Snowshoeing
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver (Insight Photography photo)
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.
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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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11 Snowshoeing in British Columbia
1 - 10 of 11 Results
1
Carleton Lodge
Whistler, British Columbia
V0N 1B0
Websitehttp://www.canadian01.com
Toll-free877-938-1616
Phone604-938-1616
We have a passion for all things adventurous!
Explore Whistler's spectacular Blackcomb Mountain & the beautiful Callaghan Valley by ATV, 4x4 Jeep, snowmobile, snowcat, snowshoe or dog sled. Paddle a canoe down the River of Golden Dreams for a truly Canadian adventure.
Enjoy world-famous mountain top dining at 6,000 ft (1829 m), travel via snowmobile or in the comfort of a snowcat for a 3-course fondue in the winter. ATV or Jeep in the summer for waffle breakfasts or the famous Salmon Bake evenings. Live entertainers play as you dine in the alpine! Tours cater to all ages and all abilities.
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2
6400 Nancy Greene Way
North Vancouver, British Columbia
V7R 4K9
Websitehttp://www.grousemountain.com
Toll-free
Phone604-980-9311
Just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain's Super Skyride whisks you to the best in local skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing & ice skating. With 26 runs - 14 open for night skiing - the latest in lift technology & the most extensive snowmaking system around, Grouse Mountain is Vancouver's favourite winter playground. Situated 1120 metres (3,700 feet) above the city of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain's restaurants showcase some of the best of BC from fine dining at The Observatory to après in Altitudes Bistro to outdoor BBQs at Rusty Rail patio.
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| SkiTotalRuns |
Types of runs |
| 26 |
 27% 54% 19% |
3
7500 Hwy 3
Manning Park, British Columbia
V0X 1R0
Websitehttp://www.manningpark.com
Toll-free800-330-3321
Phone250-840-8822
Downhill and cross-country skiing have been popular winter activities in Manning Park since the early 1950s. From skating to snowboarding, Manning continues to be a favourite spot for winter sport enthusiasts from BC and around the world. Located in the Gibson Pass Valley, Manning Park is renowned for its dry snow and variety of Snowplay Experiences including tubing, snowshoeing, winter camping, Nordic (cross-country) skiing, downhill and snowboarding. Our "Ski Village" has many services to offer including a daycare, cafeteria, Rental Shop and Ski School.
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| SkiTotalRuns |
Types of runs |
| 24 |
30%40%30% |
4
Trans Canada Hwy
Revelstoke, British Columbia
V0E 2S0
Websitehttp://www.parkscanada.gc.ca/revelstoke
Toll-free
Phone250-837-7500
Home to Canada's only inland cedar-hemlock rainforest, Mount Revelstoke is the only national park in Canada where you can summit a mountain five minutes from your vehicle. Visitors are invited to stroll amongst giants on the Giant Cedars & Skunk Cabbage boardwalks, or enjoy a panoramic view and meadows of subalpine wildflowers from the summit of Mount Revelstoke. Cycling enthusiasts can try riding 26 km (1600 m elevation gain) up the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. During the winter months outdoors enthusiasts can explore the Meadows in the Sky Parkway on skis or snowshoes.
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5
Websitehttp://www.naturaltrekking.com
Toll-free
Phone604-836-2321
Explore... Escape... Experience... the fun & exhilaration of hiking & snowshoeing!
Spend the day high above Vancouver's skyline & experience a different point of view. Only 30 minutes from downtown. All you need is a camera. No experience necessary. Tours include hiking poles, snowshoes, snack, beverage & a souvenir photo.
Or choose one of our Best of Vancouver Shore Excursion city tours. These tours are great for people who are visiting Vancouver for the first time and don't have a lot of time. As your private tour guide, we can adjust the schedule and activities to meet your needs.
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6
Valemount
Valemount, British Columbia
V0E 2Z0
Websitehttp://www.robsonhelimagic.com
Toll-free877-454-4700
Phone250-566-4700
Located mins from Mt Robson Provincial Park, we offer year-round spectacular sightseeing tours. World famous Berg Lake, a UNESCO world heritage site, is just a short flight away, offering day hikers & campers alike, the opportunity to fly into Robson Pass & hike out at their own pace. Heli-hiking tours are also available. A certified guide will hike with you in the glorious high country, enjoy a gourmet lunch before your helicopter whisks you back to reality. Winter brings exhilaration & fun in the form of heli-skiing & heli-snowshoeing. The best heli-ski prices in the industry, the leader in boutique heli-skiing. We guarantee it!
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7
1280 Alpine Rd
Sun Peaks Resort, British Columbia
V0E 5N0
Websitehttp://www.sunpeaksresort.com
Toll-free800-807-3257
Phone250-578-7222
Sun Peaks is located in BC's sunny interior, just a 4 hr drive or quick flight from Vancouver. Sun Peaks offers surprising diversity for the beginner to the expert skier across 3 mountains with 124 runs, 2 alpine bowls, 13 glade areas, 882 m of vertical, all on 1114 ha (3,678 ac) of alpine terrain. All of these numbers add up to make it Canada's third largest resort. Combine 31 km of Nordic trails, loads of other winter activities, an intimate ski through village lined with hotels, shops, & restaurants, it equals a memorable holiday getaway for the entire family.
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| Annual Snowfall |
SkiTotalRuns |
Types of runs |
| 559 cm |
124 |
32%58%10% |
8
218-4293 Mountain Square
Whistler, British Columbia
V0N 1B4
Websitehttp://www.tagwhistler.com
Toll-free
Phone604-932-0647
The Adventure Group is Whistler's premier activity provider featuring Snowmobile, Snowshoe, Sleigh Ride and Ziplining in the winter months and ATV Tours, Ziplining, Horseback Riding, Bungee Jumping and Whitewater Rafting in the summer season. With the lowest guide-to-guest ratio, three convenient office locations & a pioneering approach towards environmentally responsible tour operations, our guests experience the highest quality adventures Whistler has to offer. Our exclusive operating areas include Whistler Mountain, Cougar Mountain & various other locations around the Whistler Valley. Step outside, have some fun and share your excitement with our team!
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9
4282 Mountain Square
Whistler, British Columbia
V0N 1B4
Websitehttp://www.whistlerblackcomb.com
Toll-free866-403-4727
Phone604-904-9300
When you have explored the 8,000 plus acres of terrain on both mountains, head down to the valley and experience Village life. There's plenty to do & explore like different restaurants, shopping, rest day activities such as a spa treatment, après & nightlife action. Or check out the many other winter activities Whistler Blackcomb has to offer including ski & snowboard lessons, snowmobiling, ziplining, heli-skiing, heli-boarding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides & our tube park.
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10
Websitehttp://www.whistlerdiscoverytours.com
Toll-free888-501-4845
Phone604-966-7385
'Exclusive Land Rover Excursions'. Our year-round scenic private/semi-private Eco-Tours will take you to areas rarely seen by most Whistler visitors; Morning/Evening with the Bears, Ancient Rainforest/Eagle Viewing Experience, Hidden Glacier Lake Hike/Snowshoe. Travel throughout the Coast Mountain Range to rarely seen scenic destinations in one of our rugged, well-appointed G4 series Land Rover LR3 to the most remote locations in the Whistler region. Take in the year-round amazing beauty of the area on several of our exclusive private/semi-private tours. Allow Whistler Discovery Tours to guide you on your unique adventure.
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