Snowshoeing is growing in popularity as an easy but fun winter experience for everyone! It is one of the things to do in Vancouver that everyone should try at least once! While Vancouver rarely sees snow in the city, that does not mean that the mountains are not a winter wonderland. There are lots of places to go snowshoeing near Vancouver on the local mountains. For those looking to go a bit farther, there are also plenty of places to snowshoe all over BC. Below you will find the best places to go snowshoeing in Vancouver to enjoy a taste of winter!
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Best Places for Snowshoeing Vancouver BC
Dog Mountain
Dog mountain is one of the most popular snowshoe destinations in Vancouver. The trail meanders through rolling hills and ends at a spectacular viewpoint. It is located on Mount Seymour but not part of the resort itself which means you do not need a trail pass to hike Dog Mountain. However, due to the increasing popularity in the winter, a BC Parks parking pass will be required. There are AM and PM passes.
Allocated Parking lots are P1 and Lower P5.
You can get your pass in advance on the BC Parks Site. Pass is per vehicle and is 7am to noon OR noon to 4pm. Passes are available to book starting at 7:00am, two days in advance of your planned visit. Additional passes may be made available each morning at 7:00am
Mount Seymour Resort
Enjoy the scenic lakes, old growth forests and undulating trails just outside of Vancouver when you go snowshoeing at Mount Seymour! Mount Seymour offers trails for the beginner as well as loop options with varying difficulty levels.
Mount Seymour Snowshoe Information:
WEEKDAY HOURS: 9:30AM – 4:00PM
WEEKENDS / HOLIDAYS: 8:30AM – 4:00PM
RENTAL AND TRAIL PASS:
Adults (19+) $35
Youth (13-18) $26
Children (5-12) $21
Seniors (60+) $26
0-4 Year Olds $5
TRAIL PASS ONLY:
Adults (19+) $15
Youth (13-18) $11
Children (5-12) $10
Seniors (60+) $11
0-4 Year Olds $5
Cypress Mountain
Breathe in the crisp, fresh winter air and feel the powder crunch beneath your feet as we hike through the forest on Cypress Mountain. Cypress Mountain has aa 11-kilometre-long network of well-marked snowshoe trails at their Nordic ski area.
Always visit the Nordic Conditions page or call 604-926-5612 for daily operating hours and condition updates before heading up the mountain
Cypress Mountain Snowshoe Information:
Cypress Mountain is preparing for the 22/23 season. There are a range of ticket options for:
Adults (19+)
Youth (13-18)
Children (6-12)
Seniors (65+)
0-5 Year Olds
RENTALS: available
PETS: Dogs (and cats) are not allowed on the snowshoe trails
SLEDS: Young children are permitted to be carried in backpacks on the snowshoe trails but NOT allowed to be pulled in a sled.
Panorama Trail at the Sea to Sky Gondola (Squamish)
The Panorama Trail at the Sea to Sky Gondola offers incredible views of Howe Sound, the Squamish Valley, and the Stawamus Chief. The short and easy trail (1.3 km) and takes between 30 to 60 minutes to snowshoe. Rentals are available on-site.
The Sea to Sky Gondola also has three other snowshoe trails: Wonderland Lake Loop (Beginner / Intermediate – 1.6km 30-60 minutes), Shannon Basin Loop (Intermediate – 9.7km 2 to 3 hours), Al’s Habrich Trail (Advanced – 8.4km 3 to 6 hours)
Sea to Sky Gondola Snowshoe Information:
The Sea to Sky Gondola rents showshoes by the day.
RENTAL PRICES:
Adults (19+) $20
Youth (13-18) $15
Children (6-12) $10
Add on Poles: $5
Gondola Tickets are required to access the snowshoe terrain
Grouse Mountain’s Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park
Escape into the serene beauty of a natural winter playground. Just a short distance from the Peak Chalet, you’ll find yourself a world away in our Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park. It features four different trails to choose from and a perfect balance of groomed and single track snowshoeing.
Snowshoe rentals are available from the Fireside Hut, located directly beside the skating pond. Snowshoe rentals can also be booked online in advance when purchasing a Mountain Admission ticket.
Grouse Mountain Snowshoe Information:
Access to Grouse Mountain Requires a Mountain Pass
MOUNTAIN PASS ADMISSION PRICES:
Adults (18+) $69
Youth (13-17) $49
Children (5-12) $36
0-4 FREE
Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) $179
SNOWSHOE RENTALS $20 (per pair, all ages)
Elfin Lakes, Garibaldi Provincial Park
Deep snow stays along this trail well into June most years. This trail begins at the Diamond Head area in Squamish. Vehicles will need proper snow tires for the road. Snow-capped mountains, dense forest and stunning views accompany this long trail, rated as difficult mainly due to the distance. The Red Heather Hut, located five kilometres in, is a warming hut/shelter equipped with a wood stove to be used in emergencies. Overnighters can stay in the Elfin Lakes Hut, which sleeps 33 people. Bring your own snowshoes. You can buy them online here
Lost Lake Park, Whistler
Lost Lake Park and Ski Callaghan offer a network of snowshoe-specific trails for you to explore (an entrance fee is required). All trails are clearly signed and maintained, with detailed maps available so you can choose your own adventure. Snowshoe rentals are available at the day lodges, along with food, drinks and other activities. Dogs are not permitted in Lost Lake Park.
Other snowshoe trails in Whistler include the Sea to Sky Trail, Cheakamus Trails and the new Train Wreck Trail. These do not require passes. Bring your own snowshoes. Dogs are allowed on the hiking trails.
RELATED: Things to do in Whistler with kids, ice skating in Whistler.
Snowshoe Tours in Vancouver
Book a snowshoe tour on Cypress – If you are not familiar with the area, a snowshoe tour on one of Vancouver’s local mountains is the perfect day tour activity. This tour is three hours and and includes snacks and beverages for your convenience. This tour has a max of Small-group activity with a maximum of 6 travelers allows for personalized attention. Guests must be 12 years old to participate. Snowshoeing attire includes sturdy shoes or boots to strap snowshoes to, warm layered clothing, hat, and gloves. This tour starts and ends on Cypress Mountain.
Book a tour with Hotel pickup options – This small group guided tour, you can leave the rainy winter behind and explore the snowy mountains on Vancouver’s North Shore. Even beginners will quickly get the hang of snowshoeing, walking easily through the snow to enjoy the quiet of the winter landscape. Get picked up from any downtown hotel or transit stop. All equipment and return transportation is included. Make sure you dress in warm layers, wear sturdy shoes or boots to strap snowshoes to and wear gloves and a hat.
What to Wear Snowshoeing
- Hiking or Winter Boots work best but shoes can be used. The snowshoe straps onto your footwear.
- Wear layered waterproof clothing and be prepared for changeable conditions, which can include snow, wet snow, rain, fog and sunshine.
Snowshoe Safety Information
- Check the weather and trail conditions before heading out. Be prepared for changeable mountain conditions, as weather, visibility and trail conditions can change very quickly.
- Always follow trail markings. Do not wander off the trail, take short cuts or follow other people’s tracks. If you get disoriented retrace your steps to the last marker.
- Dress in layers, including waterproof outerwear. Ensure you pack warm clothes for changing conditions.
- Bring emergency supplies: water, food, whistle, flashlight, first aid kit, map, compass, garbage bag
- Be sure someone knows where you are snowshoeing and when you are expected back.
- Ensure you leave enough time to return before sunset.
- Be aware of natural hazards
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!