Planning a winter getaway to Big White Ski Resort? You’re not alone — Big White is one of British Columbia’s most popular mountain destinations, offering deep powder, family-friendly runs, vibrant village life, and some of the best skiing conditions in Canada.
But the big question every traveller asks is: What’s the easiest way to get from Vancouver to Big White?
Whether you're heading up for a day trip, a weekend with friends, or a family ski holiday, we’ve put together a complete guide to help you choose the best transportation from Vancouver to Big White — including the easiest, most comfortable, and most group-friendly options.
How Far Is Big White From Vancouver?
Big White is located near Kelowna and sits about:
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450 km from Vancouver
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A 5–6 hour drive, depending on winter conditions
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Mostly highway driving via the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) and the Okanagan Connector (Hwy 97C)
It’s scenic, but winter conditions can be unpredictable — heavy snow, ice, and rapidly changing weather make the route challenging for drivers without mountain experience.
Option 1: Private Group Transportation (The Easiest & Most Comfortable)
If you’re travelling with a group, bringing lots of gear, or simply don’t want to worry about winter driving, the best option is booking a private charter from Vancouver to Big White.
At Canadian Craft Charters, we offer direct, door-to-door transportation in comfortable passenger vans, mini-coaches, or full-sized buses depending on your group size.
Why choose a private charter?
✔ No driving in winter conditions
✔ No renting cars or buying snow tires
✔ Door-to-door service from Vancouver to Big White Village
✔ Plenty of room for skis, bags, and gear
✔ Flexible departure times
✔ Cost-effective for groups
✔ Professional drivers experienced with mountain highways
This is by far the easiest way to get to Big White if you’re travelling with family, friends, coworkers, or a ski club.
Option 2: Fly to Kelowna + Shuttle to Big White
Another popular option is to fly from Vancouver to Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and then shuttle up to the mountain.
Flight time: ~50 minutes
Kelowna to Big White: ~1 hour by road
This is a good choice if you want to save hours on the road, though it can be more expensive and still requires coordinating ground transportation.
From the airport, you can:
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Hire a private Kelowna-to-Big-White shuttle, or
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Take the resort’s seasonal airport shuttle (limited schedule)
If you want a seamless connection, many groups choose Canadian Craft Charters for Kelowna–Big White transfers, especially when travelling with ski bags or arriving late.
Option 3: Self-Drive (Only if You’re Experienced)
You can drive yourself from Vancouver to Big White, but winter conditions are often challenging. If you’re considering this option, here’s what you’ll need:
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A winter-ready vehicle
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Proper mountain-rated snow tires (3-peak symbol)
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Chains if using a rental car
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Experience driving in snow and ice
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Flexibility in case of highway closures
The Okanagan Connector (97C) regularly experiences whiteouts, black ice, and heavy snowfall. If you’re not confident in winter driving — or simply prefer a stress-free trip — a charter or shuttle is a safer choice.
Why Big White Is Worth the Trip
Once you arrive, Big White offers an unforgettable winter experience, including:
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Legendary powder (big, dry Champagne snow)
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118 runs, from beginner to expert
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Ski-in/ski-out accommodations
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Ice-skating, tubing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding
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A lively village with restaurants, breweries, and pubs
It’s one of the best family ski resorts in BC — and one of the easiest for groups to enjoy.
Best Option for Groups Travelling Vancouver → Big White
Whether you're coordinating a corporate trip, a ski club outing, a bachelor/bachelorette weekend, or a family holiday, private group transportation remains the most reliable, stress-free option.
At Canadian Craft Charters, we offer:
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Passenger vans (6–14 guests)
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Mini-coaches (20–30 guests)
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Full-sized buses (up to 50+)
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Space for skis, boards, luggage, and equipment
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Friendly, experienced mountain drivers
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Flexible pick-up locations across Metro Vancouver
Avoid the stress — enjoy the snow.
Book Your Vancouver to Big White Transportation Early
Big White is extremely popular during the winter months, and transportation fills up quickly — especially for Christmas, New Year’s, and school breaks.
Booking early guarantees the best availability and pricing for your group.
👉 For private charters from check out our Vancouver to Big White transfer, or contact us directly for custom group booking options.
Travel safely. Arrive comfortably. Enjoy your Big White adventure.
