If you’ve never tried snowshoeing, what are you waiting for? It’s a fun and inexpensive pastime, and as easy as putting one foot in front of the other! It’s a way to connect with nature and experience peaceful contemplation as you silently trek along scenic, snowy trails. And here in Hope, Cascades & Canyons, we have fantastic opportunities to snowshoe in spectacular mountain surroundings: both Manning Park and the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area offer trails for beginners to well-seasoned snowshoers. Read on to get in the know about the best in snow!

Manning park

With a 300-kilometre network of trails, your hardest decision will be where to begin. Here are some suggestions:

EASY – Cambie Creek

This 5 km loop trail follows and crosses Cambie Creek. Thick forests, the bucolic creek and mountain vistas make for a soul-soothing experience. You’ll also find a shorter 2.5 km loop.

MODERATE – Lightning Lake Loop

With little elevation change, this is an undemanding trail, but its length puts it in the moderate category. The loop is 9 km around the entire lake, or you can cut the length in half by crossing back at Rainbow Bridge.

CHALLENGING – Windy Joe

This 15.4 km out-and-back trail starts at the Similkameen River Bridge and runs along the Similkameen River for 2 km. Once at the bottom of Windy Joe Mountain, you’ll begin a series of switchbacks that take around 3 hours. At the top is a fire lookout tower and phenomenal views of the Cascade Mountains.

RENTALS

Snowshoe rentals are available at Manning Park. It’s a good idea to purchase your trail tickets and rentals in advance; get more information and book online here.

OUTINGS

Manning Park Resort also hosts guided snowshoeing events! Plan yours here!

WHERE TO STAY

Choose from a room in the Manning Park Lodge (great for couples or families), Standard Cabins (up to 6 people), Deluxe Cabins (up to 10 people), brand new Premium Cabins (up to 11 people), or Chalets (up to 14 people). Winter camping is also available.

Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area

Backcountry snowshoeing is popular in this area, known for its heavy accumulations of powdery snow.

EASY – Falls Lake

This 1.8 km out-and-back trail is a short and sweet trail that winds through the forest before coming out to the shore of Falls Lake. A great trail for beginners or children.

MODERATE – Iago Peak

This 10.9 km out-and-back trail makes for a fantastic day trip. The route takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete and offers showstopping views of surrounding peaks.

CHALLENGING – Zoa Peak Trail

This 9.8 km out-and-back trail takes just over 4 hours to complete. Start on a steep grade then make your way through forest before coming up to the alpine slopes and astonishing panoramic views.

WHERE TO STAY

Coquihalla Lakes Lodge offers a variety of cabins to choose from. Check out their Winter Special: Book 3 nights and get a fourth free!

Winter Safety Tips

It’s important to remember that adventuring in our area in the winter requires a few extra safety measures. We have a comprehensive safety blog full of tips to stay safe and comfortable while you explore HCC. Click the link here to check it out!

Now, dress warm, strap on those snowshoes and get ready to have a blast in Hope, Cascade & Canyons’ exhilarating outdoor playground! Be sure to tag your photos with @tourismhcc and use our hashtag, #ExploreHCC, to share your snowshoe adventures with us!