5 Easy Winter Hikes To Do This Season.
Each year we’re blessed with winter (or cursed with it depending on how you look at it), I encourage you to make the most of what we have with our winters because there’s nothing like it and we’re stuck with it for most of the year anyway. The snow and the mountains just make the epitome of Canadian scenery and should be celebrated more often rather than feared.
So here are some of my favorite winter hikes that will take you less than 3 hours to do. I’m confident you’ll enjoy these as well as your stubborn loved ones who refuse to go outside during the winter months.
1. Chester Lake
Chester Lake is a short family-friendly, fun, easy, safe, and overall a beautiful hike to do year-round. I love how versatile it is because you can do so much here such as snowshoeing, X-country ski, or even scramble depending on how far you want to go!
Time: 1- 3.5 hours
Distance: 9.2 km
Elevation Gain: 320m
Hiking Difficulty (Shenandoah's formula): Moderate (109)
Toilets: Outhouse at the parking lot
Trail Popularity: High
Trailhead/Parking: Google Maps Link
2. Grotto Canyon.
The coolest walk ever. Make sure you have some microspikes and walk on the frozen river as you make your way into the Canyon, Check out the cave paintings, watch ice climbers do their thing, and tour the area!
Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 4.3km
Elevation Gain: 115m
Hiking Difficulty (Shenandoah's formula): Easy (44)
Toilets: Outhouse at the trailhead
Trail Popularity: Moderate
Trailhead/Parking: Google Maps Link
3. Troll Falls
A fairly flat walk into the falls as this could be a great introductory option into snowshoeing if you are interested. As you walk along the trail keep your eyes peeled for actual trolls! A fun way to get the kids more involved as they hunt for dolls placed in sneaky spots on the hike.
Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 3.7 km
Elevation Gain: 60m
Hiking Difficulty (Shenandoah's formula): Easy (30)
Toilets: None
Trail Popularity: High
Trailhead/Parking: Google Maps Link
4. West Winds Pass
For the full hiking guide click here: West Winds Pass Hiking Guide
Time: 2-3hours
Distance: 5.5 km
Elevation Gain: 387m
Hiking Difficulty (Shenandoah's formula): Easy-Moderate (92)
Toilets: None
Trail Popularity: High
Trailhead/Parking: Google Maps Link
5. Rawson Lake
For the full hiking guide click here: Rawson Lake Hiking Guide
Time: 1.5 - 3 hours
Distance: 7.8 km
Elevation Gain: 320m
Hiking Difficulty (Shenandoah's formula): Moderate
Toilets: Outhouses at the parking lot
Trail Popularity: Moderate
Trailhead/Parking: Google Maps Link