Table of Contents
Snowshoeing Trails around Vancouver
Just because it’s cold and rainy in the city doesn’t mean you can’t get outside and enjoy nature.
There are many great winter hikes available below the snowline so you can stay active during the cold months. But snowshoeing allows you to get up into the mountains and enjoying a different type of adventure all-together. To help you get started, we’ve put together this list of what we consider to be the best snowshoeing trails near Vancouver. Most of these are free snowshoe trails, and we’ve indicated the trails which have a fee to access.
We call these snowshoe trails, but because these are popular routes, the snow is often packed down and hiking with trail crampons can actually be easier than using actual snowshoes. Local brand Hillsound is our preferred crampon maker, but Kahtoola MicroSpikes are also good. However, if you’re in deep, fresh-snow, proper snowshoes will be the best way to go. And NEVER go without the proper footwear, whether its snowshoes or crampons, as that is a recipe for disaster.
If you need to rent snowshoes, all three local resorts (Grouse, Cypress, and Seymour) provide rentals during normal operating hours, as does Mountain Equipment Co-op. Snowshoes can also be rented in Manning Park and Whistler, if you’re snowshoeing in those areas.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of all the snowshoeing trails around Vancouver, but it’s a collection of our 14 favorites. They range from easy snowshoe trails to difficult, full-day outings.
Snowshoeing Safety Notice
A word to the wise before we begin. Safety is always the most important consideration when hiking, and it is even more important when you’re in the mountains during the winter. Hypothermia, tree wells, and cornices are dangerous and life-threatening. Avalanches can always occur, even on some of the well-marked winter routes in this guide.
We have some basic winter and avalanche safety guidelines on our site, but your best bet will be to take an Avalanche Safety Training course if you plan to explore the backcountry during the winter.
You should also read the post by local Search and Rescue Manager, Michael Coyle, How to Kill Yourself Snowshoeing.
Make sure to know the trail conditions before you head out, follow regular safety practices, leave a trip plan, and always carry The Essentials!
Best Gear for Snowshoeing
Having the proper gear is crucial if you’re winter hiking or snowshoeing. Of course, you always want to start with The Essentials. For full details on how to properly layer for winter hiking, read our page on Winter and Avalanche Safety.
Beyond the specific clothing layers and safety gear you’ll want, we’ve compiled a list of popular snowshoes and some ‘nice to have’ gear below (links below are for MEC or Amazon).
- Popular snowshoe models are the MSR Evo 22 and the Atlas Access. MEC has many snowshoes to choose from.
- For Microspikes, we love the offering from Hillsound Equipment.
- Trekking poles with snow baskets will help you keep your balance.
- Snowshoe Trails in Southwestern British Columbia. A local guidebook on the best local snowshoe routes.
- With obvious bias, we think the Outdoor Vancouver toques are pretty great.
- The Outdoor Vancouver neck gaiters are also handy for the cold.
- Hand warmers. Always nice to have with you.
- A double-walled insulated bottle will help prevent your water from freezing on you if you’re in the mountains for an extended period of time. The Hydro Flask at MEC is a popular bottle.
- Sunglasses may be invaluable on a bluebird day. We like the Goodr Sunglasses for outdoor sports as they are durable yet affordable glasses, and they’re polarized.
- Gaiters can help snow from falling into your boots and getting your socks wet. Again, we love Hillsound Equipment.
Now, let’s look at our list of the best snowshoe trails around!
Sea to Sky Snowshoe Trails
1. Whistler Train Wreck
Where: Whistler
Time needed: 1 hour
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Fee: None
Details: The Whistler Train Wreck is a popular, low elevation hike in Whistler. It is a short trail with minimal elevation change that takes to a neat suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River. Just beyond the bridge, you reach the site of the train wreckage: 7 colorfully graffitied train cars scattered throughout the area. During the winter when the forest is covered in snow, it gives a completely different feel to this wreck site.
Link: Read more here.
2. Nairn Falls
Where: Whistler
Time needed: 1.5 hour
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Fee: None
Details: Nairn Falls in Pemberton is a short hike that leads to a scenic waterfall. The trail to the falls can be hiked year-round. During an extended cold-snap in the winter, the falls partially freeze and the flow of water is lessened. But the icicles and snow-covered rocks in a way make the falls even more spectacular.
Link: Read more here.
3. Alexander Falls
Where: Whistler
Time needed: 2 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Fee: Yes, required from Callaghan Country.
Details: Normally viewed from the viewing platform off Callaghan Road, Alexander Falls makes for a spectacular sight when frozen later in the winter. Instead of just viewing the falls from the pullout, you can actually take a scenic and enjoyable snowshoe right down to the base of the waterfall. The are two trails you can take to reach the base of the waterfall, which requires a day-pass from Callaghan Country.
Link: Read more here.
4. Elfin Lakes / Red Heather Hut
Where: Squamish
Time needed: 10 hours – overnight
Dogs Allowed?: No
Fee: None for day-use (fee applies to overnight camping)
Details: For those looking for a nice half-day outing with moderate difficulty, the Red Heather Hut in Garibaldi Park makes for a great trip. For those wanting something longer, and with more rewarding views, continuing on to Elfin Lakes is a local favorite. Elfin Lakes can be done as a very-long day hike, but is commonly done as an overnight sleep in the Elfin Lakes Hut (permit required). This is a more advanced trek, but worth it for those feeling adventurous and is one of the more popular Squamish snowshoeing trails.
Link: Read more here.
5. Panorama Trail / Sea to Sky Gondola
Where: Squamish
Time needed: 1 Hour
Dogs Allowed?: No
Fee: Yes, required from Sea to Sky Gondola.
Details: There are several snowshoe trails available at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola but and the Panorama Trail is one of the easier and more popular ones. The trip up the gondola costs money, but has the benefit of getting you quickly to elevation, and the possibility of enjoying a beer at the restaurant after your trek.
Link: Read more here.
A Starter’s Guide to Hiking in Vancouver.
- Guides for 10 amazing hikes near Vancouver
- Hiking safety and trail etiquette
- Resources, hiking gear overview, and more!
Metro Vancouver Snowshoe Trails
6. Bowen Lookout
Where: West Vancouver
Time needed: 1.5 Hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes, on-leash
Fee: None, but free snowshoe pass is required.
Details: The Bowen Lookout at Cypress Mountain is a nice and short snowshoe trail, and has a fantastic vantage point at sunset overlooking Howe Sound. Access to the Bowen Lookout snowshoe trail is free but requires a snowshoe access pass from Cypress Mountain Resort.
Link: Read more here.
7. Hollyburn Mountain
Where: West Vancouver
Time needed: 4 Hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Fee: None
Details: Hollyburn Mountain in Cypress Provincial Park is one of the most popular winter trails around Vancouver. On a sunny weekend day, hundreds of people flock to the trail to get some fresh winter air and soak up the spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains.
The Hollyburn Peak Trail is marked by B.C. Parks and takes you 2.5 km to the end of the Cypress Mountain Nordic ski area and up to an amazing look-out of the city of Vancouver.
Link: Read more here.
8. Grouse Mountain / Snowshoe Grind
Where: North Vancouver
Time needed: 1 hour
Dogs Allowed?: No
Fee: Yes, required from Grouse Mountain Resort.
Details: The Snowshoe Grouse Grind is a well-marked and beginner-friendly place to try out snowshoeing. While not as steep as the real Grouse Grind, the terrain will give you a solid workout, and on a clear day the views are amazing. However, there is the cost of the gondola to consider, and the trail can be quite busy.
Link: Read more here.
9. Dog Mountain
Where: North Vancouver
Time needed: 2 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Fee: None
Details: Dog Mountain is the perfect place for an easy afternoon snowshoe. The short distance and lack of serious elevation change makes it a popular trail for beginner showshoers and for children.
On a clear day, epic views of Vancouver can be had.
Link: Read more here.
10. Mount Seymour / Pump Peak
Where: North Vancouver
Time needed: 4 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Fee: None
Details: On a clear winter day, the scenery along the trail to Pump Peak is breathtaking. The hike is steep and offers a good challenge for snowshoers. The only drawback is crowds, particularly on a sunny weekend.
The snowshoe route is marked by B.C. Parks and is a nice alternative to the snowshoe trail to Dog Mountain for those looking for a more challenging hike.
Link: Read more here.
Outdoor Vancouver Merch
Fraser Valley & East Snowshoe Trails
11. Elk Mountain
Where: Chilliwack
Time needed: 4 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Fee: None
Details: A Chilliwack favourite year-round. It’s hard to find a hike that can be completed in only 4 hours, yet provides such tremendous views. The entire hike is enjoyable, and provides unbeatable views of the Fraser and Chilliwack River Valleys.
Link: Read more here.
12. Zoa Peak
Where: Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area
Time needed: 6 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Fee: None
Details: Zoa Peak requires a long drive to the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area, but rewards with a quieter trail and spectacular views. This is one of the more challenging winter trails on this list.
Link: Read more here.
13. Falls Lake
Where: Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Fee: None
Details: Falls Lake is a beautiful subalpine lake in the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area. The trail starts at the same place as Zoa Peak. Winter or summer, Falls Lake is the perfect place to take a quick break during a long drive along the Coquihalla Highway.
It’s a short and easy hike into a rewarding view across the expansive Falls Lake.
Link: Read more here.
14. Lightning Lake Loop
Where: Manning Park
Time needed: 4 hours
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Fee: None
Details: The Lightning Lake Loop is one of the most popular trails in Manning Park in both the summer and the winter. This 9 km loop is relatively flat and peaceful, and offers the opportunity to see the Rainbow Bridge.
Link: Read more here.
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Laurie Duke
Thanks so much! I will keep this list handy as we plan to snowshoe again in mid February!