5 Best Snow Free Hikes in Vancouver

Just because the cold weather is setting in doesn’t mean you have to hang up your hiking boots for the winter! The beauty of Vancouver is you have the choice of snow-free hikes or, if you want to get into the mountains and go snowshoeing, you have that option too! Vancouver has some snowfall every year so there may be snow dusting on the trails however generally, the following hikes are snow-free all year round: 

1. Capilano Canyon, North Vancouver

Capilano Canyon is one of the four canyons in the Vancouver area and has beautiful views of rushing water over rock nestled in a rainforest surrounding. Capilano River Regional Park features a 2.6-kilometre (1.6 mile) trail that winds through the canyon, passing streams and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It only gains approximately 100 metres in elevation, so this trail is open to hikers of all levels. The loop trail takes roughly 1 hour to complete and is generally snow-free all year round. 

Photo Credit: Destination Vancouver

2. Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver

Lighthouse Park is one of Greater Vancouver's most beautiful parks located along the shores of West Vancouver. The park has some of the largest Douglas Fir trees in Greater Vancouver as well as breathtaking views of the water. There are a variety of trails through the park that take you past old-growth Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir trees. The trails are not difficult, so they are suitable for all hiking levels. Lighthouse Park has a low elevation, so it is the perfect place to visit during the winter months.

Photo Credit: Inside Vancouver

3. Kennedy Falls, North Vancouver

Kennedy Falls in North Vancouver is a popular 5.9 mile local hike. As it has a low elevation, it doesn’t get much snow during the winter months. The hike is also nestled within trees so it is great for a rainy or cloudy day. The hike is considered moderately challenging and will take between 5-6 hours to complete. 

Photo Credit: Inside Vancouver

4. Whyte Lake, West Vancouver

Whyte Lake is a small, peaceful lake in the hills of West Vancouver above Horseshoe Bay. The trail is scenic, following Nelson Creek uphill through a grove of Western Cedar and Douglas Fir trees and passing several large old-growth giants. The trail begins at a somewhat steep pace but, overall, is relatively short and easy and it will take approximately 2 hours to complete. Whyte Lake is low enough to have no snow. 

Photo Credit: Daily Hive

5. Rice Lake, North Vancouver

Rice Lake is a calm, quiet lake located on the edge of the Lynn Headwaters Regional Park in North Vancouver. There are several viewpoints around the lake with benches to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area. Long-legged herons and a wide variety of colourful ducks are active around the lake. Occasionally, an eagle can be spotted circling high above, so it is great for bird watching. This is a family-friendly 1.8-mile hike and will take around 1 hour to complete. It is completely flat and does not get a lot of snow in the winter months. 

Photo Credit: Inside Vancouver

Where to stay 

If you are planning a trip to Vancouver this winter to hike one of the wonderful snow-free trails, Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown and Sandman Suites Vancouver – Davie Street are the perfect places for you and your family to rest after a day of hiking.