Best Places in Vancouver For Snowshoeing!

We recently posted some Snowshoeing Tips for beginners. With so many great local mountains around Vancouver, we asked a couple of our Great Adventure Club supporters to give their reviews of the local mountains and what to expect from each.

Photo courtesy of Kate Wienburg
(www.flickr.com/photos/katedw/)

Grouse Mountain: Grouse Mountain's Snowshoe Grind is a winter loop comparable to the summer Grind so you'll be ready to fly up that mountain side once spring returns. A challenging, steep snowshoe loop for everyone from hardcore athletes to anyone with moderate fitness, the loop takes about an hour starting from the Chalet. Grouse has a shorter trail that would be fun for a family outing, or you can make your day longer by continuing on around Dam Mountain Loop and Discovery Loops from the further point on the Snowshoe Grind. Heading up to Grouse really feels like escaping the city. The scenic gondola ride to the top separates you from the city's cars and bustle, and you don't need a 4 wheel drive no matter what the weather! Annual passes are a great deal (and come with a bunch of perks!) if you can see yourself heading up the mountain multiple times throughout the year. Grouse Mountain trail map.

*Don't forget to register for the Snowshoe Grind Mountain Run Race coming up on February 9th!*

Photo courtesy of Kate Wienburg
(www.flickr.com/photos/katedw/)

Cypress Mountain: Cypress Mountain boasts some great views of Vancouver from the top as well as along the way up the mountain. You can pay to go on the maintained trails that run close to the cross country ski trails up the hill, or there is a free trail called Hollyburn that winds up the mountain. This trail is a great option and perfect for beginners and intermediate snowshoers. It is about a three hour round trip and marked by wooden poles. This is a well used trail so the path is easy to see. Night treks are quite popular with groups at Cypress, and the Hollyburn lodge acts as a great 'go to' place and even has chocolate fondue… if you need some extra motivation to make it there. If you don't have a 4 wheel drive vehicle you may have to check the conditions as you have to drive up to the base of the mountain. Cypress Mountain trail map.

Photo courtesy of Kate Wienburg
(www.flickr.com/photos/katedw/)

Seymour Mountain: Seymour Mountain has lots of great trail options for snowshoers of all levels. Like Cypress you can pay to access trails or enjoy the two free trails as well. One is Dog Mountain and is an easy loop for beginners. The route up Seymour Mountain goes to the top of "First Peak," which is a challenging hike. Like both other mountains there are beautiful views and it is quite picturesque when there has been a good snow fall. Seymour Mountain trail map.

Thank you to Vancouver, we love you supporters Kate and Erin for your notes on our local mountains trails!