Snowscape is owned and operated by Devon Girard, an all-around mountain enthusiast, avid snowshoer and author of Vancouver's local snowshoeing guidebook. Devon enjoys introducing summer hikers to the magic of winter mountain travel.
Snow brings tranquility to the backcountry. As the beaten path disappears under a white blanket, trees take on a surreal beauty -- making first tracks in nature's winter wonderland is an experience to remember.
Snowscape can guide you through this magical landscape, showing you the unique beauties of this little-known world. Frozen trees, ice formations and snowcapped peaks are but some of the wonders that lie in store.
This non-technical winter sport has something to offer beginners and experienced hikers alike. From long alpine ridges to serene groves of frosted old-growth trees, snowshoeing can be a rewarding challenge for everyone...ideal for families or groups with mixed experience levels.
The modern snowshoes Snowscape uses are strong and lightweight, allowing you to easily walk upon the snow's surface without sinking. For the single day tours Snowscape offers, snowshoes are provided and very little additional equipment as required.
Dress as you would for a normal day in the snow:
-- several pairs of socks
-- pants, shirt, sweater/fleece
-- waterproof pants and jacket
-- gloves, scarf and toque
-- footwear (preferably hiking boots or snow boots, yet running shoes can work as well)
-- backpack with extra sweater, food and water (or mocha ;-)
Important: all clothing (including socks) must be non-cotton! Wool or synthetic fibers only.
howe
sound crest
Full-day excursion, moderate fitness level required. Arguably the most spectacular
terrain in the local mountains. 9 hours round-trip from downtown.
Download tour description here.
Some of Vancouver's most scenic and enjoyable backcountry terrain lies tucked behind the Cypress Bowl downhill ski resort.
The Howe Sound Crest stretches for 10 spectacular kilometres north of Cypress, an unbroken ridge flanked by breathtaking views of sea and sky on either side.
This sidewalk through the clouds is a local treasure that deserves to be more popular.
Tours are priced according to their duration, the transportation expense involved and the number of participants.
Detailed tour and pricing information on the Howe Sound Crest tour can be found in this document.
The price jump for larger groups is due to the need for an additional guide and vehicle. Groups of four, five or six people provide the highest value.
Snowscape rents vehicles as-needed to match the number of passengers; these fees can be waived for groups providing their own transportation.
All prices include pickup from downtown, equipment rental and guiding services.
seymour
mountain
Full-day excursion,
moderate fitness level required. Climb over and around stunning alpine peaks
overlooking Vancouver. 8 hours round-trip from downtown.
Download tour description here.
Seymour consists of three main peaks, each offering its own unique flavor of the same incredible panorama.
Tours are priced according to their duration, the transportation expense involved and the number of participants.
Detailed tour and pricing information on the Seymour Mountain tour can be found in this document.
The price jump for larger groups is due to the need for an additional guide and vehicle. Groups of four, five or six people provide the highest value.
Snowscape rents vehicles as-needed to match the number of passengers; these fees can be waived for groups providing their own transportation.
All prices include pickup from downtown, equipment rental and guiding services.
dog mountain
Half-day excursion,
suitable for beginners. Snowshoe through beautiful old-growth forest en route
to a viewpoint overlooking Vancouver. 6 hours round-trip
from downtown.
Download tour description here.
The trail to Dog Mountain winds through beautiful forest on its way to an open viewpoint and offers a rewarding yet gentle introduction to the backcountry.
Tours are priced according to their duration, the transportation expense involved and the number of participants.
Detailed tour and pricing information on the Dog Mountain tour can be found in this document.
The price jump for larger groups is due to the need for an additional guide and vehicle. Groups of four, five or six people provide the highest value.
Snowscape rents vehicles as-needed to match the number of passengers; these fees can be waived for groups providing their own transportation.
All prices include pickup from downtown, equipment rental and guiding services.
grouse
mountain
Half-day excursion,
suitable for beginners. Includes a variety of optional activities in the Grouse
Mountain resort area. 6 hours round-trip from downtown.
Download tour description here.
The first peak beyond Grouse is an easy 30-45 minutes from the Chalet, perhaps as long as an hour if there is deep powder.
The peak offers a nice view of Vancouver to the south, Crown Mountain and The Lions to the west, Mount Seymour to the east and the near-infinite Coast Range to the north. Even if this is as far as you go, you won't be disappointed.
Tours are priced according to their duration, the transportation expense involved and the number of participants.
Detailed tour and pricing information on the Grouse Mountain tour can be found in this document.
The price jump for larger groups is due to the need for an additional guide and vehicle. Groups of four, five or six people provide the highest value.
Snowscape rents vehicles as-needed to match the number of passengers; these fees can be waived for groups providing their own transportation.
All prices include pickup from downtown, equipment rental and guiding services.
Table of Contents for A Vancouver Guide to Snowshoeing: How to Safely Explore our Local Mountains in Winter:
PART I : PREPARATION
Why Snowshoe?
Backcountry Beauty
Safety
Technique
Equipment
Clothing
What to Pack
PART II : ADVENTURE
Mount Seymour
Lynn Headwaters
Grouse Mountain
Cypress Bowl
Deeks Lake
Snowscape's founder and lead guide, Devon Girard, is also the author of Vancouver's local snowshoeing guidebook.
The book includes sections on How To (clothing, equipment, technique, navigation and safety) and Where To, including maps and directions to a variety of snowshoe routes throughout Vancouver's local mountains; 25 excursions from beginner to hard-core.
(click to preview the table of contents)
A Vancouver Guide to Snowshoeing: How to Safely Explore our Local Mountains in Winter is available at many outdoor sports stores in the Vancouver area, including Mountain Equipment Co-op.
You can also purchase the book directly by contacting snowscape at info@snowscape.ca.
Snowscape offers winter tours to a variety of beautiful nature areas close to Vancouver.
howe
sound crest
Full-day excursion, moderate fitness level required. Arguably the most spectacular
terrain in the local mountains. 9 hours round-trip from downtown.
Download tour description here.
seymour
mountain
Full-day excursion,
moderate fitness level required. Climb over and around stunning alpine peaks
overlooking Vancouver. 8 hours round-trip from downtown.
Download tour description here.
dog mountain
Half-day excursion,
suitable for beginners. Snowshoe through beautiful old-growth forest en route
to a viewpoint overlooking Vancouver. 6 hours round-trip
from downtown.
Download tour description here.
grouse
mountain
Half-day excursion,
suitable for beginners. Includes a variety of optional activities in the Grouse
Mountain resort area. 6 hours round-trip from downtown.
Download tour description here.
Click on the pictures for detailed descriptions of each tour.
604.298.7485 | Vancouver, BC | Canada | info@snowscape.ca
