10 Reasons to Visit the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast this Winter

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is an ideal destination year-round, but winter deserves a special mention. The soft blanket of snow covering much of the region enhances the sense of peace and solitude this area is known for. Whether you choose to stay active or simply relax and recharge, there’s plenty to experience, from the coast to the mountains.

Reason 1: Cozy Winter Cabins

The silent winter season pairs perfectly with crisp mountain air and star-strewn night skies—best enjoyed with a cup of cocoa, bundled up by the window of your cozy cabin. Curl up with a good book and good company during the day, or venture out to explore the wilderness. Return to home-cooked meals, share stories of a day spent in nature, and learn more about what makes the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast spectacular from local proprietors—gaining insight into where you should head next.

Reason 2: Local Ski Hills

Try an “unhurried and unworried” approach to your ski trip this year. Escape the crowds at metropolitan ski hills and discover low-key downhill skiing and snowboarding, exceptional terrain, budget-friendly ticket prices, and a variety of other winter activities to keep you busy off the slopes in the Cariboo and beyond.

Reason 3: Winter Trails

Your next backcountry adventure awaits as you feel the snow crunch beneath your feet on local trails. Head out hiking, or grab some snowshoes or cross-country skis so you can delve deeper into nature on your Cariboo Chilcotin Coast winter getaway. Discover picturesque viewpoints, frozen lakes and waterfalls, and, if you’re lucky, spot a fox or two enjoying a dig in the snow.

Reason 4: Incredible Scenery

No matter where you choose to visit this winter in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, be sure to bring your camera! Witness the northern lights, capture starry skies, frozen landscapes, breathtaking viewpoints, and places few have seen before. Don’t forget to snap a few portraits to remember your visit, and feel free to share them on Instagram by tagging @cariboochilcotincoast so we can see and share your adventures.

Reason 5: Snowmobiling!

Journey along fluffy trails through the white wilderness of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast this winter, navigating up and down mountainous terrain (on approved trails) for an adrenaline rush as you search for your next incredible vista to stop and ponder. Several snowmobile clubs dot the region and can assist you in pinpointing the best spots to take your sled next.

Reason 6: Family-Friendly Fun

There is no shortage of family-friendly winter activities to enjoy while visiting the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. Young families can spend time skating frozen ponds and lakes or sledding local hills. More adventurous families can visit local ski hills or head out on backcountry adventures for a day of interaction and bonding before heading back to a home-away-from-home for hearty meals and hot cocoa.

Reason 7: Ice Fishing

Learn to ice fish in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast this winter with a guided trip from Lone Butte Fishing Adventures along BC’s fishing highway—Highway 24—or pack your gear and head out on your own. Be sure to check with local resources before you set up for the day to ensure the ice is safe.

Reason 8: Winter Wildlife Viewing

Even in the depth of the winter months, there is still plenty of wildlife for you to admire in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. Several bird species stick around through the colder months, while lynx and foxes can be spotted hunting for their next meal scurrying beneath the snow if you’re quiet and patient. Larger species, including bighorn sheep, moose, elk, and deer, are also prevalent in winter, spending time traveling through the wide-open spaces as they forage for food to sustain them until spring.

Reason 9: Heli-skiing

Heli-skiing tours began in British Columbia, making it no surprise that it has become a winter destination people return to year after year. Home to a selection of knowledgeable, professional operators, heli-skiers can choose from terrain totaling over 1.5 million hectares. Explore the varied, unparalleled landscape in an area larger than the entire Swiss Alp mountain range, jumping off your professionally piloted ride to join your group (and expert guide) to lay down fresh tracks with limitless runs and vertical descents through champagne powder. In the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, popular heli-skiing operators include Tyax in the South Chilcotin and Silvertip Lodge in the Northeast Cariboo.

Reason 10: Connect with Locals

The true beauty of this region lies in the people who call the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast home, as they lead with their hearts in everything they do. A winter visit provides ample opportunity to truly connect with the individuals who make this place so special. Spend some time getting to know your accommodation proprietor, cafe owner or experience operator – you’ll be surprised by what you learn!

Start planning your winter visit to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast with the help of our regional guide and ensure you’re ready to travel responsibly this winter.

Moreover, find your perfect accommodation and book now to begin your unforgettable adventure!