Cross-country skiing at Cypress Mountain. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout
From snowy peaks to oceanside strolls, there are lots of ways to get outdoors in winter in West Vancouver. Hit the slopes, go for a hike, explore a park, and lots more.
Hit the Slopes
Cypress Mountain hosted several events at the 2010 winter Olympics. Today, it has 53 runs, with 22 open for night skiing, plus four terrain parks, making it a favourite with local skiers and snowboarders.
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Skiing at Cypress Mountain. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout
Go for a Hike
While the tops of the mountains are blanketed in snow, the forest is still green closer to the ocean and you can hike all year in West Vancouver. The forested trails at Whyte Lake and Lighthouse Park are usually snow-free. Check out our tips for safe winter hiking before you go.
Lighthouse Park. Photo: Destination BC/Tom Ryan
Go Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a beginner-friendly winter sport. Try it out on the marked Nordic Area snowshoe trails at Cypress Mountain. They have rentals too. More experienced snowshoers will enjoy the BC Parks trails to Hollyburn Mountain and Black Mountain in Cypress Provincial Park.
Snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain. Photo: Vancouver’s North Shore/@thepursuitofshine
Visit a Park
West Vancouver is home to lots of beautiful parks. Admire ocean views and beautiful rainforest at Lighthouse Park. Head to Whytecliffe Park to explore the shoreline and watch the ferries go by. Or stroll along the beach at Ambleside Park.
Exploring the shoreline at Whytecliffe Park. Photo: Destination BC/Alex Strohl
Go Cross-Country Skiing
Get a full-body workout on cross-country skis. West Vancouver is home to the Vancouver area’s only cross-country ski area at Cypress Mountain. They have 19 kilometres of trails, including 7.5 kilometres of lit trails for night skiing, perfect for after work. Don’t miss a snack stop at the Hollyburn Lodge.
Cross-country skiing at Cypress Mountain. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout
Go Trail Running
With a huge network of trails, West Vancouver is a great place to go trail running. In winter, the lower elevation sections of the Baden Powell Trail are popular along with the Whyte Lake Trail and the Spirit Trail.
Whyte Lake. Photo: Taryn Eyton/HappiestOutdoors.ca
Go Tubing and Sledding
Head to the Nordic Area at Cypress Mountain to find Gnarly’s Tube Park. They have six lanes and a tube tow. There’s also a separate sliding zone for kids under the age of 6 if you want to bring your own non-inflatable sled.
The tube tow at Cypress Mountain. Photo: Vancouver’s North Shore/@cypressmtn
By Taryn Eyton
Source Inside Vancouver
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