There’s nothing that gets us excited for the winter season like an afternoon of snowshoeing, and to that end, there are a ton of beautiful places to visit in BC to take advantage of the snow. If you’re looking for a mix of popular mountain trails, hidden Nordic gems, and provincial park pathways, consider this list a solid place to start. Here are 8 of the most scenic snowshoe trails to explore in BC this winter.
Mount Seymour
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for a solid place to start that’s well-known and open to all skill levels, head to Mount Seymour for a self-guided journey through old-growth forests and scenic lakes, or opt for one of their popular snowshoe tours.
Trail passes start at $17 for the day, or $43 to $48 for season passes (excluding snowshoe rentals).
Where: North Vancouver
Yoho National Park
During the colder months, the famed Yoho National Park in the Rockies offers an array of well-groomed skiing and snowshoeing trails for visitors to explore (groomed twice a week). So if you’re in search of some of the most stunning winter scenery in the province, you’ll absolutely find it here.
Where: Rocky Mountains (west of Continental Divide), BC
Bulkley Valley Nordic Trails
Situated in the picturesque Bulkley Valley in central interior BC, these Nordic trails are known for their excellent snow conditions and traditionally lengthy ski season. This is in large part due to its prime location in a snowbelt area and high elevation.
Visitors have the chance to explore 52 km of groomed cross-country ski and skating trails – 11 km of which are dog-friendly.
Where: Bulkley-Nechako A, BC
Cypress Provincial Park & Cypress Mountain
View this post on Instagram
From the beginner-friendly Bowen Lookout trail to the scenic Black Mountain Plateau and the Hollyburn Peak, to the 19 km of trails in the Nordic area, Cypress Park in West Vancouver is a classic snowshoeing destination for good reason.
Here, snowshoers can enjoy breathtaking views of Bowen Island and Howe Sound – though you’ll need to bring your own snowshoes and obtain a free backcountry permit at the Black Mountain Lodge.
Another option in the area if you need to rent some snowshoes is Cypress Mountain, where visitors can explore 11 km of trails via a self-guided snowshoe experience.
Where: West Vancouver
Rainbow Mountain
Now, for a more challenging route. If you’re venturing out from Whistler Olympic Village, the 17.9-km-out-and-back trail at Rainbow Mountain is well worth the trek. Visitors have the option of hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing, and dogs are welcome while on a leash. The trail takes an average of 8 hours and 19 minutes to complete, according to AllTrails, but you’ve got the option of parking at Alexander Falls as a workaround.
Experienced alpine hikers can enjoy sights like the iconic wind scoop, various ice formations, and dramatic cornices on their journey.
Where: Whistler
Kenna Cartwright Nature Park
Ready for a lesser-known but no less thrilling snowshoeing experience? Surrounded by views of the Thompson Valley and Kamloops Lake, Kenna Cartwright Nature Park in Kamloops offers visitors panoramic views of the city and its natural surroundings, in addition to over 40 km of snowshoeing trails.
Note that trails remain open for the winter months but are not cleared of snow, so if you do decide to make the trek, be sure to bring the appropriate footwear!
Where: 2000 Hillside Drive, Kamloops
Myra Canyon Trestles
This scenic portion of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) was originally built by hand between 1910 and 1915, running along a steep canyon that makes for breathtaking views year-round. During the colder months, the Myra Canyon Trestles trail often sees snow, providing visitors the chance to snowshoe or fat bike if they bring their own equipment.
Where: Kelowna, BC
Snowshoe trails at Williams Lake
Whether you’re looking for a gentler ski or snowshoe adventure or a challenging climb followed by exciting downhill sections, the trail network at Williams Lake is well-developed and includes a variety of options for all skill levels.
Where: Williams Lake, BC
And that’s a wrap on some beautiful snowshoe trails to check out in BC. Don’t forget to check trail and avalanche conditions before you head out!
