You know those winter weekends when you want to get out of the house, but haven’t quite decided where to go? A snowy mountain, a Christmas village or a little cross-border shopping might be just what you need. These winter day trips from Vancouver offer plenty of ideas, with a few longer getaways for when one day isn’t enough.
RELATED:
- 7 Holiday Events That Are Worth the Drive From Vancouver
- 9 Cozy Cabins in BC to Curl Up in This Winter
Nearby Winter Day Trips From Vancouver
Grouse Mountain
View this post on Instagram
The ride up Grouse Mountain already makes the day feel like a little escape. Ski, snowboard, snowshoe or enjoy the outdoor skating pond once winter activities open. It’s a lovely option for a mountain outing close to home.
Travel Time: 30–45 minutes to the base, plus mountain transport and queues
Location: Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver
Dates/Hours: Winter activities depend on weather conditions; hours vary.
Cost: Paid mountain admission or ski tickets; rentals and lessons extra.
Cypress Mountain
View this post on Instagram
Some days, you just want to trade the rain for snow. Cypress Mountain offers skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, tubing and snowshoeing, so you can choose how adventurous the day will be. Its seasonal Lights of Hollyburn route adds an evening option for a snowy walk with a little sparkle.
Travel Time: 45–60 minutes
Location: Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver
Dates/Hours: Activities depend on conditions.
Cost: Paid activity tickets; rentals and lessons extra.
Mount Seymour
View this post on Instagram
A few hours of sliding and a hot chocolate afterward can be all you need to keep little ones happy. Mount Seymour offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing and tobogganing. Choose an activity that suits your family, and check age and height requirements before booking.
Travel Time: 45–60 minutes
Location: Mount Seymour Resort, North Vancouver
Dates/Hours: Hours and reserved sessions vary by activity and conditions.
Cost: Paid activity tickets; tubing and tobogganing have separate tickets. Rentals and lessons extra.
Fort Langley
Come hungry and leave a little room in your bag for whatever you find in the shops. Fort Langley’s village centre is easy to explore between café and bakery stops, with the Christmas in the Village market adding a festive shopping stop. Lunch, a few gifts and something sweet for the drive home make a simple afternoon plan.
Travel Time: 45–75 minutes
Location: Glover Road village centre; 9167 Glover Road
Dates/Hours: Christmas market: December 18–20, 2026, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Cost: Village browsing is free; market admission has not been confirmed. Shopping and dining extra.
Squamish
Choose a clear day and head to the Sea to Sky Gondola for mountain views, the suspension bridge and winter walking or snowshoeing when conditions allow. Spend a couple of hours enjoying the scenery, then head into Squamish for lunch before going home. It’s a simple outing that still feels like you’ve gone somewhere.
Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours
Location: Sea to Sky Gondola, just south of Squamish
Dates/Hours: Check the seasonal schedule and daily operating status.
Cost: Paid gondola admission; rentals and guided activities extra.
Winter Day Trips From Vancouver to Washington
Lynden
For a festive outing close to the border, head to Lynden for the Northwest Lighted Christmas Parade. Browse downtown and find an early dinner before watching illuminated floats, trucks and farm vehicles roll along Front Street. Bundle up and find a spot where little ones can see the parade go by.
Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours, plus border waits
Location: Front Street, downtown Lynden, Washington
Dates/Hours: December 5, 2026, starting at 6 p.m.
Cost: Free to watch; shopping and dining extra.
Bellingham and Fairhaven
For a change of scenery across the border, historic Fairhaven has brick buildings, independent shops and cafés that make a winter wander feel cozy. Browse for books and gifts, settle in for lunch and check the seasonal Winterfest schedule if you’re hoping to catch Christmas activities. There’s plenty to enjoy without going all the way to Seattle.
Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours, plus border waits
Location: Fairhaven Historic District and downtown Bellingham, Washington
Dates/Hours: Business hours vary; check for the 2026 Winterfest schedule.
Cost: Parking, shopping, dining and ticketed activities extra.
Festive Winter Day Trips From Vancouver
Chilliwack’s District 1881
Little shops, pretty streets and somewhere warm to stop for a drink make District 1881 an easy winter outing. During the Christmas season, the decorated alleys are lovely for wandering and taking photos, with local restaurants nearby when everyone gets hungry.
Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours
Location: 46128 Yale Road, Chilliwack
Dates/Hours: 2026 Christmas event schedule pending; business hours vary.
Cost: District browsing is free; shopping, dining and separately ticketed activities extra.
Harrison Hot Springs
View this post on Instagram
Plan this one for the afternoon so you can enjoy the lake views before Lights by the Lake comes on. Pair an early dinner with a festive waterfront walk, or time your visit around a Winter Craft night market if you still have gifts to find. Pack warm layers and take your time enjoying the displays.
Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours
Location: Harrison lakefront promenade near Esplanade Avenue
Dates/Hours: Lights: November 21, 2026–January 10, 2027, dusk–11 p.m. Winter Craft night markets: November 21 and December 5, 2026.
Cost: Waterfront lights are free to view; shopping and dining extra.
Whistler
View this post on Instagram
A ski day followed by dinner in the village is a pretty lovely way to spend a winter weekend. Whistler Blackcomb has skiing and snowboarding, while the village gives you plenty to enjoy even if you leave the equipment at home. Browse the shops, find a café and stay for the twinkling Christmas lights before heading back.
Travel Time: 2–2.5 hours
Location: Whistler Village and Whistler Blackcomb
Dates/Hours: Lift and business hours vary; check the seasonal holiday schedule.
Cost: Skiing, rentals, lessons, parking and other activities extra.
A Longer Winter Day Trip From Vancouver: Seattle
Seattle Christmas Market
View this post on Instagram
Gift stalls, festive food, a carousel and a walk-through Christmas tree make the Seattle Christmas Market a fun reason to head south during the holidays. Wander with something warm to drink and pick up a few gifts along the way. Consider staying overnight so you can enjoy the lights without rushing home.
Travel Time: 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and border waits
Location: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, Washington
Dates/Hours: November 20–December 27, 2026; closed November 26 and December 25. Daily hours vary.
Cost: Season passes: US31.99 individual;US64.99 family (two adults and two youth). Ages six and under free. Day-pass prices pending; check checkout for added fees.
Winter Weekend Getaways From Vancouver
Kelowna
View this post on Instagram
Kelowna feels different in winter, with quieter lake views, cozy places to eat and seasonal skating at Stuart Park when conditions allow. Spend a day around the waterfront and downtown, then add a mountain outing if you’re staying longer. Tourism Kelowna’s winter guide has ideas for a relaxed few days.
Travel Time: 4.5–5 hours in favourable conditions.
Location: Downtown Kelowna, waterfront and Stuart Park
Dates/Hours: Winter skating depends on conditions; business and activity hours vary.
Cost: Accommodation, dining, rentals and activities vary.
Big White
View this post on Instagram
If skiing or snowboarding is the main reason for your trip, Big White is worth giving yourself a whole weekend to enjoy. Spend the day on the slopes, then settle into the mountain village for dinner without having to drive home that evening. Stay long enough for a slower morning and another day in the snow.
Travel Time: 5–6 hours in favourable conditions.
Location: Big White Ski Resort, near Kelowna
Dates/Hours: Check the 2026–27 calendar and snow conditions.
Cost: Paid lift tickets; rentals, lessons, accommodation and other activities extra.
Radium Hot Springs
View this post on Instagram
Pack your swimsuit for this one. A soak in Radium Hot Springs feels especially lovely when it’s cold outside and the mountains are dusted with snow. Explore the village, then warm up in the outdoor mineral pool. Stay a few nights to enjoy it without rushing.
Travel Time: About 9.5 hours; longer in winter
Location: Kootenay National Park, B.C.
Hours: Year-round; winter weekdays 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., weekends 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Last entry 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Adults $19.75; seniors/ages 3–17 $17.25; under three free. Family of four $64.25 (max. two adults).
Leavenworth
View this post on Instagram
Bavarian-style buildings, Christmas shops and streets full of lights make Leavenworth a lovely choice for a festive getaway. Browse the shops, enjoy the seasonal gazebo entertainment and find somewhere cozy for dinner. Stay at least one night so you have time for a wander after dark.
Travel Time: 5–6 hours, plus border waits and winter delays
Location: Downtown Leavenworth, Washington
Dates/Hours: Christmastown: November 27–December 24, 2026. Lights: U.S. Thanksgiving through February, daily 6 a.m.–11 p.m.
Cost: Village lights and seasonal gazebo entertainment are free; separate concerts, parking, meals and activities extra.
Winthrop
View this post on Instagram
With its Old West-style storefronts and mountain setting, Winthrop offers a different kind of Christmas escape. Christmas at the End of the Road brings holiday activities, caroling, town lighting and fireworks to the downtown streets. Make it a longer getaway so you can explore the town and enjoy the winter scenery.
Travel Time: Allow roughly 7–8 hours via a winter-accessible route, plus border waits; confirm your route before booking
Location: Downtown Winthrop, Riverside Avenue, Washington
Dates/Hours: November 28, 2026, 1–8 p.m.; town lighting and caroling at 5 p.m., fireworks at 6 p.m.
Cost: Christmas event listed as free; skating, shopping, dining and separately booked activities extra.
Calgary
View this post on Instagram
For a longer winter break, Calgary offers city exploring with outdoor skating and plenty of places to warm up between stops. Bowness Park’s lagoon is one option when conditions permit, and you can build in extra days for a separate trip toward the Rockies. Flying is the more practical choice for a short stay.
Travel Time: 11–12 hours driving in favourable conditions; winter can take longer
Location: Calgary, Alberta; Bowness Park for outdoor skating
Dates/Hours: Winter activities depend on conditions; check individual schedules.
Cost: Costs vary by attraction; flights, accommodation, dining and rentals extra.
Planning Your Winter Day Trips From Vancouver
Check DriveBC and Washington road conditions before heading out, and make sure your car is winter-ready. For Winthrop, check seasonal closures and an alternate route. Book ahead and bring warm layers and spare clothes for little ones.
