You know that gorgeous winter cabin you see on social media that you wish you could call home? The one hidden in a snow-blanketed forest or perched on the shore of a frozen lake that you just know smells of wood-burning fire and warm cinnamon? Okay, maybe moving is a little out of the question but that doesn’t mean you can’t live out the fantasy with a winter getaway! Ranging from romantic hideaways to family reunion-sized chalets, BC’s Land of Hidden Waters is full of cozy winter escapes. In no particular order, here are 13 of our favourite cozy cabins where you can embrace all of the quintessential Canadian winter activities (or simply just kick your fuzzy-sock-covered feet up at… no judgment).
1. Kayanara Resort, Eagle Creek
KAYANARA Resort oozes that winter aesthetic you’ve been dreaming of. Choose from two spacious log cabins as well as a pet-friendly, original 1930s trappers cabin. Spend your stay cozying up by the fire with a good book or take advantage of the resort’s 7 km (4 mi) of snow-trodden trails by bringing your own (or renting) snowshoes. For the snowmobilers amongst you, bring your snowmobiles and explore the property’s adjacent winter wilderness. Being about 45 minutes east of the nearest town of 100 Mile House and with tons of specials being offered throughout the year, KAYANARA is an excellent option for those looking for that winter cabin aesthetic without breaking the bank.
2. Knouff Lake Wilderness Resort, Heffley Creek
Established in 1904, Knouff Lake Wilderness Resort is one of the oldest lodges in BC, although you’d never guess it by the pristine condition of the grounds, RV site, and wide array of cabins. Situated a 40-minute drive from Kamloops, an hour from the family-owned and operated Harper Mountain Ski Resort, and only 20 minutes from the world-class Sun Peaks Ski Resort, Knouff is the perfect distance away to make you feel like you’re in the wilderness without having to venture too far. For a truly authentic and charming winter experience, book one of their eleven historic log cabins that date back to when the resort first opened in the early 1990s!
3. Wettstone Guest Ranch, Bridge Lake
Perched on the shores of the forest-lined Henley Lake is Wettstone Guest Ranch. Winter recreation activities here include all of the classics plus horse-drawn sleigh rides and dog sledding (which kiddos especially will love). With a chic lake-view chalet, rustic ranch house and romantic, traditional trapper’s cabin to choose from, Wettstone is perfect for any type of winter ranch escape.
4. Rainbow Trout Resort, Forest Lake
For those looking to host a large group, Rainbow Trout Resort will exceed everyone’s expectations. With enough room for 16 guests, your own private lake to ice fish or skate on, plus a covered hot tub to warm up in after your daily activities, this luxurious log chalet is a bucket list experience. The best part – the lodge is only an hour from Harper Mountain Ski Resort and 50 minutes from Sun Peaks Ski Resort meaning that skiers within the group can make easy day trips.
5. Moul Creek Lodge, Wells Gray Provincial Park
Nestled amidst the splendour of the rugged Wells Gray Provincial Park, Moul Creek Lodge is a bed and breakfast featuring three beautiful guest suites each with its own entrance. Surrounded by vast forest and covered with vibrant stars at night, Moul Creek is the perfect wilderness getaway. After enjoying the European-style breakfast buffet that is included with your stay, spend your trip exploring the park’s frozen waterfalls or enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, ice-fishing, or cross-country skiing nearby. Learn more about where you can do these activities within Clearwater and Wells Gray in our Top 5 Winter Activities in BC’s Interior story.
6. Beaver Guest Ranch, Lone Butte
Located between Deka Lake and Sulphurous Lake along Fishing Highway 24, Beaver Guest Ranch is an award-winning guest house with European flair. Feast on the all-inclusive breakfasts and dinners and use all of the extra time this gives you to connect with the resident animals and surrounding nature. With four guest rooms and a cozy common room, choose to make friends with the other guests or rent out the whole space for a larger family getaway.
7. Ruth Lake Lodge Resort, Forest Grove
Since the late 1940s, Ruth Lake Lodge Resort has been welcoming guests (and pets) to their 37-acre property complete with three colourful cottages and a spacious lodge for groups of up to 20. Along with the typical winter activities such as nordic skiing and snowshoeing, they even create a Crokicurl rink (Google it!) for guests to play. For anyone wanting to stay out of the cold, book one of the resort’s soothing spa massage treatments. If that’s not enough, they even have a large lakeside European-style sauna.
8. Little Black Bear Lodge B&B, Bridge Lake
If anyone knows how to do winter right, it’s the Swiss and that’s just who owns and operates Little Black Bear Lodge B&B. Perched on the hill with a spectacular view of the beautiful Bridge Lake, this 3-suite B&B is ideal for those looking for a relaxing stay along Fishing Highway 24 or a quick pit stop before exploring more of the region. While it’s optional, we highly suggest booking the breakfast option as the cooking is divine – especially the Rösti!
9. Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, Clinton
For those looking for luxury this winter, look no further than Echo Valley Ranch & Spa. Recognized as a Canadian Signature Experience, the resort owners have seamlessly blended their two varying Eastern and Western heritages resulting in incredible Thai massages, authentic Western cowboy culture, and unique accommodation that entrancingly blends the two. Bring your snowshoes or Nordic skis and explore the hundreds of acres of pristine wilderness, then feast on the exceptional catered meals and finish the evening by cozying up beneath a blanket of dazzling stars free from any light pollution.
10. Wolf Valley Guest Ranch, Bridge Lake
Wolf Valley Guest Ranch is a warm and welcoming retreat located 118km outside of Kamloops. Surrounded by crown land, immerse yourself in the peaceful outdoors while you snowshoe through the powder or cross country ski around the frozen lake. This remote hideaway is home to Highland cattle, friendly horses, and cozy guest cabins. As an off-grid property, the charming cabins are solar-powered and there is no cell service at the ranch – however you can find wifi in the lodge.
11. Wendego Lodge, Tranquille Lake
For a rustic, off-grid stay just outside of Kamloops, visit Wendego Lodge. This family-friendly (including pets!) resort is complete with picturesque lakefront cabins, making for an excellent home base for fishing the wild populations of rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon in Tranquille Lake, or nearby Saul, Truda, and Pass (Trophy) Lakes. The cabins at Wendego sleep up to 6 guests and include a wood-burning stove for cooking and heating. Washrooms, hot showers, and wifi are accessible at the main lodge, and there is a communal fire pit along the shore of the lake.
12. Fawn Lake Resort, Lone Butte
This lakefront resort is perfect for those looking for an affordable and adventurous cabin getaway. At Fawn Lake Resort, frozen pond hockey and ice-fishing are right outside your doorstep. This also means that hot chocolate or chai tea is never far away afterwards! Choose from a variety of different cabin options but please be advised that during the winter, they are winterized and do not have running water (there is a heated shower house available to all guests).
13. Lucky Strike Resort, Wilson Lake
Coming in at lucky number 13, Lucky Strike Resort is a family-friendly resort with 5-star reviews across the board. The large and luxurious lakeside chalets have been described as the perfect blend of modern and rustic, ideal for families looking for affordability without sacrificing quality. Fish for Rainbow Trout in Wilson Lake, snowmobile along the scenic trails, or kick back and relax in the quiet cabins.
14. Ludtke Cottage, Wells Gray Provincial Park
Steeped in heritage, the Ludtke Cottage holds the unique distinction of being Wells Gray’s only original heritage cabin. The interior perfectly balances comfort and rustic charm with two private bedrooms, one equipped with a queen bed and another featuring two twin beds. The cozy sitting room forms a welcoming hub in the heart of the cabin, with a wood-burning stove and sofa bed. The cabin’s large deck invites guests to roast wieners or marshmallows at the fire pit while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding meadows and mountains. Best of all, it’s dog-friendly, meaning your four-legged friend can join in on the fun. Thanks to Ludtke Cottage’s prime location in the heart of the provincial park, this is a solid base camp for all of your winter adventures in Wells Gray.
To discover more winter accommodations on the Fishing Highway 24 in the Cariboo, click here.
