7 snowshoe trails near Vancouver to try this winter
This post was written for Daily Hive by Samantha Schonewille. Samantha is a hiker, runner and amateur climber following the call to the great outdoors. You can follow Samantha’s adventures on Instagram.
Winter is in full swing, and all those Summer hikes you tried back in July have completely transformed.
Sure, snowshoeing is a little more exhausting than plain old hiking, but the unadulterated snowy views will keep you wishing for more.
If you’re dying to get outdoors, here’s our guide to some of the best snowshoe trails to try out this Winter.
Easy
Dog Mountain – Mount Seymour
What: If you’re new to snowshoeing this is the perfect trip for you. The trail to Dog Mountain is extremely well marked, has minimal elevation gain, and to top it off parking on Mount Seymour is completely free.
How Long: 1-2 hours or 4.4 km
Where: Starts at the end of the Mount Seymour parking lot, close to the map board then follow the route labeled Dog Mountain.
Get there: A 45-minute drive from Downtown, or take the Skytrain to Rupert station and catch the Seymour shuttle ($16 roundtrip).
Bowen Lookout – Cypress Mountain
What: A short, rewarding hike with amazing views of Bowen Island, the Howe Sound, and the Sunshine Coast.
How Long: 2 hours or 5 km
Where: Follow the marked snowshoe path to the trailhead between the Lions Express chair lift and the Cypress Creek Daylodge on top of Cypress Mountain.
Get there: A 30-minute drive from Downtown or catch the Cyprus Coach Line Shuttle from Park Royal, Kits, or the West End for $20 ($15 with valid student ID).
Moderate
Norvan Falls
What: A dog-friendly hike located in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park in North Vancouver. Though this hike ventures quite far into the woods it’s relatively flat which keeps the trek pretty mellow. If you continue to the end of the trail, you’ll see a tall but narrow waterfall which currently has icicles forming all around it.
How Long: 5 hours or 14 km. Allow an extra 30-minutes to reach the trail head as the access road is closed.
Where: Walk down the Lynn Valley Access Road in front of The End of the Line General Store, the trailhead begins once you cross the Lynn Creek Bridge just beyond the old parking lot.
Get there: A 40-minute drive from Vancouver, or take the Seabus to The Lonsdale Quay then take bus 228 all the way there instead.
Hollyburn
What: A moderate hike with great views of The Lions and Vancouver. Insider tip, if you’re patient you’ll have the opportunity to get a photo with some of the local Whisky Jacks A.K.A. Canada’s new national bird.
How Long: 2-4 hours or 7 km
Where: Starts next to the Cross-Country ski area on Cypress Mountain.
Get there: A 30-minute drive from Downtown or catch the Cyprus Coach Line Shuttle from Park Royal, Kits, or the West End for $20 ($15 with valid student ID).
Sawblade Falls
What: A hidden gem that freezes completely during a cold spell; this trail offers a variety of different terrain, and can be lengthened by continuing after the waterfall to reach the Coquitlam Lake viewpoint. Elevation gain is moderate.
How Long: 3-4 hours or 8 km
Where: This trail begins next to a large yellow gate in front of the PoCo & District Hunting and Fishing Club in Coquitlam.
Get there: A 40-minute drive from Downtown
Difficult
St. Marks Summit
What: Rated by many as the most picturesque hike in Vancouver, this trail offers some seriously amazing views. On a clear day you can look out and view the Tantalus Range in Lillooet the Howe Sound and the Gulf islands close to Vancouver Island. Make sure you’re prepared for a long day as there are a series of gruelling switchbacks you’ll need to contend with.
How Long: 5-6 hours or 11 km
Where: Follow the marked snowshoe path to the trailhead between the Lions Express chair lift and the Cypress Creek Daylodge on top of Cypress Mountain.
Get there: A 30-minute drive from Downtown or catch the Cyprus Coach Line Shuttle from Park Royal, Kits, or the West End for $20 ($15 with valid student ID).
Elfin Lakes
What: A long winter-marked route that is extremely well traversed even in Winter. If you’re feeling adventurous and are ready to try your luck at camping, this is a great, safe place to start. The Eflin Lakes Shelter located at the end of the trail offers a space to warm up after setting up camp, or if you’re lucky you can secure yourself a spot in the heated cabin and enjoy a luxurious night’s rest. Insider tip: bring a crazy carpet along with you so save time sledding on the way down.
How Long: 6-8 hours or 22 km
Where: The trail starts at the Diamond Head trailhead 30-minutes East of Squamish.
Get there: A 1.5 hour drive from Downtown. Note you will need chains to reach the parking lot
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