West Coast Winter Getaways: Vancouver, Victoria, and Beyond

When winter sets in across Ontario, it can be tempting to look south for a holiday escape. Yet British Columbia offers an experience that feels like a true getaway without leaving the country. For Ontarians, heading west to Vancouver, Victoria, and nearby destinations brings a balance of mild weather, festive celebrations, and natural beauty. It’s a winter trip that combines relaxation with discovery, and one that celebrates Canadian identity in a uniquely coastal way.

Why Choose the West Coast in Winter

Travelling within Canada avoids exchange rate headaches, border hassles, and U.S. tipping culture. As of 2025, Canadians are paying steep premiums when they travel south, with the exchange sitting at $1 USD to $1.44 CAD. By choosing Vancouver or Victoria, Ontarians keep their money in Canada while experiencing a holiday that feels different from home. The weather is kinder too. In Vancouver and Victoria, average winter highs hover around 7°C, making it possible to stroll waterfront paths, shop in open-air markets, or enjoy patio heaters at local restaurants—activities that are less appealing in the sub-zero chill of Ontario.

Vancouver: A City That Blends Nature and Festivities

Start your west coast winter in Vancouver, a city that embraces the season with a mix of holiday lights, cultural events, and easy access to nature. A highlight for many is Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where thousands of twinkling bulbs illuminate the bridge, treetop walkways, and forest paths. Even if crossing the bridge isn’t for everyone, there are stunning views from the entrance areas and plenty of festive spirit throughout the park.

Stanley Park transforms with Bright Nights, where the miniature train winds through dazzling light displays that families love. Downtown, the Vancouver Christmas Market brings German-inspired stalls, warm mulled wine, and artisan gifts, while Granville Island offers seasonal food and performances. And when you’re ready for something more active, the North Shore ski mountains—Grouse, Seymour, and Cypress—are less than 30 minutes from downtown, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing with unbeatable views of the city and ocean.

Victoria: A Holiday Escape Across the Water

From Vancouver, it’s an easy ferry ride or short flight to Victoria, a city that feels like stepping into a holiday postcard. The British Columbia Parliament Buildings glow each night with thousands of Christmas lights, and the city’s Inner Harbour sparkles with festive decorations. Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress is a tradition that feels especially magical in winter, while Butchart Gardens offers a Twelve Days of Christmas light display that has become one of the province’s most beloved seasonal experiences.

Victoria’s compact downtown is perfect for exploring on foot, with boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants lining historic streets. You’ll find local seafood served fresh, Canadian-owned coffee shops for a warm pick-me-up, and craft breweries with welcoming tasting rooms. For families, the Royal BC Museum offers engaging exhibits that combine history with interactive learning, making it a perfect stop on a chilly afternoon.

Beyond the City: Easy Winter Day Trips

If time allows, winter on the west coast opens the door to day trips that Ontarians often overlook. In Squamish, less than an hour from Vancouver, the Sea to Sky Gondola carries visitors to mountain-top trails and viewing platforms where you can see Howe Sound framed by snow-capped peaks. In Whistler, winter is more than just skiing. Adventure companies at Cougar Mountain offer zip lining through snow-dusted trees, snowmobiling tours, and aerial obstacle courses for those craving a thrill. Even if you’re not an adrenaline-seeker, the village is filled with shops, dining, and après-ski patios where you can soak up the alpine atmosphere.

Closer to Vancouver, smaller gems like Steveston Village in Richmond or Fort Langley in the Fraser Valley provide low-key charm. Both feature historic sites, independent shops, and riverside walks that are perfect for a crisp winter day. These destinations highlight the cultural and historical richness of the region while keeping things relaxed.

Why Ontarians Will Feel at Home Here

Travelling from Toronto or Ottawa to Vancouver or Victoria is seamless, with dozens of direct flights daily and minimal time zone adjustment. Once you arrive, the sense of familiarity is paired with a feeling of discovery. The coffee shops, pubs, and galleries feel distinctly Canadian, yet the mix of mountain views, rainforest trails, and coastal harbours create a setting that feels worlds away from Ontario. For families, the educational value of museums and cultural attractions adds meaning to the trip, while couples and solo travellers can find plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge.

Making the Most of Your Winter Escape

Whether you spend your entire trip in Vancouver, add a few days in Victoria, or venture further into the mountains, a west coast winter getaway offers something for every traveller. The combination of festive lights, mild city strolls, and snowy adventures makes it a uniquely Canadian alternative to heading south. And with so many local businesses to support—from Indigenous galleries to BC wineries—you know your travel dollars are making an impact at home.

For Ontarians, winter on the west coast is an invitation to slow down, explore, and celebrate the season in a fresh way. Vancouver and Victoria bring together city comfort, holiday sparkle, and easy escapes into nature, all without leaving Canada. Add in day trips to Squamish or Whistler and you have a trip that balances relaxation with adventure. This year, consider flying west instead of south and discover why a Canadian winter getaway might be your most rewarding holiday yet.