Snowshoeing

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Snowshoeing

About Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a form of physical activity that traditionally uses two wooden-frame “shoes,” each strung together with woven rawhide webbing, to walk or run over snow. Originally a mode of transportation, snowshoeing is now also a popular winter pastime and competitive sport in Canada. No matter your reason for strapping on the shoes, it’s bound to help you work up a sweat and take you to gorgeous, hidden locations.

Floating Over the Snowscape

Snowshoes are designed to disperse your weight over a larger area, so you can stay hovering overtop of deep snow. It makes trekking through the wilderness easier and faster, meaning the course of your adventure is full of exciting options!

A Winter Workout

Snowshoes may prevent you from sinking in deep snow, but this sport is still an excellent cardio activity. It’s accessible to all ages and skill levels, which makes for a fun solo, family, or group excursion. Once you get the hang of the basic techniques, you can stick to the popular trails or venture out somewhere new…

Carve Your Own Path

This sport can take you to remote places you might not otherwise be able to access. The views and solitude you’ll find are well worth the effort. You can even snowshoe at night, guided by the moonlight (or a trusty headlamp).

Tours with Snowshoeing

Refreshing Québec Escape

5 Days

FROM $2175

Stroll the snowy cobblestone streets of the only fortified city north of Mexico! Explore the European-like town, and enjoy the charming and relaxing atmosphere in winter. Available January to March.

Jasper Mountain Air

3 days

FROM $2099

Experience crisp mountain air as you travel far from the crowds. Climb frozen waterfalls, float above the snowy mountain peaks, and snowshoe the dramatic mountain range. Available December to March.

Experience the Yukon (Winter)

8 Days

FROM $3439

Venture into the Great White North. Beautiful, energetic and entertaining—known as the “Wilderness City”, Whitehorse has the great outdoors at its doorstep and has adventure for all interest levels.

Build Your Own Snowshoeing Tour

Let’s make a trip that’s uniquely yours! You decide how long, how many locations, number of inclusions, everything. Start planning now and make your dream trip a reality.

Staff Picks

Beaver Lake, Jasper

A beginner friendly, gentle trail just 4 km long, with an option to continue on to Summit Lake for 10 km round trip.

Montane Trail, Fernie

This 5.6 km trek features gorgeous views of the Lizard Range and the cozy Montane Hut, where you can enjoy your lunch by the fire while soaking up the scenery before you make your way back.

Rummel Lake, Canmore

Rummel Lake is host to backcountry winter campers, so you can pack in your gear for an overnight stay while enjoying snowy scenery on the 10.5 km snowshoe trail.

ADVENTURE

Benefits

Low-Impact Workout

Snowshoeing helps improve your cardiovascular health, build muscles, and lessen impact on your joints, all at the same time!

Beginner-Friendly

A quick crash course in snowshoe technique should have you ready to go, at least for the well-travelled trails.

Beating the Winter Blues

Whether you prefer to meditate in nature on a calming solo trip or bond and socialize with others as you make your way, snowshoeing offers opportunities to soak up the winter sun and improve your mental health.

Essential Gear and Equipment

Whether you rent or own, make sure your snowshoes are right for the terrain and snow conditions, as well as your weight. You’ll also need warm, waterproof boots, layers of clothing (including a base layer that will wick sweat from the body), and those wilderness survival essentials (first aid kit, navigation, food, water, knife, fire starter, communication, and a backpack). Adjustable poles are also an option, especially if you want an upper body workout as well!

Tips

Anytime you decide to go explore nature, you should…

Check the weather.
Research the trail and take a map with you.
Carry the proper gear for the experience.
Bring extra food.
Tell someone where you are going.
Check with the Parks or tourism office for closures and wildlife updates.
Make noise on the trail to keep wildlife away.
Follow the Leave No Trace principles.
Do not feed, touch or approach wildlife.

Don’t forget to follow snowshoeing etiquette:

Walk single file on trails, yield to cross-country skiers, and do not step on their tracks.
Try to avoid snowmobile trails and yield to snowmobilers should you encounter them.

When snowshoeing in the mountains, it’s a good idea to bring avalanche safety gear, including a beacon, probe, and retractable shovel.

Resources

Did You Know?

Ancient peoples from Central Asia invented snowshoes 4,000 to 6,000 years ago, and they used them to traverse the land bridge to North America. Indigenous peoples in North America created the webbed snowshoe as we know it now, and modified it based on the unique winter travel needs of their geographic location.

Have Questions?

Sometimes it’s just easier to talk to someone. Give us a call and let’s discuss how we can create your unique experience.