North Shore Mountains

Right at the edge of the city, ringed by the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean, are these three winter playgrounds set in the stunning North Shore Mountains.

Snow seldom falls in the city, yet Vancouverites enjoy easy access to some of the best downhill and cross-country ski facilities in North America.

The twinkling lights of the local ski mountains – Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Mt Seymour, from west to east – attract the city’s residents and tourists alike, urging them to strap on snowboards, skis or snowshoes throughout winter months.  With lifts opening in the morning, and certain runs open until 10 pm, you can pack as much skiing or riding into your day as you can handle.

And just two hours north, lay the twin internationally renowned ski mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb. This top ranked destination ski resort draws skiers from all over the world for downhill and heli-skiing, with cross-country trails located close by. Among British Columbia’s multitude of other skiing options is Sun Peaks, just over four hours’ drive from Vancouver, with a family-friendly ski-in, ski-out village and 1,400 hectares (3,500 acres) of skiable terrain.