Squamish is one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures. So it’s no surprise that the outdoorsy fun continues in the winter… in the form of snowshoeing. The terrain around Squamish is pretty rugged, but there are still a few great places go snowshoeing in Squamish.
In this guide to snowshoeing in Squamish, you’ll get info and directions for 9 different trails ranging from super flat beginner trails to all-day epics to deep backcountry wilderness. I live in Squamish so I’ve got the inside scoop on the best places to snowshoe in Squamish.
This guide to snowshoeing in Squamish includes:
- Quick reference guide: An easy overview of the stats for all the trails
- Snowshoeing safety: key info to help get you prepared to snowshoe in Vancouver
- Where to rent snowshoes in Squamish including which shops have the best price
- Snowshoe tours in Squamish: options for going with a guide
- Snowshoe trails in Squamish: details for 10 trails
- No-go trails: summer trails that aren’t safe for snowshoeing
Psst! Looking for Squamish activities? Check out my huge list of things to do in Squamish – it includes over 70 ideas!
Looking for other places to snowshoe in BC? Check out these posts about Vancouver-area snowshoe trails:
- Snowshoeing in Vancouver
- Snowshoeing in Whistler
- Snowshoeing in the Fraser Valley
- Snowshoeing in Manning Park
- Snowshoeing at Dakota Ridge on the Sunshine Coast
Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn
Snowshoeing in Squamish Quick Reference Guide
| Trail | Rating | Time Needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panorama Trail | Super Easy | 45min-1 hour | $65.95-72.95 |
| Wonderland Lake Loop | Super Easy | 30min-1 hour | $65.95-72.95 |
| Shannon Basin Loop | Moderate | 3-4 hours | $65.95-72.95 |
| Al’s Habrich Ridge | Moderate | 2-2.5 hours | $65.95-72.95 |
| Sky Pilot Valley | Moderate | 3-4 hours | $65.95-72.95 |
| Skyline Ridge Trail | Challenging | 8-10 hours | $65.95-72.95 |
| Red Heather/ Elfin Lakes | Moderate/ Challenging | 4 hours- overnight | FREE/$16-$21 |
| Garibaldi Lake/Taylor Meadows | Challenging | 7 hours- overnight | FREE/$16 |
| Brandywine Falls | Super easy/Moderate | 30 min- 2 hours | FREE |
But First… Be Prepared
- Make a trip plan: While these trails may be steps from busy ski areas, they access serious wilderness. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Use the great trip planning tools from Adventure Smart.
- Check the weather, trail conditions, and avalanche forecast: If the weather and trail conditions don’t look good, don’t go. Use my list of the best weather apps for hiking. Check the avalanche forecast. Unless you have taken an avalanche safety course, you probably shouldn’t go out unless the forecast is rated “Low”.
- Wear winter clothing and pack the essentials: Prepare for emergencies by packing the 10 essentials. Read my recommendations for what to wear snowshoeing and tips for winter hiking and snowshoeing.
- Use safe snowshoeing techniques: Snowshoes keep you from sinking into deep snow, but they aren’t great for walking sideways or downhill – it’s easy to slip and injure yourself. Read up on snowshoeing safety and check out my guide to choosing snowshoes.) They also have crampons and other traction aids underfoot to help grip icy snow.
- Take an avalanche safety course: If you plan to stray from flat terrain, you need avalanche safety training. Avvy Savvy is a great FREE online beginner tutorial on Avalanche.ca. You should also take a 2.5 day AST1 course with avalanche Canada.
Where to Rent Snowshoes in Squamish
If you’re looking for advice on how to choose snowshoes, I’ve got a snowshoe buying guide for you. I wear MSR snowshoes which are better for steep and icy trails.
If you want to try snowshoeing before you buy, a few places Squamish rent snowshoes. Sunny weekends and holidays can be really busy for rentals, so try to reserve a pair ahead of time if possible.
- In Squamish you can rent snowshoes at Urban Alpine or Valhalla Pure. (Pro tip: Valhalla has the best price)
- The Sea to Sky Gondola also rents snowshoes from a kiosk at the top of the gondola.
Snowshoe Tours in Squamish
If it’s your first time snowshoeing, it can be helpful to go with a guide. They can help you get your snowshoes set up and provide tips for snowshoeing technique. Your guide will also have info about the plants, animals and views you will see on your trip.
- Sea to Sky Gondola Snowshoe Tour with Vancouver Pick-up: This tour picks you up in Vancouver and takes to the Sea to Sky Gondola where you will snowshoe some of the more challenging (and most scenic) trails.
- Sea to Sky Gondola Drop-in Group Tours: The Sea to Sky Gondola staff sometimes offer drop-in group tours that you can sign up for once you arrive at the gondola. However, they go to the easiest terrain only.
Snowshoeing at the Sea to Sky Gondola
Permits/Fees: Day tickets for the gondola are $69.95 on weekdays and $72.95 on weekends. However, you can save a few dollars if you buy your ticket online in advance. Once you get to the top there are no additional charges for snowshoeing.
If you want to avoid paying for the gondola up, you can hike up the Sea to Summit Trail instead, carrying your snowshoes. (You can take the gondola down for only $20.)
However, in the winter the Sea to Summit Trail sometimes closes due to hazardous conditions and if it’s open, it can be icy and dangerous so you will need crampons and an ice axe. For more information on the Sea to Summit trail including trail closures and conditions, see the Sea to Sky Gondola website.
Dogs: Not permitted on the gondola so if you want to snowshoe with your dog you’ll have to hike up the Sea to Summit Trail first. Dogs are only permitted on the Al’s Habrich Ridge, Sky Pilot Valley and Skyline Trail and they must be on leash.
Driving Directions: Drive 50 min from Vancouver to Sea to Sky Gondola parking lot. If you’re coming from Squamish, it’s a 10-minute drive south of downtown. Note that BC law requires you to have winter tires to drive on highway 99 between October and April.
Parking: Free in the Sea to Sky gondola lot.
Transit Access: The Sea to Sky Gondola runs a shuttle service from Vancouver each day. It’s $105 for a combo shuttle and gondola pass, which isn’t a bad deal. Be sure to keep the shuttle schedule in mind when planning which trail to tackle.