7 Ways to Get Outdoors in Winter in West Vancouver

December 14, 2022

4 min read

Two people skiing on a snow-covered trail surrounded by tall pine trees with sunlight casting shadows.

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.

Snow-covered ski slopes with skiers, surrounded by trees, under a sunset sky above a sea of clouds.

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 with red top on rocky coastline overlooking calm sea under a partly cloudy sky.

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.

Two people snowshoeing on a snowy forest trail surrounded by snow-covered trees.

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.

Two people standing on a rocky path leading to a small island with trees surrounded by water under a cloudy sky.

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.

Two people cross-country skiing on a snowy forest trail with sunlight filtering through trees.

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.

Wooden dock extending over calm lake water reflecting a dense forest of green and bare trees under a clear blue sky.

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.