Vancouver's Best Winter Hikes

If you're looking for a snowy adventure or snow-free hike with beautiful winter views, Vancouver has you covered. It's easy to hike in the mountains, through the forest, or along the ocean in winter.

Winter Hiking Tips

• It's much colder in the mountains than in the city and the weather can change quickly. Dress in layers including a waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, a warm hat, and waterproof hiking boots. Avoid jeans and cotton clothing because they won't keep you warm if they get wet.

• Stay safe out there. AdventureSmart has a great list of safety and first aid gear you should bring on every hike.

• Make sure you leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.

• Bring the right gear. Check trail conditions on AllTrails to get an idea of what to expect. Low-elevation trails near the city will rarely have snow, but for trails in the mountains, you will need spikes or snowshoes. You can buy or rent both at shops in the city or on the mountains.

• Read our tips for winter hiking in Vancouver for more advice.

Snowy Hikes in the Mountains

Dog Mountain

The moderate Dog Mountain Trail in Mount Seymour Provincial Park is one of the most popular winter hikes in Vancouver. The rolling trail works its way through the snowy forest to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the city. Plan to spend two to three hours on the 5 km trail. Since this trail is high in the mountains you will need spikes if it hasn't snowed recently or snowshoes if there is fresh snow.

Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain has several great winter hiking options. Ride the gondola to the top, and then choose your adventure. If you're looking for something mellow with great scenery, wander along the 1.5 km Blue Grouse Loop. At night, part of it transforms into the Light Walk, with thousands of twinkling lights. Spikes or snowshoes are helpful to keep your footing in the snow.

If you want a challenge, take on the Snowshoe Grind. This steep trail climbs to the top of Dam Mountain. Fit hikers can expect to take about 1 to 2 hours. Snowshoes are required.

Sea to Sky Gondola

Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola up to a winter wonderland in Squamish about 1 hour north of Vancouver. Don't miss their signature hike, the Panorama Trail. The 1.3 km loop takes 30 to 60 minutes and visits a lofty viewing platform with an incredible view of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. You can rent spikes or snowshoes at the top of the gondola to give you better grip on the snowy trail.

Snow-Free Hikes with Winter Views

Stanley Park

Go for a hike without leaving the city. The paved seawall around the perimeter of Stanley Park has great views of the snowy North Shore Mountains. If you're looking for more nature, hike the gravel trails through the forested interior of the park. You can use the trails to visit popular viewpoints like Prospect Point as well as little-known ones like the lookout platform above Siwash Rock, accessed via the Siwash Rock Trail and Merilees Trail. Use the park map to plan your route.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Explore over 55 kilometres of trails at Pacific Spirit Regional Park at the western edge of Vancouver. The tree-lined paths stay snow-free and are the perfect spot to indulge in some forest bathing. If you're looking for dreamy winter views, follow the trails down to Acadia or Spanish Banks Beaches to admire the snowy peaks of the North Shore Mountains across Burrard Inlet. The trail network can get confusing, so use the park map to find your way.

Lighthouse Park

Walk through the old-growth forest and along the ocean at Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver. There are lots of great viewpoints to explore. From East Beach, you can gaze across Burrard Inlet to downtown Vancouver. On clear days you can see the snowy dome of Mount Baker to the south in Washington. Or head to Juniper Point for views of Bowen Island and the mountains of Howe Sound. Use the park map to design your own route.