Photo via Shutterstock
With snow already on the ground at some of BC’s top ski hills, it’s a great time to start planning some wintery escapes for the coming months. And we don’t know about you, but nothing gets us excited for the season ahead than an afternoon of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, so we’re here to share some of the most popular and scenic options.
So buckle up and get ready for a winter to remember! Here are some of the best spots for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, winter camping, snowmobiling, and ice fishing, according to BC Parks and beyond.
As winter weather can be unpredictable, BC Parks urges that snowshoers plan ahead with all the winter essentials, and check each park’s website for individual advisories and access changes.
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
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
One of the most popular year-round parks in the province, EC Manning offers snowshoers and skiers groomed backcountry trails as well as backcountry ski tours. Many of its hiking trails are blanketed in snow during the colder months, so if you want to take the path less travelled, you have plenty of options ranging in difficulty here!
Where: Okanagan
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
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
This iconic provincial park has a wealth of wintery adventures, especially at the Diamond Head and Black Tusk ski areas, which offer intermediate to advanced backcountry skiing.
The park also offers winter camping at Diamond Head.
Where: Whistler
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.
Experienced alpine hikers can enjoy sights like the iconic wind scoop, various ice formations, and dramatic cornices on their journey.
Where: Whistler
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 kilometres of snowshoeing trails.
Where: Kamloops
And that’s a wrap on some of the most popular and scenic winter trails to explore by snowshoe or ski this upcoming season.
Happy adventuring!
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