Snowmobiling and Snowshoeing With Canadian Wilderness Adventures

Our Great Adventure Club is based on two values: enjoy life, and love where you live. Our recent adventure with our friends at Canadian Wilderness Adventures could not have expressed that better if we tried.

This summer we were fortunate to be able to explore the Callaghan Valley (20 minutes outside Whistler) on ATV's with Canadian Wilderness Adventures. We had such a blast we knew we wanted to come back, so when they asked if we wanted to check out the valley when it was blanketed in snow our only question was 'how soon can we go??'

Some of our team (and contest winner Grace!) packed up our Vancouver, we love you shirts, warmest mittens, and toques and drove up to Whistler to experience the Canadian Wilderness Adventures Yukon Breakfast snowmobile and  Medicine Trail snowshoe tours.

View our full photo gallery here.

Photo by Josh Yong

Vancouver's Top 5 Winter Activities

There is never a shortage of things to do in Vancouver, summer or winter. Here's our list of the Top 5 Winter Activities to try in Vancouver this holiday season.

http://www.capbridge.com/gallery/canyon-lights/

5. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
This stunning Christmas light display transforms the Capilano Suspension Bridge property into a glowing winter wonderland. With scavenger hunts for children, gingerbread cookie decorating, glass blowing demonstrations and Christmas carol sing-a-longs, it's fun for the whole family. Canyon Lights runs November 30, 2013 - January 4, 2014. Free shuttle service from Canada Place.

4. Vancouver Christmas Market
This annual "can't miss" Vancouver Christmas event brings an authentic German Christmas Market feel to the city. Shop for holiday gifts in their craft market, taste delicious food and drink (mulled wine!), and enjoy the colorful decore and family entertainment. The Vancouver Christmas Market runs November 22 - December 24, 2013.

Grouse Mountain Snowshoe Grind Mountain Run!

Photo courtesy of Grouse Mountain

We love enjoying the outdoors and meeting new people. Perhaps that's why we love Grouse Mountain's weekly Snowshoe Grind Social Nights. If you haven't checked it out yet, it's not too late! Every Wednesday head up after work for an evening trek along their trails and relax afterwards at Altitudes Bistro with a DJ, give-aways, food and beverage specials and stimulating company. And don't forget the incredible view of Vancouver! A great social event for those looking to meet other active Vancouverites.

If you're ready to take your love of snowshoeing to another level, this weekend Grouse Mountain is hosting the Snowshoe Grind Mountain Run! This Saturday, February 9th, join other snowshoe enthusiasts for a fun and exhilarating morning of outdoor fun! Registration is only $25 with a Grouse Mountain Membership, or Winter Season/Y2Play Pass or $35 for non-passholders. Entry fees include complimentary post race celebrations in Altitudes Bistro, Skyride Admission, timing chip, finish line aid station, and entry for some great prizes! Registration and check in begins at 7am at the base of Grouse Mountain lower plaza. Register right here!

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!

A Beginner's Guide To Snowshoeing In Vancouver

Snowshoeing seems to be THE popular sport of winter this year, and with the amazingly sunny weather we've been having recently, a perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and take some incredible pictures of the local scenery.

If you've never tried snowshoeing before and need an introduction to the basics, Snow Shoe Mag has put together a great First Timers Guide to Snowshoeing that includes a video introduction to the basics, what to look for in a pair of snowshoes, where to buy or rent a pair of snowshoes, and what to wear. 

Basic Snowshoeing tips:

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

- You can rent snowshoes from Grouse, Seymour, Cypress, or Whistler for the day (about $15-20 for the day)

- Wear a comfy shoe that is waterproof (either a hiking shoe/boot or a winter boot)

- If it is a dry day with no fresh snow you can get away with runners

- Wear wool socks, they will keep your toes warm and dry

- For sunny days, wear workout gear or light winter/rain gear

- Make sure to wear LAYERS, it get's hot when walking up hill!

- Bring a backpack with water and a snack


Have you tried snowshoeing and love it? Want a bit more of a challenge? Why not sign up for Grouse Mountain's Snowshoe Grind Mountain Run 2013 on February 9th!? Registration fees are $35 for non-passholders and $25 for members.

Have you been snowshoeing at our local mountains? Which one's your favourite? Have you taken an amazing photo while snowshoeing? Leave a comment or tweet us and share them!