Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SNOWSHOE SHENANIGANS
If you lack the pose-worthy skills for the ski and snowboard slopes around Van-
couver but you'd still like to gambol through the powder, snowshoeing is an ideal
alternative - especially since the only requirement is the ability to walk. If you can
manage that, head to Grouse Mountain, where you can rent shoes and hit the
10km of winding trails in Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park.
Within minutes you'll feel like you're the only person on the mountain; the
sound of voices fades and is replaced by the crunch of ice-caked snow, along with
the ever-present cawing of scavenging ravens. You might also glimpse an eagle or
two. Passing through the forest of mountain hemlocks and Pacific silver fir trees
- many with straggles of moss hanging from them like Marxian beards - you'll
sometimes break into open ground and catch some stunning panoramic views.
Burnaby Mountain, topped by Simon Fraser University, is usually visible, while the
ghostly face of Mt Baker can often be glimpsed shimmering 130km away.
Continuing upward, you'll eventually hit the park's broad Evian Express Trail.
The route overlooks the silver surface of Capilano Reservoir far below and the dis-
tant crags of Vancouver Island on the watery horizon. Once you've had enough of
the view, head downhill (at a rate of knots) to the lodge for a well-deserved Gran-
ville Island brew or two.
