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With the recent floods and damaged highways, delays and closures to our main routes to the coast, we’ve been busy exploring BC in a different direction! Radium, BC piqued my interest and since realizing how little I know about the town, we decided it was time for a family visit!
Only five and a half hours from Kelowna, Radium is an exceptional choice for a quick weekend getaway. We brought the whole adventure-loving family, however, I would come here with an adventurous friend or for a romantic escape as well.
On the Way:
I highly recommend a quick stop on your way out of town, to Gray Monk to stock up on local vintages from this family-owned estate winery.The impressive tasting room boasts epic mountain and lake views. If you love full-bodied reds and tantalizing bubbles, this pitstop is essential. Ask the knowledgeable staff for the Odyssey Meritage, my personal favourite, to enjoy upon your arrival in Radium.
Where to stay:
Bighorn Meadows Resort is a stunning accommodation with the perfect amount of space for a family. Our two bedroom, two bathroom suite with a fully stocked kitchen, dining and living room, wrap around deck, in-suite laundry and open concept design was almost enough to make us never leave the hotel!
With wrap-around views of Springs Golf Course and the mountains, two hot tubs, outdoor pool, playground, and visiting Bighorn sheep, this hotel can be enjoyed in every season.
A winter stay here is a cozy and luxurious experience. With space to enjoy the kids in the living room, around the fire, playing games and reading books, we made family memories here. Of course, it’s also nice to put the kids to bed in their own room and enjoy the quiet of the evening out on the deck, or in our case, around a charcuterie board.
Where to Grab Coffee:
It’s not much to look at from the outside, but do not miss out on Bighorn Cafe! I enjoyed the best oat milk London Fog of my life and breakfast here is divine! There’s endless choices for sweet and savory goods, made fresh every day. With a cozy vibe, and the friendliest staff, we came here twice during our quick stay in Radium and I’m already craving my next cinnamon bun!
What to Do:
The obvious first choice is the famous Radium Hot Springs. Nestled in the glorious mountains, the hot springs are a quick 5 minute drive from the village. The road will take you through the Insta-worthy Sinclair Canyon so have your camera ready.
The odorless waters and serene nature of Radium Hot Springs draws many tourists, plan to spend your first morning here. During our visit, the freezing temperatures turned the hot spring mist into hoar frost on the surrounding branches. The result was a Narnia-esque experience, a fairy-tale feeling we all enjoyed.
Your second stop during a wintery visit is the Windermere Whiteway, a well-groomed, 30 km, multi-use trail on Lake Windermere. Actively used by skaters, kick-sledders, hockey fans and riders on fat-bikes, this trail is maintained by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club. It’s worth noting that in 2014, The Guiness Book of World Records named it the world’s longest skating trail!
There is an access point we used to get on at Windermere Beach and there are intersections which create four smaller loops within the large trail. Updates on the state of the ice can be found on the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club Facebook page.
On your way back to Bighorn Meadows Resort for a glass of bubbly in the soaker tub, stop for dinner at the Black Forest Steak & Schnitzel Haus for incredible comfort food. This recommendation from a friend wasn’t originally on our itinerary but we saw it on our drive home and decided to check it out. I did a quick post to my Instagram stories of the front of the Bavarian-themed restaurant and had an overwhelming response from people who had loved this place!
While the summer brings a myriad of additional activities for visitors such as ziplining, river rafting, hiking, and golfing, the winter vibes of this friendly village are some of the most peaceful I’ve experienced.
A special thank you to Okanagan Wedding Photographer, @rachelhunter.photography for these incredible images of our stay! You always capture our special candid moments. Follow us on Instagram @loewenlifestyle to see more photos from around BC and for more itineraries and getaways! Where are we headed next? The BC Bucket List Family is crossing borders to Canmore, AB next, come follow along!
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