Listed below are our favourite dog-friendly snowshoeing trails in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. And they are free.
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
Duffey Lake Road
North of Pemberton, on highway 99, is the the Duffey Lake Road. Climbing steeply from the valley and gaining 3500ft of altitude over 16km, "The Duffey", as the locals like to call it, offers some of the most picturesque backcountry snowshoeing spots. Although Joffre Lakes Provincial Park doesn't allow for dogs anymore, there are many old logging roads that reach into the side valleys, providing gentle, open spaces that are ideal for dog-friendly snowshoe routes. Snowshoers with sufficient backcountry skills and their fit dogs can enjoy trails such as the Marriot Basin, Rohr Lake and Cayoosh Mountain.
There are other beautiful spots to go snowshoeing with dogs in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor but we don't wanna spoil all the secrets. Don't hesitate to ask a local dog owner... they might even invite you along for an adventure!
Notes
- Due to park regulations, dogs are not permitted anywhere in Garibaldi Park, which includes Wedgemount Lake, Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus Lake, Musical Bumps and Elfin Lakes. Whistler Blackcomb, and the Rainbow Lake trail are also dog-free zones.
- Check online for current restrictions, closures and COVID-19 measures before visiting.
- Remember that backcountry travel comes with a degree of risk. Make sure your dog is fit for the adventure and follow the Three T's: trip planning, training, and taking the essentials.
- Be considerate of the on-leash areas, scoop the poop and keep your dog in full control at all times so we can keep those dog paradises open for a long time.
Further reading
- Best Tips for Winter Hiking with Dogs
- Essentials for Hiking Dogs in the Winter
- The Best Free Dog-Friendly Snowshoeing Trails to Do in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor This Winter
- Essential Tips to Keep Pets Safe in the Snow
- Keep the Trails Pet Friendly By Following Dog Hiking Etiquette
Local's Guide to Pet Friendly Whistler
Welcome to pawradise! Explore Whistler using our interactive map of pet-friendly hotels, dog-friendly hiking trails, dog-friendly businesses, pet stores, and more! Make sure to tag @littlepinepet in your mountain #adventureswithpawls to automatically enter our adventure gear contest!
Leave a comment