View of the mountains from Jericho Beach. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Andy Mons
Vancouver is a gorgeous city, but it is extra spectacular when snow blankets the nearby mountains. Here are the best places to enjoy snowy mountain views.
For the best views of the snow-capped summits, pick a clear day without any low clouds. The peaks look their best after a recent snowfall when the white stuff is still clinging to the treetops. If it has recently rained in the city, there’s a good chance that precip fell as snow in the mountains!
As you look across to the North Shore Mountains from Vancouver, you might wonder which mountains you are looking at. The mountains of Cypress Mountain ski resort (Black Mountain, Hollyburn Mountain, and Mount Strachan) are on the left (west). Next comes the tall peaks of the Lions. In the middle, you’ll see the peaks of Grouse Mountain with Crown Mountain behind it. Lynn Peak is just east (right) of Grouse Mountain, standing by itself in between the deep valleys of Lynn Creek and the Seymour River. The mountains of Mount Seymour are on the far right (east) of the range.
Grouse Mountain
You don’t have to ski, snowboard, or even snowshoe to enjoy snowy mountain views at Grouse Mountain. Keep your eyes peeled for great views of the Lions on your ride up the Skyride Gondola. And at the top, enjoy great mountain and city views from the lodge viewing decks and Observatory restaurant.
Photo: Destination Vancouver/Grouse Mountain
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park sits atop Little Mountain, the highest point in Vancouver, so it has great views. Head up to the top of the park to admire the views from outside the Bloedel Conservatory. The snowy peaks of the North Shore mountains stretch across the horizon with the city in the foreground.
The North Shore Mountains from Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver. Photo: Destination BC/Jordan Manley
Ride the Seabus
Head out on the water for one of the best mountain views around. Ride the Seabus passenger ferry (part of Vancouver’s public transit system) between Waterfront Station in Vancouver and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. Be sure to grab a window seat! You’ll get the best views on the Vancouver side of the crossing.
Vancouver Lookout
The Vancouver Lookout is perched at the top of Harbour Centre in the Gastown neighbourhood. The observation deck provides a 360-degree view of the city, but in winter, your eyes will be drawn to the snowy mountains to the north.
Photo: Destination Vancouver/Lucas Finlay Photography
Stanley Park Seawall
Take a trip around the Stanley Park Seawall to admire the mountain. Enjoy the changing views of the mountains as you walk or bike the stretch from Brockton Point to Third Beach.
Prospect Point, Stanley Park
The lookout at Prospect Point in Stanley Park is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Vancouver. It’s perched high above the water next to the Lion’s Gate Bridge. You’ll get a great view of Burrard Inlet backed by the city of North Vancouver and white-capped peaks.
Flightseeing
One of the most unique ways to get a great view of Vancouver’s snow-covered mountains is to see them from above on a flightseeing tour. Book a scenic floatplane tour with Harbour Air and cruise above the peaks.
Photo: Destination Vancouver/Harbour Air
Jericho Beach
Head to Jericho Beach in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood for panoramic views. From the sand, you can look across the inlet to the frosty tops of the North Shore Mountains.
Cleveland Dam
For an up-close view of the mountains, head to Cleveland Dam in North Vancouver’s Capilano River Regional Park. From the dam you can look across the waters of Capilano Lake to the towering summits of The Lions, called Ch’ích’iyúy Elx̱wíḵn (“The Twin Sisters”) in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) language.
Snowy Lions towering over the Cleveland Dam. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kazutoshi Yoshimura
Sea to Sky Gondola
Head to the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish for a different perspective on the mountains. You’ll get views of the peaks on the west side of Howe Sound as you ride the gondola up. At the top, head to the viewing platform at the Summit Lodge and the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge for incredible views of the Sky Pilot Mountain Range.
Summit Lodge at the Sea to Sky Gondola. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Sea to Sky Gondola/Paul Bride