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It won’t be long before the bulk of B.C.’s top ski hills open for the season, but if you’re looking forward to a wintery adventure off the beaten path, these snowshoe and Nordic ski trails are for you. It’s time to unearth your gear from storage and hit the slopes!
As winter weather can be unpredictable, it’s important to plan ahead with all the winter essentials and check each park’s website for individual advisories and access changes.
Mount Seymour is a great pick for all skill levels, and it’s close to the city. Here, you can opt for a self-guided journey through old-growth and around scenic lakes, or you can opt for one of its popular snowshoe tours.
Trail passes start at $17 for the day, or $48 to $114 for the entire season, depending on whether you include rental gear or not.
Another great choice for beginners, Callaghan Resort has over 100 km of groomed Nordic ski trails (40 km of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails) that are a perfect addition to any day trip, situated 20 minutes from Whistler. And yet, it still retains its reputation as a breathtaking hidden gem!
Situated in the picturesque Bulkley Valley, 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.
This list wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Snowshoe Grind, the winter equivalent to the quintessential Grouse Grind. If you’re up for an intense ascent and are willing to shell out the cost of a gondola ride down, Grouse Mountain is a spectacular place to take in panoramic views of the city, ocean, mountains, and beyond.
Note that the Snowshoe Timer has been discontinued this year.
This one’s for those who don’t mind exploring an ungroomed path. 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. The views alone are well worth it!
One of the most popular parks open year-round, 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.
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. Visitors get to enjoy sweeping views of Bowen Island and Howe Sound, no matter which winter sport or activity they partake in.
Or you can opt to bring your own snowshoes and obtain a free backcountry permit at the Black Mountain Lodge.
Another great option, of course, is heading to Cypress Mountain, where you’ll find rentals of all kinds and 11 km of scenic trails.
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.
Happy adventuring!
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