I need a white Christmas this year. I don’t know about how you are doing, but heading into this second Covid Christmas, with the way things are going… I am feeling down. However, I do know waking up to a winter wonderland would certainly make this Christmas a lot better. Those cancelled holiday get togethers could turn into outdoor sledding gatherings at the local park! Fortunately, there is a decent chance we could get snow on Christmas this year. That’s pretty rare for Vancouver. In fact, the last time we had a white Christmas here was way back in 2008. So, I would say we are due!
With some snow in the forecast, I thought it might be a good idea to start thinking about the best sledding hills around and be prepared to get out there for some toboganning fun! So here are some of the best places to take your kids to sled.
China Creek North Park
1001 E 7th ave, Vancouver
The hill on the west side of this park is pretty awesome for sledding. There are some shorter and flatter sections of the hills for little kids too. It can get pretty crowded on a snow day – so be prepared!
West Point Grey Park
2250 Trimble St, Vancouver
Want a hill with one of the best views of the ocean and mountains? Then head towards Trimble Park in the Point Grey neighbourhood. This has been a popular place to head with your sled since I was a kid, it can definitely get steep in some spots!
Almond Park
3600 W 12th, Vancouver
A pretty small hill on the west side of Vancouver but lots of fun for kids. I grew up just around the corner from this park and I still love getting on a sled and heading down the hillside that can carry you right into the middle of the open green.
Kensington Park
5175 Dumfries St, Vancouver
Labelled by many as the “best sledding hill in Vancouver” , this is another sledding hill with a great view of the mountains. It has a large, not too steep hill that is great for kids of any age (fun for all but not dangerous).
Quilchena Park
4590 Magnolia St, Vancouver
We went sledding at this park for the first time this year and it was awesome! Very wide hill with parts that are more steep than others, good for kids of all ages. There are no trees or obstacles in the way and plenty of runway after for the sleds to keep going. A new favourite!
Queen Elizabeth Park
4600 Cambie St at West 33rd ave, Vancouver
Located in Mount Pleasant, Queen E is a classic place for kids to hit the slopes. There are some gentle slopes for younger kids and some more steep runs too.
Burnaby Mountain Park
800 Burnaby Mountain Parkway, Burnaby
An ever-popular place to sled, especially since its higher elevation gives it a bit more snow. The hills here might not be the best for little ones, but great for thrill seekers!
Robert Burnaby Park
Wedgewood Street, Burnaby
A great hill that heads down from the parking lot near the pool. We visited this park for the first time this past year as we searched for the woodland creature natural structures that can also be found hidden throughout the woods here! A great park!
The Coquitlam Crunch
2635 Runnel Rd, Coquitlam
Along the hydro lines of the Coquitlam Crunch, you can see why this wide open slope is a great place for sledding.
Queen’s Park
Third Avenue, New Westminster
A great and popular spot with lots of space on the hills for toboganning.
Diefenbaker Park
5579 1 Ave, Delta
Some beautiful, rolling hills at this large, lovely park in Delta. It is THE place to go around Delta on a snow day.
Cleveland Park
5200 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
If you don’t want to go all the way up Grouse to go sledding, then hit up the nice, steep slope at Cleveland Park which is on the way there.
Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour and Cypress
And of course there are always the paid options of heading to Grouse, Mount Seymour or Cypress. A great thing about these options is that they get snow, even if we don’t get our white christmas down here in the city!
You ride the gondola up to the top of Grouse to visit their sliding pond. You must use their sleds on Grouse, and can rent them for $5. Admission to the sliding zone is included in your gondola ticket.
Mount Seymour has a Snow Tube Park and a Toboggan zone. The Snow Tube park is not for little ones, but lots of fun for around 5 years old and up. For the toboggan section you can bring your own sled (or rent them). It is paid admission to the toboggan park.
Cypress Mountain also has a Tube Park and it’s very popular, so be sure to pre-book. There is also a separate toboggan area for kids under the age of 6. You need to bring your own sled, and admission is $10/person for a two hour session.
