Snowy Winter Hikes Near Vancouver: 8 Best Trails
Looking for snowy winter hikes near Vancouver? These 8 trails range from easy winter hikes in the forest to day trips in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Each includes the main stats around distance, elevation gain, difficulty and drive time.
Snow often arrives in the mountains early, so if you’re visiting Vancouver in November or December, you’ll likely find the North Shore mountains already dusted with snow. But that doesn’t mean that hiking season is over.
I love fall hikes near Vancouver for the vibrant colors, summer hikes for access to higher elevations, spring for waterfalls and winter for snowy mountain views.
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Winter Hiking Safety
Winter hiking is harder than summer hiking. Walking in snow burns more energy, daylight is short and conditions change fast. On top of this, you need to be avalanche aware and know the type of terrain you’re entering to avoid potential risks.
Factors such as high winds, heavy snow and ice can all influence the decision whether it’s safe to hike. If you see bad weather in the forecast, don’t put yourself at risk and postpone the hike.
If you’re planning on winter hiking in Vancouver, you should always carry the 10 Essentials, even if you never use them.
10 ESSENTIALS
- Navigation: map, compass, GPS or offline maps
- Headlamp: daylight is short in winter
- Sun protection: snow glare is strong in winter, so pack sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
- First aid kit: include blister care and personal medications
- Knife or multi-tool
- Fire: lighter, waterproof matches or fire starter
- Shelter: emergency bivy, tarp or space blanket
- Extra food: high-energy snacks beyond what you plan to eat
- Extra water: insulated bottle to prevent freezing
- Additional clothes: warm layers, socks, hat, gloves and rain shell
I recommend packing microspikes or crampons when doing any winter hikes near Vancouver. If you don’t know where to begin, read by hiking beginner guide. You can also join a group hike if you’re just getting into hiking.
Best 8 Snowy Winter Hikes Near Vancouver
1. Garibaldi Lake near Whistler
Most people hike Garibaldi Lake in summer, but the snowy forest and quiet trail in winter are breathtaking. From Vancouver, you’ll need to drive to Rubble Creek Trailhead in Garibaldi Provincial Park. The parking lot in winter may be mostly covered in snow. We did the Garibaldi Lake hike in April and were able to park conveniently at the trailhead, but there was still a lot of snow there.
The first section of the hike follows a series of switchbacks to Barrier Viewpoint. Beyond this point, the trail levels out, while you follow the forest trail to Garibaldi Lake.
In winter, the Garibaldi Lake trail is very quiet and no day pass reservation is required. But remember to book your pass if visiting in summer.
This is one of the longest winter hikes near Vancouver, so instead of driving back to Vancouver you could also spend a day in Whistler in winter to split the drive.
2. Hollyburn Peak Winter Hike in Cypress Park
The Hollyburn Peak winter trailhead is located at the Cypress Mountain Nordic Area. The trail itself is moderately steep, with some more challenging sections near the summit.
Personally, I would not attempt this hike without at least microspikes or crampons. If it has recently snowed, this becomes one of the most beautiful snowshoe trails near Vancouver. We usually carry snowshoes in any case and check the webcam for the latest conditions before we go.
Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Vancouver in the distance and the Cypress ski slopes in the background. This is one of the closest places where you can go on a snowy hike near Vancouver and you can also choose to come back in summer for a day hike on Cypress Mountain.
3. Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls Winter Hike
If you’re doing the Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls winter hike after a snowfall, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a winter wonderland. While the hike isn’t overly difficult or technical, the snow adds to it for sure.
Most of the trail winds through the forest, leading to the enormous Cedar tree, which is believed to be over 600 years old. After carefully circling the tree, the trail continues uphill, finishing at Kennedy Falls.
As you follow the route, be sure to pay close attention to the trail markers, as snow may cover some of them along the way. But all in all this is easily one of my favorite North Shore winter hikes on this list.
4. Elfin Lakes Winter Hike near Squamish
Elfin Lakes is both one of the best snowshoe trails near Vancouver as well as one of the best winter hikes. The trailhead is just 30 minutes drive from Squamish, but you need snow chains to get to the parking lot. Alternatively, you can park 2 km below and walk the remaining distance.
Elfin Lakes winter hike is a 22 km round-trip trail and you should plan a full day for it. Or you can spend a night at Elfin Lakes Shelter, but advance reservations are required.
5. Pump Peak Winter Hike on Mount Seymour
Pump Peak is one of the most popular snowy winter hikes near Vancouver. It’s also a favorite for winter camping, as the trailhead is easy to reach from Vancouver and there are many flat surfaces on the top. In fact, I also included Mount Seymour on my list of the best day trips from Vancouver without a car.
If you’re looking for snowshoe trails near Vancouver, you can reach Pump Peak with crampons, but snowshoes are requires to get to the summit of Mount Seymour.
6. Lighthouse Park: Easy Winter Hike in West Vancouver
The Lighthouse Park is an easy winter hike near Vancouver. Since it’s located at sea level, it doesn’t always get snow, but when it does it’s a beautiful way to spend an afternoon outdoors.
While you can take the longer shoreline loop, there are also shorter alternatives through the park to choose from. If you only want to get to the lighthouse, follow the wide trail from the parking lot for about 10 minutes. From here, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the lighthouse and the Vancouver area.
7. Joffre Lakes in Winter near Pemberton
Joffre Lakes in winter is in my opinion even better than in summer. Not only is it less crowded but you also don’t need to reserve a day-use pass in order to visit.
Similarly to the Garibaldi Lake winter hike, Joffre Lakes is one of the furthest winter hikes on this list, but it’s worth the drive. If you have the time, you can also visit some Sea to Sky Highway stops along the way or stay in Whistler in winter.
The Joffre Lakes winter hike is not easy due to the amount of snow on the trail and avalanche risk. So be sure to check the road and trail conditions before you leave.
8. Mount Fromme Winter Hike on the North Shore
Mount Fromme is one of the closest winter hikes near Vancouver and was our first winter hike when we moved to Vancouver. The trailhead can be easily reached by public transportation and the out-and-back trail follows an enjoyable forest path to the top of the mountain.
This is one of the less travelled trails on the North Shore and although the views are blocked by trees throughout the entire hike, at the top you’ll enjoy the fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
4 Ways to Prepare for Your Winter Hike
Check the Weather Forecast
Firstly, check the weather forecast not just the day before but also in the morning before you leave for the hike. Winter weather can change rapidly, especially in the mountains or remote areas, so it’s important to stay updated.
If conditions look poor, do not put yourself at risk and postpone the hike to another day.
What to Wear for Winter Hiking in Vancouver
When it comes to what you should wear for winter hiking in Vancouver, dress in layers. Start with base layers made of merino wool (or synthetic materials) to keep you warm at all times. Then wear a fleece, a waterproof jacket and trousers, as well as a warm hat, neck warmer and gloves.
If you want to stay extra warm also pack a lightweight down jacket.
Best Boots for Winter Hiking
One other item that is essential when hiking in winter are waterproof boots. I wear my boots both in summer and winter and although they’re quite heavy I wouldn’t change them at all.
I’ve been wearing my Scarpa boots for several years now and I can say that the investment was more than worth it. It allows you to attach microspikes or crampons, as well as use them with snowshoes. In summer, they’re also perfect for any type of terrain, keeping your ankles firm and steady.
If you’re not ready for a major investment, the Merrell Hiking Boots are very comfortable but not all models are waterproof.
Plan The Route Carefully
Make sure you’re familiar with the trail. If it’s your first time hiking in winter, I would recommend choosing a trail you’ve already done in summer.
Choose a trail that matches your skill level and experience. If you’re hiking in areas with avalanche risk, always check the weather forecasts before heading out. The risk is especially high when temperatures begin to rise in spring.
Tell Someone Your Plan
It is always a good idea to inform a friend or family member of your hiking plans, including your route and expected duration. Also, don’t put yourself in dangerous situations. It’s always better to cut the hike short than risk getting stuck in hazardous conditions.
If you’re hiking in areas where cell phone signal is spotty, consider buying a Garmin inReach Satellite Communicator.
If you’re looking for more things to do in Vancouver in winter, read my guides below:
- 3 days in Vancouver without a car
- One day in Squamish itinerary
- Best things to do in Whistler in winter without skiing
- Day trips from Vancouver without a car
- Sea to Sky Highway stops on the Vancouver to Whistler drive
