Snow tubing at Whistler Blackcomb. Photo: Destination BC/Rick Collins
Kids love sliding down a snowy slope on a sled, and adults will love unleashing their inner child to join in on the fun. Here are our picks for the best places to go sledding, tobogganing, and snow tubing near Vancouver for winter 2020/21.
Until February 5, 2021, in line with the public health order issued on November 20, non-essential travel into and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents let’s do our part by continuing to stay local and support local, with your immediate household or bubble, in accordance with the latest guidelines.
Sledding Tips
Book in Advance Or Go at Non-Peak Times: Due to COVID-19, most groomed tube and toboggan parks have reduced capacity. Some locations require advance booking. (See below for details.)
Bring a Mask: Masks or face coverings may be required at groomed tube parks, especially where physical distancing is difficult. Check individual tube park websites (below) for details.
Dress for the Weather: Layer up with lots of warm clothes and good boots. But skip the scarves and wear a neck gaiter instead. Scarves can get caught on things!
Safety First: Stay safe by following all rules at groomed tube parks. At free city parks, steer clear of trees, rocks, and jumps. Choose hills with a long, clear run-out. Sled on snow, not ice. Consider wearing a ski or hockey helmet.
Grouse Mountain Sliding Zone
Ride the Gondola up to the top of Grouse Mountain to visit their Sliding Zone. It’s located next to the skating pond. They have two groomed sliding lanes and you must use their sleds.
Location: At the top of the Grouse Mountain Skyride, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Reservations and Admission: This winter you must book your Skyride time slot in advance. Mountain Admission tickets are $32-59/person depending on age or $99 for a family of four. Sled rental is $5
More Info: Grouse Mountain
Family sledding at Grouse Mountain. Photo: Tourism Vancouver/Grouse Mountain
Mount Seymour Toboggan and Snow Tube Park
Mount Seymour offers two options for sliding fun: You can head to the tube park to ride an inflatable tube down the hill, then clip into the tube-tow for a ride back up. Or bring your own non-inflatable sled and slide down the runs at the toboggan park., then walk back up.
Location: Near the Enquist Lodge, 1700 Mt Seymour Road, North Vancouver
Reservations and Admission: Make advance reservations for a 2-hour time slot. Tubing is $29/person or $116/family of five. Tobogganing on weekdays is $10/person or $40/family of five. Tobogganing on weekends is $15/person or $60/family of five. You can bring your own toboggan or buy a sliding mat for $10
More Info: Mount Seymour
Gnarly’s Tube Park at Cypress Mountain
Head to the Nordic Area at Cypress Mountain to find Gnarly’s Tube Park. They have six lanes and a tube tow. There’s also a separate sliding zone for kids under the age of 6 if you want to bring your own non-inflatable sled.
Location: At the cross country ski area, 5000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Reservations and Admission: Make advance reservations for the morning, mid-day, or afternoon time slots. Tubing is $26-28/person. Admission to the Kids Sliding Area is $12/child.
More Info: Cypress Mountain
Photo: Cypress Mountain/Facebook
bubly Tube Park at Whistler Blackcomb
Note: Save this suggestion for after travel restrictions ease.
Zoom down seven tube lanes at the bubly Tube Park, then head back up the hill on a conveyor belt lift. One of the lanes is shorter and designed for small children.
Location: Base 2 Zone on Blackcomb Mountain, 4890 Glacier Drive, Whistler
Admission: Tubing is first-come, first served. Admission is $15.50-38 depending on age and how long you want to spend tubing.
More Info: Whistler Blackcomb
Yeti Tube Park at Sasquatch Mountain Resort
Note: Save this suggestion for after travel restrictions ease.
The Yeti Tube Park at Sasquatch Mountain Resort east of Vancouver is popular with families. They have eight lanes for tubing and a carpet lift to bring you back up to the top.
Location: 20955 Hemlock Valley Road, Agassiz
Reservations and Admission: Make advance reservations for a 2-hour time slot. Tubing is $25/person. Kids 5 and under are free.
More Info: Sasquatch Mountain Resort
Places to Go Sledding in the City When It Snows
Snow days in Vancouver are rare but magical. On average, the city gets about 8 days a year with some snow on the ground. If you’re lucky enough to experience a snowy day in the city, here are a few places you can go sledding. You’ll need to bring your own sled though.
Cleveland Park, North Vancouver: This park at the corner of Nancy Greene Way and Prospect Avenue has a good hill by the soccer fields.
Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver: As one of the highest spots in Vancouver, this park has lots of great hills for tobogganing. Find it at the intersection of 33rd Avenue and Cambie Street.
China Creek North Park, Vancouver: Located on Great Northern Way at Glen Drive, this park has a short, but steep hill. It’s also just a block away from VCC-Clark Station on the Millenium Line of the Skytrain.
Burnaby Mountain Park, Burnaby: The higher elevation at this park means more snow, but it’s a steep hill best so it’s best for older kids and adults. It’s located in North Burnaby on Centennial Way, off Burnaby Mountain Parkway.
Robert Burnaby Park, Burnaby: The grassy slope near the outdoor pool is a fun spot for tobogganing. The park is located on Wedgewood Street near the Trans Canada Highway.
Coquitlam Crunch, Coquitlam: The cleared area under the hydro lines is a great place to go sledding. Find it on Lansdowne Road in Coquitlam.
