Snowshoeing Brings Back Memories

Snowshoeing at Grouse on the North shore 2011

When I was a kid growing up on the East Coast one of my favourite winter activities was grabbing my brother’s wooden snowshoes, rounding up my uncle’s Springer Spaniel (Blueboy), and heading out into the woods.  “Cousin Blue” and I spent many hours cutting new trails and following the ones we had previously created.  Of course, things did not always go as planned…… 

At the time I wasn’t sure if Cousin Blue was very lazy or very clever but when he decided it was time to stop, he firmed planted himself on one of my snowshoes and sat there until he was ready to move on.  As it is impossible to move a 50 lb dog off a snowshoe without face planting into a snow bank, I learned to wait patiently until he advised it was time to move on.  I now believe he was actually very clever as those times of pure silence among the snow laden trees are some of my fondest winter memories.

Snowshoeing is a great way to see B.C. in the winter

After moving to the West Coast, I took up skiing and decided that snowshoeing was to be a distant memory.  However I have recently discovered that this old favourite winter activity has become very popular once again.  In fact it has actually exploded in popularity – and for good reason.  It requires very little equipment and no previous experience or training.  It’s also a sport that can be enjoyed by the whole family, including the dog.  And while you can still use the old fashioned wooden and leather shoes, the newer models are light weight and more efficient.

The North Shore Mountains of Vancouver are a mere 30 minutes away from the Accent Inn Burnaby hotel and provide numerous opportunities to enjoy this sport.  Rentals are available at a reasonable price at all 3 resorts – Cypress, Grouse and Seymour Mountains.  As well, all the mountains offer the opportunity to participate on well-marked self-guided trails or as part of a guided tour.  Full details on all 3 mountains are available at What to do in Vancouver’s North Shore

Accent Inns are happy to be Pet Friendly hotels but unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the Snowshoe Trails on North Shore Mountains.  However Vancouver has plenty of Dog Parks and hiking trails where you can enjoy other activities with your dog.

North Shore Mountains in the background behind the Accent Inn

So come stay with us at the Burnaby Accent Inn.  The whole family is welcome and we’ll even serve you cookies and hot chocolate in the lobby when you return from your day in the mountains.  Winter has arrived.  Let’s enjoy it.

Karen England is a Regional Sales Manager for Accent Inns, Outdoor enthusiast and Dog lover. Have a read of her Machu Picchu series

*title photo courtesy Grouse Mountain