If you’re looking for the perfect family-friendly winter getaway in British Columbia, let me introduce you to Oliver—the hidden gem of the South Okanagan.
Whether you're craving ski adventures, cozy mountain vibes, or a little après-ski indulgence (because parents deserve a treat too), this itinerary has you covered.
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
Stay: The Coast Oliver Hotel – Your Cozy Home Base
First things first, you need a comfy place to kick off your boots after a long day of adventuring, and The Coast Oliver Hotel is just the spot.
With its creekside mountain-view rooms, you'll wake up to stunning vistas that make you almost forget how early your kids rise.
The hotel offers a solid continental breakfast to fuel up before hitting the slopes, and if your legs aren’t jelly by the end of the day, the weight room, pool, and hot tub are waiting.
Bonus: Right now, they're running the “Chill & Thrill Getaway” package, which includes a two-night stay plus Baldy Mountain Resort ski passes.
A deal that covers both cozy sleep-ins and adrenaline-fueled days? Yes, please! Check it out here.
Ski & Tube: Baldy Mountain Resort – A Bluebird Paradise
One of the best things about Oliver? It’s a short drive to Baldy Mountain Resort, BC’s best-kept ski secret.
This mountain flies under the radar in all the right ways—affordable lift tickets, zero lift lines, and the third-highest peak in the province.
That means tons of powder, sunshine, and runs that aren’t packed with people aggressively snowplowing their way down. (We’ve all been there.)
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
Pro tip: If skiing isn’t your thing, Baldy’s tubing park is guaranteed fun for all ages. No skill required—just a love for speed and the ability to scream while laughing.
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
And when hunger strikes? You must try the chicken sandwich at the lodge. I don’t say this lightly—it’s legendary.
The crispy, juicy, flavor-packed goodness will have you reconsidering every chicken sandwich you’ve ever had. Trust me on this one. Plan your visit here.
Après: District Wine Village – Skating, Fire Tables & Sipping in Style
No trip to Oliver is complete without a visit to the District Wine Village, and winter makes it even more magical.
Picture this: cozy fire tables, twinkling lights, and an outdoor skating rink where the kids can zoom around while you relax with a glass of wine in hand.
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
With over a dozen boutique wineries, breweries, and distilleries in one spot, this is the ideal place to wind down Thursday to Monday, after an action-packed day.
Order a cheese board, grab a locally crafted vintage, and soak in the wintery ambiance. (And if you happen to bring home a few bottles as souvenirs, well—that’s just good planning.)
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
Oliver may be best known as the Wine Capital of Canada, but it’s also an underrated winter escape.
Whether you're shredding the slopes, conquering the tubing park, or indulging in après-ski bliss, this little pocket of BC delivers the best of both adventure and relaxation.
So, if you’re looking for a family getaway that ticks all the boxes—epic outdoor fun, cozy stays, and fantastic food and wine—Oliver is calling.
Pack your snow gear and your wine glass, and thank me later. Visit @thiswildpassport for more family friendly travel inspiration.
