Coeur d’Alene, Idaho In Winter: 19 Things To Do For The Winter Traveler
Coeur d’Alene in the summer may be abuzz with steamy temperatures and lake life adventures, but in the winter, it is a powdery winter wonderland that attracts snow lovers from all over the US.
If you’re new to the city and wondering about the best things to do in Coeur d’Alene in winter, we’ve got the complete list.
Couer d’Alene is just a short drive from where we live, and we make our way to it every winter as it offers the best all-around winter activities in North Idaho.
Our hometown, Sandpoint, may have the best ski hill, but Coeur d’Alene provides a little bit of something for every kind of traveler, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cozy indoor pursuits.
Here’s our full list of the best things to do in Coeur d’Alene in winter.
INTERESTED IN MORE IDAHO ARTICLES? Read these posts about Idaho:
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10 Fantastic Places To Stay In Coeur d’Alene
57 Weird, Interesting, And Fun Facts About Idaho
40 Bucket List Sights In Idaho
The Essential North Idaho Adventure List
10 Romantic Getaways In Idaho
*This post about Winter in Coeur d’Alene may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you purchase from them. This is at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we truly think are helpful.
COUER D’ALENE IN WINTER
Before we dive into the best things to do in Coeur d’Alene in the winter, here’s a short guide on the weather, what to wear, and where to stay when visiting Coeur d’Alene in winter.
COUER D’ALENE, IDAHO WINTER WEATHER
The winter weather in Coeur d’Alene is brisk and snowy, with the coldest months typically being December and January. The best way to enjoy a cold winter holiday in Coeur d’Alene is to be adequately prepared with proper winter gear. No ultra-thin cotton!
Check out our Idaho packing list article that includes what to wear to Idaho in winter with a section on great winter gear that will keep you warm.
HOW TO GET TO COEUR D’ALENE
The Spokane Airport (GEG) in Spokane, Washington, is the closest airport to Coeur d’Alene. It’s about a 40-minute drive. You can search for affordable flights through Skyscanner.
While the downtown area of CDA is walkable, you will need to rent a car to get around Coeur d’Alene and explore the areas outside of downtown CDA. Car rentals can be found at the Spokane Airport and in Coeur d’Alene.
You can search for the best car rental deals through Rental Cars.
WHERE TO STAY IN COEUR D’ALENE IN WINTER
We’ve stayed at all of the following hotels and have had good experiences at all of them. The hotels below range from budget to moderately high-end. For a more in-depth look, check out our article on the best places to stay in Coeur d’Alene.
HOTELS
The Coeur d’Alene Resort: The CDA Resort is the nicest hotel in Coeur d’Alene and the closest thing you’ll get to a resort-type experience. The hotel is located on the water, and if you can swing it, it’s worth the extra money for a lake-view room. They have great restaurants, a spa, an indoor pool and hot tub, and a fantastic location in downtown Coeur d’Alene. For families traveling with kids, their location next to McEuen Park makes it stellar for playground time.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott: This is an excellent mid-tier hotel offering a complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, and a hot tub. It’s not walkable to the main attractions of CDA, but downtown is easily accessible within a five-minute drive. It’s an all-suite hotel, and every room has a mini fridge and microwave. You can see prices for the Springhill Suites here.
Best Western: A budget-friendly choice, the Best Western has basic rooms with comfortable beds. They have an excellent free buffet breakfast that delighted my five-year-old. They also offer free dinners for children accompanied by a paying adult. Best Western is located a seven-minute drive from downtown CDA. You can see prices for the Best Western here.
HOME RENTALS
Luxury Executive Suite: This one-bedroom guesthouse is the perfect getaway for a couple or small family. Luxurious amenities, including high-end appliances and a rain shower, help elevate this chic rental. It’s also within walking distance from the lake, restaurants, and the Coeur d’Alene Resort. You can read reviews and see prices here.
Riverstone Village Rental Home: Another option is to rent a home. It’s an excellent option for groups or families, as you can cut costs by cooking meals and pay a comparable price to a hotel, but with the added benefit of having your own home. This two-bedroom home sleeps five and comes with adult beach cruisers. It also features bunk beds and kids’ toys, making it an ideal home for traveling families. You can read reviews and see prices here.
You can also browse VRBO here and apply your own filters to find the house that’s right for you.
19 FUN THINGS TO DO IN COEUR D’ALENE IN WINTER
JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE WINTER CRUISE
From mid-November to January 2, Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises offers the Journey To The North Pole Winter Cruise. It’s a 40-minute boat ride that includes a dazzling light show and a visit to Santa’s waterfront toy workshop, complete with a small fireworks show. It’s a wonderful night out with family, and the ride is especially suited for kids. Our son was absolutely delighted when Santa read out his nice list and included his name. A nice surprise for the kiddos.
They also do special holiday cruises, including fireworks on New Year’s Eve and the day after Thanksgiving. It’s a popular event, so we highly recommend reserving your tickets ahead of time.
TIP: When we visited the show, we were traveling with someone unable to walk long distances. The walk to the boat has a few ramps that would be difficult for anyone with a disability. The CDA Resort will provide you with a wheelchair if you ask for one at the valet desk when you first enter the resort.
SCENIC HOT COCOA CRUISE
If you are visiting Coeur d’Alene in winter outside of the holidays, you can opt for a Scenic Hot Cocoa Cruise. Running from January to March on the weekends, the 90-minute cruise takes you around the lake while filling your belly with hot cocoa for the kids and spiked hot cocoa for the adults. Bundle up and enjoy the beauty of Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Tip: Don’t forget to look up to spot a few bald eagles flying overhead.
READ NEXT: The Essential List Of Fun Family Things To Do in Coeur d’Alene
ICE SKATING AT CDA ON ICE
From November to January, the popular McEuen Park in downtown Coeur d’Alene opens an outdoor skating rink. Sold in 90-minute sessions, reserving a spot is ideal so you can glide to your heart’s content. For an additional fee, you can reserve a heated dome where your friends and family can relax with unlimited hot chocolate. You can learn more and book your tickets at CDA on Ice.
*For anyone feeling unstable or for kids who are first learning, they have walkers you can rent.
WALK THE FLOATING BOARDWALK
Located at the CDA Resort is the world’s longest floating boardwalk. Just under one mile, the boardwalk loops around the marina. Accessible to the public, the boardwalk is a popular destination in the warm summer months, offering benches to sit on and an ice cream shop for snacks. The advantage of visiting in the winter is that it won’t be as crowded. Additionally, if you’re visiting during the winter holidays, the boardwalk is lit up with holiday lights. My advice is to grab a warm drink and walk the boardwalk in the evening when the resort is lit up and festive.
The boardwalk is slim with no rails, so caution is needed with young kids.
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN CDA
Walk Sherman Avenue and explore all the fun, artsy shops in Downtown CDA. For kids, Figpickels Toy Emporium is a must-do. Filled with inventive and retro-style toys, your kids will have a blast exploring this one-of-a-kind toy shop. For anyone looking to pick up clothing with CDA emblems, there’s no better place than the Coeur d’Alene Clothing Company. Lastly, CDA has a beautiful art scene, and you’ll find many art galleries in downtown CDA that feature artists from North Idaho and the inland NW. One of our favorites is the Art Spirit Gallery.
HOT WINTER NIGHTS AT COEUR D’ALENE RESORT
An outdoor hot tub infinity pool that overlooks Lake Coeur d’Alene? Sign me up.
Every year, the CDA Resort features the Hot Winter Nights experience, where guests can be shuttled over to their outdoor hot tub. If you’ve never been in a hot tub while it’s snowing outside, you might want to add that to your winter bucket list. While managing snowy weather is out of your control, the experience is heavenly, whether it’s snowing or not. They offer a family swim time typically from 4-6 PM, adults-only swim (21+) from 6:30-8:30 PM, and later adults-only hours from 9-11 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
You can also reserve heated igloos at an extra cost. This is highly recommended for those traveling in a group, as the reservation cost includes a $100 food and drink minimum.
You must be a hotel guest to experience this, so book a room for a night and add the Hot Winter Nights package.
SOAK ON THE LAKE WITH SPAVENTURES’ HOT TUB BOAT
If you’ve ever wished you could take a spa day on the water, Spaventures makes that dream real with their floating hot tub boat—affectionately called the Spacruzzi. This six-person, electric-powered boat lets you cruise the calm waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene or drop anchor in a quiet cove while soaking in steaming water surrounded by mountain views. You can float past the beaches, gaze up at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, or drift by the Riverstone mansions—all while your favorite playlist hums through a Bluetooth speaker. It’s equal parts adventure and serenity, perfect for couples, families, or a small group of friends looking for a unique way to experience winter on the lake. Check rates and book a Spacruzzi here.
THE SPA PLUNGE EXPERIENCE
For something a little more exhilarating, Spaventures’ SpaPlunge turns contrast therapy into an art form. The experience begins with a soak in a 104°F SpaBoat, followed by a bracing dip into the icy waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene from a protected plunge pool. Once you’ve caught your breath, you slip back into the warm bubbles for the ultimate body reset. The dock is aglow with candlelight, and music drifts from Tiki speakers. Steaming mugs of hot chocolate or cider await by the fire pit. With a heated changing room nearby, it’s an invigorating yet cozy way to embrace winter in Coeur d’Alene—equal parts wellness ritual and adventure. Check rates and book a SpaPlunge here.
TOUR NORTH IDAHO’S SKI RESORTS
Take to the mountains for a day of winter recreation at any of the three ski resorts near Coeur d’Alene. The closest ski resort is 36 miles away at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho. It’s a great ski hill with fewer crowds and even an indoor waterpark perfect for non-skiers. The waterpark is primarily for overnight guests, but they offer a limited number of tickets for non-hotel guests.
Fifty-six miles from CDA is Schweitzer Mountain, the biggest ski resort in Idaho. Located in Sandpoint, Idaho, it’s a phenomenal ski resort with over 92 trails. Advanced skiers will appreciate that over half of the trails are rated as advanced or expert.
Lastly, 60 miles from CDA is Lookout Pass, a smaller ski hill great for families and beginners.
4TH OF JULY PASS
If you want fun outdoor time in the winter but are looking for something a little more off the beaten path than a ski resort, check out the 4th of July Pass Recreation Area, where you can go downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing. The area offers extensive groomed trails that vary from beginner to advanced. You can see a map of the trails here. The 4th of July pass is located 11 miles east of CDA at exit 28 off I-90. Before you go, you’ll need to buy a park and ski permit to park at the lot.
TIP: You can rent snowshoes and cross-country skis from Vertical Earth in downtown CDA.
WALK OR BIKE CDA’S BIKE TRAILS
The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a 23-mile trail that starts at the Idaho/Washington Border and ends at Higgens Point State Park on Lake Coeur d’Alene. The trail can be easily accessed from Downtown CDA, where you can hop on at McEuen Park.
You can also rent bikes from Coeur d’Alene Bike Company, conveniently located in downtown CDA.
Depending on the weather and the conditions, you may not be able to bike the trail.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Fans of Nordic skiing can branch out into areas near Coeur d’Alene to glide along North Idaho’s pristine forest trails. The closest places to cross-country ski include the 4th of July Pass Recreation Area, Farragut State Park, Heyburn State Park, and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.
You can rent cross-country skis from North Idaho College and Vertical Earth.
HIKE TUBBS HILL
Tubbs Hill is a beloved 120-acre park overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene. The trails range from easy to moderate, making it a great choice for families and visitors seeking a casual walk. Most people visit the park from late spring to fall, but you can still enjoy Tubbs Hill in the winter if conditions are right. We hiked Tubbs Hill in February and were able to navigate the trails just fine.
Common sense is your best guide when determining whether a trail is suitable for hiking. If it is snowed in and muddy, don’t hike it. If the trail is a little icy, I would suggest using a traction device like Yak-Trax. They slip onto the outside of your shoes, providing traction and stability in icy conditions.
Don’t forget to look up and see if you can spot eagles hunting for fish in the lake.
RENT A SNOWMOBILE
Rent a snowmobile and explore the hundreds of groomed trails surrounding Coeur d’Alene. Perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, and adrenaline junkies, snowmobiling is one of the best ways to experience the splendor of Coeur d’Alene in the winter. Summer Snow Outfitters offers free delivery and pickup, or you can pick up a snowmobile at their warehouse and tow it to your ideal destination.
CONVOCATION OF EAGLES
North Idaho is blessed to have bald eagles year-round, but from late November to February, you can see upwards of a hundred migrating eagles flock to Lake Coeur d’Alene to hunt and dine on spawning Kokanee Salmon. Higgens Point at the Coeur d’Alene Parkway State Park is a popular spot for watching the eagles. Bring layers, your zoom lens, and binoculars like these to see the beauty of these majestic creatures up close.
Another option for viewing the eagles is a guided eagle-watching cruise with CDA Cruises. The two-hour cruise takes you to Wolf Lodge Bay, where you can watch the eagles from the lake.
The window to see them is very small, but typically, the best time is late December and early January. We visited Higgens Point in mid-January and just missed seeing the eagles in mass, but we were able to spot five or six eagles perched high in the trees.
READ NEXT: How to Experience the Convocation of Eagles in North Idaho
EAT IN A HEATED IGLOO
Still want to eat outside but are deterred by the freezing temperatures? Eat in a heated igloo! Local gastropub Crafted Tap House + Kitchen offers six heated igloos on its outside patio for the winter. With a fireplace and twinkling lights, it’s a fun night out with more than enough ambiance to spare.
We enjoyed our experience, but even though it’s heated with small electric heaters, it’s still much cooler outside than inside the restaurant. Dress warm! The chairs were quite cold from being outside, so I sat on my jacket to keep my bottom from freezing.
They do accept walk-ins at no charge, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get one. If you’re looking to guarantee a table, you’ll want to make a reservation for the igloo.
You can also rent an igloo at Whisper Igloos at the Lake. This is a 21+ only igloo, so it’s intended for adults rather than families. With fun cocktails and your own Bluetooth speakers, it’s a fun night out with friends.
READ NEXT: Check out more fantastic CDA restaurants in our post about 17 Must Try Coeur d’Alene Restaurants.
WARM WINTER BEVERAGE FROM CDA COFFEE COMPANY
The Coeur d’Alene Coffee Company is a locally owned and operated coffee shop that serves up house-roasted and hand-crafted coffee. The building is gorgeous, with big, welcoming couches that are the perfect place to cozy up on a brisk Coeur d’Alene winter day. You can sip on a classic latte or cortado or try their seasonal drinks like a white chocolate mint mocha.
Other great coffee shops in CDA are Evans Brothers and The Vault.
SEVEN STARS ALPACA RANCH
Not far from downtown CDA is Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch, a working ranch that features alpacas, mini horses, sheep, goats, rabbits, and more. We took the tour in the summertime, but the farm is open year-round, so if you have kids or are an animal lover who doesn’t mind the snow, we recommend this fun, family-friendly tour. The owner conducts a daily tour that includes an overview of how they came to run an alpaca farm, insight into the animals, and interaction with all the farm animals. You can see our Instagram reel about the tour here.
MAC AND CHEESE FESTIVAL
Every January, Coeur d’Alene hosts an annual Mac and Cheese Festival that brings together local chefs from the area to compete for the best-tasting variation of the perennial classic, Mac and Cheese. You can enjoy Mac and Cheese tastings or opt for the Mac and Beer combo, which includes 4oz local beer tastings to complement all that cheesy goodness. Tickets sell out every year, so be sure to get your tickets in advance!
We had a lot of fun participating in this activity, and it’s a great way to explore downtown CDA. There was everything from smoked Gouda mac and cheese to garlic herb mac with cherry port duck and even a cheesy gelato mac!
The day before the Mac and Cheese Festival, Coeur d’Alene Cruises offers a Mac and Cheese Dinner Cruise that includes a build-your-own Mac and Cheese Bar with tasty options like bacon and pickled jalapenos. Get your tickets in advance to secure a spot.
Are you ready to experience the magic of Coeur d’Alene in winter? Share your favorite things to do in Coeur d’Alene in the winter in the comments below.
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