Winter Holiday Retreats in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
Revel in the beauty of a British Columbian winter, where a soft blanket of snow coats the evergreen trees. Breathe the crisp, clean air as you step outside your cozy cabin and plan a day of adventure, whether it’s listening to the crunch of snow underfoot as you trek through trails, gliding on cross-country skis through the impeccable forest, or discovering more thrilling pursuits. Regardless of your preference, there are a variety of winter holiday retreats throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast from which to choose.
Winter Spots for Thrill Seekers
Adrenaline junkies and adventurers will find plenty to keep busy in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. Soar above it all through mountain passes with local backcountry & heliski operators, exploring an area larger than the Swiss Alps Mountain Range at over 1.5 million hectares of skiable terrain. With an average snowfall of up to 25 metres (82 feet), plenty of champagne powder awaits!
Discover untouched winter paradise with a backcountry winter experience touring through the landscape by snowmobile. Travel the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail from 70 Mile House to Horsefly or from Yanks Peak to Wells and Barkerville, explore the fantastic Rainbow Range or explore a range of trails in the Land of Hidden Waters and near Williams Lake. If you need a rental sled for your visit, Spectra Power Sports is an Indigenous-owned and operated business with a large stock of rental units for daily, weekly and monthly loans, with delivery available.
Downhill skiers and snowboarders will love the laid-back ski hills in the Cariboo, including Mt. Timothy and Troll Resort.
Winter Retreats for Singles
Take a well-deserved break from it all with a restorative getaway. Set your own pace with activities or relaxation – whether it’s a laid-back snowshoe in the morning, followed by a soak in the hot tub and curling up in front of the fire with a good book.
You’ll have no shortage of places to choose from throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, including Crooked Lake Resort, where you can enjoy ice fishing and snowshoeing as well as having easy access local ski hills and snowmobiling trails.
Eagan Lake Resort is popular for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, while the lake is open for ice-fishing until January 1st (with plenty of other local lakes to visit in the new year).
You can really get away from it all with an off-grid getaway to Wolf Valley Ranch. This remote, all-inclusive retreat offers abundant acreage (home to horses and Highland cows) surrounded by nature, wildlife, and solitude so you can escape from daily distractions and embrace the quiet.
Another terrific option is Terra Nostra Guest Ranch which offers not only an all-inclusive singles rate with meals, but you can explore the area by horseback, on skis, or by snowmobile while you are visiting.
Winter Getaways for Couples
Whether as a holiday gift or just to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, a couple’s trip to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is ideal for resting and reconnecting.
For the first time ever, Nuk Tessli is opening up for winter adventures on an unguided, self-catered basis. Couples can enjoy reduced rates and be the first to explore an amazing, untouched winter wilderness, capped off with warm cabins and soothing soaks in the hot tub.
Ten-ee-ah Lodge hosts guests over the holidays and offers free use of cross-country skis to explore the surrounding area. The packages here include a breakfast buffet, three-course dinner, and cozy studio log cabin.
Embrace winter in the Great Bear Rainforest with an all-inclusive stay at Great Bear Chalet, where you can snowshoe right out your back door to explore the grizzly trails along the Atnarko River, or head up “the hill” for deep backcountry powder and bright sunshine.
Located in the heart of the South Cariboo not far from beautiful Canim Lake, Kayanara offers 220 acres to explore, including over 7 km (4 mi) of scenic hiking trails and access to unlimited open backcountry and some lovely cabins for privacy.
There are plenty of cozy cabins and serene spots to stay and explore winter wonder at your leisure.
Winter Vacations for History Buffs
Learn more about British Columbia’s storied history while taking a winter vacation in one of the following historic spots:
Barkerville Historic Town & Park is accessible over the winter season, so you can explore the town plus the backcountry trails for skiing, snowboarding and Nordic skiing. Accommodations within the park are open, including the historic St. George Hotel, built in the 1890s.
Visitors to the Bridge River Valley can stop by the Bralorne Pioneer Museum on Mondays. While you’re here, head to the former gold mine and community to view abandoned mines from one of Canada’s largest gold mines and the surrounding ghost town.
In the Chilcotin, plan a stay at the Historic Chilcotin Lodge. Built in 1940 as a hunting lodge, this log building is one of the last remaining authentic lodging facilities in British Columbia. It was once Riske Creek’s post office and general store and today offers accommodation, homestyle cooking, and a teahouse with fresh-baked goods.
Over on the coast, explore the Tallheo Cannery by taking a Historic Guided Walking Tour and a cruise around the inlet with Inner Coast Inlet Tours. A stay overnight is encouraged, as the bed and breakfast accommodations in the restored 1920s guesthouse include the tour above and gives you more time to explore.
Pet-Friendly Winter Retreats
Bring your best fur buddy along for your next winter getaway!
Eagle Bear Lodge’s cabins are ideal for couples or groups of friends with pets and breakfast for two is included in the overnight rate. Explore the surrounding trails on your own or head out for a guided day tour.
Conveniently located on the Chilcotin Highway, Kinikinik has a range of pet-friendly rooms, and you can start the day off with a continental in-room breakfast.
Tallheo Cannery (mentioned above) offers pet-friendly accommodations and transportation to the site for an additional fee, and the surroundings offer plenty of room for exploration of beaches and hiking trails.
Sheridan Lake Resort’s offers a selection of pet-friendly cozy cabins on Sheridan Lake. Bring your furry buddy and plan to explore the nearby cross-country trails at 100 Mile Nordics, snowshoe or hike at 99 Mile Recreation Area, or head out on the frozen lake!
If you’re looking for a boarding/training option for a feisty Fido, Wettstone Guest Ranch offers a board and train program where canines receive one-on-one training, group walks, and join the pack around the ranch. So not only do you get a break to embark on some dog-free pursuits your pup is better behaved when you return!
There are winter retreats for all types in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, so discover a winter vacation destination that appeals to you! Continue exploring winter getaways to cozy cabins or consider a trip with your adventurous family to British Columbia’s Land Without Limits.