8 Easy Snowshoe Trails Near Vancouver

Snowshoers at the Sea to Sky Gondola

Photo: Sea to Sky Gondola

Have you always wanted to try snowshoeing? It’s one of the easiest winter sports to master. If you’re just starting, try one of these easy snowshoe trails near Vancouver.

Snowshoeing Tips

  • AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every trip.
  • Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.
  • Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the weather. It can be a lot colder and wetter in the mountains than it is in the city.
  • If you are new to snowshoeing, stick to easy, beginner-friendly trails. More challenging trails can head into avalanche territory.
  • For more helpful info, check out our Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Safety Tips post

 

Take a Snowshoe Tour

One of the best ways to start snowshoeing is to go with a pro. Check out the twilight snowshoe tours or intro to snowshoeing tours at Mount Seymour. Grouse Mountain offers fitness-focused snowshoe tours, full moon snowshoe tours, and more.

A group of snowshoers at Mount Seymour in North Vancouver

Photo: Mount Seymour

 

Cypress Mountain Nordic Area

Cypress Mountain has a huge 11-kilometre-long network of well-marked snowshoe trails at their Nordic ski area. Use the Cypress Mountain snowshoe trail map to plan your route. The best part: you can take a break mid-way to warm up with hot chocolate at the historic Hollyburn Lodge. Rent snowshoes on-site.

Tickets and more info: Cypress Mountain

 

Dog Mountain, Mount Seymour Provincial Park

This easy trail is one of the most popular snowshoe destinations in Vancouver. The trail meanders through rolling hills and ends at a spectacular viewpoint. The trail is well marked, but this trail map is helpful to have along. Rent snowshoes on-site.

More info: Mount Seymour Provincial Park

 

Bowen Lookout, Cypress Provincial Park

Enjoy great views of Bowen Island and Howe Sound from the viewpoint at the end of this trail. The first section is flat and easy as it meanders through a frozen marsh, but you tackle a steep hill at the end. Use this map to find your way. There is no charge to access the trail, but you do need to pick up a free backcountry permit at the Black Mountain Lodge. Bring your own snowshoes.

More info: Cypress Provincial Park

Bowen Lookout near Vancouver

The view from Bowen Lookout at sunset. Photo: Taryn Eyton/ HappiestOutdoors.ca

 

Panorama Trail, Sea to Sky Gondola

The Panorama Trail at the Sea to Sky Gondola really lives up to its name. You’ll enjoy incredible views of Howe Sound, the Squamish Valley, and the Stawamus Chief. The short and easy trail takes about an hour to snowshoe. Rent snowshoes on-site.

Tickets and more info: Sea to Sky Gondola

 

Blue Grouse Loop, Grouse Mountain

This short and scenic loop is the easiest snowshoe trail in Vancouver. It wanders through the forest and past a small pond. At night, it’s lit up with glittering lights. Rent snowshoes on-site.

Tickets and more info: Grouse Mountain

A group of snowshoers at Grouse Mountain near Vancouver

Photo: Grouse Mountain

 

Lost Lake Park, Whistler

Explore the rolling snowshoe trails at Whistler’s Lost Lake Park. The 15-kilometre-long network makes lots of loop trips possible. The warming hut has a cafe when you want to take a break. Use this trail map to plan your trip. Rent snowshoes on-site.

Tickets and more info: Resort Municipality of Whistler

 

Red Loop, Sasquatch Mountain Resort

This easy snowshoe trail makes a loop around the base of Sasquatch Mountain Resort near Mission in the Fraser Valley. The valley-bottom route passes through a beautiful forest alongside a creek. Rent snowshoes on-site.

Tickets and more info: Sasquatch Mountain Resort

Snowshoeing at Sasquatch Mountain near Vancouver

Photo: Sasquatch Mountain Resort

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