Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is one of North America's fastest-growing winter sports, and British Columbia provides the trails, powder and pristine winter scenery that make the activity worthwhile.

The saying goes: “If you can walk, you can snowshoe.” Snowshoeing can be enjoyed by almost everyone: families seeking a fresh air activity, adventurers wanting a cardio workout, and outdoor lovers desiring snow-muffled silence.

Fasten on a pair of snowshoes and wander trails at a relaxed pace. Pick out wildlife tracks in the snow and admire huge old-growth trees. Or, go a little faster – BC is home to the Yeti, a popular snowshoe running event and Canada’s first mountain snowshoe series.

Whatever your preference – crunching along a well-marked snowshoe loop or floating atop fresh powder – explore BC and its premier snowshoe experiences.

Learn more about Snowshoeing in BC's regions and cities:

Vancouver Island
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains
Whistler Blackcomb
Vancouver
Thompson Okanagan
Kootenay Rockies
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
Northern British Columbia

Snowshoeing Highlights in BC

Manning Provincial Park, in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains, also makes a great snowshoeing destination. Try Lightning Lake Loop, an easy, flat, 9-km (5.5-mi) trail that circles a snow-covered lake. Pretty lakeside trails are also found at Lost Lake Park in Whistler. Here, approximately 12 km (7 mi) of well-marked, tree-lined routes are just a short walk from bustling Whistler Village. In the nearby Callaghan Valley, the designated snowshoeing trails of Whistler Olympic Park and Callaghan Country form a roughly 25-km (16-mi) network, all complemented by a spectacular new 11,000-square-foot day lodge. 

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 lift-accessed, mountaintop snowshoeing and chocolate fondue. Yoho National Park, also in this region, offers a variety of backcountry routes, including one leading to icy Wapta Falls.

Mount Washington on Vancouver Island boasts a 20-km (12-mi) top-notch snowshoe network (“Best Snowshoeing”, Ski Canada magazine). Trails weave in and around Paradise Meadows, part of neighbouring Strathcona Provincial Park.

What You Need to Know

• Snowshoeing is typically possible from December to April.
  
• Look for wildlife tracks from snowshoe hares, lynx or pine martens. You may also see see nuthatches, chickadees, Steller’s jays or Gray jays (whiskeyjacks).
  
• Self-guided snowshoeing is possible in many areas with well-marked trails. Snowshoers with backcountry skills and experience can explore routes and untouched snow in provincial and national parks.
  
• Some cross-country ski areas do not permit snowshoes on trails (snowshoe tracks can ruin the grooming for skiers). Check the trail info before you head 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. Today’s snowshoes are easily manoeuvrable, lightweight (made of aluminium and plastic) and have crampons (pointy grips on the bottom to climb up or down hills).
  
• Most trail networks are near communities or ski resorts and can be easily accessible by car. Some snowshoe areas (usually at resorts) have shuttle buses that can transport visitors from a nearby community to the mountain.
  
• Accommodation can range from high-end resorts and lodges to backcountry huts and winter camping.

  Have you had a BC Snowshoeing adventure? Write a blog about it and share your experiences!