There’s a reason why Canada is known for its winters – they are gloriously crisp and icily beautiful. Pack your parka and merino wool layers to rediscover British Columbia, where sharp snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks will always take your breath away.
Whistler may be famous for its unparalleled resort skiing and backcountry trails, but have you found its ice cave yet? Head into the backcountry – via helicopter, snowmachine, or snowcoach – to step into an otherworldly room of ethereal blue ice.
And how about a little fine dining in this pristine cave of rock and ice and snow? Headline Mountain Holidays customizes each ice-cap experience. Or do you like your ice used to chill Moet & Chandon instead? Spend après in the spa at Nita Lake Lodge, where its Champagne Nail Bar lets you chill out with a bottle of bubbly during your treatments.
Don your cutest pompom tuque and head to the outdoor hot tub: Soaking while surrounded by snow and ice is an experience like no other. Outdoor mineral hot springs are found throughout the Kootenay Rockies, and Canada’s largest is the famous, steamy Fairmont Hot Springs.
On Vancouver Island, drive up to Tofino, which is well known for its winter storm watching. Lean into the wind on Chesterman Beach and watch out for the spray from crashing and smashing 20-foot swells. Or keep an eye on things from the five-star shelter at the Wickinish Inn, uniquely placed with a front-row seat to the weather.
But if you want to escape into a true winter wonderland, book a five-star log cabin in the Chilcotin backcountry, where snow conditions are fantastically reliable from mid-December to mid-March. Snowshoe, Nordic ski, dog sled rides, heli, and cat skiing – guests get to choose their own adventure in the Cariboo mountains.