Photo: Grouse Mountain
by Lesley Mirza
Follow me on twitter @lesleyemirza
Snowshoeing is a fun winter activity, and it doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced snowshoer or a first-timer; anyone can do it!
Our mountains are currently a winter wonderland and offer a wide variety of terrain for outdoor lovers wishing to breathe in the fresh mountain air and work off December’s over-consumption of food.
Strap on a pair of snowshoes and acquaint yourself with the amazing sensation of crunching your way through the sparkly snow while witnessing some impressive scenery. Here are four fabulous snow-covered destinations that you need to check out.
Cypress Mountain
Photo: Cypress Mountain
Just a mere 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Cypress Mountain offers 11-kilometers of inbounds snowshoe trails that will challenge every level of snowshoer.
Explore the scenic self-guided trails located on the spectacular Hollyburn Ridge as you wind through the snowy sub-alpine forests and meadows. Making a pit stop at the historic Hollyburn Lodge (built in 1926) is a must-do. Here you can warm up with delicious mug of hot chocolate, or nibble on one of their popular baked goods.
If you prefer to join one of the guided snowshoe tours , Cypress Mountain has several to choose from — like the Chocolate Fondue Tour , where you’ll tour the beautiful mountain terrain by headlamp before stopping to enjoy a yummy chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and angel food cake.
Snowshoeing trails are open from 9:00 a.m. until dusk (except with certain guided tours) during the mountain’s winter season (December to mid-April).
The cost for rentals (including snowshoe ticket) is $26 for adults; $24 for seniors; $24 for youths (13 to 18 years); $17 for children (6 to 12 years). If you have your own snowshoes, you’ll just have to pay for a snowshoe ticket .
For more information on snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain, click here .
Grouse Mountain
Photo: Grouse Mountain
For those looking for a true taste of winter adventure, Grouse Mountain ‘s close proximity to the downtown core, superb selection of outdoor activities, and outstanding terrain make it a go-to destination for snow sport enthusiasts.
Once you’ve ascended the mountain via the Skyride, the Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park is just a short distance away from the Peak Chalet . There you’ll find four different groomed trails to choose from (most offering stunning views of the city below), suitable for different levels of snowshoer.
Looking for a Grouse Grind-like experience? (Vancouver’s infamous challenging 2.9-kilometer hike straight up to the top of Grouse Mountain via 2,830 stairs.) Try the Snowshoe Grind . Promising to challenge all those who dare to try it, this tough and steep 4.3-kilometre trek begins outside the Chalet, adjacent the Skyride ramp and just southwest of the skate pond, and takes about an hour.
Snowshoeing trails at Grouse Mountain are open to visitors from 9:00 a.m. until dusk every day, between now and approximately May. (Visit their Mountain Report for daily information on trail hours).
The Alpine Experience ticket prices are as follows: $41.95 for adults; $37.95 for seniors; $23.95 for youths (13 to 18 years); $13.95 for children (6 to 12 years); and free for children under 4 years of age. There is also a family day pass for $109.95 (2 adults & 2 children). Snowshoe rentals are $15 (2 hours) or $20 (full day).
For more information on snowshoeing at Grouse Mountain, click here .
Mount Seymour
Photo: Mount Seymour, Evan Beer
Situated in North Vancouver, Mount Seymour is an extremely popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. What you may not know, is that it’s a fantastic place for snowshoeing, and offers an extensive trail system. (Mount Seymour was named the #1 Resort for Snowshoeing in North America by Snowshoe Magazine in 2012.)
As you explore the variety of snowshoe trails — including Goldie Lake Loop, Flower Lake Loop (run by the resort) and the BC Parks Trails , Dog Mountain, Mt. Seymour Peak, and First Pump — enjoy scenic lakes, old growth forests, and perhaps, some animal tracks after a fresh snowfall. For a different winter snowshoeing experience, sign up for one of Mount Seymour’s popular snowshoe tours.
Mount Seymour’s winter season runs until April 26, during which time its snowshoeing trails are open Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends and holidays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The cost for rentals (including snowshoe trail pass) is $19.60 for adults; $16.80 for seniors; $16.80 for youths (13 to 18 years); $12.60 for children (6 to 12 years); and free for children under 6 years of age. There is also a family of 4 package for $52.50. If you have your own snowshoes, you’ll just have to pay for a snowshoe trail pass .
For more information on snowshoeing at Mount Seymour, click here .
Sea to Sky Gondola
Photo: Sea to Sky Gondola, Paul Bride
Jump in the car and head up to Squamish, about an hour north of Vancouver, to where the Sea to Sky Gondola is located. Opened in May of last year, this new attraction is already creating quite a buzz and drawing locals and tourists onto its gondolas, to experience the impressive ten-minute ride to 885m above sea level.
Once at the Summit Lodge , visitors can experience some of the deepest snow in North America via the five marked snowshoeing trails as well as access to endless terrain if you are equipped for the backcountry.
Probably the most popular trail is the Panorama Trail (40-75 mins), which is perfect for first-timers wishing to stay close to the Summit Lodge and offers viewing points along the way, including our viewing deck that overlooks the popular hiking mountain, the Stawamus Chief.
The Sea To Sky Gondola’s winter season runs from November 27 until April 30, during which time it’s open from Thursdays to Sundays, plus statutory holidays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Gondola window ticket prices are as follows: $34.95 for adults; $32.95 for seniors; $22.95 for youths (13 to 18 years); $13.95 for children (6 to 12 years); and free for children under 6 years of age. There is also a family day pass for $89.95 (2 adults & 2 children). Snowshoe rentals are an additional cost, ranging from $17 to $22.
For more information on snowshoeing at the Sea to Sky Gondola, click here .
