Snowshoeing is one of North America's fastest-growing winter sports, and British Columbia provides the requisite trails, powder and pristine winter scenery.
Today’s snowshoes are easily manoeuvrable, lightweight and have crampons (pointy grips on the bottom to climb up or down hills), making it a simple winter sport for families seeking a fresh air activity, adventurers wanting a cardio workout, or outdoor lovers desiring snow-muffled silence.
Wander trails at a relaxed pace, pick out wildlife tracks in the snow or admire huge old-growth trees while crunching along a well-marked snowshoe loop or floating atop fresh powder. Or, go a little faster – BC is home to the Yeti, a popular snowshoe running event and Canada’s first mountain snowshoe series.
While there are many trail networks for self-guided snowshoe treks, there are also guided options. Join a snowshoe tour to explore a new area, to learn about local wildlife and history, or to enjoy an evening adventure that ends with hot chocolate or fondue.
Learn more about snowshoeing in BC's regions and cities:
Vancouver Island: Trails that meander from Mount Washington Ski Resort into vast Strathcona Provincial Park.
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: Snowy North Shore mountain treks ending with fondue dinners, spectacular backcountry in Manning Park, and trails set in the site of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Thompson Okanagan: Wilderness snowshoeing in remote Wells Gray Provincial Park as well as five ski resorts with family friendly trails and snowshoeing tours.
Kootenay Rockies: Five ski resorts set in majestic Rocky Mountains scenery with snowshoeing tours and mountain towns to explore.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Snowshoeing trails that run through historic gold-rush areas and Barkerville Historic Town.
Northern British Columbia: Stunning landscapes, plentiful snow and trails for all levels of snowshoeing.
Whistler: Picturesque trails at Lost Lake and in the Callaghan Valley, with world class amenities at Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort.
Vancouver: Old growth trees and stunning views on trails at three ski areas all less than an hour from downtown Vancouver.
Popular Snowshoeing Areas in BC
Cypress Mountain’s 10km/6mi snowshoe trail network is situated less than an hour from Vancouver, so it's a local favourite. Trek to the peak of Hollyburn Mountain in Cypress Provincial Park and be rewarded with a 360° view of mountaintops, Burrard Inlet and the city.
At Manning Provincial Park in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains, try Lightning Lake Loop, an easy, flat, 9km/5.5mi trail that circles a snow-covered lake.
Approximately 12km/7mi of well-marked, tree-lined routes are just a short walk from bustling Whistler Village at Lost Lake Park in Whistler. In the nearby Callaghan Valley, the designated snowshoeing trails of Whistler Olympic Park and Callaghan Country form a roughly 25km/16mi network, all complemented by a spectacular 1,021-square-metre/11,000-square-foot day lodge.
Yoho National Park, in the Kootenay Rockies, offers a variety of backcountry routes including one leading to icy Wapta Falls.
Snowshoeing at BC Ski Resorts
Many British Columbia ski resorts have snowshoe trails and offer guided tours.
In the Kootenay Rockies, Kimberley Alpine Resort's Kootenay Fondue Tour was named “Best Snowshoeing” (Ski Canada magazine) – it's an evening of mountaintop snowshoeing and chocolate fondue.
Mount Washington on Vancouver Island boasts a 20km/12mi top-notch snowshoe network. Trails weave in and around Paradise Meadows, part of neighbouring Strathcona Provincial Park.
Pratical Points
- Snowshoeing season can start as early as November and can last until April.
- Self-guided snowshoeing is possible in many areas with well-marked trails. Snowshoers exploring unmarked routes in provincial and national parks should have backcountry skills and experience.
- Some cross-country ski areas do not permit snowshoes on trails (snowshoe tracks can ruin the grooming for skiers). Check the trail info before heading out.
- Day lodges or warming huts provide snowshoers with a place to rest, warm up or have a snack.
- Some snowshoe trails have user fees. Check with local Visitor Centres for trail maps and information.
- Tours and equipment rentals are available at many of the larger snowshoe areas; many outdoor stores also have rentals.
- Most trail networks are near communities or ski resorts and can be easily accessed by car. Some snowshoe areas (usually at resorts) have shuttle buses that can transport visitors from a nearby community to the mountain.
Have you had a BC snowshoeing adventure? Write a blog about it and share your experiences!
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