Winter on Vancouver Island, Canada brings quiet forests, snow-covered meadows, and scenic ridgelines perfect for both snowshoeing and snow hiking. From beginner-friendly loops at Mount Washington to adventurous backcountry routes around Mount Cain, the Island offers a wide range of winter hiking trails suitable for every level of snowshoer. With local knowledge of Strathcona Provincial Park, South Island winter trails, and North Island backcountry terrain, we have rounded up the safest and most rewarding places to explore this season!
Find your ideal home base near these winter trailheads in one of EMR Vacation Rentals carefully managed properties across Vancouver Island. Stay close to the mountains, explore at your own pace, and enjoy a comfortable retreat after your snowshoeing adventure!
Snow Hiking and Snowshoeing on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island’s geography makes it an exceptional winter destination!
Higher elevations such as Mount Washington and Mount Cain receive reliable snowfall throughout the season, while lower-elevation regions like Nanaimo and the Comox Valley offer gentle winter hiking options when the snow falls!
Whether you are a beginner on your first snowshoeing adventure or a more experienced winter hiker familiar with avalanche risk and backcountry travel, there are plenty of safe and scenic routes to explore across British Columbia’s west coast!
Where to Go Snow Hiking and Snowshoeing
Paradise Meadows, Strathcona Provincial Park
Paradise Meadows is a great option for snowshoeing on Vancouver Island! Located next to Mount Washington, it offers gentle terrain, snow-covered forests, and well-marked trails for snowshoers of all ages.
Quick Look
Best for: Beginners and first-time snowshoers
Access: Raven Lodge parking lot
Amenities: Snowshoe rentals, trail maps, nordic centre
Notes: Boundaries connect to backcountry terrain
Wide, packed trails and open meadows make this an ideal place to learn snowshoeing or enjoy a relaxed winter hiking experience. Several loops offer views of frozen lakes and classic Strathcona landscapes. Conditions vary by time of year, so check current trail maps and weather before heading out.
Mount Washington Snowshoe Trails
Mount Washington is Vancouver Island’s most popular and accessible winter recreation area! Here, snowshoers and winter hikers can enjoy groomed snowshoe trails, beginner-friendly routes, rentals, and guided snowshoe tours.
Quick Look
Best for: Families, beginners, casual snowshoers
Access: Nordic Centre at Raven Lodge
Gear: Snowshoe rentals, trail passes, hot chocolate at the lodge
Extras: Guided snowshoe tours available all season
This is the perfect spot for a first-time snowshoeing adventure. Routes range from short loops to longer forested trails, all of which are well maintained throughout winter. Staying in a Courtenay vacation rental with EMR Vacation Rentals places you minutes from the mountain!
Mount Cain Snowshoe Routes
Mount Cain is a favourite destination for serious backcountry winter lovers who are looking for deeper snow and pristine landscapes. Located up a logging road north of Campbell River, this community-run ski hill is known for powder, elevation gain, and rugged forested terrain.
Quick Look
Best for: Intermediate or backcountry snowshoers
Access: Logging road to Mount Cain parking lot
Gear: Crampons, first aid kit, avalanche gear, backpacking layers
Notes: Always check avalanche risk before travelling
Snowshoers can explore several areas around the mountain, but many routes lead into backcountry terrain. This region requires winter preparedness, knowledge of avalanche safety, and strong navigation skills. For those who are comfortable navigating the winter wilderness, the empty, snow-covered forests and mountain views are a pretty incredible reward for those who venture out!
Kludahk Trail (Kludahk Ridge Trail)
A South Island favourite, the Kludahk Trail combines winter hiking and snowshoeing opportunities along a beautiful coastal ridge. Snow levels vary, but sections of the trail often remain snow-covered throughout winter.
Quick Look
Best for: Moderate winter hiking with elevation gain
Access: Trailheads between Sooke and Port Renfrew
Gear: Microspikes or crampons depending on conditions
Notes: Weather along the ridge can change quickly, make sure to check the forecast before you head out!
This route is ideal for hikers wanting a mix of forest paths and open viewpoints without venturing far into alpine terrain. Snow hikers may not need snowshoes depending on conditions, but traction devices are recommended throughout winter. For more information about the trail, you can check the The Kludahk Outdoors Club website!
Mount Benson, Nanaimo
Mount Benson is one of the best winter hiking destinations near Nanaimo! While the mountain does not always receive deep snow, upper sections often become snow-covered, creating an excellent winter workout close to town.
Quick Look
Best for: Winter hiking with steady elevation gain
Access: Westwood Lake and Benson Creek Falls trailheads
Gear: Microspikes, warm layers, first aid kit
Notes: Trail conditions depend on the time of year
The combination of forested climbs, viewpoints, and varied terrain makes Mount Benson a great choice for winter hikers looking for snow without committing to a long drive north. Trails can be icy, so pack crampons or microspikes when the temperature drops!
Cumberland Forest, Comox Valley
Cumberland Forest offers easy-access winter hiking near Courtenay. Not every winter day brings deep snow here, but the trails are peaceful and atmospheric in colder months.
Quick Look
Best for: Easy winter hiking near Courtenay
Access: Cumberland trailheads
Gear: Waterproof boots and warm layers
Notes: Snowfall varies but the forest remains beautiful in all conditions
This network of hiking trails is perfect for relaxed winter outings, family walks, or low-elevation snow-covered days. Bottom line, it is one of our favourite destinations for outdoor winter recreation for guests staying in EMR rentals in the Comox Valley!
When to Go Snowshoeing and Snow Hiking
Snow conditions on Vancouver Island depend heavily on elevation and time of year.
Alpine regions like Mount Washington and Mount Cain usually receive snow from December through late March, creating reliable snowshoe trails.
Lower elevations near Nanaimo or Courtenay may vary more, but winter hiking remains possible throughout the season.
Be aware that parking lots fill quickly at popular trailheads, especially after fresh snowfall, so an early start is recommended. Always check weather forecasts, carry a trail map, and prepare for changing conditions!
Vancouver Island Weather by Location
Safety, Gear, and Avalanche Awareness
Snow hiking and snowshoeing require proper preparation, especially in provincial park areas or locations with backcountry access. Always travel with the right equipment and review avalanche conditions before entering any areas outside groomed routes.
What to Bring for Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking
- First aid kit with blister care
- Insulated, waterproof boots
- Extra warm layers in a waterproof bag
- Microspikes or crampons for icy terrain
- Snowshoes for deep or soft snow
- Food and water for several hours
- Printed trail map or navigation app
- Fully charged phone and power bank
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Avalanche safety knowledge for backcountry areas
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
- Stay on marked snowshoe trails at Mount Washington and in Strathcona Provincial Park
- Check avalanche risk before venturing into backcountry terrain
- Travel with a partner whenever possible
- Respect First Nations lands and ecological areas
- Park only in designated parking lots
- Plan your turnaround time based on winter daylight hours
Guided Snowshoe Tours
Mount Washington offers accessible guided snowshoe tours for beginners and families! These tours follow groomed snowshoe trails, include equipment, and often end with hot chocolate at Raven Lodge.
Availability changes throughout the winter season, so check the Nordic Centre for updated schedules.
If you’re looking for adventure, independent winter hiking guides also offer guided hikes, tours and multi-day treks through Vancouver Island’s mountains. Better for experienced hikers looking for wilderness experiences, there is no doubt that this is a once in a lifetime experience!
Plan Your Winter Getaway with Us!
From alpine snowshoe trails around Mount Washington to peaceful winter hikes near Nanaimo and Courtenay, Vancouver Island offers endless ways to enjoy snow-covered landscapes in British Columbia.
After a day outdoors, return to one of our cozy Vancouver Island vacation rentals where you can warm up, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Canada’s winter season!