Quick facts:
- Alltrails link: Lynn Loop Trail, 5.3km, 184m elevation gain
- Difficulty: 90% easy, 10% intermediate steep climb
- Traffic: light in the winter, moderate in the summer
- Facilities: pit toilet at trailhead
- Views: babbling Lynn Creek and the dense forests were magical after a snowfall
- Overall score: 8/10
Middle Bro had his mind set on snowshoeing for the weekend. We debated where to go, but our repertoire of snowshoeing trails was somewhat limited. While we knew about managed (read: paid) snowshoeing options on our local mountains and at the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, the idea of battling crowded parking lots wasn’t appealing.
Luckily, our region had a significant snowfall last week, and the temperature had remained below freezing. That meant many North Shore hiking trails were still covered in snow. We needed a trail with enough elevation for a winter wonderland experience but one that was still accessible with our car and safe for our kids. Areas with avalanche risk or places where we can’t easily get to with our city car were out of the question. That led us to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.
We last visited this park in the spring of 2021 when we hiked to Norvan Falls, with far less snow on the ground. This time, we arrived at noon on Friday, with Grandpa joining us, and found the first overflow parking lot about 70% full.
After a quick pit toilet stop at the trailhead, we were off!
Starting the Hike
We followed the Lynn Loop Trail clockwise, beginning with the easy and flat section along Lynn Creek. Even in the middle of winter, the off-leash trail was popular with dog walkers. The snow was firmly packed, and we all wore crampons for better traction.
About 1.8 km in, we reached a junction. We could either take the easy Cedar Mills Trail on the left or tackle the steep intermediate section on the right to continue along Lynn Loop. The group initially voted for the easier trail, but Grandpa and Middle Bro made a spontaneous decision to explore the harder path—so we followed them!
Tackling the Steeper Section
The steeper trail was well-traveled and clearly marked, with no real hazards. Stairs, tree roots, and some cliffs provided just enough challenge for our 5- and 7-year-olds, who navigated them with ease. In fact, Big Bro, who had seemed a bit bored on the flatter trail, suddenly became much more engaged.
For the flat creekside trails, hiking shoes with good traction would suffice, and the crampons were nice-to-have. However, on the steeper section, crampons were a must. Several icy patches would have been dangerous without them.
A Forested Return
After reaching the top, we turned right to follow the Lynn Loop back to our starting point. This section felt more like a classic forest hike, with a narrower path and denser woods compared to the open, creekside stroll.
After three hours of winter magic, we completed the 5.3 km hike with smiles on our faces. It had been too long since we did a proper family hike, and this adventure reminded us just how much we missed it.
Future Goal: Norvan Falls
The trail to Norvan Falls is open too, and others have completed the hike and posted their photos on social media. One should budget 6 hours to hike the 13.8km trail in the winter, being mindful of the sunset and park closing times (5:30 and 6pm, respectively when we visited). Then you may be rewarded with this:
Tips for a Snow Hike at Lynn Headwaters Regional Park:
- Crampons or microspikes are highly recommended, especially for the steeper sections.
- Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends.
- Check trail conditions before heading out, as snow coverage varies. I simply searched on Facebook and found hiking photos from a few days before.
- Dress in layers to stay warm while hiking but avoid overheating. We all had to lose a few layers as we warmed right up.
- Bring the 10 Essentials, even for shorter hikes in the cold.
If you’re looking for an accessible winter hike with a mix of easy and moderate trails, Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is a fantastic choice!