6 Snowy Nighttime Adventures Around Vancouver

January 30, 2023

4 min read

Three people in winter clothing looking at a large illuminated reindeer decoration in a snowy forest at night.

Sunset comes early in winter, but just because it’s dark doesn’t mean you can’t have an adventure. From skiing to snowshoeing and more, here are six snowy nighttime adventures around Vancouver.

Go Night Skiing or Snowboarding

Head to the North Shore Mountains to ski or snowboard at night. Each of the local ski areas has runs lit up for night skiing and reduced rates if you arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. The views of the city lights twinkling below are incredible too. Eighteen of Grouse Mountain‘s runs are lit up at night. At Cypress Mountain, you can ski at night on 22 runs. Mount Seymour has lights on 23 runs.

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

Get a Snowshoe Workout

Join Grouse Mountain’s Snowshoe Fitness classes for a snowshoe tour led by a fitness instructor. The guided workout includes stretching, fitness tips, and interval training. The nighttime classes are held by headlamp and scheduled so you can get there after work.

Ice Skate Under the Stars

Head to Grouse Mountain to experience their Mountaintop Skating Pond, open each night until 9 pm. The pond is lit up with festive lights and on clear nights the starry sky adds to the atmosphere. Skating is included with your Mountain Admission ticket and they have skate rentals on-site.

Two people ice skating outdoors at night, holding hands, with snow-covered trees in the background.

Snowshoe Through a Forest of Twinkling Lights

Follow easy snowshoe trails through a forest of twinkling lights. Grouse Mountain’s Light Walk starts with a glowing tunnel of lights, then heads past illuminated sculptures and a pond. At Cypress Mountain, the Lights to the Lodge experience takes you through a lit-up old-growth forest to the historic Hollyburn Lodge where you can have a snack or hot drink.

Three people smiling and walking outdoors at night under a canopy of string lights, dressed in winter clothing.

Go Cross Country Skiing At Night

Cypress Mountain’s Nordic Ski Area includes 7.5 kilometres of trails lit up for night skiing. One of the highlights is a visit to the historic Hollyburn Lodge where you can warm up.

Take a Nighttime Snowshoe Tour by Headlamp

Follow your guide through the snowy forest as your headlamp lights up your path. The Sea to Sky Gondola, Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour all offer guided nighttime snowshoe tours. Go during the new moon for the best star gazing or during the full moon to let the moon light up the trail. Or combine your nighttime snowshoe tour with a sweet treat: both Mount Seymour and Grouse Mountain offer combo tours that include delicious chocolate fondue.