Recreation, Vancouver

North Shore Mountains: Grouse, Mount Seymour, and Cypress – Vancouver’s Winter Playground

October 22, 2025

North Shore Mountains: winter activities, Just Minutes from the city

Just across the Burrard Inlet from downtown Vancouver, three snow-dusted peaks rise dramatically against the skyline, Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, and Cypress Mountain. Together, they form the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver’s own alpine playground where locals and visitors alike trade city lights for starlit slopes in less than half an hour.

These mountains are the beating heart of winter in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, places where the hum of the city fades and the crunch of snow takes over. Whether you’re carving through fresh powder, gliding across a frozen pond, or sipping hot cocoa with a skyline view, the North Shore promises an unforgettable winter escape packed with natural beauty, adventure, and that quintessential West Coast spirit.

Grouse Mountain: The Peak of Vancouver

Perched high above the city, Grouse Mountain is perhaps Vancouver’s most iconic winter destination. Known as the “Peak of Vancouver,” it’s not just a ski resort, it’s an experience. From the moment you step onto the Skyride aerial tramway, or new 8 passenger gondola, you’re treated to a panoramic ascent over the forest canopy, with Vancouver’s glittering skyline, Stanley Park, and the Pacific Ocean unfolding below.

Winter Activities and Experiences

Once at the summit, the possibilities are endless. Grouse offers 33 runs for skiing and snowboarding, with terrain ranging from gentle beginner slopes to challenging black diamonds. Night skiing is a highlight here, the slopes glow under floodlights while the city twinkles in the distance below.

For non-skiers, Grouse offers snowshoeing trails that wind through tranquil alpine forests, the Light Walk, a magical illuminated path, and the Skating Pond, which feels straight out of a holiday postcard. Families love the playful atmosphere, complete with outdoor firepits and the seasonal Peak of Christmas celebration featuring light displays, sleigh rides, and Santa visits.

What’s New This Season

This winter, Grouse Mountain debuts a brand new 8 passenger gondola, expanding capacity and minimizing wait times. The resort has also enhanced its snowmaking system, ensuring consistent snow coverage even during mild spells. Sustainability remains central to Grouse’s mission, with new EV charging stations, waste-reduction dining programs, and continued investment in green operations.

Trail Map Tip

For unbeatable views, ski or snowboard down The Cut, Grouse’s signature run that overlooks Vancouver’s skyline and Burrard Inlet. It’s a must for any winter traveler, whether you’re carving turns or simply admiring the view from the chairlift. (Trail Map of Grouse Mountain)

Insider Experience

End your day at the Observatory Restaurant, Grouse’s fine dining venue with sweeping city views, or grab a casual après-ski drink at the Altitudes Bistro, where you can watch the sun dip behind the mountains.

Mount Seymour: Vancouver’s Community Mountain

While Grouse shines with its resort-style amenities, Mount Seymour has a down-to-earth charm that makes it a favorite among locals. Family-run since 1984, this mountain is known for its friendly atmosphere, affordable passes, and welcoming terrain that caters perfectly to beginners and families.

Winter Activities and Family Fun

Mount Seymour features 40+ runs, multiple terrain parks, and a thriving snow play area that includes tobogganing and snow tubing, ideal for visitors looking for winter fun without needing to ski. For adventurers, the mountain’s snowshoe trails are some of the most scenic in the region, leading to peaceful forest glades and sweeping lookouts toward Mount Baker and the Fraser Valley.

A highlight for many visitors is the Discovery Snowshoe Trail, a gentle 2.5-kilometer loop that’s perfect for beginners yet scenic enough to satisfy experienced hikers. At night, the city lights below creates a magical glow across the snow.

What’s New This Season

Mount Seymour’s 2025 updates bring exciting improvements for both skiers and sightseers. The Terrain Park has been expanded to include new freestyle zones designed by local riders, while the lodge’s eco-renovation project introduces energy-efficient lighting, improved insulation, and waste reduction programs. The snowshoe rental center has also been redesigned for faster service, getting visitors onto the trails quicker than ever.

Trail Map Tip

If you’re new to the mountain, start with the Goldie Meadows and Brockton Chair areas, they offer gentle slopes with spectacular alpine views. More advanced riders can explore Mystery Peak, which provides steeper terrain and access to off-piste glades. (Trail Map of Mount Seymour)

Insider Experience

Visit HAROLD’S CAFE for their signature hot chocolate drinks, or time your visit for Twilight Snowshoe Tours, which pair guided nighttime treks with starlit forest views.

Cypress Mountain: The Olympic Legacy

Towering above West Vancouver, Cypress Mountain is the North Shore’s largest and most diverse resort, and a proud host venue of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. With 53 downhill runs, 19 kilometers of cross-country trails, and six terrain parks, Cypress offers the most extensive winter terrain on the North Shore.

Skiing, Snowboarding, and Beyond

Cypress’s two main ski areas, Black Mountain and Mount Strachan, cater to all abilities, from first-time skiers to expert thrill-seekers. The resort is also home to one of Canada’s best night skiing programs, with over 20 lit runs that stay open until 10 p.m. on select nights.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Families can visit the Gnarly’s Tube Park, glide through the Nordic Area on cross-country skis, or join a guided snowshoe tour through the resort’s subalpine trails. The views stretch across Howe Sound, the Gulf Islands, and on clear days, all the way to Vancouver Island.

What’s New This Season

Cypress continues to invest in its guest experience with the Lift SkyQuad, a new fixed-grip quad chairlift, which cuts wait times and expands night skiing terrain. It provides access to the summit of Mt. Strachan, making all of the mountain’s terrain accessible by quad chair. This season also introduces Lights to the Lodge, a safe and easy one-kilometre snowshoe trek to the historic Hollyburn Lodge along a self-guided trail through the enchanting Old Growth Forest. The path is lit with sustainably strung LED lights weaving through ancient Cedar, Fir, and Hemlock trees.

The resort’s Green Commitment Program is also growing, focusing on clean energy use, improved recycling systems, and eco-friendly snow maintenance technology.

Trail Map Tip

Intermediate skiers will love Panorama Run, a signature Cypress favorite that offers incredible coastal views and long, smooth descents. For snowboarders, the Sunset Park terrain area continues to shine as one of Western Canada’s top freestyle spots. (Trail Map of Cypress Mountain).

Insider Experience

Don’t miss a sunset from Crazy Raven Bar & Grill, Cypress’s lively après-ski hub. Grab a seat by the window, enjoy a craft beer or a steaming bowl of chili, and watch as the last skiers make their twilight runs under golden skies.

Plan Your North Shore Mountains Winter Adventure

Getting There: Each of the North Shore Mountains is conveniently close to downtown Vancouver, making them perfect for spontaneous day trips.

Grouse Mountain: 25 minutes from downtown; accessible via car or the free seasonal shuttle from Canada Place.
Mount Seymour: 35 minutes by car; shuttle service available from Parkgate Village.
Cypress Mountain: 25-30 minutes from downtown; parking available on-site with free park-and-ride shuttles on weekends.

Best Time to Visit: The ski season typically runs from late November to mid-April, though exact dates depend on snowfall. December through February are prime months for powder conditions, while March often brings bluebird days and softer snow, ideal for spring skiing and photography.

Tips for Visitors

Arrive Early: Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Book Rentals in Advance: Most resorts now offer online reservations to streamline pickup.
Dress in Layers: Weather can shift rapidly; waterproof outerwear is essential.
Don’t Skip Après-Ski: Each mountain has cozy lounges and scenic dining spots perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes.

The Perfect Vancouver Winter Getaway

What makes the North Shore Mountains so special is their proximity to urban life without ever feeling close to it. One moment you’re sipping espresso in Gastown, the next you’re breathing crisp alpine air above the clouds. Few cities in the world offer this kind of seamless access to nature.

Whether you’re seeking the polished facilities of Grouse Mountain, the welcoming local feel of Mount Seymour, or the Olympic-scale adventure of Cypress Mountain, each destination delivers its own brand of magic. Together, they form a tapestry of experiences that capture the very best of winter in British Columbia.

So, grab your skis, your camera, or simply your sense of wonder, and discover why Vancouver’s North Shore is one of the most enchanting winter playgrounds on Earth.

Plan more winter escapes at britishcolumbia.com/plan-your-trip and start planning your North Shore Mountains adventure today.