Are you looking for a winter activity different from skiing or snowboarding? Then check out one of these snowy winter hikes near Vancouver. Thanks to the relatively mild temperatures, Vancouver offers year-round hiking opportunities. But, if you’re like me and want to fully embrace the snow and the winter landscapes, I’ve curated a list of the best winter hikes near Vancouver where you can step into a true winter wonderland.
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Things to Know Before Going on Snowy Winter Hikes
While the stunning views and magical atmosphere make winter hikes unforgettable, hiking in the snow requires careful preparation and awareness of potential risks. In fact, factors like high winds, heavy snow and ice can influence the decision whether it’s safe to venture outdoors. Before setting out on a snowy winter hike near Vancouver, there are some key things you should know:
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. My personal advise is to postpone the hike if the forecast predicts extreme weather.
Dress in Layers: no one wants to feel cold while in the middle of the snow, right? I believe that base layers made of merino wool (or synthetic materials) are game changers. While it may feel like an investment at first, it will definitely pay off in the long run – you can trust me on this! On top of your base layers, wear a fleece, a waterproof or windproof jacket, as well as a warm hat, scarf and gloves.
Wear Proper Footwear: if in summer trail running shoes or similar models may be fine for hiking, in winter you should definitely opt for waterproof boots. Not only will they keep you warm and insulated, but they will also provide a sturdy base for wearing microspikes or crampons, giving you better traction on snowy or icy trails.
Plan The Route Carefully: make sure you’re familiar with the trail and remember that winter hiking is more strenuous than summer hiking. So, 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 again.
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.
Final Tips on What to Pack on Snowy Winter Hikes near Vancouver
Below I list additional useful tips you should know before heading out on any snowy winter hikes near Vancouver.
- Socks: make sure you bring an extra pair of wool or synthetic socks with you in case your socks get wet.
- Headlamp: with shorter days in winter, if you believe the hike will keep you out after dark, bring a headlamp with you.
- Emergency kit: always have a small first-aid kit in case of emergency.
- Snacks and Hydration: pack high-energy and easy to carry snacks on top of a sandwich or small lunch. Also, at temperatures below 0, your water might freeze so use an insulated bottle for this purpose.
- Sunscreen: while the winter sun is not as strong as in summer, you can still get easily sunburned. Snow reflects UV rays and being at higher elevations in the mountains increases your exposure, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
Best Snowy Winter Hikes near Vancouver
1. Garibaldi Lake near Whistler
Distance: 18.2 km / 11.9 miles round trip
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation Gain: 979 m / 3,212 ft
Driving distance from Vancouver: 1.5 to 2 hours
The Garibaldi Lake hike is a very popular trail, especially in summer, but luckily, the trail is open year-round, offering more adventurous visitors the chance to explore its natural beauty. From Vancouver, drive to Rubble Creek Trailhead, where a series of steep switchbacks will take you to the Barrier Viewpoint. Beyond this point, the trail levels out, allowing you to enjoy stunning mountainous views. When we last did this hike, we didn’t need snowshoes, but if there’s deep snow, I highly recommend bringing them along.
In winter, no day pass reservation is required, but remember to book your pass if visiting in summer. Since Garibaldi Lake trail is beloved by both locals and tourists, day-use passes tend to sell out quickly.
2. Hollyburn Peak in Cypress Provincial Park
Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 414 m / 1,361 ft
Driving distance from Vancouver: 45 minutes
The trailhead for winter access to Hollyburn Peak is located at the Cypress Mountain Nordic Area. The hike 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. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Vancouver in the distance and the Cypress ski slopes in the background.
3. Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls in North Vancouver
Distance: 9.8 km / 6.1 miles return trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 4 – 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 445 m / 1,460 ft
Driving distance from Vancouver: 30 minutes
If you’re doing this hike just after a snowfall, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland. While the hike isn’t overly difficult or technical, the snow adds a level of strain. Most of the rugged trail winds through an outgrown 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, culminating at a spectacular waterfall.
As you follow the route, be sure to pay close attention to the trail markers, as it can be easy to lose the trail in some sections.
4. Pump Peak in Mount Seymour Provincial Park
Distance: 6.9 km / 4.3 miles return trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Time: 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 457 m / 1,499 ft
Driving distance from Vancouver: 50 minutes
This is one of the most iconic snowy winter hikes near Vancouver. Located on Seymour Mountain, one of the local ski hills on the North Shore, this hike offers a bit of everything. Not only is the trailhead just a short drive from Vancouver but the hike itself is easy to follow and leads to a panoramic viewpoint at the end. If you have snowshoes, you can continue all the way to the top of Mount Seymour.
5. Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver
Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles return trip
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: minimal
Driving distance from Vancouver: 40 minutes
If you are looking for an easy hike in one of the most beautiful parks in Vancouver, this is a must! While you can take the loop around the shores of the Lighthouse Park, there are shorter alternatives through the park as well. In fact, if you only want a short walk 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 picturesque lighthouse and the surrounding Vancouver scenery.
6. Joffre Lakes near Pemberton
Distance: 7.4 km / 4.6 miles return trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 464 m / 1,522 ft
Driving distance from Vancouver: 3 hours
Although this is one of the furthers away hikes from Vancouver, it’s one of my favorites! Similar to Garibaldi Lake, this hike, that leads to Joffre Lakes, is very popular, particularly in summer. Being one of the most beautiful hikes in BC year round, it attracts a lot of visitors and during the summer months you need to reserve a day-use pass in order to visit.
Also, compared to other more challenging alpine lake hikes in the province, this hike is relatively easy and very well marked. While in summer you can admire the stunning turquoise colors of the lake, in winter you literally enter an enchanted forest surrounded by a magical atmosphere. This hike is perfect during any season but in winter it is less crowded and more relaxed.
7. Mount Fromme in North Vancouver
Distance: 10.5 km /6.5 miles return trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Time: 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 894 m / 2,933 ft
Driving distance from Vancouver: 30 minutes
This was our first winter hike in Vancouver and it definitely didn’t disappoint. 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 backcountry mountain. This trail is one of the less travelled ones 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.
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