Gearing Up For Winter Fun Pt. II

In part one I told you all about the ski & boarding lessons offered by our local mountains. Today I’m going to focus on snowshoeing at Seymour, Grouse and Cypress.

Cypress Mountain “offers 10 km of snowshoe trails running through pristine, sub-alpine meadows and snow-laden forests”. They have 3 guided tours:

Hollyburn Meadows – A great introduction to snowshoeing. Trek through snowy mountain forests and meadows with a stop at historic Hollyburn Lodge for a hot drink. Experience the beauty of nature amidst the magic of winter.
Starlite Adventure Tour – Enjoy a 3 hour snowshoe tour that includes a 2 hours snowshoe trek through the snowy mountain forests and meadows, snowshoe rentals, and a stop at the Historic Hollyburn Lodge where you will enjoy a selection of appetizers and canapés.
Snowshoe Fondue Tour – This special tour combines spectacular terrain and great food in one adventure. Each tour includes a delicious fondue meal in the rustic ambience of historic Hollyburn Lodge. You’ll enjoy an easy snowshoe trek with your experienced, informative and entertaining guide through towering snowy mountain forests and sub-alpine meadows. A truly unique winter experience that is especially popular with groups.

Grouse Mountain “is a popular destination for snowshoeing; the Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park offers four groomed and marked trails ranging from 1 km to 3.5 km.” Grouse offers one tour (fondue), and 4 clinics:

Seymour Mountain “has over 10 km of well marked and maintained trails at the Discovery Snowshoe Area. The network of trails leads through meadows and lakes surrounded by wildlife. Look for animal tracks en route”. Seymour offers the largest variety of snowshoeing programs. A few of the different ones to look at are:

Full Moon or Big Moon Tour – Let our interprative guide and the moon’s radiance lead this two hour tour! A fun chance to get out on a full or big moon. Even on cloudy nights there are lots of things to see and do related to the moon and stars. Explore the moon and the star’s superstitions, myths and legends associated with the night sky.
Silver Snowshoe Club – A perfect combination of fun, learning, fitness and social interaction for those 50 plus. Your own 50 plus guide will take you along gentle forested trails on a two hour journey to explore nature, the beauty of winter and the joys of meeting new friends.
Baby & Me Snowshoeing – This invigorating snowshoe series is designed for parents and babies! (or expecting Mom’s with their caregiver’s consent). Enjoy a 90 minute guided snowshoe tour followed by tea and a social. Parents must be able to carry their babies for at least 1.5 hours and have their own comfortable carrier. Change tables available before and after snowshoeing. Includes interpretive guide, snowshoes, poles, trail pass, and an indoor light snack and hot tea afterwards.
SnowFit Series – For those looking for a great workout, don’t miss out on SnowFit! This focused 90 minute power hike is geared for those comfortable on snowshoes who want to take it to the next level by incorporating a beginner to intermediate fitness routine within a group setting.

The choices are definitely there for snowshoeing in Vancouver, and if that’s not enough you always have plenty of great back country opportunities outside of Vancouver at places such as Elfin Lakes.