Winter is coming…

And the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has officially issued a La Niña

Advisory, meaning we could be in for an above average snow season.

That is great news if you plan on partaking in any of the wide variety of snow sports available in British Columbia.

This article will focus on snowshoeing and a selection of trails for people of various experience levels to enjoy.

I will be sorting the trails into three categories of difficulty and three regions: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Sea to Sky, Lower Mainland, Hope East.

Although the trails we’ll be reviewing are relatively safe it is still important to take a few safety precautions such as checking with avalanche.ca for up to date conditions, carrying the ten essentials and leaving a travel itinerary with people you can trust.

Kicking things off in the Sea to Sky region is a Beginner trail just outside of Whistler;

 

Loggers Lake

Is a small lake within the Whistler Interpretive Forest Area that makes for a great day trip, getting to the lake itself is relatively easy with roughly 200m elevation gain. The lake can be reached via the “Ridge Trail”, “Loggers Lake Trail” or a loop approximately 5.1 km long combining the two. Parking may vary depending on plowing and construction in the area, if possible, the Loggers Lake parking lot at the corner of Mt Fee Rd and Cloudburst Dr is most ideal but if it is unavailable try the Whistler Interpretive Parking area just down the road. To complete the loop start the Ridge trail(just outside the Loggers Lake parking lot), following it approximately 2.4 km to the lake, once there walk counter clockwise around the lake eventually coming to a junction with the Loggers Lake trail, stick to the left and begin the descent down to the Cheakamus West forest service road where taking another left and following the road will take you back to the start.

• Distance Loop: 5.1Km
• Elevation Gain: 200m (approx.)
• Length: 2.5 – 3.5 Hours
• Difficulty: Beginner

 

Red Heather Meadows

Located within Garibaldi Provincial Park the Red Heather Meadows trail is part of a longer route that will eventually take you to Elfin Lakes. The trail is generally well marked and well travelled as the Elfin Lakes are a popular destination amongst backcountry ski tourers. Both Red Heather Meadows and Elfin Lakes feature warming huts with the Elfin Lakes Hut being available for overnight use (15$ fee). Access to the trail is off Mamquam Road in Squamish. Heading North on highway 99 turn right onto Mamquam Rd(just before the Canadian Tire) follow the road through a residential neighbourhood and eventually past the Quest University campus, look for signs indicating “Garibaldi Provincial Park - Diamond Head”, the road transitions into a gravel forest service road and will require chains and 4x4 to reach the summer parking spot(anticipate an additional 1.9 Km without). From the summer parking lot the Diamond Head(Elfin Lakes) trail is a steady climb for approximately 4.5Km before reaching the Red Heather Meadows warming hut, from there you can continue on to Paul Ridge or beyond to Elfin Lakes. It is recommended that only users experienced in high alpine activity continue to Elfin Lakes as mountain weather conditions can make route finding difficult.

• Distance Round Trip: 9.2Km to Red Heather Meadows; 11.6Km to Paul Ridge; 22Km to Elfin Lakes.
• Length Round Trip: Red Heather Meadows 3.5-4.5 hours; Paul Ridge 5.5-6 hours; Elfin Lakes 7-8 hours (depending on snow conditions)
• Elevation: Red Heather Meadows 1407m; Paul Ridge 1565m; Elfin Lakes 1485m
• Difficulty: Intermediate – Advanced

 

Taylor Meadows/Garibaldi Lake

Here is another trail that falls within Garibaldi Provincial Park and it is an absolute classic. The journey to Taylor Meadows or farther on into Garibaldi Lake is relatively easy although long, gaining elevation through a series of roughly 40 switchbacks, passing through Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir. After approximately 6.5km you will reach a junction at which point there is a B.C. Parks map with directions to either destination. Regardless of your choice either destination offers fantastic views and a few amenities such as picnic shelters, outhouses, and tent pads (if you can find them under the snow). Continuing straight for another 2.8km past the “Barrier” and a chain of small lakes will bring you to the outflow from Garibaldi Lake. At this point the trail becomes narrower and the approach to the bridge crossing the outflow can be a bit tricky, use plenty of caution when crossing. The lake features sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, in particular Mount Garibaldi and the Black Tusk. Amenities are along the west side of the lake as you approach the ranger station (remember to obtain proper permits if staying the night). Hanging a left at the sign and continuing for approximately 1.5km and 150m elevation gain will bring you to the Taylor Meadows camp area. Summer parking for the trail head is located at the Rubble Creek parking lot just off highway 99 before daisy lake, however winter conditions may require parking a short ways down the road from the parking lot, be sure not to obstruct any driveways or the road.

• Distance Round Trip: 15Km to Taylor Meadows; 18Km to Garibaldi Lake outflow
• Length Round Trip: Taylor Meadows 6-6.5 hours; Garibaldi Lake outflow 6.5-7 hours (depending on snow conditions)
• Elevation: Taylor Meadows 1500m; Garibaldi Lake 1476m
• Difficulty: Intermediate (Due to length of trail)

 

Dog Mountain

An iconic trail that is so popular amongst Vancouverites its best enjoyed as an afterwork outing or midweek adventure. Its easy to see why the trail is so popular, offering spectacular views of surrounding Coast Mountains and the Fraser Valley while requiring relatively little time and effort. Snowshoe parking is along the road just before the ski resort parking. The Trail begins to the north of the B.C. Parks information kiosk and hangs left of the roped ski area. Ascend to the left of the roped off ski resort area following the “First Lake/Dog Mountain” trail signs, at First Lake continue to the left following signs for “Dog Mountain”. The Remainder of the trail is gradual with a couple steep sections towards the end.

• Distance Round Trip: 4.5km
• Length Round Trip: 2.5 hours (depending on snow conditions)
• Total Ascent: 134m (approx.)
• Difficulty: Beginner

 

Hollyburn Mountain

Another North Shore classic, Hollyburn Mountain is a great workout with great views of the Pacific Ocean and the Greater Vancouver Area. Starting from the Cypress Mountain Nordic Skiing and Snowshoe area, look for the B.C. Parks board and follow the trail to the left ascending parallel the Nordic Ski area. Shortly after the leaving the power lines the trail meanders left into the trees and begins the steady at times steep climb up Hollyburn Mountain. After roughly 2.3km the trail will meet up with the top of the Nordic Ski track and signs indicating the backcountry boundaries, at this point the trail begins a series of steep sections with intermittent flat spots before finally reaching the true summit. Having a good set of snowshoes with plenty of traction and a design featuring a heel lift will make for a more enjoyable ascent (your calves will thank you!).

• Distance Round Trip: 7km
• Length Round Trip: 3-4 hours (depending on snow conditions)
• Total Ascent: 440m (approx.)
• Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate (steep sections)