Five quick overnight winter road trips you'll definitely want to take from Vancouver

I've said it before and I'll say it again: winter is the best time to explore southern British Columbia.

Gone are the throngs of regional and international tourists alike. In their wake is mostly peace, quiet, and cheaper hotel prices as you don't have to jockey to book a room before they all fill up.

It's the heart of the "off season" as it's known in the tourism industry, and I've put together these five destinations I recommend you consider visiting on your next winter road trip from Vancouver.

1. Squamish

A bear and a fisherman on the Cheakamus river in Squamish. Photo Bob Kronbauer

Squamish is so close to Vancouver that someone who works in our office (not me) lives there and commutes to Vancouver every day of the week. It's less of a "road trip" and more like a quick (and beautiful) drive.

Despite how close it is, it still feels like you're a million miles away from the city.

Recognized as the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada", there are hikes, fishing, cycling, rafting and more to keep you busy.

Aside from outdoor activities there are plenty of great restaurants to check out, including the Howe Sound Brewpub, which also offers all of Howe Sound Brewery's fresh beer on tap.

There are loads of AirBnb properties to rent in the area, a few motels and nice hotels, and one of my favourite resorts, Sunwolf, which has a number of private cabins with wood burning stoves.

Plan your trip to Squamish HERE and be sure to pick up a copy of our sister publication, The Squamish Chief (it's FREE as of this week!).

2. Tofino

The view from the Anglers Inn in Tofino. Photo Bob Kronbauer

The crown jewel of Vancouver Island, Tofino has managed to brand their off season as "storm watching season." And it's more than just a brand, it's an actual thing that you'll want to do.

Most rooms at the lodges and hotels will have gumboots and rain slicks either in your room or at the front desk, and the storms there are legendary. And they're a mood. I know it sounds weird to go from Vancouver and look at a storm but as a converted skeptic I assure you it's worth it; I prefer storm watching season over the summer in Tofino.

The beauty of the area (in any season) is its best feature but the food draws people from the mainland in equal numbers. Wolf in the Fog is a name you've probably heard, but the local spot is the Shelter, and a lesser known one you must visit is Kuma (for ramen!).

Plan your trip to Tofino HERE.

3. Galiano Island

A pond at Bodega Ridge Resort on Galiano Island. Photo Bob Kronbauer

Galiano is a lot like the other Gulf Islands that surround it, but it has a magic all its own. With one main road connecting the south to the north, driving it is a mini road trip in itself. Or a bike trip; many make the trek by bicycle.

There are a few options for accomodations, my favourite being Bodega Ridge Resort about halfway up the island. Located in a super quiet setting in a grove of arbutus trees, they recently expanded and took over a nearby oceanfront resort and renovated it; it's now called Bodega Cove.

For eats you might want to bring your own food or shop at Day Star market which has everything you need. And be sure to pop in to the Hummingbird Pub for a burger and a beer, or Pilgrimme if you're in for literally one of the best meals of your life (it's won "best restaurant in Canada" awards).

Visit Montague Harbour Provincial Park for beachcombing, or simply pull over at one of the many public beaches (look for the signs that say "Shore Access", with a couple parking spots).

Plan your trip to Galinao Island HERE.

4. Harrison Hot Springs

The view from Harrison Hot Springs Resort. Photo Bob Kronbauer

A quick trip up Highway 1 just past Chilliwack brings you to this beauty. The name of the town is Harrison Hot Springs and, much like Whistler, it's a resort municipality that revolves around an attraction. This one involves the soothing waters that come out of a spring near the lake.

While Harrison Hot Springs Resort is the best game in town in terms of accomodations and dining options, there are a few other hotels along the beach and some other restaurants worth checking out aside from the few in the resort.

Aside from hanging out in the hot spring pools (accessible in the resort, or at the nearby community centre) you'll want to walk around the town and the beach, and if you're feeling adventurous take a sturgeon or salmon fishing charter with BC Sportfishing Group.

BONUS: Eight minutes down the road is the quaint little town of Agassiz which has a couple antiques stores to check out.

Plan your trip to Harrison Hot Springs HERE.

5. Salt Spring Island

The government wharf looking out on Galiano Island from Salt Spring Island. Photo Bob Kronbauer

Two stops past Galiano on the "milk run" that BC Ferries does through the Gulf Islands, Salt Spring is mostly centered around the community of Ganges, but there's tons more to explore.

Right in Ganges one of my favourite spots to pop in for baked goods is Barb's Bakery and Bistro, known to locals as "Barb's Buns". Very nearby is the Treehouse Cafe which I always find myself eating lunch at.

If you're into booze tourism (raises hand) there are a number of wineries to visit, and Salt Spring Island Ales makes wonderful craft beer that you can buy from their tasting room (try the Heather Ale). Salt Spring Wild Cider is located on a property with 5-acre orchard, and they have agreements with orchardists around the island who supply them with the rest. Stop in to their tasting room to buy bottles of this wonderful beverage and sample their smaller experimental batches there.

Ruckle Provincial Park is well worth taking a hike through. Donated to the Province of B.C. by the Ruckle family in 1972, it has the largest provincial campground of all the Gulf Islands. 

Plan your trip to Salt Spring Island HERE.

A sign during the drive on Highway 4 to Tofino. Photo Bob Kronbauer

One last thing to note is that even though it doesn't snow a ton during the winter in southern B.C., I'd recommend equipping your vehicle with tires that are "M+S" (Mud and Snow) rated. All seasons don't always do the trick, even when there's just light frost and no snow.