
While some backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears, there are still some trails that allow our four-legged companion to tag along.
VANCOUVER
Dog Mountain
Length: 5km roundtrip
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Elevation gain: Minimal in 2.2k
How to get there: Drive up Mount Seymour in North Vancouver. Park in the day lot 1 (or 5) and walk to the end of the parking lot section. Start at the Mount Seymour Trail kiosk, to the left of the Mystery Peak chairlift.
More info: http://vancouverhiatus.com
Hollyburn Mountain
Hollyburn Mountain is located in Cypress Provincial Park, only a 30 minute-drive from downtown Vancouver. The short 7km roundtrip offers panoramic 360 views of the Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver, West Vancouver, Howe Sound, Georgia Straight and the Lions. The trail is well-marked with poles with reflective lights so that it can be done after dark with a flashlight. For those early risers or sunsets chasers, the trail is so well-marked that it can be done with low light. Just make sure to carry a light and a backup light as the marker poles only reflect light.
Length: 7 km roundtrip
Duration: 2-4 hours
Elevation gain: 430m
How to get there: As you near Cypress Mountain Resort, turn right at the "XC Skiing Area" sign. Drive for about 100m and you will see parking. On your left side you will see a big wooden map kiosk and for the snowshoeing trail, head up to the left following the huge power lines.
More info: http://vancouverhiatus.com
Bowen Lookout Winter Trail
Length: 3 km roundtrip
Duration: 1-2 hours
Elevation gain: 110m
How to get there: The trail starts at the end of the Backcountry Access Corridor, about 30m west of the lower terminal of Eagle Express Quad Chairlift in the alpine ski area.
More info: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca
Whistler
Cheakamus River
Cheakamus River Trail is located at the southern end of Whistler just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The picturesque trail takes you through beautiful old growth forest and provides great views filled with serenity and silence. You’ll cross a narrow suspension bridge covered with snow, overlooking the turquoise water of Cheakamus River flowing below.
Length: 4km roundtrip
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation gain: some gradual, short hills
How to get there: Trailhead is located 10 minutes south of Whistler Village just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway. After the lights at Function Junction, turn left and drive about 300m until you see Cheakamus Lake Road on your left. The road is undrivable in the winter but you can park at the edge just before the turnoff. Snowshoe up Cheakamus Lake Road until you get to the passing bridge. After crossing the bridge, you’ll find the trails running along the river.
More info: http://whistlerhiatus.com
Parkhurst Ghost Town
Length: 6km roundtrip
Duration: 3-5 hours
Elevation gain: Some short hills
How to get there: North of Whistler, just past Green Lake, look for the Wedgemount Lake sign on the highway. Turn right and cross the bridge. You'll see a sign for Wedgemount Lake and the small Sea-to-Sky sign attached to it. Park here and snowshoe to the right following the Sea-to-Sky Trail signs. If you have a 4x4 vehicle you might be able to park at the Whistler Paintball parking area about 1k further along.
More info: http://whistlerhiatus.com
Flank Trail
Length: 40km overall, best explored in small sections
Duration: 2 hours from the Rainbow Trail Parking lot to the Flank Trail viewpoints
Elevation gain: Frequent loss and gain
How to get there: There are several entry points from Green Lake south to the Callaghan Valley. The recommended entrance point while snowshoeing with a dog is from the Rainbow Trail Parking. While the Rainbow Trail located to the left of the parking prohibits dogs since it is the watershed that Whistler gets its water from, the marked Flank Trail to the right is where you want to start. The trail slowly climbs up and reaches the Sproatt-Flank Trail where you continue to the right.
More info: http://whistlerhiatus.com
Pemberton
Cerise Creek
Length: 8km round trip
Duration: 3.5 hours
Elevation gain: 305m
How to get there: The winter route is reached from Duffy Lake Road heading towards Lillooet, just after the Joffre Lakes parking lot. Watch for a marker for Cerise Creek at the start of the trail, next to an ‘Avalanche Area’ sign post. Once you are on the trail, access is fairly easy towards Keith's hut where you'll find other trails running from the cabin.
More info: http://www.trailpeak.com
Notes
Check online for current restrictions, closures and COVID-19 measures before visiting.
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