Snowshoe to St. Mark's Summit

If you are looking for the perfect snowshoe adventure you've found the right place. St. Marks is located on Cypress Mountain. It is more difficult than the nearby Hollyburn, and sometimes inaccessible due to heavy snow. For those two reasons makes it the most secluded hike just minutes from downtown Vancouver.

Head to Cypress Mountain, park as if you were going to ski at the resort. Make sure to pick up a backcountry permit. This can be found in the main parking lot just south of the lifts. The permit is free, and simple to get. From there, walk North past the main lifts and follow the signs for the Howe Crest Sound Trail. The first portion of the trail is quite flat and manageable. After the split for Eagle Bluffs the trail will start to steepen. The whole way you will be able to see the Howe Sound and the Lions. It offers a good amount of coverage from the sun as you are hiking most of the way though the forest. When you are about an hour out from the top, you will arrive at a false peak. If you are not up for the final push to the summit, this peak offers another wonderful view of Vancouver and the surrounding area. 

Enjoy this epic hike and please remember to pack everything out. 

If thinking of hiking this in the summer, check out Hike St. Mark's Summit.