Vancouver: North Shore Snowshoe Tour & Stanley Park Pickup

Summary

Snowy trails near Vancouver, mountain air, city views, and lodge break

You’ll start with a quick ride through Stanley Park before crossing Lions Gate Bridge toward Vancouver’s snowy North Shore mountains. Snowshoe winding trails with a local guide, then warm up at the lodge with snacks before heading back to the city—all gear and transport included. Expect fresh air, some laughs (maybe even sore legs), and real mountain quiet.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left downtown Vancouver when our guide, Mark, swung us through Stanley Park. I was still fiddling with my gloves, but he slowed down so we could catch glimpses of the huge trees—cedars? Douglas firs?—and I remember the air already smelling colder somehow. There were a couple of early joggers out, wrapped up tight but still waving as we passed. Mark started talking about the park’s history and how it’s basically the city’s backyard, which made me realize how close everything is here. Vancouver to snow in under half an hour… I mean, that’s not what I expected from a “day trip” at all.

Crossing the Lions Gate Bridge was kind of surreal—the water below looked dark and glassy that morning, and you could see the city fading behind us while those North Shore mountains just kept getting bigger in front. Someone in our group (I think her name was Priya) tried to take a selfie but ended up laughing because her hat kept slipping over her eyes. Even Mark grinned and said it happens every time. The drive wasn’t long—maybe 20 minutes tops—but it felt like we’d gone way further by the time we pulled up to Cypress Mountain for our snowshoeing tour.

I’ll admit: strapping on snowshoes is more awkward than it looks on YouTube. The crunch underfoot is oddly satisfying though, and after a few minutes you stop thinking about your feet and start noticing other things—the quiet between trees, how your breath hangs in little clouds, that sort of thing. We followed winding trails through snowy forests and open meadows; sometimes it got steep enough to make my legs burn (in a good way). Mark pointed out some animal tracks—maybe rabbit or fox?—and told stories about people getting lost up here years ago before cell phones were a thing. The cold kind of sneaks into your cheeks but you don’t really mind because you’re moving.

We finished at this cozy lodge where they had hot drinks and some snacks—I went for soup even though my hands were still clumsy from the cold. There was this weird sense of not wanting to leave yet; maybe it was just being away from phone signals or hearing everyone swap stories about their favorite part of the day trip to Cypress Mountain from Vancouver. Anyway, I still think about that silence in the forest sometimes—you know when you realize you haven’t checked your phone for hours? That.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowshoeing in North Shore Mountains

• Travel through Stanley Park
• Cross Lions Gate Bridge
• Snowshoe on 11km trails
• Rest and snack at Lodge
• Return to city

Top questions

How far are the North Shore mountains from downtown Vancouver?

The North Shore mountains are about 20 minutes by car from downtown Vancouver.

Is hotel pickup included for this snowshoeing tour?

Yes, door-to-door return transportation is included in the tour.

Do I need previous experience for snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain?

No previous experience is needed; guides help beginners get started on snowshoes.

Are snowshoes provided during the tour?

Yes, snowshoes and poles are included as part of your booking.

Does this day trip include time at Stanley Park?

You’ll pass through Stanley Park on your way to the mountains and learn about its history during the drive.

Is there food or drink available during the tour?

You can buy refreshments or light snacks at the lodge after snowshoeing.

What should I wear for snowshoeing near Vancouver?

Wear warm layers suitable for winter activity; waterproof boots are recommended.

Is this snowshoe tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from central Vancouver (with pickup), all snowshoe equipment rental (snowshoes and poles), entry passes for trail access at Cypress Mountain, plus guidance throughout from a knowledgeable local guide before returning to town in comfort.