The most paw-some spots to snowshoe with your dog near Vancouver

Information on preparing for your trip and staying safe is available from North Shore Rescue and AdventureSmart.

Snowshoeing is one of our favourite winter activities, but what makes it even better is spending quality snow-filled outdoor time with our pups. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to do so near Vancouver.

Snowshoeing is a low-impact sport that is growing in popularity as it’s the perfect way to explore the great outdoors while giving you and your dog a great workout. Luckily, there are great trails just a short drive away.

Here are our suggestions for where to snowshoe with your dog:

Please note that these routes require your dogs to always be on a leash.

Mount Seymour

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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.

Dogs are welcome on all the trails but must be leashed and cleaned up afterward. Pups are not permitted on public tours.

Cost: $17 with own gear, $39 if renting (price includes the cost of trail ticket). All snowshoe products must be purchased online prior to coming. New users also must pay a $5 new card fee. Tours are an additional cost.

Also, mandatory parking passes are required now. They are free and can be reserved online on the BC Parks website. They become available two days in advance of a planned visit.

Dog Mountain

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With a name like Dog Mountain, you just know it’s dog-friendly! This easy trail is a 4 km roundtrip with minimal elevation. Perfect for the snowshoe beginner and families with children.

Starting from the parking lot in Mount Seymour Provincial Park, you’ll wind your way through the trees until you get to the snow-covered First Lake. It’s a great place to stop, take photos, and catch your breath. Head up the final ascent to reach the stunning viewpoint where, on a clear day, you’ll take in sweeping vistas of Mount Baker, Vancouver, and nearby North Shore mountains.

How to get there: Take Highway 1 to exit 22 – Mount Seymour Parkway. Follow the road for 10 minutes before turning left and following signs for Mount Seymour Provincial Park. Turn left at Mt. Seymour Road and keep driving up to the parking lot. The trailhead is at the northernmost point of the lot, near the bottom of the Mystery Express Chair.

Hollyburn Mountain

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Technically part of Cypress Mountain, expect about three to four hours of snowshoeing and sweeping views of the Burrard Inlet, Vancouver, and the Lions. The first part of this journey is straight uphill – about 15 minutes – but levels out as you pass Fourth Lake.

To get to Hollyburn Mountain, watch for a sign to turn left and stay on the trailhead. After about 20 minutes, a rocky outcrop welcomes you to Hollyburn Mountain, where you’re rewarded with amazing views of BC’s Gulf Islands and the Georgia Strait.

This is an intermediate, so be sure you and your pup are up for it.

How to get there: Take Highway 1 and exit at Cypress Provincial Park (Exit #8). Follow the road to the junction and turn right. Parking is just before the map board, before the ski rental building. The trailhead starts near the map and will follow under the power lines for the first little while.

Four Lakes trail – Alice Lake Provincial Park

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Just north of Squamish, the 4 Lakes trail in Alice Lake Provincial Park is perfect for exploring the forest with your pup in tow. The 6.5 km journey meanders through creeks and four distinct mountain lakes: Stump Lake, Cheekeye Creek and then Fawn and Edith Lakes.

You can even get a peekaboo view of Mount Garibaldi from Stump Lake. The trail is well-marked at each junction and eventually winds back to Alice Lake.

How to get there: Take Highway 99 north, watch for turnoff 5 km north of Squamish on the east side of the highway. Follow signs for the park. Trail is accessed through Alice Lake itself.

Snowshoeing in Whistler

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Whistler Olympic Park and Callaghan Valley offer a variety of snowshoeing options for the outdoor enthusiast this winter. With over 40 km of dog-friendly trails, it is known as the Sea to Sky Corridor’s biggest off-leash area.

Day tickets and ski passes are available online or when you arrive at the gate. Dogs are not permitted in the Day Lodge, in the stadiums, or on non-dog-friendly trails. Pups must also remain on leash at all times, except when on off-leash trails.

Cost: $10-$17 for humans, $7 for dogs (online). $11-$19 for humans, $7.75 for dogs (at the gate). Free for children six and under.

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Tips for snowshoeing with your dog

Want to hit the snowshoe trails with your pooch but still have a few questions? Here are some general guidelines for taking your dog snowshoeing:

Before you head out on any trail, make sure your canine is properly equipped for the cold. Some smaller dogs and short-haired breeds, like pit bulls, may benefit from wearing a jacket for an extra layer of warmth, and make sure the trail you pick is appropriate for their stamina and fitness level.
Keep dogs on leash and under control in parking areas.
Scoop that poop! And pack it out with you.
Pack an extra towel and cozy blanket for après-shoeing. Once the snow on their fur melts, it can get chilly.
Consider packing a small waterproof mat for you and your pup to sit on for a break.
Bring extra water.