Winter in Canada Fun: Snowshoeing B.C.'s Sunshine Coast and A One Horse Open Sleigh Ride at Whistler

North Sunshine Coast in Summer BC Canada

Laura at Vancouver (B.C. Canada) Coast and Mountains (see site) sends some information about winter in Canada fun -- snowshoeing at the Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Area and a sleigh ride at Whistler. (Thanks, Laura!)

"Most people think of BC’s Sunshine Coast as a summer playground of sandy beaches, warm waters, summer cottages, and outdoor promenades. What you may not know is that the Sunshine Coast is an incredible winter playground, too.

"One of the locals’ favourite winter pastimes is snowshoeing. The Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Area, located just past Roberts Creek (see summer pictures of Robert's Creek on my main site at http://www.snapshotjourneys.com/sechelt-bc.html ) is an ideal spot for snowshoers of all ages and abilities.

"Trek through snowy mountain forests, gentle hills, and wide ridges as bald eagles fly overhead. Access to Dakota Ridge is limited to 4X4 (4 Sheel drive) vehicles with chains, but the views make the journey worthwhile.

"From the parking area at Dakota Ridge you’re just a short trek away from a number of viewpoints that offer outstanding vistas of Georgia Straight, Vancouver Island, and Mount Baker. This is a truly special winter experience that is popular with all ages. For more details about Dakota Ridge visit www.scrd.ca"

And there's more winter fun north of Vancouver, at Whistler Blackcomb:

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola at Whistler Blackcomb grand opening is December 12, 2008. And in the spirit of the Chirstmas season, take a horse drawn sleigh ride through Whistler Blackcomb.

A horse drawn sleigh ride is a true Canadian winter adventure that anyone of any age group can enjoy. Horse drawn sleighs used to be the main form of rural transport in Canada, in the days before snowmobiles! Sleighs move on metal bottom runners that glide smoothly across the snow, pulled by Clydesdale-Percheron horses.

The sleighs at Whsitler Blackcomb, says Laura, are designed for comfort with padded bench seats and warm blankets – a thermos of hot chocolate is mandatory! Sleigh rides cost as little as $35.00 CAD (about $29 USD) per person.

Or, for $49.50 ($40 USD) to $99 ($80 USD) you can take a 30-35 minute ride through wooded trails beside Green Lake. More info at www.blackcombsleighrides.com