The holiday season is quickly approaching and many of us are excited to get away from home and spend time with our families elsewhere. A vacation doesn’t have to mean traveling to another country; you can enjoy the winter holidays without going too far, especially when you live in such an adventure-filled province like British Columbia!
Today we’re virtually visiting some travel destinations for the holidays, right here in British Columbia.
Fairmont Hot Springs
Fairmont Hot Springs is right near the BC/Alberta border, and their legendary natural mineral hot springs bring in tourists from all over the world. Every year on Christmas Eve, they hold a Torch Light Parade that consists of skiers carrying lit-up torches as they rip down the slopes. This has been a tradition in town for over 30 years, and is paired with many other family-friendly activities such as visits from Santa, and a must-see fireworks finale!
Kingfisher Winter Serenity Gardens
Kingfisher Oceanside Spa Resort is nestled away in Courtenay, one of Vancouver Island’s eastern-most cities. This resort offers top-tier dining under Sky Domes, which are available year-round, but are even more fitting during the holidays with their twinkling lights. When it comes to the holiday season, Kingfisher is tough to beat with the hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights that adorn their Serenity Gardens.The Annual Winter Lights Display features a variety of vibrant, shimmering and illuminating flowers of winter colours that you do not want to miss this holiday season.
Grouse Mountain Peak of Christmas Festival
Grouse Mountain, located in North Vancouver, is home to a very popular and exquisite ski hill and each year they are host to the Peak of Christmas Festival , which is Vancouver’s version of The North Pole.The whole family is bound to have a memorable time, whether it’s by strolling through the dazzling light walk, the Gingerbread Village, or getting to meet a real-live reindeer! Enjoy the North Pole during the holidays, but just a bit closer to home.
Winter Street Market & Light Up
Kelowna starts off the holiday season in style with a free outdoor celebration! Magical lights decorate the downtown, where local artisans and vendors line the streets to kick off the holiday shopping season. During the day you can enjoy live entertainment, hot chocolate, free ice skating, and even meet Santa! After the market closes the night ends with Santa lighting the Downtown Kelowna Christmas Tree ! If a getaway sounds right up your alley during the Holidays, taking a trip to the Okanagan is something you should consider.
Christmas in the Valley
Smithers has an Alpine vibe year-round, and adding in some dazzling lights and Christmas spirit makes it the perfect holiday getaway. The visitors love the magic in the air so much that the holiday spirit starts early with the Christmas in the Valley festival, at the end of November. The downtown streets get decorated and the shops are open late for holiday shopping, and you’ll find cozy activities everywhere: horse-drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa, hot chocolate from the local Firefighters, and so much more! This snowy winter wonderland is definitely worth checking out this holiday season.
—
As the holiday season approaches, the allure of British Columbia's diverse and captivating destinations beckons travelers far and wide. From snow-kissed peaks to festive small-town vibes, BC offers an array of experiences that promise to enchant visitors seeking both adventure and tranquility. Embrace the magic of the season amidst BC's stunning landscapes, where the holiday offerings create timeless memories!