The best places to go snowshoeing near Vancouver this winter

Jan 14 2025, 5:32 pm

Information on how to prepare for your trip and stay safe is available from North Shore Rescue and AdventureSmart.


When it comes to recreational winter activities, snowshoeing is a relatively easy way to get out and enjoy a breath of crisp, cold, fresh air around Vancouver.

Luckily, Vancouver is blessed with a multitude of options nearby for getting out and trying the sport for yourself.

So whether you’re a seasoned snowshoe pro or just getting into the sport, here are our picks of the best snowshoe destinations around Metro Vancouver.

Happy trails!

Mount Seymour

Snowshoeing on Mount Seymour (Shutterstock)

Mt. Seymour has a number of small but connected snowshoe trails available on the mountain. Individually, none of them exceeds a kilometre, but they can be combined for a longer snowshoe expedition if wanted. All the trails combined are just over 5 km long. 

Cost: $6-$17 with own gear, $6-$39 if renting (price includes the cost of trail ticket) for a day ticket. Snowshoe season passes are also available.

Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain Resort/Grouse Mountain

There are a number of snowshoeing trails located up on Grouse Mountain, each with varying difficulties. They are all located within the Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park, and the four main trails are anywhere from 1 to 1.6 km long.

For those wanting more of a challenge, there’s the Snowshoe Grind, a winter variation of the Grouse Grind. It features 240 meters of elevation throughout the 4.3 km trail.

Cost: Access to trails is included in the cost of the day ticket, which is $82 for an adult. It is also included in an annual pass or a winter season pass. Rentals are an additional cost.

Cypress Mountain

Cypress

A view from a snowshoe trail at Cypress Mountain (Shutterstock)

There are over 11 km worth of various self-guided snowshoe trails up on Cypress Mountain. The high number of connecting trails is great for those who aren’t sure how long of a trek they wish for, as you’re never too far away from the main trail if you decide to pack it in early.

Cost: $22 with your own gear, $32 for snowshoe rental, or $41 for a snowshoe combo with ticket and rental.

Dog Mountain

Dog Mountain/Shutterstock

Dog Mountain is a moderately difficult snowshoe trail that starts by the Mt. Seymour Resort parking lot. The 4.4 km roundtrip takes between one and two hours to complete and features a breathtaking view of the summit halfway through.

It’s one of the more popular unregulated snowshoe trails in the area, and as its name suggests, dogs are allowed on the trip, too!

Cost: Free

Sea to Sky Gondola

Sea to Sky Gondola

Sea to Sky Gondola/seatoskygondola.com

Sea to Sky Gondola has some of the deepest snow in North America and offers a wide variety of terrain. Experienced snowshoers and first-timers will discover a wide range of options, from short to long, steep to flat.

Snowshoe trails are open as conditions permit, so visiting the Daily Conditions page for the latest conditions and winter activity report is recommended. Don’t miss the views!

Cost: Snowshoe rentals range from $10 a day for children six to 12, $15 for youth 13 to 18, and $25 for adults 19+. Poles can be added on for $5 a day.

Snowshoeing in Whistler

Snowshoeing

Tourism Whistler/whistler.com

Whistler offers a variety of snowshoeing options for the outdoor enthusiast this winter. You can sign up for a guided tour, explore Lost Lake Park and Ski Callaghan’s network of snowshoe-specific trails, or trek on Whistler’s network of hiking trails with your own snowshoes. Some are even dog-friendly!

Cost: Various costs for guided tours and snowshoe rentals. You can pop by the Whistler Visitor Centre for maps and current conditions.

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