getting lost along the trails.
Warm Up at Harrison Hot Springs
Website: https://www.harrisonresort.com/
Address: 100 Esplanade Ave, Harrison Hot Springs, BC V0M 1K0, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-796-2244
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Hours from Vancouver: 1 hr 30 min (131.5 km)
Price:
- Adult – $9
- Senior (65 years old and above) – $6.75
- Youth (5 to 15 years old) – $9
- Children (Below 5 years old) – Free
A 90-minute drive from Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs is the place to be if you’re looking to warm up during winter. Nestled in the gardens of the Harrison Lake shoreline, you can relax in one of their five mineral pools.
If you’re looking to make your day trip a relaxing retreat, this place also has a variety of spa services, from massages to facials. After that, you can enjoy a meal at the Lakeside restaurant, go on a nature walk, or take a tour down the Harrison River.
Pro tip:
- If you plan to use the pool, take an extra swimsuit and towel as you’ll definitely want to go in the pool more than once.
Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Website: https://www.capbridge.com/
Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-985-7474
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:30am to 7pm
Hours from Vancouver: 12 min (8.5 km)
Price:
- Adult – $66.95
- Senior (65+ years) $61.95
- Student (18+ with valid ID) – $53.95
- Youth (13 – 17 years) – $36.95
- Child (6 – 12 years) – $26.95
- Kiddie (5 years and under) – Free
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a popular destination all year round, but did you know that it gets extra pretty during winter? The park’s scenery is elevated with multi-colored light displays from the bridge to the cliffwalk.
There are even live festive tunes playing in the background, and you can also participate in the Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt!
Pro tip:
- It’s best to purchase a year pass here if you plan to visit more than once as tickets run out pretty fast, especially during winter season.
Take a Ferry to Victoria
Website: https://www.victoria.ca/
Address: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Contact details: 250-385-5711
Operating hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Hours from Vancouver: 4 hours (107 km)
- Adult – $18.50
- Youth (5 to 11 years old) – $9.25
- Children (Under 5 years old) – Free
- Vehicles – $63.85
A day trip to Victoria from Vancouver (Row 605, Daytrip to Victoria from Vancouver) is one of the more unique experiences you can get if you’re looking to take a more cultural trip from Vancouver.
This simple town offers a rich blend of British history and charm, where you can explore the iconic Parliament Buildings and take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Inner Harbour.
If you like learning about history, head to the Royal BC Museum, where you can learn about the indigenous cultures of British Columbia.
Pro tip:
- There are a lot of Christmas markets in Victoria, so we highly advise visiting multiple markets to fully experience the festive atmosphere here during winter.
Have a Beer at Salt Spring Island Co.
Website: https://www.saltspringbrewing.com/
Address: 270 Furness Road Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 1Z7
Contact details: info@saltspringislandales.com
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30am to 6pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11:30am to 7 pm
- Sunday: 11:30am to 6 pm
Hours from Vancouver: 2 hr 8 min (73.9 km)
This fun little brewery in the woods of Salt Spring Island has many great brews and a very country atmosphere, with rustic wooden tables and chairs.
It’s also very secluded here, and you get to taste five different kinds of beer: Pale, Golden, IPA, ESB, and Vanilla Stout, for $8.There’s also a tasting room up a set of stairs, and it’s cozy, and well-lit, much like hanging out with your friends a treehouse.
Pro tip:
- Try to score seats on their outdoor patio as space is a bit limited inside. The chairs converted from old beer kegs!
Drive to Sun Peaks
Website: https://www.sunpeaksresort.com/
Address: Sun Peaks, BC V0E 5N0, Canada
Contact details: +1 250-578-5474
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Hours from Vancouver: 4 hr 26 min (411.5 km)
Price:
- Adult – $149
- Youth (13 to 18 years old) – $119
- Children (6 to 12 years old) – $10
- Senior (65 to 79 years old) – $16
A cozy Alpine atmosphere awaits you at Sun Peaks, with a wide variety of things to do and restaurants to eat at. If you don’t want to deal with the crowd at Whistler and don’t mind the 4-hour drive, this is a must-visit.
This winter destination feels quaint, as if you’ve stepped into a small town in Europe. The terrain is suitable for all the family and there are areas for snowboarders as well.
Pro tip:
- Skiing down the main street of the village is a unique way to appreciate the European-style buildings here at Sun Peaks so make sure to do that!
Escape the Crowd at Manning Park
Website: https://www.manningpark.com/
Address: 7500 BC-3, Manning Park, BC V0X 1R0, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-668-5922
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Hours from Vancouver: 2 hr 18 min (216.9 km)
Come to Manning Park for the nature, and stay for the relaxation and tranquility. It’s a great day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the best part is that you’ll often have the ski slopes and hiking trails all to yourself.
There’s also a lake close-by that freezes up during the winter where you can go ice skating, and there’s a nice and easy hiking trail as well.
Pro tip:
- There’s a small grocery store at the Manning Park Resort but you can’t count on it to have everything you need, so plan well or better yet, bring your groceries with you.
Try Nordic Skiing at Callaghan Valley
Website: https://www.exploresquamish.com/
Address: Callaghan Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B1, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-964-0058
Operating hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: 9am to 4:30pm
- Friday to Saturday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Hours from Vancouver: 1 hr 30 min (118.2 km)
Price:
- Adult – $338
- Senior (65 years old and above) – $236
- Youth (7 to 18 years old) – $84
- Children (6 years old and under) – $10
Callaghan Valley is one of North America’s most diverse Nordic centers, with over 90 km of groomed trails for skiing. Do the two trails “Real Life” and “Fingerlakes”. It’s fairly easy and looks more like a wide road with lush forests and frozen lakes.
This place is slightly casual and designed to reconnect you with the natural world, so don’t expect fancy amenities or luxurious facilities.
Pro tip:
- Make sure to bring cash as there’s no ATMs or foreign exchange in the area. This will be especially handy if you’d like to tip your ski instructor or guide.
Join the Festivities at Grouse Mountain
Website: https://www.grousemountain.com/
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way. North Vancouver, BC
Contact details: +1 604-980-9311
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 9pm
Hours from Vancouver: 15 min (12.1 km)
Price:
- Price:
- Adult – $75
- Senior (65 years and older) – $65
- Youth (13 to 18 years old) – $55
- Children (5 to 12 years old) – $39
- Tot (0 to 4 years old) – Free
Getting to the summit of Grouse Mountain is an adventure on its own, but there’s so much to do here, especially during the winter. There are sleigh rides, gingerbread houses, skiing, skating, and numerous walking trails.
At the end of the day, grab a cup of hot chocolate and take in the view from Lupins Cafe before descending via gondola.
Pro tip:
- If you signed up for a ski lesson, it’s wise to arrive at least two hour before your schedule as it takes a while to check in and get all your equipment.
Head to Mount Seymour for Some Snowshoeing
Website: https://mtseymour.ca/
Address: 1700 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver, BC Canada, V7G 1L3
Contact details: 604-986-2261
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 9:30pm
- Saturday to Sunday: 8:30am to 9:30pm
Hours from Vancouver: 36 min (24.3 km)
Price:
- Adults (ages 19-59) – $39 to $84
- Seniors (ages 60+) – $39 to $52
- Youth (ages 13-18) – $39 to $52
- Children (ages 5-12) – $22 to $29
- Tots (ages 4 & under) – $6
Mt. Seymour may be a bit smaller, but it’s nonetheless very scenic during the winter. There’s almost always a fresh coating of three to four inches of snow on the trails, and the Dog Mountain trail is fairly easy.
Once you’re there on the trail, keep walking up the hill until you arrive at Tim Jones’s memorial. Then, take a left and look for a set of stairs. Up the stairs is Dinky Peak, where a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and valleys awaits.
Pro tip:
- Parking is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you don’t want to come early, take the bus to Parkgate Community Centre in North Vancouver or the Rupert Skytrain Station in East Vancouver, where there’s a shuttle ride to Mt. Seymour ($10 to $15).
Well there you go! Now you won’t have any excuse to stay indoors during winter in Vancouver. In fact, here’s some more articles you may find useful for planning your next trip:
