Winter activities in B.C.’s Boundary Country
You can spend an entire day skiing or snowshoeing in Boundary Country, encountering few others. Darren Robinson photo / Boundary Country Tourism
What’s waiting for you this winter in British Columbia’s Boundary Country? From historic trails to snowy explorations, there’s lots to explore!
Snowshoeing
Snowshoe your way through forested landscapes covered in snow. Drink in the crisp winter air, hearing only the sound of your snowshoes or skis breaking the stillness surrounding you. Marvel that you can spend an entire day skiing or snowshoeing in Boundary Country, encountering few others, seeing only the occasional paw print on the trail before you.
Historic Trails
Get fit while you get away from it all. The majority of the hiking and biking trails in Boundary Country are perfect for winter exploration too!
Start at either end of Boundary Country, Rock Creek, or Grand Forks, or right in the middle at Midway (Mile 0 of the KVR). Spend your day snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on The Trans Canada Trail and the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail. Glide across trestles in the shadow of frozen waterfalls as you marvel at this winter wonderland.
You can rent snowshoes from Chain Reaction in Grand Forks.
Hiking trails around Christina and Jewel lakes are perfect for your winter adventures on snowshoes or cross-country skis. Darren Robinson photo / Boundary Country Tourism
Big White Resort
Big White has 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) of combined nordic and wilderness trails created for country skiing and snowshoeing.
Spend your day getting a goggle tan as you explore the trails, groomed daily with state-of-the-art grooming equipment for both skate and classic techniques. These trails are great for all levels from beginner to advanced. See our Big White Winter page for more winter fun.
Baldy Mountain
Located between Rock Creek and Oliver in the westernmost reaches of Boundary Country, Baldy Mountain has several trails for winter exploration.
Find approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails, first created for the 1995 BC Winter Games. More trails are planned for the future.
Marshall Lake Trails
For those who love Nordic skiing, the Marshall Lake trails above Phoenix Mountain are yours to explore, with more than 17 km (11 mi) of trails. Pack a lunch and relax in the authentic Dacha to warm up and have a winter picnic!
Several hiking trails around Phoenix Mountain double as cross-country and showshoe trails in the winter. Spend the day on the 14 km (8.6 mi) loop trail which takes you past a cemetery, the only thing left of a once-booming town.
Snowshoe frozen lakes
Disconnect from your everyday routine and slide along Christina and Jewel lakes’ frozen surfaces.
Hiking trails that go around the lakes are perfect for your winter adventures on snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Check with the local Visitor Centres to learn about ice thickness and safety during your visit.
Helpful advice:
- Check avalanche reports before you head up any mountain.
- Marshall Lake Nordic Trails and the warming Dacha are both dog-friendly
- Fresh-water fishing is regulated in BC and fishing licenses are required (even in winter)
- Many of the most beautiful trails run through sensitive ecosystems. Please stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment and pack out what you pack in
- This area is prone to rapid changes in the weather, pack and dress accordingly
- Learn the ice thickness in areas you plan to visit. Anything less than 2” is unsafe, while you need 4” for ice fishing and 5” for snowmobiles.