White Queen is an incredible snowshoe destination in the Whitewater backcountry. Starting near Hummingbird Pass, the route winds up the western ridge to White Queen with stunning views and snow-sculpted trees all along the way.
Distance, round trip: 8.32km
Elevation: +691m
Season: mid-November to mid-April
Difficulty:
ModerateTrailhead and Driving Directions
Drive 6.9km up Whitewater Ski Hill Road to park at Hummingbird Pass (before the main ski resort area). The road will widen with a large pull-out on the left for parking.
This post describes the main winter snowshoe route to White Queen. There is an alternate summer hiking route up via the Silverking ski lift which is suitable from April to November.
Heading down from the road, you’ll pick up a trail leading right. Follow it down to the kiosk and review the important safety information, including the map of avalanche terrain and landmarks. You’ll see the route to White Queen marked on the map.
Navigation – it can be easy to lose landmarks on this forested route or follow the wrong track. Backcountry users often need rescue in the Hummingbird Pass area. If you’re not confident with navigating this route, do not attempt.
Above Hummingbird Pass
The first 2km will follow the same track as the Mount Beattie route. Leaving the trailhead, pass through the chain-link fence and begin following tracks that lead towards Hummingbird Pass.
Do not go directly through Hummingbird Pass. The route that you’ll follow traces an old mining road and climbs above to the right of Hummingbird Pass. This area is popular with backcountry skiers so there will be several tracks to follow – make sure you’re on the right one!
As the route contours above Hummingbird Pass, the track should start wrapping around to the right. You’ll be passing above the remains of an old mining site with tailing piles buried under deep snow (a big snow hill on the left side of the track). Around this area, at 2km, there should be a junction in the track with the left branch heading around the tailing piles towards Mount Beattie and the right branch beginning to switchback up the ridge towards White Queen. Take the right branch.
Up the Western Ridge
It’s time to climb. The route will begin switch-backing up and should trace the highest parts of the ridge, staying in simple avalanche terrain.
Who puts in those tracks anyways? Other backcountry users. Hopefully they went where you want to go, but pay attention incase the track starts to drop off into a ski run. If it recently snowed, you might have to break trail to put the track back in towards White Queen summit.
As you ascend, views will start to open up through the trees! It’s a gorgeous route with deep snow and snow-ghost trees.
Views along the route 
Sun peeking through the trees 
Looking south as the trail climbs 
Snowy trees and bluebird skies
There are a few false summits or bumps along the ridge-line where the track will dip down and then keep climbing.
White Queen Summit
As you near the summit, the trees will thin into gently rolling snowy slopes.
Reach the summit at about 4.2km and look for the radio tower. It’s a steep and steady climb and took us about 2.5 hours from leaving the trailhead.
On a clear day, Ymir Peak is the main landmark crowning the view to the East. Looking North, spot the snowy peaks in the Kokanee and Valhalla Ranges. To the west, Toad Mountain and the Bonnington Range.
Ymir Peak 
Looking over 5 Mile Creek drainage
Heading Home
Turn around and follow your track back down the western ridge. Taking shortcuts on this route can take you into areas with increased avalanche risk.
[…] This route is a great snowshoe trip in November and April with winter-wonderland views and no avalanche exposure. However, once Whitewater Ski Resort starts their operating season, this route will no longer be accessible via the ski runs. Instead, you can take the main snowshoe route near Hummingbird Pass. […]
Nice! Thanks Abby.
Great website. So funny to see someone else use the phrase “bluebird day”. I coincidentally used that phrase to describe my trip up White Queen a few days ago, and two people had never heard it before! I was sure I didn’t make it up…. After reading your report, now I am certain I didn’t. – Clayton
[…] added yellow safety boxes to highlight some of the additional hazards on these routes (see White Queen – Snowshoe Route). I welcome feedback about how to handle snowshoe routes and the trips I’ve posted so far! […]
[…] Bird Queen Trail mainly follows the White Queen Snowshoe route. The trail name comes from the connection between Humming Bird Pass to White […]
Hi, tried to find this area with no luck. Next time someone is going out would they like to show new Comer to Nelson some trails please and Thank you.
Jess
Hi Jessica, you would likely need some navigational aids to find this route as there are no signs and the tracks move around between snowfalls. If you’re new to the area and snowshoeing, check out the Mount Lepsoe Cabin Loop or the Mount Crowe Cabin Loop for some easier trails that are well-signed. You can also join the Kootenay Mountaineering Club to adventure with locals. They have multiple trips up White Queen every year.
I am doing the White Queen and Mt Beattie loop tomorrow
Great late season hike! Definitely a good work out, but very easy to complete in the shorter winter days! There wasn’t quite enough snow on the ground to require snowshoes, but we did strap our crampons on about 2km up. Will definitely be returning soon with some snowshoes or to ski tour.