10 Different Ways to Find Your Adventure.


Although the temperatures have dropped, there is no excuse to remain inside. B.C. is blessed to have some the best mountain ranges and natural landscape as its backyard.

The winter activities around B.C. will keep you busy all season long. Regardless of what kind of adventurer you are, the Okanagan and Kootenays have an activity for you. If you’re not someone who enjoys hitting the downhill slopes and you prefer to instead enjoy the winter in other ways, here are some non-skiing or snowboarding ideas to get you started:

1. Snowshoe the Strawberry Pass in Rossland

IMG_1560 2
The Strawberry Pass Summit is a public area in high altitude mountains located about 20 minutes from Rossland. There are numerous groomed trails that lead you to unique cabins scattered around the area. Simply being able to get out and explore these beautiful trails, regardless of the depth of snow that has fallen, is unique. One of the fantastic attributes to snowshoeing the Strawberry Pass is that the trails allow you to choose between an easier shorter walk, or if you are feeling more adventurous, there are longer, challenging trails. The trails accommodate snow-shoers, cross-country skiers or backcountry ski-touring. Currently, there are 8 cabins all built from donations and volunteers, that provide shelter and a perfect spot for a lunch break. Each cabin is equipped with a stove, keeping the cabin nice and toasty while allowing you to heat up a sandwich. Make sure to bring a packed lunch.

Finally, don’t forget to leave your name in the guest book within each cabin. The area is free to use however, as maintenance is funded by donations, please remember to leave a token of your appreciation in the donation box. For those visiting without snowshoes, rentals are available at Powderhound Sports store in Rossland.
Click here for more details.

2. Exploring the town of Nelson
IMG_1558 2
Visiting the town of Nelson is an adventure in itself. Nelson has big city urban amenities, coupled with an authentic small town charm. Walking down Baker Street, a vibrant main street, you will experience the quirky vibes, authenticity and spirit Nelson is known for. With over 350 heritage buildings, Nelson has earned a reputation as one of the finest heritage cities in Canada. For foodies, Nelson is a place for you. With more restaurants per capita than Manhattan or San Francisco, Nelson offers fine dining, international fare or cozy cafes. Specialty stores, farmers markets and clothing shops are just a few of the other stores on offer in Nelson’s heritage downtown core. Several outdoor stores also sell an array of sports gear for adventure seekers. Whether you’re exploring Nelson for relaxation or adventure you’ll find a kind of spirit or authenticity that that has slipped away from so many cities.
Click here for more details.

3. Fat Biking S’more tour when in Cranbrook
IMG_1563 2
If you are all about challenging yourself and then rewarding yourself, this Fat Biking S’more Tour at Kimberley Alpine Resort is for you. Fat biking allows you to continue riding despite the snow. Riding on snow is a very different activity and can be a challenging, especially if it is your first time. This is why the tour is so great. The team at Kimberley takes you on a gentle trail giving you a feel of Fat Biking, however, midway they break at the most stunning lookout over the Canadian Rockies, light a fire and start making s’mores and hot chocolate. The challenge is well worth the reward and is a very memorable activity when in the area.
Click here for more details.

4. Radium Hot Springs Pools
IMG_1648
With water temperatures around 40ºC, the Radium Hot Springs Pools is one of British Columbia’s top natural hot springs. This family-friendly facility offers plenty of space to soak and is a perfect place to relax after a big day.

Click here for more details.

5. Toby Creek Adventures
IMG_1561 2
Toby Creek Adventures offers snowmobiling tours for all levels of experience. Providing you with all the gear, equipment and instruction, you are set for a fulfilled day. You venture through old-growth forest with incredible scenery of the spectacular alpine basin surrounded by soaring mountain peaks. A few stops along the way allow for hot chocolate in their alpine cabin, a short walk to a frozen waterfall and basking in the breathtaking views. With a range of tours, Toby Creek Adventures is sure to cater for a memorable and great time.
Click here for more details.

6. Lake Windermere Whiteway
IMG_1643
Photos by David Mc Ilvride
Located just 15 minutes from Prestige Radium Hot Springs Resort is Lake Windermere, a.k.a the “Whiteway” in winter. Named the longest skating pathway in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records, the frozen lake measures an impressive 30 km. This multi-use area offers opportunities to ice skate and cross-country ski on groomed trails. Enjoy a game of hockey, partake in ice fishing, or warm up by the fire pits along the shoreline. This impressive Whiteway is a must-do, offering a variation of activities for the whole family.
Check here (https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/2019/01/11/lake-windermere-whiteway-bc/) for the latest updates.
Click here for more details.

7. Dawn Mountain Nordic Club
IMG_1557
Dawn Mountain is a must-visit for any winter vacation in Golden. With 33 kilometers of groomed trails, the area offers hours of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing potential while being surround by breathtaking landscapes. There is also a beautiful log chalet to relax at before or after. Lessons to help find your feet, as well as rentals, are available on-site.
Click here for more details.

8. Eagle’s Eye Gondola Apres Pass
IMG_1656
If you find yourself in Golden and you are looking for a nice place to wind down and enjoy the sunset, there is only one thing you must do. Visit Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and go up the Eagle Eye gondola to enjoy Apres at the Eagle Eye Restaurant. It’s a perfect place for drinks, tea and cake, lunch or dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. The Eagle’s Eye Gondola Apres Pass is available after 2pm for only $9.95 and allows you to enjoy Canada’s most elevated dining experience with the most breathtaking, rememberable views of the Canadian Rockies surrounding you.
Click here for more details.

9. Silver Star Mountain Resort
IMG_1620
Silverstar offers more than its infamous downhill skiing or snowboarding runs. A visit to SilverStar is a day out for the whole family. Walk through its colourful village, filled with vibrancy and ambiance, warm up in one of the cafes or restaurants and partake in one or a few of the wonderful activities. From tubing, ice skating, snowshoe tours, fat biking or horse carriage rides with hot chocolate, SilverStar has a little something for everyone.
Click here for more details.

10. Kelowna Wine Tour
IMG_1632
Winter is a great time to visit wineries. You beat the heat and the crowds while cheese and wine tastes just as good as in the hotter seasons. Plus, mulled wine is another favourite for winter. Kelowna is home to over 200 wineries and have great events going on all winter long. If you are interested taking a tour around to some vineyards, visit Distincly Wine Tours for more information.
Click here for more details.

Photo Credits
Radium Hot Springs Pools
https://www.radiumhotsprings.com/listing/radium-hot-springs-pools/
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g182160-d284694-Reviews-Radium_Hot_Springs-Radium_Hot_Springs_Kootenay_Rockies_British_Columbia.html
https://www.telegraphjournal.com/telegraph-journal/story/100084868/travel-canada-powder-highway?source=story-related

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
https://kickinghorseresort.com
https://www.skisafari.com/canada/kicking-horse
https://www.tourismgolden.com/dining/restaurants-cafés/kicking-horse-mountain-resort-eagles-eye-restaurant

Silver Star Mountain Resort
http://www.skisilverstar.com

Kelowna Wine Tour
https://www.tourismkelowna.com/blog/post/why-everyone-should-experience-winter-wine-country/
https://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/easily-drunk-on-cycle-touring-in-wine-regions/
https://twitter.com/MissionHillWine
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g1915410-d10365160-Reviews-Indigenous_World_Winery-West_Kelowna_Okanagan_Valley_British_Columbia.html

Comments are closed.