British Columbia boasts a diverse landscape, from the forests and coastline of Vancouver Island to the Rocky Mountains on the mainland. It is a scenic province filled with natural beauty and is one of the most sought-after places to live in Canada. Residents of BC benefit from their proximity to some of the best skiing destinations in the country. Let’s explore some of the towns in BC that are situated near gorgeous ski slopes.
Squamish
Squamish is a city immersed in mountainous territory, and the gigantic Stawamus Chief Mountain is visible from anywhere in the town. Squamish is situated along Howe Sound and has a naturally beautiful setting that includes waterfalls, forests, and nearby jagged peaks. It is only a 45-minute drive to Whistler Blackcomb, which was the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics and is one of the biggest ski areas on the continent. Its epic conditions include a jaw-dropping 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, and in the summer, it is a nature lover’s dream with hiking and mountain biking trails. Many visitors to Squamish enjoy day trips to Whistler, and there is even a daily shuttle between the two cities.
Courtenay
Situated on the far eastern end of Vancouver Island, Courtenay is a tranquil coastal city known as a hub for year-round recreation. From the beaches and rivers that encompass the city to the nearby mountains, this is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind location. Mount Washington Skiing Alpine Resort, the biggest ski destination on Vancouver Island, is just a short 30-minute drive from Courtenay and hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Mount Washington experiences massive snowfalls every year, adding to its reputation as the best skiing on the island.
Campbell River
Campbell River is a city set on the east coast of Vancouver Island just north of Courtenay. It has a charming central town with a coastal ambiance, and its setting along the water makes it a dream location. Campbell River is only a 40-minute drive to Mount Washington, where visitors can enjoy its 1,700 acres of skiable terrain with 1,663 feet of vertical drops. Mount Washington is a true hub for winter adventure, also boasting excellent trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as areas for mountain tubing.
Kelowna
One of the most popular destinations in British Columbia is Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley. It is known for its scenic waterfront along Okanagan Lake as well as its abundance of wineries and vineyards available for tours and tastings. It is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are major ski resorts only a short drive from the city center, including Big White Ski Resort. For those up for a slightly longer drive, Apex Mountain Resort, one of the most renowned in the valley, is just over an hour-and-a-half from Kelowna.
