Looking for a few awesome Pacific Northwest weekend getaways for winter? Keep scrolling to find out some really beautiful winter weekend getaways from Seattle, Washington!
This post about winter weekend getaways from Seattle was written by PNW family travel expert Marcie Cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Winter in the Pacific Northwest gets a bad rap, but it’s actually one of my favorite times to explore.
Yeah, it’s gray and drizzly, but that makes cozy getaways feel even more special. Plus, you’ll find way fewer crowds and better hotel deals than you would in summer.
I’m Marcie, a Seattle-based family travel blogger, and I’ve spent years exploring winter destinations around the PNW. Whether you’re craving a beach escape, a snowy mountain adventure, or just want to get out of the house for a weekend, I’ve got you covered.
I asked some of my favorite travel blogger friends to share their top winter getaway spots in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. These aren’t typical tourist traps. These are the places locals actually go when they need to recharge.
Most of these work as day trips if you’re not ready to book a hotel. But spending the night makes it so much better.
Here are 18 of the best winter weekend getaways from Seattle.
Washington State Winter Getaways
Mount Rainier National Park
If you’ve never seen Mount Rainier covered in snow, you’re missing out.
The park is about 2.5 hours from Seattle, and winter transforms it into this peaceful, snowy paradise. No summer crowds. Just you, the mountain, and all that pristine snow.
In winter, only two entrances stay open (Carbon River and Nisqually). Paradise Inn closes for the season, but you can stay year-round at the Nisqually Lodge in nearby Ashford.
You’ll need snow tires from November through May. Non-negotiable.
Pack your own food and snacks because nothing’s open inside the park during winter. But honestly, that’s part of the charm. It feels like you have the whole place to yourself.
The Paradise Snow Play Area is perfect if you’re traveling with kids. Sledding, snow angels, snowball fights – all the good stuff. Or you can join a ranger-led snowshoe hike if you want something more structured.
Looking for tours in the area? Check out what’s available before you go.
Don’t forget to read about more fun things to do at Mount Rainier with kids!
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park in winter is like three parks in one. You’ve got deep snow at Hurricane Ridge, temperate rainforests, and wild Pacific beaches – all within the same park.
I love that you can actually choose your weather in winter at Olympic. Want snow? Head to Hurricane Ridge. Want to skip the snow entirely? Hit the rainforests and beaches.
Best Things to Do:
Snowshoe at Hurricane Ridge. The park offers ranger-guided snowshoe outings for a small fee, and they include rentals and instruction. Perfect for beginners.
Learn to ski or snowboard. Hurricane Ridge has one of only two ski areas inside a National Park. How cool is that?
Beach days in winter. Yes, really. Olympic National Park has some of the best beaches in the U.S. Rialto Beach, Kalaloch Beach, and Ruby Beach are all gorgeous in winter. They’re close to parking, so you don’t have to hike far. If you get lucky with the weather, winter sunsets here are absolutely magical.
Walk the rainforests. Both Hoh Rainforest and Quinault Rainforest stay open year-round. Perfect for those rainy days (which, let’s be honest, is most days in winter).
Where to Stay:
Kalaloch Lodge sits right on the coast and stays open all year. They have pet-friendly cabins, which is great because Kalaloch Beach is the only dog-friendly beach in the park.
Lake Quinault Lodge is another beautiful year-round option with quick access to the Quinault Rainforest.
Pack food and drinks. Food options are limited in the park. If you’re staying near Port Angeles, try Jasmine Bistro for Thai food or Westside Pizza when you need something quick.
Want more winter park ideas? Check out the best National Parks to visit in winter.
Jennie Flaming of Ordinary Adventures
Leavenworth, Washington
Want to feel like you’re in Bavaria without leaving Washington? Leavenworth is your spot.
This little Bavarian village is only 2.5 hours from Seattle, and in winter it completely transforms. We’re talking Christmas markets, sleigh rides, wine tasting, and enough holiday lights to make Clark Griswold jealous.
The Christkindlmarkt starts in November, and the Bavarian Ice Festival hits in January. If you’re visiting in November or December, the reindeer farm just outside town offers free cocoa, cider, and cookies. Santa shows up too.
Where to Stay:
The Bavarian Lodge sits right across from Front Street Park. During the Christmas Lighting Ceremony, you can literally watch from your room.
For something unique, check out the Leavenworth Tiny Home Village about 30 minutes outside downtown. Five Bavarian-style tiny homes with modern interiors.
What to Do:
Wine tasting is huge here. Try Milbrandt, Ryan Patrick, or The Wine Cellar (which has six different tasting rooms).
Winter sports. Skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, dog sled tours, and sleigh rides are all available.
Eat and drink. Rhein Haus has the best views and pretzels in town. They set up heated igloos on the deck in winter. Andreas Keller does traditional German food in a sit-down setting. Icicle Brewing has outdoor seating with built-in fireplaces and live music.
Don’t leave without stopping at the Gingerbread Factory for edible souvenirs.
Leavenworth is also one of the best romantic weekend getaways from Seattle if you’re planning a couples trip.
Lindsey Messenger of Seven Day Weekender
Semiahmoo Resort & Spa
Sometimes you just need a beach vacation, even when it’s cold outside.
Semiahmoo Resort & Spa is one of my favorite winter escapes. It’s up in Blaine, right on the water, and you can literally see the Peace Arch border crossing to Canada from the resort. It’s the closest you can get to Canada without a passport.
My family has stayed here multiple times because it hits that sweet spot between peaceful and fun.
The resort has fire pits perfect for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. The restaurants are fantastic (with room service if you don’t feel like leaving your room). And there’s plenty of space to spread out and avoid crowds.
Get a ground floor room facing the water if you can. You can walk right out to the beach whenever you want. Perfect for skipping rocks or just getting some fresh air.
The beach isn’t for swimming, but it’s gorgeous for walking and exploring. Very Pacific Northwest vibes.
This is definitely one of the top Washington State resorts for families and couples alike.
Check rates at Semiahmoo Resort & Spa for your winter getaway.
Lake Chelan
Most people think of Lake Chelan as a summer destination, but winter is when it really shines.
Lake Chelan is about 3.5 hours east of Seattle. It’s wine country, but with snow-dusted vineyards and way fewer crowds. It’s one of the deepest lakes in the US, surrounded by hills covered in winter white.
There are two towns: Chelan (bigger, more shops and restaurants) and Manson (quieter, fewer crowds). Stay in Manson if you want peace and quiet.
One unique option is Chelan Valley Farms, which has stunning lake views.
Things to Do:
Wine tasting, obviously. If you plan your trip around Winterfest in January, you can hit multiple wineries at once, including ones that close in winter. Plus there’s stuff for kids like ice sculptures, a cocoa crawl, and train rides.
Winter sports. Echo Ridge Recreation Area has cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails, plus a small downhill area perfect for beginners and kids.
You can also drive about 1.5 hours northeast to the Methow Valley, which has the largest groomed cross-country skiing trail network in North America.
Where to Eat:
Blueberry Hills in Manson is a locals-only spot with amazing breakfast. Get the blueberry cinnamon rolls made from berries grown on their farm.
Mi Paloma in downtown Manson serves excellent South American food. Perfect for lunch between wine tasting.
Want to explore more things to do in Lake Chelan in winter? Check out this guide.
Adria Saracino of The Emerald Palate
Hood Canal
Hood Canal is only 1.5 hours from Seattle, but it feels like a different world.
This 68-mile waterway is skinny (only two miles wide at its widest point) and surrounded by mountains. The fresh sea air hits different here.
Winter hiking options range from super easy (Twanoh State Park, Staircase Rapids Loop, Theler Wetlands) to challenging (Wagonwheel Lake Trail near the Staircase Ranger Station).
Cute towns dot both sides of the canal. Union is tiny but beloved by visitors – definitely grab the clam or crab dip from Union Store. Port Gamble is a charming old mill town worth exploring. Hoodsport, Brinnon, and Seabeck all have shops and restaurants.
Where to Stay:
Alderbrook Resort & Spa is the crown jewel of Hood Canal. They do a special Christmas Tree lighting event that makes it one of the best holiday getaways in Washington State. Santa arrives by boat with fireworks – it’s magical.
Budget options include Belfair State Park (year-round campsites and cabins), Point No Point Lighthouse vacation rentals, and the Quality Inn in Bremerton.
Where to Eat:
Saboteur Bakery in Bremerton, Hama Hama Oyster Saloon on Highway 101 near Lilliwaup, Seabeck Pizza, and Casper’s Pizza and Barbecue in Belfair.
Sandy of Sleeps 5
Oregon Winter Weekend Getaways
Yachats, Oregon
If you love moody, mysterious landscapes, Yachats is calling your name.
Yachats isn’t super sunny even in summer. But in winter? The raindrops get heavier, the wind howls louder, and the ocean crashes harder against the rocky coastline. It’s dramatic in the best way.
Stay in one of the cozy cottages along the shore or in a tiny cabin in the nearby woods.
Yachats doesn’t have trendy Instagram cafes, and that’s kind of the point. What it does have is a tight community of restaurants that pride themselves on local, sustainable sourcing.
Start your day at Bread & Roses for coffee. Hit Yachats Brewing for microbrews and great burgers. Dinner could be fancy at Ona restaurant or more casual at Luna Fish House for fresh Oregon seafood.
What to See:
The nation’s largest sea lion caves. Thor’s Well and the Spouting Horn (total must-see). Cape Perpetua for incredible scenery.
For hiking, try the Ya’Xaik Trail – a moderate trail through ancestral land of the local tribes that Yachats was built on.
Lighthouse lovers, don’t miss Heceta Head Lighthouse. It’s one of the most photographed on the West Coast, and you can tour the inside.
Yachats makes a perfect weekend destination, but if you have more time, there’s plenty to explore nearby.
Kay of The Awkward Traveller
Bend, Oregon
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Most people think Bend equals skiing. And yeah, Mt. Bachelor is right there. But Bend’s high-desert climate means you can do warm-weather activities in winter too.
Snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and Fat Tire biking through snow are all popular. The most popular snowshoe trail follows Tumalo Creek to the 89-foot Tumalo Falls.
But Bend’s high-desert climate means you can do warm-weather activities in winter too. Rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park, exploring lava tubes, and mountain biking are all year-round activities. Several golf courses even stay open through winter.
Not feeling outdoorsy? Bend has 22 microbreweries. Deschutes Brewery is the most famous, but locals prefer Crux Fermentation Project or Boneyard Beer Pub these days.
Don’t miss the heated saltwater soaking pool at the Old Francis School. Beautiful murals, turquoise tile work, stained glass windows. Perfect for relaxing after a day outside.
Want to know more best things to do in Bend? This guide has you covered.
Nick of Wandering Wheatleys
Sisters, Oregon
Central Oregon has some of the best winter weather in the Northwest, and Sisters is the perfect basecamp.
This tiny town stands out with its Old West architecture, amazing restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries.
Biking and hiking trails start right from town and turn into cross-country skiing or snowshoe trails after snowfall. Nearby mountains are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowshoeing.
Where to Stay:
Sisters Bunkhouse (right on main street), FivePine Lodge (just outside town), or vacation rentals.
Where to Eat:
Angeline’s Bakery Cafe for lunch or pastries to go. The Open Door, R Spot, and Boone Dog Pizza are local favorites.
Downtown is super walkable with charming storefronts that look like the Wild West. Perfect for Christmas shopping or just window shopping. You’ll find antiques, jewelry, art, chocolate fudge, and fun tchotchkes.
If you love small-town charm and crisp white winters, Sisters is your spot.
Michelle C. of Intentional Travelers
Arch Cape, Oregon
Arch Cape is the quiet alternative to busy Cannon Beach.
Located just 10 minutes south of Cannon Beach, Arch Cape is perfect if you want peace and quiet. The temperatures on the coast are usually mild to moderate, which makes winter beach walks totally doable.
Winter winds pick up, so watching the rough seas from a cozy rental house is pretty much perfect.
What to Do:
Hug Point State Park is just minutes away with short coastal hiking trails, ocean cliff views, and caves right on the beach.
At low tide, walk to Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach or explore downtown for shopping and food.
Where to Eat:
Tom’s Fish and Chips, Pelican Brewing, and Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters.
Just 45 minutes away is Tillamook Creamery – free cheese factory tours, tons of cheese samples, and fresh Tillamook ice cream.
Arch Cape makes a perfect home base for Oregon coast exploration or as a stop on a Pacific Northwest Road Trip.
Margie of DQ Family Travel
Tillamook, Oregon
Winter in Western Oregon is cold and wet, but in Tillamook, that’s actually a good thing. Fewer tourists means you get the place to yourself.
Tillamook is famous for its dairy. The production facility, Tillamook Creamery, is a huge attraction with a fancy visitor center full of info about cheesemaking and tons of samples. They have an onsite restaurant and ice cream shop with some of the freshest dairy in the PNW.
The scenery is gorgeous too. A short drive gets you to beaches in Netarts, Oceanside, or Bayocean. Great for hiking, photography, and searching for sea life. Since winter weather scares away most tourists, these beaches are usually empty.
Where to Stay:
There are a few inns and motels on US-101 near Tillamook Creamery, plus local motels in seaside towns.
Where to Eat:
Best seafood restaurants are technically in Bay City or Garibaldi (adjacent villages on Tillamook Bay). Downtown Tillamook has several restaurants and bars.
Pelican Brewing has a brewpub on the edge of downtown – perfect for warming up with a local brew on a wet winter day.
John Paul of The Hangry Backpacker
British Columbia Winter Getaways
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver is one of our favorite winter getaways, and it’s only a few hours from Seattle.
We always go to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park during the holidays. From November 21 to January 18, 2026, they transform the park with thousands of lights, holiday festivities, and breathtaking views. The Canyon Lights event is absolutely magical.
At the Vancouver Waterfront, the Vancouver Christmas Market has tons of yummy food, beautiful Christmas decorations, and a fun carousel.
Stanley Park is another favorite winter spot. During the holidays, they run a little train past all sorts of holiday decorations. Perfect for visiting Vancouver with kids.
Grouse Mountain is right in Vancouver and great for skiing and snowboarding. You can also just take the gondola up for sightseeing.
Where to Stay:
We typically stay at Sutton Place because it’s super close to Robson Street, which has tons of great restaurants and shopping.
Pro tip: Head to Roots for warm winter sweaters, cozy socks, and winter accessories. They have two stores on Robson Street and an awesome factory outlet just outside Vancouver.
Need to capture your family vacation? Use Flytographer to get professional photos (save $20 with my link!).
Victoria, BC
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Last winter, I took the boys to Victoria and it was absolutely magical.
If you’re looking for things to do around Christmas in Victoria BC, there are tons of Christmas events and attractions.
The Butchart Gardens is the top winter attraction. From December 1 to early January, they host the Magic of Christmas with incredible holiday lights highlighting the 12 Days of Christmas, an outdoor ice skating rink, and tons of festivities. Over 300,000 lights transform the 55-acre gardens into pure magic.
Horse-drawn carriage rides let you see buildings decorated for the holidays. You snuggle up in cozy blankets while seeing all the sights.
The Royal BC Museum is great for warming up and exploring. They also have some awesome IMAX movies.
Where to Stay:
We stayed at the Inn at Laurel Point and it was so cute seeing the kids in their little bathrobes enjoying room service. They also do an adorable Santa breakfast with incredible food and photos with Santa.
Another popular option is the Fairmont Empress. It’s all decorated for the holidays and they have a Christmas Tea that’s pretty special.
Want to explore Victoria? Check out tours in the area before you go.
Tofino, BC
Tofino in winter is one of the best-kept secrets in the Pacific Northwest.
This beachside town on Vancouver Island is popular in summer, but winter is actually even better. The winter winds make for much better surfing. Or if you’d rather stay warm, you can cozy up in a beachfront hotel and watch the storms roll in.
The Pacific Ocean comes alive in winter. Waves crash against the rugged coast with its lush forest and rocky coves. It’s called “storm watching” and it’s a whole thing here.
Where to Stay:
Wickaninnish Inn is the best place to stay in winter. This luxurious hotel and spa sits on Chesterman Beach with oceanfront views. Every room has full rain gear including rubber boots, perfect for wild walks on the sand.
Want adventure? Rent a surfboard and full wetsuit (with hood, booties, and gloves) and ride the waves. Warm up with a beach campfire between sessions.
Where to Eat:
Tacofino van and The Wolf in the Fog are both fantastic. Don’t forget Tofino Brewing Co!
Tofino is easily one of the best Vancouver Island getaways for couples and families.
Hannah of That Adventure Blog
Revelstoke, BC
Want a ski break without Whistler prices or crowds? Revelstoke is your answer.
This BC ski destination has the longest descent of any ski resort in North America. With 12-18 meters of snow per year, there’s no shortage of powder days.
Where to Stay:
Explorer’s Society Hotel is a great boutique option. Stoke Hotel is more mid-range. Poppy’s Guest House works for budget travelers.
Where to Eat:
Village Idiot Pizza for dinner. Pam’s Kitchen for laidback meals. MacKenzie Tavern, La Baguette, and The Rockford for lunch. Dose and Modern Bakeshop for breakfast. Quartermaster Eatery for apres-ski cocktails.
Not a Skier?
Watch a local hockey game (doesn’t get more Canadian than that). Go dogsledding with huskies. Visit hot springs to warm up and soothe your muscles.
Allison Green of Eternal Arrival
Whistler, BC
Whistler is easily one of Canada’s top winter destinations.
Only a 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler gets tons of snow and becomes a winter paradise. People come from all over the world for the things to do in Whistler.
The most popular activity is hitting the slopes. Blackcomb Mountain offers tons of great runs, and the lift operates right from downtown. You can go straight from your hotel to the ski field to a restaurant or bar without getting in your car.
There’s also winter hiking and unique attractions like the Train Graveyard.
Downtown has local stores and restaurants where you can try Canadian classics like poutine and maple syrup flavored treats.
Where to Eat:
El Furniture Warehouse serves a huge selection of tasty meals for only $5.95 CAD. Whistler Brewing Co has amazing craft beer on tap.
Where to Stay:
HI Whistler is ideal for budget travelers. Whistler Village Inn & Suites is more luxurious with an onsite pool, hot tub, restaurant, bar, and apartment-style rooms with full kitchens.
Bailey of Destinationless Travel
Squamish, BC
Squamish in winter is peaceful, serene, and full of adventure.
The lack of winter crowds makes it even prettier. This town offers tons of activities for a perfect winter vacation.
Skiing and snowboarding top the list. But you can also try snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow tubing, boating, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, dirt biking, dog sledding, ziplining, and eagle viewing.
Many activities are kid-friendly, making it perfect for family vacations. Take your kids tobogganing, indoor rock climbing, horseback riding, or for a gondola ride on the Sea to Sky.
Where to Eat:
Squamish’s chefs are experts at mixing food styles. Don’t miss Green Moustache cafe, Salted Vine kitchen + bar, and Mag’s 99.
Where to Stay:
Executive Suites and Mountain Retreat Hotel are top recommendations.
Winter in Squamish is milder than surrounding Whistler, making it a great alternative.
Pooja Shah of Feels Like Life
Okanagan, BC
There’s magic in the air in the Okanagan in winter.
The winter here is milder than other parts of Canada. On clear days, snow-capped mountains reflected on Okanagan Lake are spectacular. While the water isn’t warm enough to swim, it doesn’t freeze over either.
Away from the mountains, Osoyoos is one of the hottest spots in the country with pleasant winter weather.
If you love winter sports, the Monashee Mountains deliver plenty of dry powder snow. It’s a fantastic place to go skiing in Canada.
Big White Ski Resort and SilverStar Mountain Resort are fabulous winter resorts with accommodations for most budgets. Other winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding.
The Okanagan Valley is also a food and wine destination. Some wineries close in winter, but there are tasting events throughout the season. Larger wineries like Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Mission Hill stay open year-round.
Kelowna is the place for top restaurants and bars.
Christina of Travel2Next
Planning Your Winter PNW Getaway
Winter in the Pacific Northwest gets a bad rap, but I think it’s one of the best times to explore.
Hotel prices drop. Crowds disappear. And there’s something magical about cozying up by a fire after a day of winter adventure.
A few things to keep in mind:
Always check weather and road conditions before heading out, especially to mountain destinations. Snow tires or chains might be required.
Book accommodations early for holiday weekends. Places like Leavenworth and Victoria get packed during Christmas season.
Pack layers. PNW weather is unpredictable. You might start the day in rain and end it watching a sunset.
Don’t let the gray skies keep you home. Some of my favorite family memories happened on drizzly winter weekends when we just said “screw it” and went anyway.
Ready to plan your next trip?
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As a family travel expert who’s explored the PNW for years, I can tell you that winter weekends here are underrated. Whether you’re chasing snow or avoiding it, there’s a perfect getaway waiting for you.
Now get out there and make some memories.
Love this post about the Best Winter Getaways in Washington State, Oregon, and British Columbia? Find out our favorite PNW Fall Trips and our posts about Whidbey Island, Tacoma, Olympia, and Portland! Plus, check out the top winter destinations in the US, and best Christmas getaways in the United States!
