23 Best Winter Hikes in Vancouver (with Map)

Last Updated on March 19, 2024 by Aisha Aslam

Enjoy this list of the 23 best winter hikes in Vancouver! Wintertime in Vancouver is a beautiful season to explore the surrounding mountains. You can find hikes for every hiking level. The good thing about winter is that the trails are less crowded compared to the summertime. It’s also a nice time to see some beautiful scenery and enjoy nature in solitude. 

It’s important to remember that winter hiking is completely different than summer hiking and there are certain precautions you need to take. You need to be prepared with navigation, clothing, and for some areas be equipped and know avalanche safety gear in the backcountry. I highly suggest taking an AST training course, with a certified guide such as the Canada West Mountain School, for safely snowshoeing in the backcountry. 

23 Best Winter Hikes in Vancouver

Are you looking for the best winter hikes in Vancouver? Well, look no further! I have compiled a list of the 23 best winter hikes near or around Vancouver that you can try out this winter for all levels of hiking. Check these out!

1. Tunnel Bluffs

Tunnel Bluffs has an amazing view and this short hike is even prettier during the wintertime. Since it’s close to Vancouver you can easily access this short hike. The actual trailhead has paid parking around $24 and the street parking is paid to park now too so be aware of that. You can park at the overflow parking at the Lions Bay Elementary School (please note there is no overnight parking allowed anymore) to avoid paying for parking but note it is a 15-minute walk up a hill to the trailhead.

From the trailhead, you start going up the forest service road. Once you reach the top you can see open views of Howe Sound. As you hike to the viewpoint this hike is not hard at all and the trail becomes more gradual, as it is located at a lower elevation. The viewpoint is nice to enjoy for sunset or sunrise.  

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 The Lonsdale Quay Hotel (Book here!) – Located in North Vancouver, this hotel is the perfect spot to plan all your hiking activities around Vancouver.

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2. Slhanay Peak

Located in Squamish, this hike is easily accessed at the beginning of an FSR. Any car can make it to the trailhead, please note in winter you may need winter tires/high clearance depending on the conditions. This hike starts steep and continues steeply throughout the forest until you reach the viewpoint. Once you get out of the forest to the viewpoint, you are treated to views overlooking the town of Squamish and the Chief.

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Crash Hotel Squamish (Book here!) – Located off Highway 99, this hotel offers a great location for hiking around Squamish and offers nice amenities.

3. Mt Crumpit

Make sure you download the offline maps for this one as there are no trail markers. Also in Squamish, the hike through the forest is beautiful in winter and there is more than one viewpoint on this trail. From the top of one viewpoint, you can see Slhanay Peak in the distance as well as the snow-capped mountains, which is worth checking out!

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Mountain Retreat Squamish (Book here!) – A more upscale retreat with a restaurant, pool, and hot tub, you can be sure to unwind here after a good day’s worth of hiking!

4. Bowen Lookout

This is a beginner-friendly hike if you are just getting into winter hiking, it is the perfect place to go to watch the sunset in the winter without going so far. The trail starts at Cypress Mountain and you follow the ski area until you get to the hiker’s area, which is marked. This trail is pretty busy so it should be quite packed down, you will only need micro spikes for this one! Once you get to the viewpoint it opens up and you can see Howe Sound and the mountains. 

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Rosellen Suites (Book here!) – Located close to Stanley Park, you can base yourself here for hiking, checking out the seawall, and other activities.

5. Eagle Bluffs

This hike also starts on Cypress Mountain in the same area. This trail is a bit longer but the view is so worth it. Once you reach the viewpoint you can see Vancouver city on one side and the mountains on the other, it’s quite amazing!  

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Quality Inn & Suites (Book here!) – Featuring a restaurant and bar, this stay is sure to introduce you to the entertainment district Vancouver has to offer after a day’s worth of hiking.  

6. St Mark’s Summit

Another trail on Cypress which is close to Vancouver has an amazing view of the mountains and of Howe Sound. Please check the conditions before you go as it is easy to get lost, make sure you have downloaded offline maps. There can also be a lot of snow in the winter so you may also need snowshoes for the last bit. Also, leave enough time to get back before dark. Overall this trail is highly popular in the summer and winter is a great time to enjoy some solitude up there. 

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 OPUS Vancouver (Book here!) – Located in the heart of Vancouver, this hotel will introduce you to the neighborhood of Yaletown to unwind after your hiking activities.  

7. Hollyburn Mountain

The Hollyburn trail is a great trail to hike or snowshoe in the winter, especially for sunrise or sunset. When you get to the top it has amazing 360 views of mountains and the city of Vancouver. The trails start pretty gradually so it is not that hard, sometimes it is packed down so you do not need to carry snowshoes just your micro spikes. Make sure to check the conditions before you go.

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Riverfront Bed and Breakfast (Book here!) – Located in North Vancouver, this place offers a full breakfast to fuel you for your day’s hike.

8. Pump Peak

A classic winter hike up to Pump Peak is pretty unforgettable! Make sure to check conditions and be aware that to the actual peak, you cross avalanche paths. You do not need to do the full hike to enjoy mountain views. Snowshoes are a must in winter as there is deep snow near the top. On a clear day, the summit offers stunning views in all directions. Make sure to pack extra layers as it gets pretty windy up there. 

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Crystal’s View Bed & Breakfast (Book here!) – Located in North Vancouver, this quiet stay offers views of Downtown Vancouver and offers a full breakfast.

9. Cypress Mountain Cabins

Do you always see those cute cabins everyone posts about on social media? Well, these are the cabins! Located near the lower Hollyburn trail, you can snowshoe your way to find some unique and cool-looking cabins. It can be especially pretty when the snow is falling.

This trail can be accessed through the Nordic ski area, where you will need to purchase a pass to snowshoe the trail. You can also access it by the main road, if you keep driving past the main bend in the road by the scenic lookout spot before all the main parking lots, there is a pullout section on the right where you can park and walk.

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier (Book here!) – This stay is located by taking a sea bus ride from Central Vancouver. You can also explore Grouse Mountain and Capilano suspension bridge with them being only 15 minutes away.

10. Garibaldi Lake

This popular trail looks even more picturesque in the wintertime. It is nice to snowshoe around the lake and explore. It can be colder here so make sure to pack extra layers and give yourself enough time. The trail starts as several switchbacks through the forest until you reach the lake. The lake looks like a winter wonderland and is the perfect spot for some pictures and enjoying winter views.

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Mountainside Lodge (Book here!) – Located in Whistler Village, this stay is located in a convenient location to plan your hikes and has private parking.

11. Elfin Lakes

A long but worthwhile snowshoe trail. It is magical in the winter especially if you start hiking during sunrise. The mountains here are incredible, but get ready for a full day of adventure if you attempt this one, you will be out in the mountains for the full day. 

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 The Crystal Lodge (Book here!) – Located in Whistler Village, this stay offers a sauna and hot tub as well as access to the best restaurants around.

12. Anif Peak

Anif Peak is a steep hilly climb through a forested area until it opens to a ridge summit. The snow here is very dense and deep so snowshoes are a must. Make sure to check road conditions as sometimes the road gets icy so chains may be needed and plan for the full day as it is a long hike with more than 1000 meters gain. Some people backcountry ski in this area so you may see some ski marks. Once you get to the top the ridge has amazing views, just don’t go too far, and be careful once you are at the summit. 

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Squamish Adventure Inn (Book here!) – This hostel-like stay is located right by downtown Squamish and offers the perfect base to plan all your adventures on a budget.

13. Rainbow Lake

This is a scenic snowshoe route during winter, it can also be hiked in the summer. It is located near Whistler village so it can get quite popular, especially in summer. Hiking to the lake is worth it as it looks like the ultimate winter wonderland. 

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Nita Lake Lodge (Book here!) – Features a spa and rain shower this stay is sure to help you unwind after your day of hiking.

14. Alexander Falls

Located in Callaghan this is a nice short trail that involves snowshoeing to the bottom of the waterfall to see it up close. On the way, you can be sure to see amazing winter views, including the river with snow-covered trees. As you can’t park near the falls you will need to park at the paid parking area where all the other trails begin and hike from there. It is around CAD 25.00 and you have to ensure you will be back before 4 pm to not risk the gate closing.

From there, you follow the trail among the other trails and soon will get to an open area where you will see signs for the falls. You keep following the trail and it will take you to a junction with two trails. This is to get to the base of the falls. There is an option for a steeper and faster route (marked by the trail sign) or a longer route. We opted for the steeper route, and it wasn’t that bad. There is a lot of snow so you will need to snowshoe the entire way. When you reach the base of the falls, it looks pretty massive and the views are stunning all around as well.

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Pinnacle Hotel Whistler (Book here!) – This stay is located right in Whistler Village, with tons of hiking trails around and a hot tub to soak in after your adventures.

15. Elk Mountain

This hike has the best views of the Fraser Valley and the Cascade Mountains on the other side. The hike is around two hours up and it is a gradual steep hike. Once you get out of the forest you are treated to open views. This hike is accessible for most people and a good one to train on for bigger hikes. In the winter you will need to take your micro spikes as the trail is icy going up.  

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Vedder River Inn (Book here!) – Located close to hiking trails in Chilliwack this is the perfect stay to plan your adventures.

16. Lindeman Lake

A classic short hike to Lindeman Lake will offer you the best winter hiking experience. Make sure to take your micro spikes as the trail is slippery in winter and early spring. Once you reach the lake you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. The lake will most likely be frozen or covered in snow, but it is nice to experience during the winter.  

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Riverbend Guest House (Book here!) – This guesthouse has garden views and a terrace, guests here will also be able to enjoy the close by outdoor activities.

17. Flora Peak

Flora Peak is a beautiful snowshoe in the winter. This trail also starts at the Lindeman Lake parking lot. This trail is more challenging and physically demanding so make sure you are fit enough before attempting. The payoff is worth it though, you will be treated to amazing views of the valley and mountains.

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Coast Chilliwack Hotel (Book here!) – This hotel offers mountain views along with a hot tub, pool, and sauna. It is an amazing way to unwind after any outdoor adventure.

18. Zoa Peak

This hike is located in the Coquihalla summit recreation area and is a beautiful snowshoe hike in the wintertime. The hike starts off steeply uphill so be prepared to work up a sweat. Be careful once you reach the ridge and stay aware of the conditions of the snow. The winter views are amazing here and it is one of the best places to go snowshoeing. 

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Holiday at Weeden Views (Book here!) – Located in Chilliwack this stay has free parking and Wi-Fi. Coquihalla Recreation Area is only 1.5 hour’s drive away.

20. Steelhead Falls

Another easy hike in the winter or early spring to see a waterfall, this trail is pretty straightforward. Located in Mission, you have the option to continue on the trail to see views of Hayward Lake. Make sure you don’t miss the right turn-off, in the beginning, to see the falls so download the maps beforehand. The waterfall is an amazing sight and there are a few viewpoints for pictures.   

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Best Western (Book here!) – This stay includes a hot tub and sauna and is the perfect place to stay for all your adventures in Mission and the surrounding area.

21. Lightening Lake Loop

Located in Manning Park this area is quite popular in the wintertime and year-round. You get to snowshoe across the frozen lake and do the loop hike, it is quite scenic as the whole park is beautiful. This area has better and fluffier snow and the avalanche risk is low for most trails in this park. Worth the drive from Vancouver to check this out with its amazing mountain views. 

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Manning Park Resort (Book here!) – The only resort in Manning Park, that includes various amenities and activities such as skating, hiking, skiing, etc. Stay here for your ultimate Manning Park adventures.

22. Windy Joe Mountain/Fire Hut Lookout

Another snowshoe trail located in Manning Park, this one is perfect for snowshoeing and wanting to do a longer day hike (plan for a full day of adventure). The hike up Windy Joe Mountain leads up the forested mountain to the summit, where you can also find the old fire hut lookout. Stop to have lunch here and enjoy the views before heading back down.  

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Manning Park Resort (Book here!) – The only resort in Manning Park, that includes various amenities and activities such as skating, hiking, skiing, etc. Stay here for your ultimate Manning Park adventures.

23. Mt Kelly

Another easy snowshoe trail is located in Manning Park. This one is nice to test your snowshoe skills as it goes through some steep switchbacks until you reach the open beautiful vista of distant mountain views. There was lots of snow here when we went so be prepared as you may need to do some trail-breaking near the top. Once you get to the viewpoint you can continue on the trail to the next peak or head back down.

Where to Stay Nearby

📍 Manning Park Resort (Book here!) – The only resort in Manning Park, that includes various amenities and activities such as skating, hiking, skiing, etc. Stay here for your ultimate Manning Park adventures.

Which Best Winter Hikes in Vancouver Are Snow-Free?

Kennedy Falls

Murrin Park Loop Trail

 Bunzten Lake

Mt Thom

Hunter Trail

Norvan Falls Trail

Map of the Best Winter Hikes in Vancouver

What To Wear for Winter Hikes in Vancouver

For winter I recommend some essential pieces which should include the 10 essentials, sunscreen, extra pair of warm socks, hand/toe warmers as well as: 

When Should You NOT Go Hiking?

It’s important to note that winter hiking is not the same as summer hiking. There are more factors and risks involved when doing any winter hikes in Vancouver, as well as needing to be prepared for the conditions. Always check the weather on the day before and the day of your hike as well as read the avalanche conditions at Avalanche Canada to get an idea of where you are heading and make better decisions with your group. If the ratings are too high then it is always better to plan for an easier trip with minimal avalanche exposure or just save the hike for another day (the mountains will always be there!).

It is always better to carry more gear than to be underprepared – so prepare for the worst even if it won’t happen (it may happen to someone else in your group or another party). Venture out knowing the route and always have a backup plan and enjoy this list of the 23 best winter hikes in Vancouver.

Conclusion: Best Winter Hikes in Vancouver

With this list of best winter hikes in Vancouver, you can find any that suit your level to try out in the wintertime in Vancouver to get a feel of what it’s like. Remember to be aware of the time and conditions before you go out and always leave a trip plan with someone back home. 

Winter is a great time to hike around Vancouver, you can get a good workout, see the mountains in a different light, and enjoy the peace and quiet in nature as it is less crowded than in summer. I hope you get to try some of these best hikes in Vancouver for yourself to see the beauty of winter. Catch you outside! You can read more about me here.