Vancouver enjoys a reputation as one of the world’s most attractive cities for a reason.  The downtown is sandwiched between the Pacific and the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains, with postcard vistas from most city blocks.  But the amazing thing is how close the city is to some truly wild and relatively unexplored mountain landscapes.  Mt. Seymour Provincial Park is about a thirty-minute car ride from downtown Vancouver.  And while weather in the city is mild in May, Mt. Seymour – rising more than 4,000 feet above sea level – is still covered with towering drifts of snow at this time of year, some more than 30 feet deep.   In other words, conditions are perfect for indulging your Arctic expedition fantasies . . . no special gear or expertise required. [Read more…]