British Columbia may be replete with gorgeous outdoor scenery and activities, but as the temperature drops, many of us want to explore this beautiful province without getting chilly.

Thankfully, the shoulder season—the wonderful, quiet period between the busy summer tourist season and the upcoming winter holidays—is a great time to relax before the holiday chaos begins. So book a little vacation time and take advantage of off-season discounts and minimal traffic to explore these regions with some indoor (but still very B.C.) activities.

Kootenay Rockies

This southeastern area of B.C. is characterized by massive, snow-capped mountains bordering Alberta, crystal clear rivers and lakes, and over half of the province’s national parks. In addition to the ample natural beauty and plenty of outdoor adventures, the Kootenay Rockies also offer excellent opportunities to embrace your not-so-sporty side.

1. Zen escape

Recharge at the Yasodhara Ashram, a gorgeous yoga retreat and study centre in Kootenay Bay, where visitors can unplug from the stress of their modern lives and practise some much needed self-care.

2. Spa day

If the downward dog isn’t your cup of tea, relax at the historic Hume Hotel & Spa, a Nelson landmark originally built in 1898. It features the Aura Spa and Salon, the Liquor Boutique, and many more amenities, making it an easy place to hunker down for a short sojourn. 

Thompson Okanagan

The pockets of warm air and cooler elevations, mixed with the rich soil, make the valleys of this region ideal for growing some of the best wine grapes, along with more traditional fruit like apples, cherries, and peaches. A visit to the Thompson Okanagan wouldn’t be complete without a winetasting (or three).

3. Winery visit

For something a little out of the ordinary, head to Monte Creek Ranch Winery in Kamloops, where visitors are treated to frontier-style winemaking. Sip seasonally appropriate ice wines or try the unique, award-winning haskap berry wine.

4. Rustic retreat

As you sip your way through wine country, take a break and kick back at the Grizzly Lodge near Kelowna, a remote rustic retreat with breathtaking views of the valley.

5. Indigenous dining

Indulge in Indigenous-inspired cuisine at Red Fox Club, on the site of the Indigenous World Winery in West Kelowna. There you can sample local wines while nibbling on bannock, a delicious fry bread served with butter and jam or savory accoutrements, like garlic and cheese.

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Epic forests, expansive fjords, and majestic plains are what make the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast a desirable destination for locals and visitors alike. The history of the Gold Rush runs deep in this central area of B.C.

6. Time travel

Ever wondered what the West was like at the turn of the century? Visit Barkerville, a re-created gold rush boomtown with over 100 historic structures still standing, including a deliberately half-restored boarding house, allowing visitors a glimpse of what life would have been like for residents in the mid-1800s. Barkerville opens for winter activities starting December 8.

7. Ranch relaxing

If you’d prefer to relax cowboy-style, pay a visit to Kayanara Ranch. This gorgeous property is nestled on the banks of Canim Lake, about 45 minutes away from 100 Mile House, and offers cozy lodge-style accommodations. Saddle up for a winter horseback ride, try your hand at ice fishing, or strap on some cross-country skis—the opportunities for cold-weather recreation are endless.

Northern B.C.

Stretching from Prince George all the way north and bordering Alaska, this region is comprised of untamed forests and expansive natural beauty. 

8. Island B&B

Cozy up at a bed and breakfast (like the Seaport) on Haida Gwaii, an archipelago that’s rich in Haida culture and history.

9. Hot springs

If you choose to stay on the mainland, ease your aching muscles in one of the largest natural hot springs in Canada, located in Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, not far from the Yukon border.

As autumn gracefully transitions into winter, break out of your daily routine and explore the uniquely British Columbian experiences throughout the Kootenay Rockies, Thompson Okanagan, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, and Northern B.C. The laid-back shoulder season means far fewer tourists on the roads, which makes it an ideal time for a little R&R in some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Canada.