20 Wicked Snow Adventures in BC’s Backcountry

Backcountry: The hinterland beyond the groomed runs of a ski area; an undeveloped recreation area where self sufficiency is imperative.

Ah, the backcountry. Where we make alpine escapes, traverse powder-filled meadows and weave through forested winterlands. Where a trackless trail leads straight off the grid. Find solitude in the stillness of nature. Or the complete opposite: feel your adrenaline rush while clinging to a wall of ice or while barreling through chutes on the back of a sled. At the end of the day, take refuge in a backcountry hut, making fast friends with those who wander in.

We picked the brain of British Columbia Magazine contributing editor and Explore magazine editor, David Webb for his top backcountry snow adventures. Here are the twenty that made the shortlist.

Before you go: backcountry safety

As with any off the grid adventure, venturing into the backcounty can be dangerous. Then factor in winter conditions. Rapidly changing weather and risk of avalanche post a constant danger. Be prepared.

Rules for backcountry safety

• Be avalanche aware – check conditions before you leave. Know the warning signs and always remain in visual contact of your partners.
• SPOT / Satellite Communications:  You are better safe than sorry. SPOT can help you stay safe and connected beyond cellular. If you are going off the cellular grid, SPOT Satellite GPS Messengers can send emergency responders your GPS coordinates so that you can easily be located in an emergency and let family and friends know you’re OK when you just want to check in.
• Pack proper gear, wear layers and reflective clothing.
• Carry rescue equipment and know how to use it. If appropriate, know how to self-rescue from a crevasse.
• Never go alone and pick partners who have skills, fitness and experience.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Snowshoeing

British Columbia’s best backcountry snowshoeing

1. E.C. Manning Provincial Park

Regional district: Okanagan-Similkameen

Access: Highway 3/Crowsnest Highway

About: Enveloped by the scenic mountains of the Cascade Range, E.C. Manning Park is an outdoor recreation playground. It’s also the Canadian terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail, recently popularized in the film Wild.  The park is home to varied terrain and landscapes: high alpine meadows, wet coastal rain forests, a chain of small lakes and jaw dropping waterfalls. In summer, hikers enjoy a well-established trail network. Come winter, the trails close due to snowy conditions. Worry not though, snowfall simply opens up Manning Park’s expansive backcountry.

Poland Lake Trail

Difficulty: Moderate/Advanced

Length: 8 kilometres (one way)

Elevation gain: 435 metres

About: The trail is unmarked and takes approximately 5-6 hours round trip. Depart from Strawberry Flats parking lot area. The trail quickly ascends, winding through Gibsons Ski Area. As a result, the first two kilometres are a strenuous uphill climb. Poland Lake freezes over each winter and remains that way until summer.

Winter camping: A primitive wilderness campsite lies at Poland Lake’s northwest shore. Amenities are basic: a bear cache, wilderness shelter and pit toilets. A small creek nearby feeds into the lake.

Backcountry camping fee: $5.00 per person, per night

Read more about Poland Lake Trail: Click here

2. Mount Seymour Provincial Park

Regional district: Greater Vancouver

Access: Mount Seymour Resort (1700 Mt Seymour Rd, North Vancouver). Backcountry trailheads are located at the park kiosk (north end of lot #4 near Mystery Peak Chairlift.)

Parking: Backcountry visitors should park in lot 1 or lower parking lot 5. Overnight parking is permitted only in lot 1. Leave a note posted with departure date/time, anticipated return and emergency contact details.

About: This provincial park lies just 15 kilometres from downtown Vancouver. Views from the park offer panoramic views of Mount Baker, Metro Vancouver cityscapes and Indian Arm. In winter, most folks head straight for the ski hill, but the park’s hinterland offers fantastic backcountry recreation. Each year sees the construction of two winter trails. From mid-December through late March, winter snowshoe and ski trails are marked by BC Parks. There are no special passes required for backcountry trails. Those venturing into this backcountry should be experienced, properly prepared and equipped.

Second Pump Traverse

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (depends on snow conditions)

Length: 7 kilometres (return)

Elevation gain: Approx. 400 metres

About: The Mount Seymour Backcountry Access Trail takes you to the saddle between 1st and 2nd pump. From here, admire the great views. Allow for 4-5 hours by snowshoe.

Winter camping: Walk-in camping in the group campsite is available year-round, however it is located just 50 metres from lot 1. Amenities: a pit toilet, group shelter, wood stove, picnic tables and one fire pit. Drinking water available but firewood must be purchased.

Winter camping fees: No fees collected

Read more about Second Pump: chroniclesofwanderlust.com/seymour-backcountry

3. Garibaldi Provincial Park

Regional district: Squamish-Lillooet

Access: Highway 99 (Sea to Sky Highway)

About: Close to Whistler and Vancouver, and home to 90 kilometres of hiking trails and stunning scenery; Garibaldi Provincial Park is a siren’s call for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is busy year-round, especially on clear, sunny weekends. Fun fact: the park is home to a volcano.

Elfin Lakes Trail

Difficulty: Moderate – due to length

Length: 22 kilometres (round trip)

Elevation gain: 600 metres

About: The trail to Elfin Lakes is a well-marked one. In fact, snowshoers will often find it well tracked. The trail was formerly an access road to Diamond Head Lodge. Access the trailhead from Diamond Head parking lot. The trail begins in the woods and steadily ascends up a gentle sloping ridge before depositing trekkers into the high alpine. Those who venture here are rewarded by stunning panoramic views. A two-storey hut offers accommodation and has a kitchen equipped with four propane burners, two wash sinks, a propane heater and lights. Pit toilets available. The hut does not take reservations so those looking to spend the night should be prepared to tent if the hut is full. Note: the road accessing the trailhead can be difficult in snow, 4×4 recommended.

Winter camping:

• Elfin Lake: 35 walk-in sites located adjacent to the hut
• A small warming hut is located at kilometre 5 in Red Heather Meadows but sleeping here is only permitted in the event of an emergency. Elfin Lakes hut offers 22 bunks (11 doubles and 11 singles).

Winter camping fees: Adults: $10/night, children: $5/night, Elfin Lakes shelter: $15/night

Read more about Elfin Lakes Trail: outdoorvancouver.ca/snowshoe-trail-guide-elfin-lakes

4. Wells Gray Provincial Park

Regional district: Cariboo/Thompson-Okanagan

Access: Clearwater is the gateway to Wells Gray. 5-5.5 hours driving from both Prince George and Vancouver, and 1.5 from Kamloops.

About: Wells Gray is one of our favourite provincial parks. There’s a wide collection of natural wonders, from extinct volcanoes and lava beds, to mineral springs and glaciers. And the crowing gem? Spectacular Helmcken Falls. Water tumbles down an incredible 121 metres, making it the fourth tallest waterfall in Canada. Pay a visit in winter when an ice cone forms within the gorge. Wells Gray Provincial Park is also steeped in history. Snowshoeing its trails leads you across land once frequented by trappers and prospectors.

Murtle River warming hut to Pyramid Bay
Details: 8.6 km round-trip
Read more: Click here

Blackwater Trail
About: Connects to a greater trail network to form a loop
Read more: Click here

Spahats Falls
About: A short trail leading to another spectacular park waterfall
Details: 1 kilometre round-trip, an easy snowshoe that takes about an hour
Read more: Click here

Trophy Mountain
About: Explore alpine meadows and the base of the Trophy Mountains
Details: 15 kilometres round-trip, 700 metre gain, difficult (due to length)
Read more: Click here

Skiing

British Columbia’s best backcountry skiing

5. Hankin-Evelyn Backcountry Recreation Area

Regional district: Bulkley-Nechako

Access: About a 40 minute drive from Smithers. Driving north via Highway 16, turn left on Drive Kitseguecla Lake Road. Follow it for eight kilometres before turning left on 608 Road. Drive six kilometres until you arrive at the recreation parking area.

Parking: Lot available

Difficulty: Suited for all levels: runs 1 – 3 are advanced, 4 – 6 are intermediate and 7 and 8 are beginner.

Trail network: Hankin-Evelyn Backcountry Recreation Area is a winter playground for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Since its development in 2008, it’s grown to 11 runs, all just a stone’s toss from Smithers. Trails are strictly limited to self-propelled recreation and the area is well marked (avalanche signage included). Skiing here makes for a fine outing, but its huts make for a fantastic overnighter.

Cabin: Hankin Lookout $5.00 per person/per night, payable in advance at Outdoor Essentials, Smithers. It’s equipped with a kitchen, stove, fridge and propane heater. Bunks accommodate eight to ten people. Some have a foam mattress. Views from Hankin are incredible as surrounding glaciers and peaks dominate the skyline.

Note: Warming hut located at the end of run 4 (day use only)

Read more: Click here

6. Wapta Traverse

Regional district: Columbia-Shuswap/Alberta

Parking: Completing the traverse from end to end requires dropping a car the terminus.

Length: 50 kilometres

Duration: 5 days

Difficulty: 
Fitness: huts are no further than 10 kilometres apart and elevation gains of 610 metres. Required skills: excellent navigation and crevasse-rescue.

About: Straddle the Continental Divide on this hut-to-hut traverse that weaves between Banff and Yoho National Park. It involves multiple ski-mountaineering objectives, hulking glaciers and excellent snow. This is backcountry ski rivals classic European traverses. The best time of year to attempt it is in late spring when daylight extends later into the evening.

Huts: $25.00 per night, per person, reservations must be made in advance (click here). All huts are shared dorms and bunks are supplied with mattresses. Kitchens are equipped with propane stoves.

7. Spearhead Traverse

Regional district: Squamish-Lillooet

Parking: Drive to Whistler (1.5 hours from Vancouver) and park in Lot 5, the only lot where overnight parking is allowed.

Length: 35 kilometres

Duration: 3-4 days

Difficulty: Need to be able to navigate in a whiteout. Ski ability: from easy glaciers to 35-degree chutes to tight trees.

About: The Spearhead Traverse follows the height of land behind the Whistler-Blackcomb resort area. Let the Blackcomb lifts whisk you to Blackcomb Glacier; it’s easy access to the alpine without even breaking a sweat. Although this traverse is never more than 10 kilometres from Whistler Village, it certainly offers up a wild and remote setting. Take in the incredible scenery of high passes and multiple glaciers.

Winter camping: Trorey Glacier, Platform Glacier, Russet Lake Hut. All free, first come first serve.

8. Duffey Lake Road – Cerise Creek

Regional district: Squamish-Lillooet

Parking: Lot parking (see detail here)

Length: 8 kilometres

Duration: 7 hours

Difficulty: Moderate. Elevation gain of 350 metres and switchbacks will have you gassed.

About: This in-and-out hike leads to a memorial cabin near the Cerise Creek headwaters. It’s popular in all seasons, so skiers and snowshoers will certainly not find themselves alone. The upside? The trail should be tracked. In the depths of winter it’s not uncommon to find two dozen people -or more – sleeping in the cabin and tenting nearby.

Keith’s Hut: This 600 square foot cedar log hut was built by the family of fallen mountaineer Keith Flavelle. It is equipped with a kitchen table, sink, pot belly stove and stainless steel pot. The mezzanine sleeps 20 and beds are first come, first serve. Without a reservations system, bringing a tent is advised. There is also an outhouse and stocked wood shed. The cabin is free for non-commercial individual use, though donations are encouraged by the hiking community. Maintenance is volunteer-driven and operating costs are paid by funds collected via the non-profit Keith Flavelle Memorial Hut Society.

Read more: keithshut.ca

Ice Climbing

British Columbia’s best ice climbing

9. Learn to Ice Climb

Regional district: Squamish-Lillooet

Difficulty: Beginner

Where: Mountain Skills Academy, Whistler

About: While this won’t take you out into British Columbia’s backcountry, learning the basics are the first step in that direction. If you’re looking to get into ice climbing, an introductory course is a sure thing. Lean on the experience and instruction of seasoned climbers.

10. Kicking Horse Canyon

Regional district: Columbia-Shuswap

Pretty Nuts
Grading: WI4
Length: 180 metres

Essondale Left
Grading: WI3
Length: 140 metres

Riverview
Grading: WI3/WI4+
Length: 100 metres

11. Revelstoke

Regional district: Columbia-Shuswap

About: Lucky us – British Columbia has some of the most spectacular ice climbing in the world. What’s more, Revelstoke is home to some of the tallest waterfall climbs.

Tum Tum Massacre
Grading: WI3+
Length: 230 metres

Pillar of Doom
Grading: WI5+
Length: 300 metres

Read detailed accounts of each climb: westcoastice/revelstoke-ice

12. Malakwa

Regional district: Columbia-Shuswap

Location: near Sicamous

Rest Stop
Grading: WI4/4+
Length: 70 metres

C People Play
Grading: WI4+/5
Length: 150 metres

The Ice Palace
Grading: WI3/5
Length: 80 metres

Read a detailed recount of each here: westcoastice/malakwa-ice-routes

Snowmobiling

British Columbia’s best snowmobiling areas

13. Valemount

Regional district: Fraser-Fort George

Sledding in Valemount is all about one thing: POWDER. The morning after an overnight snowfall the backcountry becomes a magnet for snowmobilers. This is country where champagne powder meets expansive blue skies.

Do I need a trail pass to ride? Read here: ridevalemount.com/trail-passes

Allan Creek
Elevation: 5,500 – 7,500 feet
Length: 8 kilometres
Level: Intermediate to expert
Highlights: Bowls, steep hills and meadows
Notes: Allan Creek opens the sledding season, warming hut located at N52.577228lat W 119.160908 long

Clemina Creek
Elevation: 5,500 – 8,000 feet
Length: 17 kilometres (to reach the warming hut)
Level: All levels
Highlights: wide and easy trails accessible for all riders
Notes: Warming hut located at N 52.538042 lat W 118.946563 long

Chappell Creek
Elevation: 6,000 – 8,000 feet
Length: 26 kilometres
Level: Advanced to expert
Highlights: Best snow in the valley
Notes: No warming hut

Read more about these Valemount sled areas: ridevalemount.com/sled-areas

14. Blue River

Regional district: Thompson-Nicola

Flock to Blue River for deep powder, bowls, chutes, and filled-in creeks that lead to endless alpine. The best time of year to sled here is November through April, but trails are groomed December through March.

Trail pass: Required
Trail network: 60+ kilometres
Difficulty: Rookie through expert
Notes: Hardy sledders can do some winter camping at Blue River Campground. Alternatively, there are comfortable cabins at Bone Creek Wilderness Creek.
Popular trails: Salmon Lakes, Groundhog Mountain, Parberry & Finn Creek

Read more about snowmobiling in Blue River: blueriverbc.ca/snowmobiling

15. Golden

Regional district: Columbia-Shuswap

With over 240 kilometres of trails, Golden is a sled mecca. Enveloped by the Purcell, Rocky and Selkirk Mountains, it’s almost trite to describe the views as simply scenic. They stunning, if not ethereal. Light and dry snow conditions also make Golden a favourite. It consistently receives top SnoRiders Rider’s Choice awards.

Trail pass: Required when using maintained trails. $25 per sled, payable at trailheads.
Trail network: 240 kilometres (!)
Difficulty: Beginner through advanced

Maintained/Groomed Trails – great for first timers, families and those with developing skill sets:

• Quartz Creek – 80 km round trip, elevation of 2,590 metres, accessed 40 km west of Golden via Highway 1. Ride to the trails terminus at Golden Snowmobile Club cabin before heading back. Suitable for beginner through advanced riders.
• Gorman Lake – 32 km of advanced level terrain sitting at an elevation of 2,743 metres. Touted as a “hill climber’s paradise” by Tourism Golden.
• Silent Pass – 60 kilometres (one way) that lead into rolling hills of the alpine. Suitable for beginner through to advanced sledders.

Non-Maintained Trails – Mount 7, Hospital Creek, Glenogle, Blaeberry, Susan Lake, Hope Creek and Chatter Creek. See trail descriptions here.

Read more about snowmobiling in Golden: tourismgolden.com/snowmobiling

16. Smithers

Regional district: Bulkley-Nechako

Come winter, Smithers transforms into a snow sport Valhalla. Rev the sled during December through April for prime snowmobiling conditions. An active community of sledders means hundreds of kilometres to explore, both groomed and untracked. If you’re after vistas of snow covered mountains and rolling meadows, you’ll find it here.

Trail pass: Required when using maintained trails. $25 per sled, payable at trailheads.
Trail network: 200 km +
Difficulty: Beginner through advanced

The Onion – 9.5 kilometres to reach the Onion shelter (rated easy for powder meadows) and another 4 km to Burdettes Shelter (requires some more experience). The Onion lies within Babine Mountain Provincial Park , and the trailhead is located 20 km north of Smithers.

The Dome – 8 kilometres one way to reach the Jason Robert Elliot Memorial shelter. Rated easy through moderate and located 25 km north of Smithers. Enjoy rolling terrain and scenic views on this leisurely trail.

The Microwave – 7 easy kilometres to reach the ‘JE Cabin’ Emergency Shelter, followed by tight ungroomed trails and bowls, steep climbs, hills and valleys. Trailhead lies 19 km southeast of Telkwa. Suitable for experienced riders.

Harold Price Recreation Area  – a well-groomed and inclusive sledding area. Bring novice sledders and the whole family to explore meadows and rolling hills. Thrill seekers with experience can access Goat Mountain from here. Access Harold Price 30 kilometres west of Smithers.

Click here to read more about trails in the Smithers area

Ice Fishing

British Columbia’s best ice fishing

17. Canim Lake

Quick Facts

• 37 kilometres in length
• One of the larger Cariboo lakes
• Canim translates to ‘canoe’ in the Chinook language
• Located 35 km northeast of 100 Mile House

Regional district: Cariboo

Once Canim Lake freezes over, it’s time to bundle up and drill down. Anglers can expect to catch Burbot (ling cod), kokanee and trout (lake and rainbow). Expect the ice fishing season to start in mid-December and wrap up by mid-March. Take in the beauty of the surrounding area: meadows, mountains, rolling hills and coniferous forest.

18. Horse Lake

Quick Facts

• 18 kilometres long, mean depth: 15.2 metres & max depth: 34.4 m
• Stocked with rainbow trout and Kokanee
• Located 8 kilometres east of 100 Mile House

Regional district: Cariboo
Horse Lake typically freezes over in November and lasts until May. It’s a popular fishing hole, frequented by holiday makers and locals alike. The landscape enveloping the lake is marked by forested rolling hills.

19. One Island Lake

Regional district: Peace River

One Island Lake is a small northern lake contained within a provincial park that shares the same name. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow and brook trout. There are many websites that remark on the fishing conditions here – many of which suggest using shrimp for bait. This fishing hole is located 60 km southeast of Dawson Creek. Take Hwy #2 east of Dawson Creek for 30 km and look for the Park signs.

20. Whiteswan Lake

Quick facts

• Considered one of the highest quality rainbow trout fisheries in the East Kootenays
• Ice fishing closes December 1 through January 2nd
• Snowmobiles permitted to access winter ice fishing

Regional district: East Kootenay

Use caution when travelling to Whiteswan Lake. The forest service road used to access it is an active logging road.

Those looking for a frosty adventure can embark on some winter camping. All campgrounds in the provincial park are available to those willing to park at the gate and walk in to a site. (Inlet Creek Campground however, is not gated.) There is no cost charged for winter camping.