" Dream. Commit. Succeed. "
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Goat Mountain – Grouse Mtn
Elevation : 300m
8km round-trip, 4h
40min from Vancouver
The trailhead is on top of Grouse Mountain. You will either need to hike up (Grind, BCMC, Flint&Feathers) to the main chalet and then go to the trailhead. Remember you will need to pay 10$ to go down with the skyride from Grouse resort.
This is one of the first trails that I’ve done when I moved to BC. I love it because the views are great and the trail gets technical at the end. Would highly recommend it!
Grouse Grind
Still learning how to use that blog.. .couldn’t figure out how to turn this picture. Just stretch your neck and turn your head :D!
Elevation : 853m
2.9km, 1.5-2h
I know I know. The Grind is a classic of the North Shore. Remember you will have to pay 10$ for the skyride down if you don’t have a Grouse Mountain membership pass. I hate this ‘trail’. For me, it’s just a giant staircase with people who wants to go up too fast and run and train. This isn’t a hike… But if you want to say ‘ I’ve done the Grind ‘ , go for it!!! I’ll take my own little hidden trails on the side ! 🙂
Cheakamus River – Whistler Bungee Bridge – Brandywine Falls
Cheakamus River (until the bridge)
Elevation : Not a lot… some up and downs
4km round-trip, 2hrs
2hrs from Vancouver
We did this trail in February and didn’t get too much snow on the trail. Just needed some little crampons at some areas as it was slippery but, nothing that can’t be done only with boots. Easy trail for a relaxing time outside.
Bungee Bridge
Elevation : minimal
6km round-trip, 2-3h (depending how long you end up watching the people jumping…)
2hrs from Vancouver
Some part of the trail were a little bit hard to follow as it wasn’t well marked. We followed the previous footprints in the snow and ended up at the right place (markers not really close to each other in some areas.. maybe better during the summer). Easy trail, and easy access from the highway.
Brandywine Falls… we stopped there on our way back from the Bungee Bridge. Worth the stop but not what I would call a ‘hike’ or a ‘trail’.
Hollyburn Peak – Cypress Mtn
Elevation : 400m
8km round-trip, 4hrs
40min from Vancouver
I have a love/hate relationship with this trail… I have done it a few times already, but for the first time  this year have I had a beautiful view at the top. Often right in the middle of the clouds… It is a good training as the trail is steep all the way to the top. And don’t get fooled ; there is 3 last steep slopes at the end before you reach the top. Great views of the Lions and Howe Sound if you are on a great day!
Mt Seymour – 1st peak
Elevation : 450m
10km, 4h
45min from Vancouver
This is definitively my favorite snowshoe trail on the North Shore. If you only want a short hike you can stop at Brockton point on the way (the view point in front of the chairlifts) up and come back down. On a clear day, I would totally recommend to go up the first peak. Be aware that you are in backcountry and avalanche terrain. You should NOT leave the marked trail unless you have proper avalanche safety gear and proper training. Avoid entering the area when the avalanche risk is high!
The views are amazing and the effort considerable. A good training but short enough to be done in half a day and back home for other adventures !
Campbell Lake – Harrison
Elevation : 700m
9km, 5-6h
2hrs from Vancouver
Early morning, leaving Vancouver at 7am and heading to Harrison Lake to do a nice hike with a friend. Campbell Lake trail (also called the Harrison Grind…… although it has nothing to do with our Grouse Grind…) is a nice 5-6h trail that offers a lot of different terrain. We took 6h for the round-trip up to the lake on Agassiz Mountain ; April 1st 2013, there was a lot (and I mean… A LOT) of fallen trees on the trail, which slowed us down a lot.
At that time we got forest, bushes, crossing over and under fallen trees, icy snow, slushy snow and mud, on a sunny day, and followed by the first gelato of the year on Harrison Lake’s dock.
About me
