Interesting stories and experiences from the Crowsnest Highway region

10 Must-Do Winter Experiences on the Crowsnest Highway

Winter has a way of transforming the Crowsnest Highway into something almost magical. From the snow-dusted peaks of Hope to the cozy, lakeside calm of Christina Lake, every curve of this mountain route offers a new reason to slow down, explore, and savour the season. Whether you’re chasing fresh powder, discovering small-town cafés, or simply soaking in the quiet beauty of BC’s southern interior, winter along the Crowsnest is full of moments worth bundling up for.

So grab your mittens, warm up the car, and get ready. Here are 10 unforgettable winter adventures to experience the 395-kilometre (245-mile) journey from west to east along the Crowsnest Hwy 3 from Hope to Christina Lake, including Manning Park, Similkameen Valley, Osoyoos, and Boundary Country.

1. Hope and Sunshine Valley: Ride the Powder at Coquihalla Summit

Breathtaking backcountry, deep powder, and endless winter fun. Your snowmobile adventure starts here.

Adventure meets alpine magic on the trails above Hope, where Pacific moisture turns mountain air into pure, powdery bliss and endless snowmobiling terrain promises an adrenaline-packed winter day. The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area offers more than 100 km of groomed trails, thanks to the dedicated crew at the Coquihalla Summit Snowmobile Club.

From family-friendly runs like The Pipeline to heart-pumping climbs at the retired Silvertip Bowl ski zone, every route leads to wide-open views and snow so soft it feels like flying. Whether you’re chasing an adrenaline rush or just craving a day of crisp mountain air and winter stillness, Sunshine Valley and the Coquihalla deliver a snowmobiling experience you won’t soon forget.

2. Hope: Find the Magic in the Mist at Fog Fest

Step into the misty magic of Hope, where fog becomes part of the experience.

Step into the misty magic of Fog Fest (November 14–30) in the scenic Hope, Cascades & Canyons region, where the fog isn’t just weather —it’s a mood. Over three themed weekends, Romance in the Mist, Girls Gone Foggy, and The Foggy Little Christmas, this festival celebrates the cozy, whimsical side of the season.

Wander through mist-shrouded valleys, explore forested trails, or settle in for boutique shopping, lakeside photoshoots, and festive family fun. With charming stay-and-play deals, local eats, and small-town warmth, Fog Fest invites you to see the Pacific Northwest in a whole new light, soft, dreamy, and unforgettable.

3. Manning Park Resort: A Winter Wonderland in the Mountains

Alpine, Manning Park Resort

Winter at Manning Park Resort is pure mountain magic. A snowy playground where adventure and tranquillity meet. Glide through sparkling forests on skis or snowshoes, carve fresh tracks down the slopes, or lace up your skates for a twirl under open skies at the outdoor rink.

If cozy is more your pace, settle into a cabin, stoke the fire, or even try winter camping beneath a canopy of stars. Each day here feels like a postcard come to life with snowflakes drifting, fires crackling, and laughter echoing through the crisp alpine air. Whether you’re chasing thrills or quiet moments, Manning Park is the kind of winter wonderland that makes you fall in love with the season all over again.

4. Manning Park: Snowshoes, S’mores & Starry Skies

Skyview RV Campground, Manning Park Resort

When the sun dips behind the peaks, Manning Park takes on a whole new kind of magic. The Guided Snowshoe & S’mores adventure invites you to wander through moonlit forests on a two-hour trek, where the crunch of snow and the glow of headlamps light your way.

Arrive at the Nordic Centre by 6:30 pm for a 7:00 pm start, then follow your guide through the snowy stillness. Afterward, gather around the fire at Strawberry Flats for steaming hot chocolate and gooey, golden marshmallows. It’s the kind of winter evening that feels both peaceful and playful—laughter rising with the sparks and memories made under a star-drenched sky.

5. Similkameen Valley: Adventure Awaits on the Snowy Trails of China Ridge

Ski, snowshoe, or stroll through quiet forests and wide-open views in the Similkameen Valley.

Just outside Princeton, the China Ridge Trails offer over 40 kilometres of beautifully groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing routes winding through quiet forests and wide-open ridgelines. Here, every turn reveals sweeping mountain views, the hush of falling snow, and the crisp scent of pine in the air.

With 15 kilometres of dog-friendly trails, it’s the perfect place to share the day with your favourite four-legged adventurer. From gentle glides to heart-pumping climbs, China Ridge captures the best of winter in the Similkameen Valley—peaceful, invigorating, and endlessly scenic.

6. Similkameen Valley: Sip, Stay & Savour the Season

Slow down with local wines & cider, cozy stays, and farm-to-table comfort in the heart of winter.

Slow down and settle into the cozy rhythm of winter in the Similkameen Valley, where local flavour and warm hospitality go hand in hand.

Wake up at Crowsnest Vineyards, surrounded by snow-dusted vines and mountain views. Sip award-winning wines, indulge in fresh-baked pastries, and enjoy a meal crafted from regional ingredients—all just steps from your vineyard stay.

Then venture to Klippers Organics, home to Untangled Craft Cider and their farm-to-table restaurant, Row Fourteen, that celebrates the season’s bounty. Here, comfort food meets creativity, with dishes inspired by what’s grown just beyond the window.

With its scenic landscapes, welcoming hosts, and heartwarming flavours, the Similkameen is the perfect place to sip slowly, stay longer, and savour the simple beauty of winter.

7. Osoyoos and Oliver: Ignite the Holiday Spirit at the Fire & Ice Festival

Light up the season with local wine, music, and holiday magic across the South Okanagan.

Light up your winter at the South Okanagan Fire & Ice Festival, happening November 28 – December 5 across Osoyoos and Oliver. This week-long celebration brings together the warmth of community and the sparkle of the season with glowing light displays, live music, and local wine and food experiences.

From the festive Osoyoos and Oliver Light Up events to the dazzling Fire & Ice Celebration at Spirit Ridge, each gathering glows with small-town charm and big seasonal energy. Sip something local, stroll through twinkling streets, and feel the buzz of holiday magic all around you.

In the heart of wine country, Fire & Ice is where cozy nights, bright lights, and unforgettable memories meet.

8. Osoyoos: Embrace Winter Fun at Baldy Mountain Resort

Powder days, peaceful trails, and après-ski warmth—Baldy is winter bliss made simple.

Just 45 minutes from Osoyoos, Baldy Mountain Resort blends big adventure with small-mountain charm. Spend the day carving through powdery slopes, gliding along peaceful cross-country trails, or strapping on snowshoes to explore quiet forests dusted in white.

After a day on the snow, warm up by the fire in the cozy lodge, where friendly faces and mountain views make it easy to linger. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just here for the après, Baldy is pure winter joy, unpretentious, beautiful, and made for slowing down between runs.

9. Boundary Country: Toast to the Season at the Wine Tasting Gala

Sip, savour, and celebrate community at a dazzling evening of local art and fine wine.

Raise a glass to an unforgettable evening at the 2025 Wine Tasting Gala, happening November 22 at 7:00 pm inside the beautifully restored 1911 Heritage Courthouse, home to the Grand Forks Art Gallery.

This year’s Vino della Valle celebration pairs early 20th-century charm with local art, fine wine, and regional cuisine. Wander through the gallery, savour each pour, and indulge in dishes that showcase the valley’s best flavours.

It’s an evening of conversation, creativity, and community, a celebration of everything that makes Boundary Country so inviting in winter: warmth, connection, and a little sparkle in every glass.

10. Boundary Country: Glide through Winter with Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing

Snowy paths, mountain views, and peaceful moments—winter’s quiet beauty awaits.

Embrace the quiet beauty of winter in Boundary Country as you explore scenic Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails that stretch from Rock Creek to Christina Lake. Glide through peaceful forests, open meadows, and snow-covered rail trails surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. The crisp air, gentle rhythm of your stride, and endless white landscapes create the perfect setting to slow down and connect with nature. Whether you’re chasing adventure or a moment of calm, winter here offers the best of both worlds.

Hit the Scenic Crowsnest Hwy 3, Make It Unforgettable

Winter fun on the Crowsnest Highway.

Winter on the Crowsnest Scenic Highway 3 isn’t just a season, it’s an experience. It’s the crunch of fresh snow under your boots, the laughter around a crackling fire, and the quiet beauty of mountains wrapped in white. From alpine adventures to cozy valley getaways, every mile offers its own kind of magic.

Wrap yourself in the wonder of the season and start planning your next cold-weather escape.

Ready to wander? Explore more Winter Wonders and let the journey begin.

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