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.
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Winter is coming and I think we’re all feeling a bit restless.
I know going for a scenic drive or a weekend trip can be such a great investment in mental health, especially in the Pacific Northwest where it tends to be a bit gloomy.
If you are one of those people who just need to escape for a bit and enjoy a change of scenery, I’ve got some pretty cool Pacific Northwest weekend getaways for Winter.
I asked some travel blogger friends to talk about their favorite PNW weekend getaways in Washington State, Oregon, and British Columbia. Plus, I added in a couple of our family favorites, too!
A lot of these can actually be day trips if you are uncomfortable spending the night in a hotel. Or you can find a lovely vacation rental near these areas.
I also included a bunch of Pacific Northwest weekend trips in British Columbia on this list for families specifically who live in Canada or for U.S. families who want to think ahead for next year.
Okay, let’s start planning!
Seattle Winter Weekend Getaways FAQs
Most years, yes. Typically, we get a bunch of snow during a week in February. Every once in a while there will be a little bit of snow in December or January, but not usually.
There are so many fun things to do in Portland, Oregon. Personal favorites include browsing Powell’s Books, going on a food tour, enjoying a brisk walking tour of Portland, tasting cider, and shopping at one of the many boutiques.
Absolutely, especially if you’re looking for a deal! Prices for hotels are typically quite affordable during the winter months. And attractions are less crowded with tourists.
Winter Weekend Getaways from Seattle that are Worth the Drive
Washington State Weekend Getaways
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
An excellent winter Pacific Northwest getaway is Mount Rainier National Park.
In this beautiful US National Park, you can enjoy magnificent winter views and engage in fun winter activities.
Mount Rainier is located in Washington State, about 2.5 hours driving from Seattle.
The Paradise Inn is a great place to stay in Mount Rainier NP. However, unfortunately, this cozy mountain hotel is not open during the 2020 Season.
However, good year-round hotels are found in Ashford, such as the lovely Nisqually Lodge.
During the winter months, there are only two access points to Mount Rainier National Park: the Carbon River Entrance and the Nisqually Entrance.
Due to the heavy snowfall, the other entrances into the park are closed in winter.
Snow tires are mandatory from November and May, so be sure to bring these on your Mount Rainier winter trip.
Be prepared to self-cater and bring enough food, snacks, and water as there aren’t any restaurants open in winter within the park.
The lack of facilities during winter (other than the basic ones such as toilets) is more than compensated for by the absence of crowds and the stunning landscapes.
There are also many fun winter activities that you can engage in, such as a ranger-led snowshoeing hike and snowmobiling (only along Westside Road).
The Paradise Snow Play Area is great for families with kids, here the little ones can go sledding, make snow angels and have a snowball fight.
It’s one of the best overnight or day trips in Washington State this winter! And be sure to check out the fun things to do at Mount Rainier with kids!
By Lotte from Gezond Weekmenu
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
Olympic National Park is a fantastic winter destination! While some areas of the park are closed, others remain open year-round.
You’ll find deep snow at Hurricane Ridge, and if you want to avoid snow, head to the rainforests and beaches.
There are tons of cool things to do in Olympic National Park in Winter. Here are my favorites:
- Snowshoe at Hurricane Ridge: Ranger guided snowshoe outings for all ages are offered for a small fee. Snowshoe rental and instruction included!
- Learn to Ski or Snowboard at Hurricane Ridge: Hurricane Ridge is home to one of only two ski areas operating inside National Parks!
- Make it a Beach Day: Olympic National Park has some of the best beaches in the U.S. Rialto Beach, Kalaloch Beach and Ruby Beach are particularly good beaches to visit in winter since they are close to parking without requiring a longer hike to get to the beach. You might even catch a gorgeous late afternoon winter sunset if it’s a sunny day.
- Walk the Rainforest: The Hoh Rainforest is open all year as is the Quinalt Rainforest. Perfect for a rainy day! Make sure to check the road conditions as winter storms occasionally close roads due to downed trees.
There are also several great places to stay at Olympic National Park.
Located on the coast, the Kalaloch Lodge is open all year, with pet-friendly cabins as well as lodge rooms. Kalaloch Beach is the only dog-friendly beach in the park, making this a good destination if you’re traveling with a dog.
The Lake Quinalt Lodge is also open all year and is a beautiful historic property with quick access to the Quinalt Rainforest. Hotels and Airbnbs are located around Forks and Port Angeles.
Food options in Olympic National Park are limited. Make sure to bring food, drinks, and snacks so you don’t have to plan your trip around the limited food options.
If the weather isn’t ideal for picnics, you can enjoy your food indoors at the Hurricane Ridge visitor center.
There are a few restaurants available at Kalaloch Lodge and Lake Quinalt Lodge (check for current winter hours). In Port Angeles, try Thai Food at Jasmine Bistro or Pizza at Westside Pizza or Gordy’s.
The Olympic National Park is soon to be your favorite winter getaway in Washington State!
Jennie Flaming of Ordinary Adventures
LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON
If you’re looking for a European escape, but aren’t able to hop across the pond, Leavenworth, Washington is the perfect destination for a Pacific Northwest getaway.
Just 2.5 hours from Seattle and about 4 hours and 45 minutes from Portland, Leavenworth is a Bavarian town full of charm, good food and a plethora of winter activities from wine tasting to live entertainment to sleigh rides.
If you’re looking for unique accommodations look no further than the Leavenworth Tiny Home Village, about 30 minutes outside of the downtown area, which features 5 Bavarian-style tiny homes with modern interiors.
For a more traditional accommodation experience, that also happens to be centrally located, check out the Bavarian Lodge directly across from Front Street Park.
It’s so centrally located that if you’re in town for the annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony you can watch it from your room.
The great thing about Leavenworth is there is something for everyone. It’s even one of the best Pacific Northwest romantic getaways!
In November the Christkindlmarkt makes its appearance, and in January is the Bavarian Ice Festival.
There is a reindeer farm just outside of town (on the way to the tiny home village), and in November and December they offer complimentary cocoa, cider, and cookies with your – starting the second week of November Santa makes an appearance.
The region also thrives in local winemaking so adding in a couple of tasting rooms is a must. Some of the best in Leavenworth include Milbrandt, Ryan Patrick, and The Wine Cellar (which features 6 different tasting rooms).
There is also no shortage of winter-specific activities: skiing, sledding, hopping on a snowmobile, dog sled tours, and even sleigh rides.
When in Leavenworth, you can’t not stop and have a pint and a pretzel!
Rhein Haus has one of the best views (and pretzels) in town, and also features pop-up igloos on the deck in the winter, making it a must when you’re visiting.
Andreas Keller provides German food in a more traditional restaurant setting.
Icicle Brewing is one of the tried and trues in Leavenworth, featuring outdoor seating with fireplaces built in the table, complimentary games and puzzles to play inside, and a solid live music schedule.
And for the perfectly delicious souvenir on your way out of town stop at the Gingerbread Factory.
Ask any local where to go for a Washington State weekend getaway this winter and they will always say Leavenworth is one of the best Christmas getaways in Washington State!
Lindsey Messenger of Seven Day Weekender
SEMIAHMOO RESORT & SPA
Sometimes we just need a beach vacation, even in the winter.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, beaches are less about sun tanning and swimming and more about looking for cool rocks or walking on the beach.
Semiahmoo Resort & Spa is located in Blaine and you can actually see the Peace Arch border crossing into Canada from the resort. It’s the closest you can get to Canada without a passport
We’ve stayed at Semiahmoo Resort & Spa a few times and we always recommend it to people because it’s just so peaceful and lovely. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the top Washington State resorts for families as well as couples.
And there are lots of places to avoid people and maintain privacy.
There are fire pits, which are great for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. And they have really tasty restaurants with in-room dining.
I recommend getting a room on the ground floor that faces the water. That way, you can go in and out easily. The beach is perfect for getting fresh air and skipping rocks in the water.
If you love relaxing weekend trips in Washington, Semiahmoo is the place to be! And it’s one of the best romantic getaways in Washington State!
Check rates and availability for Semiahmoo Resort & Spa this winter.
LAKE CHELAN
Lake Chelan is a popular wine country destination about 3.5 hours east of Seattle, but what most people don’t know is it’s also an excellent winter trip destination.
It’s one of the deepest lakes in the US, and in the winter the hills sloping toward the water are covered with snow-dusted vineyards.
When people say they’re going to “Chelan,” there are two towns surrounding the southeast tip of the lake where they might visit: Chelan on the south shore or Manson on the north.
Chelan has a bigger downtown area with more shops and restaurants, but both sides have wineries.
Stay in Manson if you prefer fewer crowds.
One unique option is Chelan Valley Farms, which has a beautiful lake view from where you’ll stay.
There are so many things to do in Lake Chelan in winter. Of course, you can go wine tasting.
If you plan your trip around Winterfest in January, you can try a bunch of wineries at once, including ones that close in the winter. This event also has things to entertain kids, such as ice sculptures, a cocoa crawl, and train rides.
Beyond wine, there are a lot of outdoor winter activities. Echo Ridge Recreation Area has a network of cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails. There is also a small downhill skiing and tubing area perfect for beginners and kids.
Or you can make the about 1.5 hours drive northeast to the Methow Valley, which has the largest groomed cross-country skiing trail network in North America.
When you’re ready to eat, make sure to visit Blueberry Hills in Mason. It’s a local’s-only spot with excellent breakfast and homemade blueberry products made on their farm. Make sure to get the blueberry cinnamon rolls!
Another great option is Mi Paloma in downtown Manson. It’s making some excellent South American food perfect for lunch between popping into tasting rooms or shops.
Whatever you choose, Chelan is soon to be one of your favorite Washington getaways this winter.
Adria Saracino of The Emerald Palate
HOOD CANAL
The evening chill and restart of dormant furnaces remind us that winter is coming, and with it, a changing landscape for our beloved Pacific Northwest.
Hood Canal offers cozy settings, and gorgeous natural landscapes for winter escapes.
Hood Canal is a long, spectacularly beautiful waterway about a 1.5-hour drive from Seattle. It is 68 miles long, and only two miles across at its widest point. Breathe in that fresh briny sea air! Just don’t forget your parka.
There are numerous hikes that provide mountain and water views in the areas around the canal.
Some are easy-going, such as the hike at Twanoh State Park, Staircase Rapids Loop at Hoodsport, or Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve Trail.
Other hikes are very difficult, like Wagonwheel Lake Trail near the Staircase Ranger Station.
Numerous cute and cool towns dot both sides of the canal.
A scenic drive can include a stop at Union, a tiny town but a visitor favorite. Buy the clam or crab dip from the Union Store. Another great stop is the charming old mill town of Port Gamble.
Hoodsport, Brinnon, and Seabeck also have shops to explore and dining options.
And there are lots of places to stay in Hood Canal for all budgets.
Alderbrook Hotel and Resort is a fantastic Washington State resort and they have a special Christmas Tree lighting event. This makes it one of the best Washington State getaways during the holidays.
There’s also Belfair State Park, with year-round campsites and cabins, Point No Point Lighthouse vacation rentals, and the Quality Inn in Bremerton.
Plus, there are tasty places to eat like 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
The Best Winter Weekend Getaways from Seattle: Oregon
YACHATS, OREGON
Yachats, Oregon is one of the best winter vacation destinations in the Pacific Northwest, and even more so if you love moody mysterious landscapes.
Even in the summer, Yachats is never really all that sunny, but in the winter the raindrops grow heavier, the wind howls louder, and the ocean waves crash harder against the rocky coastline.
To fully immerse yourself in the elements, stay in one of the many cozy cottages dotting the shore, or in a tiny cabin in the nearby woods.
Although Yahats doesn’t have Instagram-worthy pop-up cafes opening every weekend, but what Yachats does have is a community of restaurants that pride themselves on local and sustainable sourcing.
For coffee, head to Bread & Roses to start your day off right, then head to Yachats Brewing for microbrews and great burgers!
Dinner could either be on the fancy side at Ona restaurant or more casual at Luna Fish House for fresh Oregon seafood.
In between meals, entertain yourself at the nation’s largest sea lion caves, or check out the scenery at Cape Perpetua.
Thor’s Well and the Spouting Horn are a must-see!
For more hikes, check out Ya’Xaik Trail for a moderate trail through the ancestral land of the Hanis Coos, Miluk Coos, Lower Umpqua Tribe, Alsea Tribe, and Siuslaw Tribe that Yachats was built on.
Plus, if you’re a fan of lighthouses, you can spot Haceta Head Lighthouse, one of the most photographed on the West Coast, and even get a tour of the inside.
Yachats is a great weekend destination, but if you are spending more time in the area, there is plenty to see just outside of the city.
Kay of The Awkward Traveller
BEND, OREGON
The most common winter activity in Bend is to go skiing or snowboarding on nearby Mt. Bachelor, but there are also plenty of trails in the Cascade Mountains for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or even biking through the snow on a Fat Tire bike.
The most popular snowshoeing trail in the area follows Tumalo Creek to the 89-foot-tall Tumalo Falls.
One of the best things about winter in Bend is how many awesome warm-weather activities you can still enjoy thanks to the sunny high-desert climate.
Rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park, exploring lava tubes, and mountain biking are some of the best things to do in Bend regardless of the season.
There are even several golf courses that stay open throughout the winter.
And if you’re not feeling up for an outdoor adventure, another great option is to visit one of Bend’s 22 microbreweries.
Deschutes Brewery is probably the most famous craft brewery in Bend, but these days most locals prefer to tip back a few pints at Crux Fermentation Project or Boneyard Beer Pub.
And don’t miss the heated salt-water soaking pool at the Old Francis School where you’ll be surrounded by beautiful murals, intricate turquoise tile work, and stunning stained glass windows.
It’s the perfect place to relax while enjoying winter in Bend!
Nick of Wandering Wheatleys
SISTERS, OREGON
Central Oregon has some of the best winter weather in the Northwest. There you’ll find the small town of Sisters, not far from Bend, Oregon.
Sisters stands out with its Old West architecture, delicious restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries. It’s one of the best weekend getaways in Oregon in winter.
Biking and hiking trails lead from Sisters to even more outdoor adventures beyond, transforming into cross-country skiing or snowshoe trails after snowfalls.
Nearby mountains with crisp snows are perfect for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowshoeing.
Some of the best places to stay in Sisters include the Sisters Bunkhouse, right on the main street; FivePine Lodge just outside of town; or a number of vacation home rentals in town.
Angeline’s Bakery Cafe is always a great spot for lunch or to pick up pastries on the go. The Open Door, R Spot, and Boone Dog Pizza are other local restaurant favorites.
With Sisters’ walkable downtown and charming storefronts hearkening back to the Wild West, strolling through town is a must.
Whether window shopping or purchasing gifts for Christmas, you’ll be sure to find plenty of treasures–from antiques, jewelry, and art to chocolate fudge and fun tchotchkes.
If you enjoy small-town charm and love a crisp, white winter, definitely check out Sisters in Central Oregon for your winter trip.
Michelle C. of Intentional Travelers
ARCH CAPE, OREGON
The Pacific Northwest is a great choice for a winter vacation. One of my favorite stops was spending a few days in Arch Cape, Oregon where we rented a house right on the beach.
The temperatures on the coast are usually mild to moderate, which makes walking on the beach a perfect activity even in the winter.
The winds usually pick up during this time of year, so it was fun watching the rough seas from the coziness of our rental house.
Arch Cape is a quiet beach town located just 10 minutes south of the more popular seaside town, Cannon Beach.
Hug Point State Park is just a couple of minutes away and includes short hiking trails along the coastline, ocean cliff views, and caves right on the beach.
Since Arch Cape is located only 10 minutes away from Cannon Beach, you will enjoy exploring during low tide to walk to Haystack Rock or stroll the downtown area, which is home to some delicious food and local shops.
Some of our favorite local eateries include Tom’s Fish and Chips, Pelican Brewing, and Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters.
Just 45 minutes away is the Tillamook Creamery which is home to a cheese factory that can be toured for free. In addition to touring the factory, you can sample loads of cheese options and can choose to eat breakfast, lunch, or have some fresh Tillamook ice cream.
Arch Cape makes a perfect home base for your Oregon explorations or as a stop on a Pacific Northwest Road Trip.
Margie of DQ Family Travel
TILLAMOOK, OREGON
Winter in Western Oregon is typically cold and wet. In Tillamook, Oregon, a small city between the Oregon Coast Range and the Pacific Ocean, the damp Winter season is a great time to visit.
Tillamook is known primarily for its eponymous dairy. Cheese and ice cream from the large dairy producer finds its way all across the United States.
The production facility, Tillamook Creamery, is an interesting place to visit and a hugely popular attraction.
The fancy, new visitor center has a wealth of information on the cheesemaking process and plenty of samples. This fascinating dairy factory is a must-visit for foodies or curious travelers.
There is even an on-site restaurant and an ice cream shop with some of the freshest dairy in the Pacific Northwest.
Tillamook is also home to beautiful scenery and dramatic seascapes for which the Pacific Northwest is famous.
A short drive leads to beaches in Netarts, Oceanside, or Bayocean. These beaches are great for hiking, photography, and searching for sea life.
The wet Pacific Northwest Winter weather scares away most tourists, so these beaches are often sparsely populated for visitors.
Tillamook is small, but there are a few inns/motels on US-101 near Tillamook Creamery. Aside from these, there are local motels in seaside towns.
Local dining in Tillamook ranges from seafood to breweries. Most notable seafood restaurants are technically in Bay City or Garibaldi, adjacent villages on Tillamook Bay.
Downtown Tillamook has several restaurants and bars.
The famous Pelican Brewing has a brewpub on the edge of downtown. This is a great place to warm up and enjoy a local brew on a (likely) wet Pacific Northwest winter day.
Tillamook is known for dairy, but there is more to this town. Natural beauty, Oregon beer, and fresh seafood are a great place to start.
John Paul of The Hangry Backpacker
The Best Winter Weekend Getaways from Seattle: BC
VANCOUVER, BC
One of our favorite winter getaways from Seattle is heading up North to Vancouver, BC. It’s simply stunning!
We always head to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park around the holidays. They have thousands of lights all over the park, holiday festivities, and breathtaking views.
And at the Vancouver Waterfront, we love exploring the Vancouver Christmas Market. They have tons of yummy food, pretty Christmas decorations, and a fun carousel.
Stanley Park is another fun place to go in winter in Vancouver BC. During the holidays, they have a little train that drives past all sorts of holiday decorations. It’s perfect for visiting Vancouver with kids.
There’s also Grouse Mountain that is right in Vancouver. It’s great for winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, but you can also just take the gondola and sightsee.
Our family typically stays at Sutton Place hotel because it’s super close to Robson Street, which is home to many great restaurants and shopping.
Be sure to head to Roots to stock up on warm winter sweaters, cozy socks, and fun winter accessories. They have two stores on Robson Street and they have an awesome factory outlet just outside Vancouver.
We highly recommend Vancouver BC in winter.
VICTORIA, BC
Last winter, I took the boys to Victoria BC in winter and it was absolutely magical!
And if you’re looking for things to do around Christmas in Victoria BC, there are tons of Christmas events and attractions.
One of the top things to do in Victoria BC in Winter is The Butchart Gardens. During the holidays, they have an incredible holiday light event highlighting the 12 Days of Christmas, plus an outdoor ice skating rink, and tons of festivities.
There are also horse-drawn carriage rides where you can see buildings decorated for the holidays. Snuggle up in a cozy blanket and see the sights!
And the Royal BC Museum is a fun place to warm up and explore. Plus, they have some great IMAX movie options.
We stayed at the Inn at Laurel Point and it was so cute to see the kids wearing their little bathrobes and enjoying room service at the hotel.
It’s also home to an adorable Santa breakfast with incredible food and photos with Santa.
Another popular option of where to stay in Victoria BC is the Fairmont Empress. It’s all decorated for the holidays and they even have a Christmas Tea.
TOFINO, BC
Spending a weekend in Tofino, British Columbia is one of the best options for a winter vacation in the Pacific Northwest.
This beachside town on Vancouver Island is popular in summer, but winter is an even better time to visit.
Why?
The winter winds make for much better surfing or if you’d rather stay warm you can cozy up in a beachfront hotel and do a spot of storm watching while remaining dry!
The Pacific Ocean comes alive in the winter with waves crashing against the rugged Pacific coast with its lush forest and rocky coves.
The best place to say in Tofino in the winter is the Wickaninish Inn. This luxurious hotel and spa is on Chesterman Beach, a long stretch of beautiful sandy beach and many of the rooms have oceanfront views.
If you do want to head out into the storm and feel the power of the wind and rain, every hotel room has full rain gear including rubber boots which are perfect for a wild walk along the sand.
For adventure seekers, rent a surf board and full wetsuit (with hood, booties, and gloves) and enjoy riding the waves, warming up with a campfire beach in between.
Tofino also has great options for dining out. A few of the best places to eat are the Tacofino van and The Wolf in the Fog. Don’t forget to visit Tofino Brewing Co too!
It’s no wonder Tofino is one of the best Vancouver Island getaways for couples and families.
Hannah of That Adventure Blog
REVELSTOKE, BC
If you’re looking for a cool place to get away for a ski break in British Columbia this winter, without the crowds or prices of Whistler, consider heading to Revelstoke, BC!
This British Columbia ski destination is beloved by winter sports enthusiasts for having the longest descent of any ski resort area in all of North America!
With 12-18 meters of snow per year, there’s plenty of fresh snowfall and powder days to enjoy.
If you’re trying to pick out where to stay, there are several great options. For a boutique option, pick the lovely Explorer’s Society Hotel.
If you’re looking for a more mid-range option, Stoke Hotel is a great option, or Poppy’s Guest House is great for budget travelers.
Revelstoke has no shortage of great places to eat!
Try having pizza at Village Idiot Pizza for dinner one night and a laidback dinner at Pam’s Kitchen another night. For lunch, MacKenzie Tavern, La Baguette, and The Rockford are all great options.
Breakfast options include two great cafes: Dose and Modern Bakeshop. For apres-ski cocktails, visit Quartermaster Eatery!
Wondering what to do in Revelstoke if you’re not a big skier?
Besides walking around the town, shopping in the cute boutiques, and indulging in all the great places to eat, there’s a lot to do in winter here!
Take in a local hockey game (it doesn’t get more Canadian than that, after all!) Another idea is to go dogsledding with a team of huskies. Or visit some 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.
Located only a 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler gets a ton of snow in comparison and becomes a winter paradise just waiting to be explored.
In fact, it isn’t just locals from Vancouver who visit Whistler in the winter, but the vast number of things to do in Whistler attracts people from all over the world.
The most popular winter activity in Whistler is, of course, hitting the slopes!
Skiers and snowboarders love Whistler for the fact that Blackcomb Mountain offers a ton of great runs. And the lift operates right from downtown Whistler.
That’s right, you can go straight from your hotel to the ski field to a restaurant or bar all without getting into your car.
Other than that, there is some winter hiking in the area along with a couple of other unique attractions such as visiting the Train Graveyard.
You can also enjoy local stores and restaurants in Whistler trying Canadian classics such as poutine and maple syrup flavored chocolates and candies.
For a cheap eat in Whistler town, be sure to stop at the infamous El Furniture Warehouse restaurant and bar. They offer a huge selection of tasty meals for only $5.95 CAD!
But if you want a great beer then you’ll have to drive a couple of minutes to Whistler Brewing Co. These guys serve amazing craft beer on tap in their pub, as well as have takeaway options.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Whistler the options are literally endless.
The HI Whistler is an ideal budget option for backpackers or those who want to save a few bucks staying in a comfortable place without the bells and whistles.
For something a little more luxurious, check out the Whistler Village Inn & Suites. This hotel has an onsite pool, hot tub, restaurant, and bar, and also offers apartment-style rooms with full kitchens.
Bailey of Destinationless Travel
SQUAMISH, BC
If you are looking for a peaceful and serene yet adventurous winter vacation in Pacific Northwest, there’s no better place than Squamish.
The lack of crowds in Squamish in winter makes it even more beautiful and enjoyable.
The town offers a range of activities for a perfect winter vacation. Skiing and snowboarding make it to the top of the list for winter activities to enjoy in Squamish.
As a traveler, you can also participate in snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow tubing, boating, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, dirt biking, dog sledding, ziplining, and eagle viewing.
Many of these activities are kid-friendly which ensures that you have an incredible family vacation.
You could take your kids for tobogganing, indoor rock climbing, horseback riding. Or go for a gondola ride from Sea to Sky.
Squamish’s imaginative chefs are experts in mixing food styles and creating mouth-watering delicacies. Do not miss out on savoring delicious dishes at Green Moustache cafe, Salted Vine kitchen + bar, and Mag’s 99.
For a night stay, Executive Suites and Mountain Retreat Hotel are the best recommendations during winter.
As winter in Squamish is milder compared to surrounding Whistler, it makes up for a great winter vacation.
Pooja Shah of Feels Like Life
OKANAGAN, BC
There’s magic in the air in the Okanagan in winter, which is milder than in other parts of Canada.
There’s a crisp quality to the air and on a clear day, the snow-capped mountains reflected on Okanagan Lake are spectacular to see. 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 and has pleasant weather in winter.
If you love winter sports, the Monashee Mountains delivers plenty of dry powder snow and is a fantastic place to go skiing in Canada.
Big White Ski Resort and SilverStar Mountain Resort are fabulous winter resorts with a range of accommodations to suit most budgets. Other activities in winter include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding.
The Okanagan Valley is a fabulous destination for food and wine.
Some wineries are usually closed in winter, but there are tasting events throughout the season, and the Okanagan has excellent restaurants that serve local wine.
Kelowna is the place to go for top restaurants and bars. Larger wineries like Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Mission Hill remain open for wine tasting in winter.
Christina of Travel2Next