Do you want to be outside snowshoeing, but have to stay close to Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains? No worries! I have you covered! There are several incredible options for snowshoeing on Vancouver’s North Shore for beginners and intermediate adventurers. Marc and I have only been hiking and snowshoeing here since 2017 but we have visited all these trails at least once, so I am happy to share our experiences.

If you have never been snowshoeing before, the best snowshoeing options are the paid trails at each of the three resorts, Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour. It is possible to reach all three by public transit/ shuttle buses and to rent snowshoes once you are up there. There are also easy options as well as trails that will get your heart pumping in each area. I’ll include extra information and tips for newbies at the bottom of the post as well. I hope you find it useful!

List of Snowshoeing trails in Vancouver

Trail	Rating	Distance	Elevation gain	Time Needed	Cost	Doggos
Seymour Discovery trails	Easy	2.3-4.5 km	60m	1-3 hours	$15	Yes, on leash
Dinkey Peak	Easy	2.4 km	96m	0.5-1 hour	$0	Yes, on leash
Dog Mountain	Easy	5.6 km	165m	2-3 hours	$0	Yes, on leash
First pump Peak	Challenging	6.8 km	474m	4-5 hours	$0	Yes, on leash
Grouse Light Walk	Very Easy	1-1.5 km	20m	30-40 min	$59	No
Snowshoe Grind	Moderate	5 km	250m	1-1.5 hours	$59	No
Thunderbird Ridge	Moderate	6 km	290m	2-3 hours	$59	No
Cypress Mountain Nordic trails	Easy/Moderate	11 km	up to 150m	1-5 hours	$16	No
Bowen Lookout	Moderate	4.3 km	150m	1.5-2 hours	$0	Yes, on leash
Black Mountain	Moderate/ Challenging	6 km	360m	2.5-3 hours	$0	Yes, on leash
Hollyburn Mountain	Challenging	6.9 km	415m	4-5 hours	$0	Yes, on leash

Please note, unlike hiking in the summertime, the difficulty of these trails changes massively depending on the conditions. Hard packed snow on a clear day will feel completely different to powdery snow in a snow storm! This list is just to give you a general idea of the available trails and how safe they are. I found the distances and elevation gain figures from All Trails, they might vary a little depending on how you measure them.

Mount Seymour Resort

Mount Seymour is a fantastic place for hiking and snowshoeing (both on maintained trails, and free trails.) If you are lucky, you’ll get views over towards Mount Baker and America. There are always plenty of people on the trails (especially on Dog Mountain.) If you don’t drive, or if you don’t have snow tires, you can take the shuttle to get up here. There is a lodge with a restaurant and a café if you need food or drinks.

Mount Seymour Discovery Trails

There are some beautiful maintained snowshoe trails at the base of the ski slopes on Mount Seymour. If you fancy a quiet walk, then the Discovery trails are a great option. We explored these trails after hiking on Dog Mountain; While Dog Mountain was incredibly busy, we hardly saw any other hikers on these paid trails.

Length of trail: 2-4.5 km (choose your own adventure!)
Elevation gain: 60m (depending on the trail you choose)
How long will it take: 1-3 hours
Cost: $15 (or £35 for rentals +trail pass)
Dogs: Dogs are welcome
Find a map of the trails here. You can read a description Dog Mountain post (as we explored these trails on the same day as Dog Mountain)

Mount Seymour – Dinkey Peak

This is an easy, short trail on Mount Seymour. It is less well known than Dog Mountain (below) so I have never seen other hikers/snowshoers up there. Having said that, the views are not quite as impressive as Dog Mountain, and the trail is less packed down, so maybe that is why people don’t flock to this trail? I love it for the untouched snowy views and the beautiful snow-covered trees. The trail links up to the Dog Mountain trail at First Lake, so you can do this as an extra add on when you snowshoe to Dog Mountain.

Length of trail: 2.4 km
Elevation gain: 96m
How long will it take: 30 mins – 1 hour
Cost: Free
Dogs: Good for dogs
Here’s a Map of Dinkey Peak. You see more on my Dog Mountain post (as we explored these trails on the same day as Dog Mountain)

Mount Seymour – Dog Mountain

Dog Mountain is great for a mini adventure in the snow. It is easy to follow the path as so many people do this hike that is likely to be packed down. There is not much elevation gain (just enough to get your heart pumping.) You’ll find people of all ages on this trail as it is popular with families. Also, I am not sure if it is because of the name of the trail, but we always see sooo many happy dogs on this route!

Just be aware, I have seen some people really struggle along in snowshoes on this trail. When it is hard packed, you may find it is easier with microspikes (or even just hiking boots.)

Length of trail: 5.6 km
Elevation gain: 165m
How long will it take: 2-3 hours
Cost: Free
Dogs: Good for dogs
You can find more details along with a map for the Dog Mountain trail here.

Mount Seymour – First Pump Peak

This trail is a bit more challenging (and a great work out!) This is basically the same as the trail up Mount Seymour that you follow in the summertime, just with the extra joy of butt sledging on some of the downhill sections! The trail starts at the base of the Mystery Peak chairlift. Head up the mountain, first to Brockton Point, then (if it’s not too icy/dodgy) continue on to First Pump Peak.

This trail can get very icy and treacherous on the steep sections near the top. There are also some trees close to the trail which form dangerous tree wells, so keep your distance from the base of them. If the trail seems dangerous, turn back at Brockton Point; That way you still get some views. I don’t recommend going beyond First Pump Peak in winter unless you have triple checked the avalanche danger and carry crampons and an ice axe.

Length of trail: 6.8 km
Elevation gain: 474m
How long will it take: 4-5 hours
Cost: Free
Dogs: Good for dogs
You can find more details along with a map for Mount Seymour here.

Grouse Mountain Resort

Grouse Mountain is Vancouver’s most famous mountain; It is the second most-climbed mountain in the world. It is very easy to reach from the city with public transport and the gondola. There is a lodge at the top with a cafe, restaurants and gift shop, so you’ll always see plenty of people up here. You need to spend $59 on the gondola to get up OR if you have microspikes and are used to winter hikes, you can hike up the BCMC trail. Dogs are not allowed on the gondola, so if you want to bring your furry friend, you’ll need to hike in both directions.

Whatever trail you do on Grouse Mountain means you probably deserve a beavers tail.

Grouse Mountain – Light Walk

Lights illuminate this easy, fun little walk on the top of Grouse Mountain. It is the easiest adventure on the list. It can work well as a romantic date under festive lights or as an introduction to snowshoes. The route itself is free; It loops around the Blue Grouse Lake through snow covered trees lit up by fairy lights.  If it has not snowed recently, you can probably manage this one without snowshoes or even microspikes (as long as you have good grips on your shoes.)

Length of trail: 1-1.5 km
Elevation gain: 20m
How long will it take: 30-40mins
Cost: $59 for the gondola ride. You don’t need to pay to go on the actual trail.
Dogs: No Dogs on this trail (as they cannot take the gondola)
I have more details about Grouse Mountain in the snow, as well as views of this trail lit up. Lastly, here is a Map to Grouse snowshoe trails.

Grouse Mountain – Snowshoe Grind

The Snowshoe Grind is the name for the trail up Dam Mountain from the Grouse Mountain Lodge. Follow the cliffs to the left from the Grizzly bear enclosure, then continue to follow the path through the trees as it climbs Dam Mountain. Although it has grind in the name, this trail is much easier than the summer Grouse Grind. It is a bit steep, but you’ll reach the top before you can get too tired.

Length of trail: 5 km
Elevation gain: 250m
How long will it take: 1-1.5 hours
Cost: $59 for the gondola ride. You don’t need to pay to go on the actual trail.
Dogs: No Dogs on this trail (as they cannot take the gondola)
You can read more about the snowshoe grind (including map) here.

Grouse Mountain – Thunderbird Ridge

I am a massive fan of the scenery from Thunderbird Ridge. It’s not very busy compared to some of the other trails in this post, but the views down to Vancouver are incredible. The route starts on the same path as the Snowshoe Grind, but turns off right about 1km into the trail. I like to pair this with the Snowshoe Grind, doing both trails at once.

Length of trail: 6 km
Elevation gain: 290m
How long will it take: 2-3 hours
Cost: $59 for the gondola ride. You don’t need to pay to go on the actual trail.
Dogs: No Dogs on this trail (as they cannot take the gondola)
You can read more about Thunderbird Ridge (including map) here.

Cypress Mountain Resort

Cypress Mountain isn’t really a mountain; It is the name of the Ski resort. But most people use it to refer to the three mountains that make up the Cypress Bowl. These are Black Mountain, Mount Strachan and Hollyburn Mountain.

There are quite a few possibilities for snowshoeing at Cypress, both paid and for free. You can either park near the Nordic area (near Hollyburn mountain) or the downhill ski area (for Bowen Lookout, Black Mountain and beyond.) Facilities wise, you can rent snowshoes in the Nordic area. There is a lodge with a shop, cafe and pub on the other side at the Cypress Creek Day lodge.

Cypress Mountain Nordic trails

There are some fantastic maintained trails on Cypress Mountain in the Nordic part of the resort. I love these trails for the gorgeous old growth trees, and because there are so many options you really can make your own adventure. Plus there is a cafe, a really cute lodge as well as a warming hut if you get cold easily. Remember if you plan to snowshoe, the last rentals are sold at 2pm, and they stop selling tickets at 2:30pm. Up until mid-February you can also hike in the evening on brightly lit trails (it’s called Lights to the Lodge)

Length of trail: Up to 11 km (choose your own adventure)
Elevation gain: Up to 150m
How long will it take: 1-5 hours
Cost: $16 (or $36 for rentals +tickets)
Dogs: No dogs on the paid trails. See the free trails below if you plan to bring your pup.
I have more details about exploring the Nordic trails here.

Bowen Lookout

If you want to give snowshoeing a try, but you don’t want to pay for the maintained trails, Bowen Lookout is one of the easiest options. Similar to Dog Mountain, there always seem to be plenty of people on this trail, so it is likely to be packed down. It also seems to be popular with young children as each time we have been we met several young families attempting this. I think the viewpoint at the end of the trail fantastic place to watch the sunset; Just make sure to bring a headlamp for the return journey in the dark.

Length of trail: 4.3km
Elevation gain: 150m
How long will it take: 1.5-2 hours
Cost: Free
Dogs: Good for Dogs
I have a trip report about hiking to watch the sunset at Bowen Lookout here.

Black Mountain

I love Black Mountain. I think it punches above it’s weight in terms of ratio of effort for views! This walk does have some steep sections, and it will definitely get your heart pumping. However it doesn’t take very long and there is lots of fantastic scenery to reward you for your efforts. At the weekend it is likely that you will share the South Peak with plenty of other hikers. However we often find that very few people visit the North Peak (with its great view of the Lions.) Depending on the amount of snow, if you fancy an extra workout you can continue from Black Mountain to Eagle Bluffs, or to Donut Rock.

Length of trail: 6 km
Elevation gain: 360m
How long will it take: 2.5-3 hours
Cost: Free
Dogs: Good for Dogs
You can find more details (including map) for Black Mountain here.

Hollyburn Mountain

Hollyburn Mountain was the first mountain we climbed with snowshoes. This is a busy trail, but the views from the peak are incredible, especially if you are lucky enough to go on a clear day. You can see over to Mount Baker in America as well as over to Vancouver Island. Start at the Nordic area and take the trail to the left of the maintained trails, under the power lines. You can often manage this with just spikes, but you’ll need snowshoes after heavy snow (and at the top where there is more powder to stand in!) This trail has some tricky, icy sections so be very careful, especially on the way down. The steepness of this route means it can be fantastic for butt sledging (or for sliding down on a bin bag.)

Length of trail: 6.9 km
Elevation gain: 415 m
How long will it take: 4-5 hours
Cost: Free
Dogs: Good for Dogs
You can read more about Hollyburn (and see the trail map) here. 

Tips for Snowshoeing

Now you know about the possible routes for Snowshoeing on Vancouver’s Local Mountains, I’ll add a few tips to get you started. If you have never been snowshoeing before, I highly recommend reading How to Kill Yourself Snowshoeing as well as How not to Kill Yourself Snowshoeing before you go.

Check the Avalanche Danger

Before you head out into the snow, you should always check the avalanche danger (Vancouver’s North Shore is part of the South Coast region on Avalanche Canada.) It is quite expensive, but you should consider taking Avalanche Skills Training if you spend lots of time snowshoeing or cross country skiing. At the very least, you should look at BC Adventure smart and the Online Avalanche Tutorial by Avalanche Canada.

What should you wear

Although you will be out in the snow, you’ll probably get very warm, especially when you attempt some of the steeper trails on this list. Try wearing several layers so that you can adjust your temperature by stripping off, or bundling up on the trail. The base layer should be something that wicks away moisture, like merino wool (I can’t wear wool, so I go for heat tech base layers from Uniqlo.) I like to wear my ski pants so I can sit on the snow (and go butt sledging on the slopes!)

The best thing to do is start cold (so you don’t find yourself sweating into your layers at the top of a mountain!)

What should you bring

You should carry the The 10 Essentials whenever you go hiking, but this is even more important in the winter in the snow.

Plan your route and let someone know about it

We normally tell a friend where we are going on our adventures, then text them once we are down off the trails. That way, if we ever don’t check back in with them, they can alert Search and Rescue. If you are not sure what to include on a trip plan, have a look at BC Adventure Smart. They even have an app to help you plan.

The routes I have mentioned above are all pretty obvious, but do your best to stick to them. The terrain on Vancouver’s North Shore can be quite dangerous if you leave the trails.

Snowshoes vs Microspikes

I mention snowshoes as well as microspikes/spikes in some of the descriptions above. I’ve included a photo of both so you can see the difference. Both options fit over your hiking boots. Our spikes stretch over our boots, while you need to strap snowshoes onto your shoes.

It is easier to walk with microspikes if the trail is hard-packed. However once you reach powdery or melting snow, you’ll sink down into it. We normally carry both on our winter adventures, I would recommend doing the same. You can strap snowshoes onto your bag when you’re not using them. 

Renting Snowshoes

If you don’t want to spend lots of money on Snowshoes before you know if you even enjoy snowshoeing, consider renting them first.

• Mount Seymour $35 (including trail pass)
• Grouse Mountain $20 (you need to pay extra for the gondola)
• Cypress Mountain $36 (including ticket)
• You can also hire them from Sports Junkies on Broadway for $20 per day
• Normally you can hire snowshoes from MEC, but they paused this due to covid-19

Leave no trace

Hopefully if you are heading out to snowshoe near Vancouver, you have heard about the philosophy of leave no trace. The gist of the idea is to “take only pictures, leave only footprints.” So don’t disturb anything and leave the trail as you found it (or better!) We normally bring an extra bag for adventures on busy trails so we can pack out any rubbish we find on the trail. Please consider doing that.

Also, although they will come and say hello, please do not feed the wildlife, even the cute begging Whiskey Jacks.

Other winter hiking on Vancouver’s North Shore

Other North Shore trails may not be totally covered in snow, but you can also take spikes/snowshoes and attempt to hike to them.

• Norvan Falls is low enough to not normally be snowy. However if Van city is snowed in, it can become a winter wonderland.
• Lynn Peak has a small viewpoint which is often covered in snow in wintertime.
• Mount Fromme is possible to climb in winter if the snow isn’t too heavy. Just make sure you are extra careful at the viewpoint!
• The Grouse Grind is normally closed in the wintertime, but if you have spikes/snowshoes you can still hike up the BCMC trail.

I wouldn’t recommend vising some of my other favorite North Shore Mountain Hikes until the summertime. Places like Crown Mountain, Goat Mountain, Mount Seymour’s Third Peak (and even more Mount Elsay) all have icy, dangerous terrain in the winter with avalanche hazards. If you are not sure about a trail, save it for the summertime!