Site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler, British Columbia is a hot spot for snow sports, including snowshoeing. Whether you are looking for beginner trails, backcountry jaunts or guided tours, they are available for young and old. There are also places to rent snowshoes throughout the region.
Lost Lake Park
Lost Lake Park offers guided snowshoe tours and rentals on site, but there are 6 miles of marked trails and loops if you want to go it alone. The trails are for snowshoeing only, so you won't have to share the path with cross country skiers. The Nature Trail is 2.8 km long. The Tin Pants Trail is a medium-length 3.7 km route that passes Vimy Ridge and the Upper Panorama, where there are great views. The longest route is 7.6 km. It's a combination of the Gypsy Drum, Donkey Puncher and Molly Hogan trails and takes snowshoers to the Green Lake lookout and around Lost Lake.
Callaghan Country
Callaghan Country, which is 20 km southwest of the Whistler Resort, features three snowshoe trails that go through the forest. The Alexander Falls and Finger Lake trails are both loops. The Alexander Falls Trail is 3.5 km long. The Finger Lake Trail is 5 km long. The Old School Trail is a 2.6 km out and back, making it perfect for families. A 12.5 km trail called Real Life/Wild Spirit is open to skiers and snowshoers. The trail takes a few hours to complete and the first 5 km are open to dogs.
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Be prepared for a backcountry adventure while carrying avalanche beacons and shovels at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. One trail takes you 3/10 mile from the parking lot to Lower Joffre Lake or 3.5 miles to Upper Joffre Lake. You can also blaze your own trail, but make sure you have the proper equipment. Snowshoeing in the park is recommended for experienced backcountry snowshoers only.
Outdoor Adventures Snowshoe Tours
Take a guided tour of the Medicine Trail. Follow your guide from the ski lifts of Whistler to a fondue dinner, or around the glacier lakes, with Outdoor Adventures. Tours are 2 to 4 hours and rentals are available. In 2010, prices range from $89 per adult for introductory tours to $109 for the Fondue Tour. Prices for kids ages 5 to 12 start at $59 and go up to $69 in 2010.
Outdoor Adventures at Whistler
Unit No. 218
4293 Mountain Square
Whistler, BC
V0N-1B4
604-932-0647
Where to Rent
These locations rent snowshoes and also provides trail advice.
Whistler Cross Country Ski & Hike
Whistler Nordic Center
10-4122 Village Green
Whistler, BC, V0N 1B0
604-932-7711
whistlerski-hike.com
Cross Country Connection
P.O. Box 1235
Whistler, BC, Canada, V0N 1B0
604-905-0071
crosscountryconnection.ca
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