While British Columbia may be famed for its mild weather compared to the rest of Canada, winter along the Gold Rush Trail still brings its fair share of frosty days. While many warm-hearted Canadians have mastered the art of embracing the chill, we all know someone (or maybe it’s you!) who feels cold no matter how many layers they bundle up in. To help everyone fully enjoy the wonders of winter along the Gold Rush Trail, we’ve created a cozy and comprehensive guide to warming up and making the most of the season’s outdoor adventures!
Warming Huts & Lodges
Most of our favourite winter activities, like skiing and snowshoeing, are exhilarating daylong adventures. While it’s easy to stay warm while you’re on the move, body temperatures can drop quickly during breaks. That’s where the trusty warming hut comes in! Equipped with a place to stash damp gear, a wood-burning fireplace, and cozy seating, these lodges offer the perfect spot for kids and adults to thaw your fingers, enjoy a snack, and recharge before heading back out for more fun.
When it comes to perfecting the art of the warming hut, 100 Mile Nordics in 100 Mile House truly shines. Their spacious day lodge and two charming cabins tucked within the forest make it easy to explore 45 km (28 mi) of groomed trails without worrying about the chill. Similarly, the Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club boasts two convenient warming huts—one at the parking lot and another nestled along the trail.
For alpine enthusiasts, Troll Resort and Mount Timothy Recreation Resort take things up a notch with larger-scale day lodges. These feature not only cozy spaces to relax but also food and drink options, perfect for those who want to take a longer, more leisurely break between runs. Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or just soaking in the winter magic, these spots have you covered!
Cozy Cabins with Hot Tubs, Saunas and Spas
Nothing compares to the warmth and relaxation of a cozy cabin retreat after a day of winter adventures. In addition to mastering the warming hut, this region has truly earned its title as the cozy cabin capital! Picture yourself in a traditional timber chalet, savouring hearty meals by a toasty fireplace as frost traces delicate patterns on the windows. Now imagine curling up on the couch with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, watching ice skaters glide across a frozen pond while snowflakes gently drift down around you. Sounds heavenly, right?
Many of the cabins along the Gold Rush Trail take coziness to the next level with on-site hot tubs, saunas, and even spa services, ensuring your winter escape is as warm and indulgent as it gets.
Whitecap Alpine embraces the Scandinavian sauna movement, providing a blissful way to warm up in the heart of the mountains. For cozy cabin escapes, Bralorne Adventure Lodge and Spring Lake Ranch boast inviting on-site hot tubs, perfect for soaking away the day’s chill. And for those chasing adrenaline, the region’s top heliski lodges—Tyax Lodge and Silvertip Lodge—offer indulgent day spas, ideal for unwinding after an epic ski adventure. Wherever you go, warmth and relaxation await!
While Whitecap Alpine has adopted the Scandinavian sauna movement, Echo Valley Ranch & Spa blends classic European and authentic Thai therapies in their two world-class spas. Bralorne Adventure Lodge and Spring Lake Ranch feature on-site hot tubs and our region’s top heliski lodges, Tyax Lodge and Silvertip Lodge, both have day spas perfect for warming up after an epic ski day.
Warm Bites & Decadent Drinks
Another delightful way to keep warm during these chilly winter months is by indulging in delicious food and drinks. Whether you’re embarking on a winter road trip and need a quick pick-me-up or looking for a cozy café to relax and unwind, the Gold Rush Trail is brimming with incredible local businesses ready to serve up warm, tasty treats and comforting beverages.
Be sure to check out Abundance Artisan Bakery in Lillooet for freshly baked delights, The Junction Coffee House in Clinton for a cozy coffee break, Sugar Shack in 70 Mile House for sweet indulgences, Bean Counter Bistro in Williams Lake for gourmet bites and drinks, and Frog on the Bog in Wells for some of the best locally roasted coffee in the Cariboo, paired with a unique gift shop experience. Wherever your journey takes you, these spots are sure to warm your heart and soul!
Whether it’s cozying up by the fire, savouring a steaming cup of hot cocoa, or soaking in a hot tub, the Gold Rush Trail has you covered. And if you’re dreaming of all three—warming up in a wood-fired hot tub with hot cocoa in hand—we’ve got you covered there too! This winter, embrace endless outdoor adventures, knowing there are plenty of ways to thaw out and recharge, making every chilly moment one to cherish.
Whether it’s warming up by the fire, with a hot cocoa, or in a hot tub, the Gold Rush Trail has you covered. And if it’s all of the above (warming up in a wood-fired hot tub with hot cocoa!), we have you covered there too. Enjoy endless winter activities with all kinds of ways to warm up this winter.