Snowshoeing on Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver
Winter Vacations in British Columbia Offer Cheap Family Travel Ideas
Apr 6, 2009
Ever wanted to try snowshoeing? Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver is a great spot to learn or go for it unaccompanied during winter vacations. British Columbia is one of the most gorgeous settings to have as a backdrop and Grouse Mountain offers cheap family travel for snowshoeing adventures.
Snowshoeing on Grouse Mountain
Taking the kids on winter vacations is a staple seasonal treat. For a cheap family travel idea, make the trek to North Vancouver to try snowshoeing. There are four groomed trails in the “Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park,” allowing visitors to come and go as they please or seek lessons (see below).
- Blue Grouse Loop: Beginner and intermediate trails
- Dam Mountain: A loop of three main trails, all with clearly marked signs
Learning to Snowshoe in British Columbia
There are a few good programs that allow beginners to catch the hang of this winter activity and space for those who just want a clear trail and open snow. Clinics and workshops are offered on Grouse Mountain and are a gentle yet fun way to introduce kids to the outdoors.
- Beginner Clinics: Sessions run weekly in the winter.
- Drop Ins: There are two options for those just wanting to drop in. 60-90 minute evening hikes run in the new year until late March. Snowshoe rentals are only $5 CAD for these events.
- Fondue Tour: For those who work up an appetite, this tour mixes outdoor snowshoeing with indoor cheese, broth and chocolate fondues. This event is geared towards adults.
- Ladies Only Clinics: For moms who want a night out with the ladies, six-week sessions are held for women only.
Prices: Renting Snowshoes
Once up at Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, pay the admission price to get into the park ($34.95 CAD for adults, $12.95 CAD for kids 12 and under). From there, snowshoes can be rented for $20 CAD (adults) and $12 CAD (kids 12 and under).
Families can spend all day at Grouse Mountain and spend less than $200 CAD. This includes admission, snowshoe rentals and extras in the winter like The Theatre in the Sky cinema experience, The Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, ice skating ($5 CAD rentals), sleigh rides and The Peak of Christmas events during the holiday season.
Travel to North Vancouver, BC
If driving from downtown Vancouver, take Georgia Street west through Stanley Park and go over the Lion’s Gate Bridge. Take the North Vancouver exit to Marine Drive, turn left on Capilano Road and follow it up for 5 km (3.1 miles).
Contact Vancouver, Coast & Mountain Tourism (1-800-667-3306) for more travel tips and help with booking accommodations.
Contact Grouse Mountain (604-980-9311) for guest services or call the snow and information line for current weather conditions (604-986-6262).
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