Best places to go snowshoeing in Vancouver and Whistler

Don’t feel like skiing or snowboarding? Give snowshoeing a try! Here are six of the best places in and around Metro Vancouver to go snowshoeing.

Cypress Mountain

Walk in a winter wonderland at Cypress Mountain’s self-guided snow shoe trails. There are 11 kilometres in total to explore and trails open at 9 a.m. For a cardio-boost, the Hollyburn Mountain trail is a free uphill trek part of Cypress Provincial Park. It takes about 3.5 hours to complete and starts from the Cypress Mountain parking lot.

Cost: Snowshoe ticket is $10 for adults, rentals are $24 (combined ticket and rentals for $26)

Hours: Trails open at 9 a.m. until dusk

Distance from Vancouver: 35 minutes

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Grouse Mountain

The Munday Alpine Park offers four trails for beginners and intermediates, including the popular Dam Mountain. For the intense snowshoers, the Snowshoe Grind is the 4.3 kilometre timed uphill trail that gains 240 metres of elevation. The mountain also offers numerous clinics, snowshoe tours, and social nights.

Cost: Tickets up the mountain start at $43.95 for adults, rentals start at $20

Hours: Trails open at 9 a.m. until dusk

Distance from Vancouver: 30 minutes

Mount Seymour

Rated the number one resort for snowshoeing in North America by Snowshoe Magazine in 2012, Mount Seymour promises tours and trails that will appeal to beginners, athletes, and nature lovers. Aside from the resort’s ticketed trails, Dog Mountain is a free and easy trail. Follow the signs for First Lake and head into the trees for two hour, 4.5 kilometre hike.

Cost: Snowshoe ticket is $9.50 for adults, snowshoe rentals are $27 (including trail pass)

Hours: Trails open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Distance from Vancouver: 45 minutes from Vancouver

Whistler Blackcomb

Enjoy trekking through the 13 kilometres of snowshoe trails provided at Whistler. There are six trails in total – all varying in length. The Hooktender and Siwash Trail are 0.7 kilometres in length, or challenge yourself with the 5.2 kilometre long Donkey Puncher/Molly Hogan trail. Lost Lake Park also offers 25 kilometres of trails with a $10 pass.

There are also numerous free trails around the Whistler area, including popular Rainbow Trail and Flank Trail, which provide moderate hiking with stunning views.

Cost: Snowshoe ticket is $10 for adults, rentals extra

Hours: Trails open at 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. (until dusk in unregulated areas)

Distance from Vancouver: Two hours

Sea to Sky Gondola

Take the Sea to Sky Gondola to the top of Mount Habrich and explore five marked snowshoe trails for all levels, plus access to the experienced-level backcountry. With stunning views of the Coastal Mountains and the Sea to Sky region, these trails receive tonnes of snow and are a new destination for Lower Mainland snowshoers. Guided tour packages are also available.

Cost: Ticket up the gondola is $33.95 for adults, rentals start at $17

Hours: Trails open at 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Distance from Vancouver: 55 minutes

Elfin Lakes

The long, 11 kilometre trail at Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park takes around six to eight hours but offers amazing views of snowy mountains. It’s a tough trail not meant for beginners, but makes an excellent day trip if starting at first light. Due to the short days in winter, there is a large Elfin Lakes Hut which sleeps 33 people along the route. The trail is mostly uphill but well-marked with orange polls.

Cost: FREE

Hours: Unregulated

Distance from Vancouver: 1.5 hours

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