Our Whistler snowshoeing adventures are perfect if you’re unfamiliar with more advanced snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. Even if you’re a winter sports aficionado, they’re sure to provide a different way to experience the unparalleled beauty of the area’s backcountry trails.
To put it simply, If you’re able to walk, then you can snowshoe! So, either way, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re trying to melt away the calories or simply out for a peaceful backcountry walk, we’ve got a Whistler snowshoeing tour catered to your needs.
Let’s take a deeper look,
Snowshoeing in Whistler
Snowshoeing in Whistler is one of the best ways to enjoy the area’s tranquil backcountry and rugged alpine beauty.
As you stomp your way through the virgin powder, you’ll take in breathtaking views of jagged local peaks and frozen waterfalls while encountering native wildlife.
All the while, you’ll experience the deafening silence of the dense old-growth rainforest in the heart of winter – trust me, the peace and tranquillity you’ll experience is virtually unrivalled.
It’s at the top of my best Whistler winter activities.
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But the benefits don’t stop there. Recent studies have shown snowshoeing is an exceptional cardiovascular workout – even burning up to 1,000 calories an hour on advanced trails.
Furthermore, it offers low-impact muscle-building benefits – while improving your overall sense of well-being via your intimate connection to nature.
But without the costly equipment and requisite backcountry knowledge, how do you get started? Enter the guided Whistler snowshoeing tours.
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Whistler Snowshoeing Tours
There are two different Whistler snowshoeing adventures currently on offer. Each aims to cater to different levels of experience and physical fitness.
But in all honesty, neither would be considered advanced to experienced snowshoers. This makes either option a great choice for tourists or those new to this exciting sport. In fact, children as young as 8 are welcome. So, you’re free to bring the whole family along.
The main difference lies in the duration of the journey and the terrain you’ll encounter along the way. Let’s take a deeper look at each tour to find what works best for you.
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Medicine Trail Snowshoe Tour – The Best Whistler Snowshoeing Tour for Visitors
Duration: 3 hours | Cost: From $124.95 CAD | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Read 190 reviews
This is considered the introductory package. As such, children as young as six years old are more than welcome to come along. Nevertheless, a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
You’ll be transported from your Whistler Village meeting point to the beautiful Callaghan Valley – about a 30-minute drive. Here, you’ll gear up to check out an old trapper’s path known as the Medicine Trail.
After gearing up, you’ll meander along a winding trail with stunning views of mountain vistas, frozen lakes and waterfalls. There’ll be snow-covered giant hemlock, cedar, and fir trees as far as the eye can see. And you’ll even pass by some majestic local totem poles!
At Totem Pole Lake, you’ll stop by a cabin for a much-needed cup of tea comprised of local medicinal ingredients. That’s right, Medicine Trail is not just a clever name!
The whole way, your local guide will impart their expert knowledge to make the journey as thought-provoking as it is visually stimulating. So, you’ll also gain valuable insights into the local ecosystem as you marvel at its beauty.
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Joffre Lakes/Crater Rim Snowshoe Hike – The Top Snowshoeing Tour of Whistler
Duration: 4 hours | Cost: From $119.00 CAD | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Read reviews
This Whistler snowshoeing tour of the stunning Joffre Lake or Crater Rim areas (you’ll be able to choose) lasts around 4 hours. Just be warned, unless otherwise noted, you’ll depart directly from the specified trailhead. So, if you don’t have a vehicle, partaking in this tour might be a little more complicated.
From there, you’ll gear up and experience the tranquillity of the untouched snow as you traverse the beautiful backcountry trail of your choice. And who knows, you might even encounter some local wildlife.
Your professional local guide will recount the area’s history as you awe at mammoth trees, many over 1000 years old. Frozen waterfalls and mountain vistas will dominate the landscape of this pristine old-growth forest.
While not considered advanced, this tour’s longer duration makes it the most difficult of the two. And the need to find your own transport makes it a bigger commitment. However, children as young as eight years old are still able to partake in this adventure. And the terrain is simply stunning.
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Each Whistler Snowshoeing Adventure Includes:
- A guided snowshoeing tour through the Whistler backcountry
- Winter boots & snowshoes
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your booking
- The option to book now and pay later
Snowshoeing in Whistler Reviews
Our snowshoeing adventures are amongst the highest-rated outdoor activities in the Whistler area. In fact, they are currently rated at an average of 5 stars on our partner website, Viator.
Don’t just take my word for it; check out some reviews below:
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How to Book Your Whistler Snowshoeing Adventure
- Click the yellow button below to visit Viator. Then, scroll through the listed options to find your tour of choice.
- Click on the green check availability button on your right.
- Select the date and number of tour participants in the grey box on the right side of your screen.
- Click on the green book now button, or opt to reserve now and pay later.
- Either way, you’ll be granted free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
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Whistler Snowshoeing Tips
Select the appropriate tour for your level of fitness and experience
- Make sure you select the right option – snowshoeing can be quite physically demanding.
- Though the tours don’t cover advanced trails, a moderate level of physical fitness is still required.
- The tour is not recommended for pregnant women.
- Children above the age of 8 are allowed on the tours.
Dress appropriately
- Winter boots and snowshoes are provided by the provider.
- Winter pants, hats, gloves, sweaters, hoodies and jackets are critical to staying warm. But remember to dress in layers, as you’re likely to work up quite a sweat — even in the frigid temperatures.
- Think about carrying an extra shirt and socks. That way, you can change your base layer if you happen to get wet. There is nothing worse than wet, cold feet.
- Bring along hand or foot warmers. These small chemical packets work wonders in keeping your digits warm. They’re also great to stash near your camera or smartphone to keep them working in cold weather.
Bring fluids & snacks
- It’s crucial to stay hydrated on your journey, so be sure to bring along water or Gatorade.
- Consider filling an insulated bottle with tea, coffee, warm water or even a light soup to keep warm in cold, wet conditions.
- Bring along protein or energy bars, fruit, nuts or other light snacks to maintain energy and aid in recovery.
Listen to your guide
- Your guide will tell you all you need to know concerning equipment fit and use, snowshoeing technique, warm-up, trail etiquette, avalanche safety and more.
- You’ll also learn interesting information about the local ecosystem, culture and history.
Looking for a cheap bed? Check out our guide to Cheap Whistler Hotels before booking.
Whistler Snowshoeing Tours FAQs
What is snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing is a type of hiking involving walking over snow with footwear that displaces the user’s weight over a larger area. It has played an essential role in mountain survival throughout history, with trappers and traders utilizing snowshoes to traverse remote wilderness regions.
Today, snowshoeing is one of the fastest-growing winter sports in North America. In addition to being a great source of cardiovascular exercise, snowshoeing allows participants to get out and enjoy the beautiful backcountry of mountainous areas such as Whistler.
Why should I take a guided Whistler snowshoeing tour?
Partaking in a guided Whistler snowshoeing tour allows you to take advantage of your guide’s local knowledge to receive personal insight into the Whistler backcountry, thus enhancing your appreciation for the region.
Not to mention, equipment is included, and you’ll embark on your snowshoeing adventure with a group of like-minded travellers, offering a more enjoyable experience.
Where do Whistler snowshoeing tours depart from?
The Whistler snowshoeing tours we offer depart from two different locations. The Medicine Trail tour is the more convenient, offering round-trip transportation between Whistler Village and the trails.
Unless otherwise noted, the Joffre Lake and Crater Rim tours depart for their respective trailheads. This makes them more optimal for locals or visitors renting a vehicle.
How much do Whistler snowshoeing adventures cost?
Whistler snowshoeing tours are available in two different packages; the costs are as follows:
- Medicine Trail – $124.95 CAD per adult (13+) or $82.95 per child (8-12).
- Joffre Lakes/Crater Rim – From $119.99 CAD per adult (17+), or $99.00 per youth (8-16).
What will I see on my Whistler snowshoeing tour?
On your Whistler snowshoeing tour, you’ll experience the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful Whistler backcountry. The deafening silence of a coastal rainforest blanketed in snow will only be broken by the stomps through the virgin powder.
You’ll be presented at every glance with postcard-perfect views of jugged mountain peaks, alpine lakes and frozen waterfalls as you walk past mammoth trees as much as a thousand years old. Let’s say that you’ll want to bring your camera!
What should I bring on my Whistler snowshoeing adventure?
The tour provider will provide all of the necessary equipment. However, it is recommended to bring warm clothing, such as winter hats, gloves, pants and jackets.
You may also want to bring a backpack containing water, hot drinks, snacks, a second shirt, and socks. Beyond that, a camera or smartphone to document the area’s unparalleled alpine beauty is paramount.
Strapped in and Ready for your Whistler Snowshoeing Adventure?
Snowshoeing in Whistler is more than just a winter activity. It’s an invitation to connect with nature, challenge oneself, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
So, strap on those snowshoes and explore the enchanting winter wonderland that is Whistler. I assure you that you won’t regret your Whistler snowshoeing excursion!
Enjoy the backcountry 🙂
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