Cypress Mountain

"If you’re not a downhill diehard or a Nordic racer but still want to find some "Frozen"-level winter magic, the snowshoe tours at Cypress Mountain are well worth the trek from downtown. After a fresh snowfall, there's nothing like walking through a forest of cedars and firs laden with snow, the ground sparkling all around, especially when you have certified guides leading the pack. The tours, which are currently on pause due to the pandemic, typically run daytime and evening, and range from a kid-friendly Hollyburn Meadows tour to the magical evening cheese and chocolate fondue tours." - Jennifer Van Evra

"It's winter, and we want to make the most of the fresh powder. Why do you recommend this tour? If you’re not a downhill diehard or a Nordic racer, but still want to find some "Frozen"-level winter magic, the snowshoe tours at Cypress Mountain are well worth the trek from downtown. After a fresh snowfall, there's nothing like walking through a forest of cedars and firs laden with snow, the ground sparkling all around, especially when you have certified guides leading the pack. The tours run daytime and evenings, ranging from the kid-friendly Hollyburn Meadows Tour—a two-hour outing that includes hot chocolate and cookies at the rustic and recently revamped Hollyburn Lodge—to a magical evening of cheese and chocolate fondue tours, which take participants off-trail through the trees to the lodge. From January to March, there are Saturday live music nights, where you can hike to Hollyburn Lodge, kick off your snowshoes, and dance the night away. Self-guided tours are available for those who prefer to go it alone, but only the guided tours go out at night. Who else will be joining us? Vancouver visitors who want a blast of Canadian winter, locals looking to rise above the rainy city, couples on date nights, and families with tots who have energy to burn. They’re not suited to people with serious mobility issues, but, as the guides say, “If you can walk, you can snowshoe.” Private tours are also available. What are the guides like? The guides are knowledgeable snowshoers with outdoor recreation certifications. Along the way they talk about snowshoe trail etiquette, the mountain’s forest and animal life (for the record, the black bears are blissfully asleep), as well as winter survival skills. The mood is far from icy, too; the guides keep the vibe warm and fun. Anything you’ll be remembering weeks or months or years from now? Trees so weighed down with snow that they look like giant white cones. The quiet is remarkable, too; all you hear is the crunch, crunch, crunch underfoot, the oohs and ahs of visitors, and the odd “whump” of a heap of snow falling from a tree. I like it. So what's your verdict—who is the tour best for? These tours are great for those who want a taste of winter sports but don’t want to fuss with all the gear and lessons—and who don’t mind moving at a more relaxed pace. You do need warm clothes—layers are best—and a pair of winter boots, but other than that you’re good to go. (Snowshoes are provided.) Be warned that during Christmas break the trails are buzzing and the tours often sell out, so book well ahead. (Note that even if a tour is showing as booked, you can call the Nordic Centre and ask nicely about squeezing yourself in.) Shuttle service to the mountain is available, but spotty, so your best bet is to drive; just make sure your vehicle is equipped with the proper tires." - Jennifer Van Evra