Wrapped in fluffy robes in front of the fireplace with hot morning coffees, you take in a dreamy view of white-capped mountains, with snow gently falling as if on cue.
Western Canada’s enchanting ski towns and resorts are natural settings for romance. There’s amazing skiing on endless powder-filled runs to fill your day, followed by quiet places for après-ski and elegant restaurants, and ending at five-star properties or rustic cabins in incredibly romantic settings. And there’s…So. Much. Snow.
Plus, the mountains are easy to get to, the resorts are full of friendly Canadians, and a favorable exchange rate makes it easy to splurge on a little extra romance. Here’s why you can get your fire going in Western Canada.
Winter Without the Crowds
Nothing kills the mood like having to sit in traffic on your way to the slopes or wait in long lift lines once you get there. Western Canada is full of winding, two-lane roads that pass gorgeous mountains on your way from one charming town to the next—and don’t get backed up with traffic jams. And once you reach your destination, you’ll feel like you’re the only two people on Earth. Sun Peaks Resort, Canada’s second largest, is renowned for wide-open runs and lack of crowds—despite being only a few hours east of Vancouver.
Photo credit: Courtesy SkiBig3
Amazing Views
If you think you’ve seen great views of snow-capped peaks, you haven’t been to Western Canada, where the sky is bigger, the mountains even more dramatic, and the horizon seemingly never-ending. And you’ll find those views everywhere—whether you’re schussing down the slopes or relaxing in a hot tub.
One place to take them in: Kicking Horse Resort, in Golden—north of Montana and three hours west of Calgary. Book the resort’s exclusive Eagle Eye Suite, perched at 7,700 feet on top of a rugged summit in the Purcell Mountains and accessed only by gondola. You’ll find solitude and 360-degree views under a blanket of star-filled skies, along with dinner made by a private chef.
At SilverStar, in between Vancouver and Calgary, book a luxury condo at Snowbird Lodge, where you’ll have endless mountain views from your private balcony for your morning coffees or après-ski drinks, plus your own hot tub, too.
In Banff, located north of Montana and 90 minutes west of Calgary, check out the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise—where your window overlooks the frozen waters, twinkling lights, evening starlit sleigh rides, skating rink, and ice castle. It’s the place of magical winter dreams.
In the stunning mountain town of Whistler, nestled in the coastal mountains just 90 minutes from Vancouver, you’ll find the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Take in mountain views from the intimate Alpine suites, which also include a crackling fireplace and spa showers. Get your heart pounding even more with activities like bobsledding down an Olympic track and winter ziplining!
Romantic Backcountry Lodges
Tons of backcountry makes Western Canada ideally suited for those whose idea of romance is getting back to nature. If that means getting off the grid, head to Banff National Park and book the Skoki Lodge, deep in the backcountry. After you ski in for four or five hours, you’ll stay in one of three circa 1930 cabins, warmed by a fire-fueled stove and lit by gas lanterns. There’s no Wi-Fi and no cell service, but you will find plenty of fresh baked bread, along with hearty cuisine like roasted squash and pork tenderloin to enjoy.
And in Fernie, just north of Montana, opt for Brooks Creek Ranch, a private mountain chalet tucked deep into the Canadian Rockies but just 20 minutes from town. This luxury lodge runs completely on green energy, powered by either solar-charged batteries or micro-hydro power. Or, for a backcountry feel that’s actually slope side, try Snow Creek Cabins, which features log cabins tucked in the cedars above the Snow Creek Lodge—yet another of Western Canada’s incredibly romantic settings.
