This guide covers every trail in the Whistler area that is safe to snowshoe. I haven’t included the countless expert-only areas that are not marked and have significant avalanche danger.

I grew up in Vancouver and live in nearby Squamish, so I’ve been snowshoeing in Whistler for close to two decades. So I know the BEST places to snowshoe near Whistler.

This guide to snowshoeing in Whistler includes:

• Quick reference guide: An easy overview of the stats for all the trails
• Snowshoeing safety: key info to help get you prepared to snowshoe in Vancouver
• Snowshoe trails in Whistler: details for 10 trails
• No-go trails: summer trails that aren’t safe for snowshoeing
• Where to rent snowshoes in Whistler – both at the trailheads and in the village
• Snowshoe tours in Whistler: options for going with a guide

If you’re looking for even more places to go snowshoeing or other things to do in Whistler in winter, don’t worry – I got you! Check out these other guides:

• 40+ Things to do in Whistler in Winter
• 40+ Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Vancouver
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish

Psst: Looking for a full list of Whistler activities? Check out my list of the best things to do in Whistler. It includes over 80 ideas!

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Snowshoeing in Whistler Quick Reference Guide

But First… Be Prepared

• Make a trip plan: While these trails may be steps from a busy ski area, they access serious wilderness. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Use the great trip planning tools from Adventure Smart.
• Check the weather, trail conditions, and avalanche forecast: If the weather and trail conditions don’t look good, don’t go. Use my list of the best weather apps for hiking. Check the avalanche forecast. Unless you have taken an avalanche safety course, you probably shouldn’t go out unless the forecast is rated “Low”.
• Wear winter clothing and pack the essentials: Prepare for emergencies by packing the 10 essentials. Read my recommendations for what to wear snowshoeing and tips for winter hiking and snowshoeing.
• Use safe snowshoeing techniques: Snowshoes keep you from sinking into deep snow, but they aren’t great for walking sideways or downhill – it’s easy to slip and injure yourself. Read up on snowshoeing safety and check out my guide to choosing snowshoes.) They also have crampons and other traction aids underfoot to help grip icy snow.
• Take an avalanche safety course: If you plan to stray from flat terrain, you need avalanche safety training. great FREE online Avy Savvy beginner tutorial from Avalanche Canada. You should also take a 2.5 day AST1 course with avalanche Canada.

READ NEXT: Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them

Brandywine Falls Snowshoe

The Trail: The flat and easy trail to the Brandywine Falls viewing platform is a great option for snowshoeing near Whistler. If you want to extend your trip, you can snowshoe a portion of the Sea to Sky trail over to the Whistler Bungee Bridge. You can look down into the depths of the Cheakamus River canyon and maybe even watch people bungee jump.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The trail crosses train tracks: use caution. There is no maintained trail down to the base of Brandywine Falls: there is an illegal route that uses a scary old rope to descend a cliff but it travels over slippery rocks and is very icy and dangerous in the winter.

Trail Map/Guide: My Brandywine Falls hiking guide has all the info you need.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Permitted on leash.

Getting There: The park gate is locked in the winter and unfortunately you are not allowed to park on the side of Highway 99. (Your car will get towed.) Unless you get dropped off and picked up, unfortunately the only way to do this snowshoe trip currently is to park at Whistler Bungee on the Cal-Cheak Forest Service Road and walk in from that direction. Whistler Bungee does plow the road but it is rough.

Snowshoeing at The Callaghan

The Trails: There are two separate cross country ski areas in the Callaghan Valley (Whistler Olympic Park and The Callaghan). They used to operate together, but in 2024/2025 they have separate tickets. The Callaghan has cross country and backcountry ski trails, but there are also 21 km of snowshoe trails ranging from super flat to more moderate. The highlight of the area is 43m high Alexander falls, which looks spectacular when frozen. You can snowshoe right to the base.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: Most trails in the park are on flat or rolling terrain. However, some trails travel across steeper slopes that can be prone to avalanche. The park may close these trails if conditions are not safe. There are several backcountry access points in the park. Once you pass into the backcountry, there are no trail markings and you are in serious avalanche terrain. Some trails are shared with cross country skiers. Stay on the side of the trail and don’t walk in the set ski track.

Trail Map/Guide: Plan your route with this map.

Permits/Fees: Trail passes are $18 a day.

Dogs: The current website for the The Callaghan does not have any info about dogs. In the past dogs were allowed with the purchased of a day ticket . There were some on-leash on some trails. I’ll update this post after I get more info for the 204/25 season.

It costs $7 for a dog day pass. Dogs are allowed on leash on some trails and prohibited on others. There are also a few off-leash trails and a designated dog parking lot. (See this map for details on dog-friendly trails and parking).

Getting There: Follow signs to The Callaghan ski area along the Callaghan Valley Road. It is located just before the Whistler Olympic Park parking area.

Snowshoeing at Whistler Olympic Park

Distance: 18.5 km with various loops possible

Time Needed: 30 minutes to all day

Elevation Gain: Up to 300 m

Rating: Super Easy to Challenging

The Trails: There are two separate cross country ski areas in the Callaghan Valley (Whistler Olympic Park and The Callaghan). They used to operate together, but in 2024/2025 they have separate tickets. Whistler Olympic Park has cross country ski trails as well as a network of snowshoe trails.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: Most trails in the park are on flat or rolling terrain. However, some trails travel across steeper slopes that can be prone to avalanche. The park may close these trails if conditions are not safe. There are several backcountry access points in the park. Once you pass into the backcountry, there are no trail markings and you are in serious avalanche terrain. Some trails are shared with cross country skiers. Stay on the side of the trail and don’t walk in the set ski track.

Trail Map/Guide: Plan your route with this map.

Permits/Fees: Trail passes are $20 a day.

Dogs: It costs $8 for a dog day pass. Dogs are allowed on leash on some trails and prohibited on others. There are also a few off-leash trails and a designated dog parking lot. Read through the Whistler Olympic Park dog info to see where dogs are allowed.

Getting There: Follow signs to the Whistler Olympic Park ski area along the Callaghan Valley Road. It is located just after The Callaghan parking area.

Snowshoeing to Whistler Train Wreck

The Trail: This short trail is one of the best hikes in Whistler, so in the winter it’s a great place to go snowshoeing. The trail descends gradually to a brand new suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River.

On the other side, there are 7 graffiti-covered box cars in the forest along with some old mountain bike jumps. The main 5 are right where you came up the hill. The other two are a little further along the trail to the left.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche danger. Be sure to follow the directions in the trail guide linked below. There are still some old trail guides online that use an old (an illegal!) way to access the train wreck. The old way involves trespassing on some train tracks.

Trail Map/Guide: My Whistler Train Wreck Trail guide has all the info.

Permits/Fees: None required.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Getting There: There is free parking at the trailhead in the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood of Whistler. You can get to within a 10 minute walk of the trail on public transit. From Whistler Village take bus 20 to Legacy Way, then walk 700m down Jane Lakes Road to the trailhead.

Snowshoeing the Cheakamus River Trails

The Trail: The Whistler Interpretive Forest in Whistler’s Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood is a great place to go snowshoeing in Whistler. You can make a loop by using the Riverside Trail on one side of the Cheakamus River and the Farside Trail on the other. Connect the two with a walk over a picturesque suspension bridge. The route has some short rolling hills, but its never very steep.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: None.

Trail Map/Guide: This map shows all the trails. Use my Cheakamus River Snowshoe Trail guide.

Permits/Fees: None

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Getting There: Park in Whistler Interpretive Forest Parking lot on Cheakamus Lake Road just after you turn off the highway.

You can get to the trail on public transit. From Whistler Village take bus 20 to the first stop in Cheakamus Crossing.

READ NEXT: Cheakamus River Snowshoe Trail in Whistler

Cheakamus Lake Snowshoeing

The Trail: Cheakamus Lake is a popular short hike in the summer time. In winter it’s a much longer journey since the normal access road is closed. First you have to snowshoe 7.5 km along the closed road to the summer parking lot. From there it’s another 3km to Cheakamus Lake following the summer trail. Once you get to the lake you can continue along the shore for a further 4km.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The road portion of the trip has no hazards. Once you leave the summer parking lot for the Cheakamus Lake and start on the trail you will be crossing a large rock slide and a steep slope. This slope is an avalanche hazard. Use caution and cross one at a time. Be prepared to turn back if conditions aren’t right.

Trail Map/Guide: This map shows all the trails.

Permits/Fees: None

Dogs: Allowed on leash on the road portion and the Whistler Interpretive Trails. Dogs are not permitted in Garibaldi Park so you can’t bring your dog on the Cheakamus Lake Trail.

Getting There: Parking: Park in Whistler Interpretive Forest Parking lot on Cheakamus Lake Road just after you turn off the highway. You can walk down the road to the trailhead.

You can get to within a 5 minute walk of the trail on public transit. From Whistler Village take bus 20 to the first stop in Cheakamus Crossing, then walk 350m down Cheakamus Lake Road to the trailhead.

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

Snowshoeing to Rainbow Falls

The Trail: This short trail takes you to the base of pretty little Rainbow Falls near Alta Lake in Whistler. It looks particularly gorgeous when frozen. While the trail is short, it does gain over 100m in less than a kilometer so it’s not super easy.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche hazard. The trail to Rainbow Falls branches off right from the main trail to Rainbow Lake (which isn’t accessible in the winter due to a removed bridge). The turn off to the falls can be hard to spot, but my trail guide will help you find the way.

Trail Map/Guide: Use my Rainbow Falls Loop Trail guide.

Permits/Fees: None required.

Dogs: Allowed on-leash on the Rainbow Falls Loop Trail but not allowed on other trails in the area.

Getting There: There is a parking lot at the trailhead. You can also take a taxi from Whistler Village.

Snowshoeing at Lost Lake Park

The Trail: Lost Lake Park is mostly known for its cross country ski trails, but it also has a 15km network of snowshoe trails to explore. These rolling trails wind through the forest around Lost Lake, intersecting the ski trails occasionally. If you climb up some of the hillier trails, you’ll discover views of Lost Lake or Green Lake. If you want a break, there’s a day lodge with a cafe and a warming hut.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards:  No avalanche danger. The trails sometimes intersect cross country ski trails. Watch for on-coming skiers. Stay on the side of the trail and carefully step over the set ski track.

Trail Map/Guide: Read my Lost Lake snowshoe guide for step-by-step directions for my recommended route, a map, driving directions, and more.

Permits/Fees: Day passes are $13.50.

Dogs: Not permitted.

Getting There: The closest parking is in Lot 5 in Whistler Village. On public transit, take bus 5 to the corner of Blackcomb Way and Lorimer Road, then walk 5 minutes down Lorimer to the entrance to Lost Lake Park.

READ NEXT: Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails in Whistler

Snowshoeing the Ancient Cedars Trail

The Trail: In the summer, the Ancient Cedars Trail is an easy hike to a grove of huge old-growth cedars. But in the winter it turns into a much longer outings since the rough logging road to the trailhead (4 km in total) isn’t plowed, so you will have to walk that as well.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The first two kilometres of the road is in a tight valley with steep slopes above you that will expose you to avalanche hazard.

Trail Map/Guide: There is a good description of the summer route on Vancouver Trails. Keep in mind that you will need to snowshoe up the access road.

Permits/Fees: None

Dogs: Allowed

Getting There: From Whistler, head north on Highway 99. Just past the end of Green Lake, turn left onto Cougar Mountain Road. Drive up the road for a few minutes to the Superfly Ziplines base area. Park here as the road past this point is impassable in winter.

Snowshoeing to Parkhurst Ghost Town

The Trail: If you love abandoned buildings and are comfortable navigating unmarked trails, the free snowshoe trip to the former town of Parkhurst was made for you. The loop hike to the ghost town follows a network of mountain bike trails that can be a challenge to find in the winter.

Parkhurst Ghost Town is a former logging town settlement on the shores of Green Lake that was abandoned in the 1960s, before Whistler was a ski area. There are lots of collapsed buildings and vehicles to discover in the area. The highlight is the one surviving building, covered in graffiti.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche danger. Some of the trails and junctions are not well marked so it can be easy to get lost. The markers are not easy to see in the winter. I recommend using a GPS app that shows trails like Gaia, Alltrails or Trailforks. Bring a map and compass just in case.

Trail Map/Guide: Read my complete guide to the Parkhurst Ghost Town hike. The directions were written for summer travel and the trail network will be much more challenging to find in the winter.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Allowed.

Getting There: Drive 10 minutes north of the village on highway 99 to the marked turn off for the Wedgemount Lake Trail. Turn right off the highway, then cross train tracks and a bridge. Park on the side of the road right after the bridge. There will usually be too much snow to drive all the way to the trailhead described in my trail guide. Walking the road will add 1km each way to your hike.

Snowshoeing to Nairn Falls

The Trail: This flat trail runs above the bank of the Green River before ending at the spectacular viewpoint for Nairn Falls. The falls are especially dramatic when they partially freeze up in the winter.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche danger. Use caution in slippery conditions as the trail is on a wide ledge above the river and the drop down to the river is pretty steep.

Trail Map/Guide: There is info on the Nairn Falls Provincial Park website.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Getting There: Drive 30 minutes north of Whistler Village to Nairn Falls Provincial Park. Watch for the BC Parks signs so you don’t miss the turn. The campground portion of the park is gated in winter, but you can drive into the day use parking lot.

Snowshoeing to Joffre Lakes

The Trail: This popular trail winds past two alpine lakes before arriving at a third alpine lake with a great view of the surrounding glaciers. In the summer the turquoise blue lakes are the draw, but in the winter the whole area is blanketed in white.

The first lake is an easy 5 minute walk from the car (great for beginners), but the other lakes will take substantially longer to reach and are best left for experienced snowshoers. You have to pay if you want to camp overnight, but it’s totally free to snowshoe there on a day trip.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: This is serious backcountry terrain. You are far from help and there is no cell service. The trail crosses below some avalanche terrain, particularly in between the 2nd and 3rd lakes and at the far end of the 3rd lake. You should have avalanche gear and training if you plan to tackle this trail.

Trail Map/Guide: See my Joffre Lakes hiking guide for more details.

Permits/Fees: None in winter.

Dogs: Not allowed.

Getting There: Drive an hour north of Whistler, through Pemberton and Mount Currie to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. Although the entire drive is on the paved road of highway 99, this is a VERY steep mountain road with lots of switchbacks and it can be slippery and snowy in the winter. Bring tire chains just in case.

In the summer there is a large parking lot, but only a fraction of it is plowed in the winter. And sometimes it’s not plowed at all. Try to park where you won’t block the plow and bring a snow shovel in case you need to dig yourself a parking spot. Get there early to make sure you get a spot.

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

No-Go Trails for Snowshoeing in Whistler

There are lots of summer hiking trails in Whistler that may sound like a fun snowshoe adventure in winter. However, many of them have significant avalanche danger, or are closed in winter.

Here’s my list of no-go trails for snowshoeing:

• Blackcomb Ascent Trails: These trails are closed in winter because they go through the ski area.
• Blackcomb Alpine Trails: These trails are closed in winter because they go through the ski area.
• Singing Pass Trail to Russet Lake: This trail has significant avalanche hazard. As well, this trail is very long and is often used as a backcountry ski descent route. It is only suited for experienced snowshoers with avalanche training. And honestly, it’s not a very aesthetically pleasing route unless you are on your way to the Kees and Claire Hut at Russet Lake.
• Musical Bumps: This trail is closed in winter because it goes through the ski area.
• High Note Trail: This trail is closed in winter because it goes through the ski area.
• Rainbow Lake: This trail is closed in winter because a key bridge is removed to protect it from snow-loading.
• Skywalk Trail: This trail includes signifcant avalanche hazard. As well, once it leaves the trees wayfinding is very difficult. The trail is only suited for experienced snowshoers with avalanche training and off-trail travel skills.
• Wedgemount Lake: This trail has significant avalanche hazard, especially just before the lake. It is also very steep and can require an ice axe to navigate. The trail is only suited for experienced snowshoers with avalanche training.

Where to Rent Snowshoes in Whistler

If you want to try snowshoeing before you buy, lots of places in Whistler rent snowshoes. Sunny weekends and holidays can be really busy for rentals, so try to reserve a pair ahead of time if possible.

• Urban Alpine in Squamish
• Whistler Olympic Park
• Ski Callaghan
• Cross Country Connection at Lost Lake
• Spicy Sports in Whistler Village.
• Spud Valley Sporting Goods in Pemberton

Snowshoe Tours in Whistler

If it’s your first time snowshoeing, it can be helpful to go with a guide. They can help you get your snowshoes set up and provide tips for snowshoeing technique. Your guide will also have info about the plants, animals, and views you will see on your trip.

• Snowshoe the Medicine Trail: This snowshoe tour takes place on private land through beautiful forest, so you can only do it with a tour. The trip visits an old trapper’s cabin too!
• Private Snowshoeing Tour: Your guide will take you to the trail of your choice – you can pick from several destinations to suit your group.

Final Thoughts

Which of these Whistler snowshoe trails is your favourite? Have questions about snowshoeing in Whistler? Let me know in the comments.

READ NEXT:

More Snowshoeing Guides:

• Cheakamus River Snowshoe Trail in Whistler
• Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails in Whistler
• Brandywine Falls Provincial Park Hiking Guide
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Vancouver
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish
• Where to Go to Snowshoeing in Manning Park
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Vancouver’s Fraser Valley
• Snowshoe at Dakota Ridge on the Sunshine Coast, BC

Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Advice

• How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide
• The Best Boots For Snowshoeing
• Best Gifts for Snowshoers (20+ Ideas)
• Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• 9 Tips for Winter Hiking (You Don’t Have to Freeze!)

More Whistler Ideas:

• The Best Things to do in Whistler (By a Local)
• 44 Things to do in Whistler in Winter
• 40 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• Camping in Whistler, BC: The Best Campgrounds
• Hike to Parkhurst Ghost Town in Whistler
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

The post Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve been visiting Whistler for years and these days I live just down the road in Squamish. Visiting Lost Lake is one of my favourite things to do in Whistler. It’s a great place to just chill out. The easy hiking and biking trails are great in summer, and in winter, I love to snowshoe at Lost Lake.

In this post, I’ve got everything you need to know to visit Lost Lake Park in any season. It includes:

• Lost Lake basics: best things to do, rules about dogs, where to food, bathrooms, and more
• A map of Lost Lake Park showing all the trails plus a custom Google map that I made that shows everything I mention in this post
• How to get to Lost Lake from Whistler Village by car, bus, walking, and biking as well as parking info
• Where to swim and hit the beach at Lost Lake
• Hiking at Lost Lake including my recommendation for the best route
• Mountain biking and cycling at Lost Lake
• Lost Lake Disc Golf Course
• Fishing at Lost Lake
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Lost Lake
• Indigenous context of the Lost Lake area
• History of Lost Lake Park
• Lost Lake Park FAQ: All your questions answered.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Lost Lake Basics

Lost Lake is a large nature park right next to Whistler Village. In the summer it’s a popular spot for hiking, swimming, fishing, and mountain biking. In the winter, the park turns into a cross-country ski and snowshoe area.

Here’s everything you need to know about Lost Lake Park

Best things to do in summer: swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, disc golf

Best things to do in winter: cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Bathrooms: At the main beach and at Passivhaus in the southwest corner of the park

Dogs: Allowed on leash everywhere in the park except at the main beach. Dogs are allowed off-leash at Canine Cove dog beach on the east side of the lake.

Food: There is a small concession at the main beach and in the summer there are food trucks sometimes. There is also a cafe in Passivhaus. Or Whistler Village is a short walk/bike ride away.

Not allowed: Smoking, alcohol, camping, and campfires

Lost Lake Park Maps

I made a custom Google Map for you that shows all the key places I mentioned in this post. Click on it to zoom in and explore.

However, Google Maps sucks for navigating once you are in the park. There are maps of Lost Lake Park posted throughout the park and most trail junctions have good signs.

This map of Whistler Valley’s singletrack trails is also helpful. If you are mountain biking, download the Trailforks app since the trail network can get confusing.

How to get to Lost Lake from Whistler Village

Lost Lake is easy to get to from Whistler Village by shuttle bus, walking or biking. However, it’s important to note that there is no parking at Lost Lake. You will need to park elsewhere, then bike, walk, or shuttle bus to Lost Lake. See the driving section and the parking section below for more info.

Some people hesitate to visit Lost Lake Park because you can’t drive there. But honestly, I think that’s what makes it so good – it isn’t as crowded as it could be if everyone drove. And it’s so easy to get there via trails or the shuttle that it’s not a big deal.

Shuttle Bus

In the summer (between late June and Labour Day), Whistler operates a free shuttle bus between Whistler Village and Lost Lake Park. The shuttle runs every 10-20 minutes and is wheelchair accessible.

You can catch the shuttle from the Olympic Plaza bus stop (which is right next to Parking Lot 4) or the Gondola Transit Exchange near the Whistler gondola.

Walking and Biking

It’s easy to walk or bike to Lost Lake Park in Whistler. There are a few logical routes.

My preferred route is to take the paved Valley Trail from Whistler Village to the Lost Lake Passivhaus. From there, walk or bike the gravel Lost Lake Trail. This route is about 2 km long and takes about 25 min to walk or 10 minutes to bike.

If you are walking, you can also take the Lost Lake Nature Trail, which runs parallel to the Lost Lake Trail and is a bit more interesting. It starts across from Passivhaus. It’s about the same distance as the Lost Lake Trail, but it’s quieter since it goes through the forest. It also has more ups and downs so it will take about 35 minutes instead of 25.

You can also walk or bike the Valley Trail from Whistler Village to the Passivhaus, then continue on the Valley Trail beside the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course to Lost Lake. This route is 2.1 km long and also takes 25 minutes to walk or 10 minutes to bike.

Use this map of the Valley Trail to plan your walking or biking route to Lost Lake from Whistler Village.

Driving

While you can drive to Lost Lake, you can’t park there. There is a small pick-up/drop-off area near the main beach if you want to drop people off.

To get there, go east (towards the village) on Lorimer Road from Highway 99. After crossing the bridge over Fitzsimmons Creek, turn left on Blackcomb Way. A few blocks later, turn left onto Lost Lake Road. There is currently no sign for this street, so I recommend using Google Maps. Click here for Google Maps directions.

Parking

There is no parking at Lost Lake. However, you can park your car and then take the shuttle bus, walk, or bike to Lost Lake.

I recommend parking in Lot 4 or 5. Lot 4 is closest to the Olympic Plaza shuttle bus stop. Lot 5 is closest to the walking and biking routes to Lost Lake. As of 2023, parking in Lots 4 and 5 costs $2.50/hour or $8/day. Parking is free after 5pm.

You can also park in Lot 1 to take the shuttle from the Gondola Transit Exchange, but it’s more expensive ($3/hour or $14/day) than lots 4 and 5.

Click here for Google Maps driving directions to Lot 4. Click here for Google Maps driving directions to Lot 5.

Swimming and Beaches

Can you swim at Lost Lake in Whistler? Oh yes, you can! Lost Lake is one of the best places to swim in Whistler. The water is fairly warm, as far as Whistler lakes go (which means it is still a little chilly). But since all of Whistler’s lakes are fed by mountain streams, you can’t expect tropical waters. As well, there are no lifeguards.

There is one main beach at the southeast end of the lake. The beach is near the car pick-up/drop-off area, the washrooms, and the picnic area. The sandy beach is big and there is lots of grass nearby for lounging or picnicking. There are also picnic tables, bathrooms, and an outdoor shower here.

The main beach is not the only place to swim at Lost Lake. You can also swim from the big dock on the north side of the lake. It’s an easy 5-minute walk via the Lost Lake Loop Trail. There are also about half a dozen floating docks scattered around the lake. (It’s worth noting that one of them is often used by nudists.)

Another option is to follow the Lost Lake Loop Trail and its offshoots around the lake to find lots more swimming spots. There is no beach, but it’s easy to find places to wade or jump into the water.

Hiking at Lost Lake

While some of Whistler’s hiking trails can be pretty hardcore, the hikes at Lost Lake are pretty laid-back. The main hiking route at Lost Lake is an easy loop using the Nature Trail, then the Lost Lake Loop to circle the lake. The entire route is 4.5 km long with 55 m of elevation gain. Plan to spend about 1.5 hours.

The entire trail system at Lost Lake is multi-use, which means you can hike on any of the trails. However, expect to share them with mountain bikers, some of whom will be moving very quickly. Watch and listen for hikes behind you and ahead of you on the trail. Move over as they may not be able to stop suddenly. I recommend using the Trailforks app to navigate the multi-use trails.

If you are going to explore the multi-use trails, I recommend heading to the Green Lake Lookout. It’s a beautiful bluff top viewpoint above the light green waters of Green Lake. To get there, follow Old Mill Road north, then take Hydro Hill, then Green Lake Loop. Go left on the spur trail to the viewpoint.

Mountain Biking at Lost Lake

When you think of mountain biking in Whistler, most people think of the famous Whistler bike park. But there are also tons of mountain bike trails in Lost Park. There’s no lift, so you’ll have to pedal the uphills, but thankfully, the hills are never that steep. And the best part is the Lost Lake mountain bike trails are totally free.

You might hear locals refer to this area as the Zappa Trails. That’s because many of the trails have names that were inspired by Frank Zappa’s albums, songs, or lyrics. Examples include the three most popular trails: Pinocchio’s Furniture, Dwarf Nebula, and Zoot Allures.

Most of the trails are green (easy) and blue (moderate), so it’s a great place for beginners. The trails are mostly smooth single-track, but there are a few wooden features and sections of technical roots and rocks. It’s worth noting that most trails can be ridden in either direction, so expect 2-way traffic. Use the Trailforks app to navigate.

Cycling at Lost Lake

You don’t need to have a mountain bike to cycle at Lost Lake. There are wide and smooth gravel trails that are easy to ride with any bike. I’ve ridden my road bike through here and it’s lots of fun.

The loop around Lost Lake starting from Passivhaus is a great ride. You can also ride through Lost Lake Park down to the water at Green Lake via the Old Mill Road Trail, then loop back to the village on the Valley Trail. Use the Valley Trail map to plan your route.

Lost Lake Disc Golf Course

The Lost Lake Disc Golf Course is one of my picks for the best free things to do in Whistler. You will need to bring your own disc, but otherwise, there are no fees. There are three 9-hole sections for a total of 27 holes. Find the course at the north end of Lost Lake Park near the intersection of Old Mill Road Trail and Hydro Cut Trail.

Fishing

With lots of shoreline and docks, Lost Lake is a great place to go fishing. The lake is home to rainbow trout and is one of the few lakes in Whistler where you are allowed to use live bait. The best fishing is in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. Make sure you read the local fishing regulations and get a fishing license before you go.

Lost Lake in Winter: Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Each winter Lost Lake’s 25 kilometres of trails combine with trails across two nearby golf courses to create a huge 40-kilometre-long maze of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. The trails are maintained by the Municipality of Whistler and there is a small fee to use them.

The rolling terrains and quiet trees of Lost Lake Park make it a chill contrast to the hustle and bustle of the nearby ski hill. I think that snowshoeing at Lost Lake is one of the best things to do in Whistler in winter.

The snowshoe around the lake is pretty, but I recommend going a little further to the Green Lake Viewpoint. My Lost Lake snowshoeing guide has all info you need to plan a trip.

Indigenous Context

Like the rest of Whistler, Lost Lake is on the unceded traditional territories of the Lil’wat and Squamish First Nations who have lived in the area since time immemorial. In particular, the Lost Lake area was the territory of the Wolf Clan of the Lil’wat Nation. They had a trap line alongside nearby Fitzsimmons Creek.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is located just outside the park. I think that this incredible museum is one of the best things to do in Whistler since it helps you understand the culture and history of the local Indigenous people. I also love that each visit includes a guided tour with a member of one of the two nations. They explain the exhibits but also give their personal context and connection to their culture and history.

History of Lost Lake

When I was writing this post I did a bunch of research into the history of Whistler’s Lost Lake, hoping that I would find out why it is called “Lost”. Unfortunately, I didn’t find the answer to that question, but I did discover that the entire park was almost “lost”.

In the 1960s the whole area was slated to be logged. Local forest Don MacLaurin advocated for the lake to be saved as a park instead of being logged or sold to build waterfront homes like the other lakes in Whistler.

The cross-country ski trails were built in the 1970s and the beach area was cleared in the 80s. In the late 70s and early 80s, there was even a wooden ski jump that launched into the lake for summer practice. You can read more about the history of Lost Lake on the Whistler Museum blog. (Psst! A visit to the Whistler Museum is on my list of the best cheap things to do in Whistler.)

Lost Lake Park FAQ

So that’s everything you need to know to visit Lost Lake Park in summer and winter. Is Lost Lake on your Whistler to-do list? Have questions about the park? Ask me in the comments.

More Whistler Posts:

• 80+ Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)
• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer (By a Local)
• 42 Cheap and Free Things to Do in Whistler
• Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails in Whistler
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails

The post Lost Lake in Whistler: Hiking, Swimming, Biking and More appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

In the summer, Lost Lake Park is Whistler’s go-to destination for swimming, hiking, and biking. But in the winter those trails transform into a winter wonderland for skiers and snowshoers.

As a local (I live in nearby Squamish), the Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails are one of my picks for the best places to snowshoe in Whistler because they are so easy to get to. I also like that the terrain is beginner-friendly.

In this post you’ll find:

• Lost Lake snowshoeing basics: Info about trail distances, tickets, rentals, and lots more
• A snowshoe trail map that shows the entire trail network
• Detailed driving directions and instructions on where to park
• Step-by-step directions for my recommended snowshoe loop around the park. It includes an incredible viewpoint that many miss.

Psst: Looking for a full list of Whistler activities? Check out my list of the best things to do in Whistler in winter for non-skiers.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Lost Lake Snowshoeing Basics

Distance: Up to 15 km (but I recommend a 9km route and shorter loops are possible)

Elevation Gain: 100 m

Duration: Easy/Moderate

Avalanche Hazard: None. The trail does not pass across or below any slopes that can slide.

Dogs: Not allowed.

Tickets: $12/Adult, $7.25/youth, $6/child, $24/family. There are also deals for 5- and 10-ticket packs or season passes.

Snowshoe Rentals: $20

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily between December and March

The trails at Whistler’s Lost Lake Park are the closest place to Whistler village to go snowshoeing. The trail network is fairly flat and well-signed, so it’s a great place for beginners.

The snowshoe trails are interwoven with a larger network of cross-country ski trails. Lost Lake Park is a Muncipality of Whistler Park and a popular hiking, mountain biking, and beach destination in the summer. In the winter, you must have a pass and only snowshoer and cross-country may use the trails.

In the middle of winter, and in heavy snow years, there is lots of snow. However, the trails are located 700 m above sea level, which is a little low for snowshoeing in this part of BC. That means that the snow is often not very deep and can be icy.

The trails are open from December to March with the best conditions from mid-January to late February.

However, when I have snowshoed at Lost Lake in mid-March in a low(ish) snow year, and still had a good time. Even in icy conditions, the terrain is still pretty – that’s when the photos in this post where taken.

The entrance to the park is at the Passivhaus, an eco-friendly building originally constructed as the Austrian pavilion during the 2010 Olympics. Today it is the ticket booth, rental shop, and cafe for the trail system. There is also a lunch room upstairs if you bring your own food.

The Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails are located on the traditional territory of the Squamish, Lil’wat, and St’at’mic Indigenous peoples. To learn more about the Indigenous context of the area, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler.

For more info about the Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails, see the Whistler Municipality website.

READ NEXT: Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them

Lost Lake Snowshoeing Map

There is a good map at the trailhead and at all major junctions. When you buy your trail tickets you also get a paper map. The trails are also well marked with trail markers every few minutes so it’s easy to stay on track.

I’ve also included a copy of the snowshoe trail map here so you can plan ahead.

How to Get to the Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails

Driving: Take Highway 99 to Whistler. Turn right off the highway onto Lorimer Way. A few blocks later, just after crossing Blackcomb Way, turn right into the parking lot, following the signs for the Day Lots.

Once you are in the parking lot, continue for a few meters, then turn left at the sign for Lot 5.

Click here for Google Maps Driving Directions to the parking area for the Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails.

Parking: Park on the east side of Day Lot 5. As of 2023, the rate is $2.50/hour or $8/day. You can pay at stations in the parking lot or by phone. You will need your licence plate number to pay. More info about parking in Whistler.

From the parking area, find the Valley Trail at the far (east) end of the parking lot. Follow the trail to the left under the highway overpass, then over a bridge across Fitzsimmons Creek to the Passivhaus and the start of the trails. The distance from the parking lot to the Passivhaus is 200 m.

Walking: If you are already in Whistler Village, it’s a short walk to the start of the Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails. The easiest way to get there is to head to the north part of Whistler Village to the Olympic Rings.

From there, go east along the stream beside the Brewhouse, then cross Blackcomb Way in front of the Audain Museum. Go right around the museum and pick up the Valley Trail beside the skate park. Go left on the Valley Trail and stay on it as it goes beneath a road underpass and then over a bridge to the Passivhaus. It is a 600 m walk from the Olympic Rings.

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

Lost Lake Snowshoe Loop

There are 15 kilometres of snowshoe trails at Lost Lake, so you might be wondering which trails are the best. I’ve designed a loop route that includes the best scenery in the park and takes 2.5-3.5 hours.

The route is 9 km long and includes about 100 m of net elevation gain. However, the total elevation gain is about 500 m since you go up and down tons of little hills.

If you want to make the loop a bit shorter, skip the Green Lake Lookout section. This will knock 3.3 km off your total distance and make your hike about an hour shorter.

I’ve got step-by-step directions below, but in summary, this route follows the following trails:

• Right (south) fork of the Red Trail,
• Purple Trail,
• Orange Trail,
• Green Trail to Viewpoint and back to Orange Trail,
• Purple Trail,
• Right (west) fork of Blue Trail,
• Red Trail.

The route starts at the Passivhaus. Walk under the arch at the entrance to the park, then immediately turn right on the Red Trail.

Follow the Red Trail as it parallels Blackcomb Creek. The trail winds through the bushes beside the creek, before crossing a cross-country ski trail and heading into the forest.

The route intersects cross-country ski trails quite a few times. Each time, look for signs to show you the start of the snowshoe trail on the other side. Watch for skiers before you cross. And step carefully when you cross the track-set section so you don’t disturb the groomed trail.

Stay on the trail as it winds through the forest, gaining a bit of elevation. It crosses another ski trail, then winds downhill towards Lost Lake.

Emerge on another ski trail near the edge of the lake. Turn right and follow the edge of the ski trail along the lake to a large open area. This is a busy swimming beach in the summer. You can see the swimming floats trapped in the ice. The lake ice is often not thick enough to support your weight, so don’t walk on it.

READ NEXT: Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler

Continue following the edge of the groomed ski track across the beach and towards the warming hut. You can stop here for a snack. There is also a washroom building and ski patrol hut here.

When you are ready to continue, follow the ski trail left from the ski patrol hut and washroom building. Look for the Purple Trail on your right a few steps later.

This trail leads through the undulating forest for nearly 2 kilometres without intersecting another trail so it is very quiet. Unfortunately, there are no views in this section.

Arrive at a signed junction just before a bridge. If you want to do a shorter loop, turn left to continue on the Purple Trail.

However, I highly recommend that you turn right onto the Orange Trail as it eventually leads to a viewpoint which is the highlight of the trip. The Orange Trail heads slightly downhill through the forest before emerging into an open area under the power lines.

Turn right to follow the Green Trail. It’s a fairly flat trail that heads northeast to a great viewpoint on a bluff overlooking Green Lake.

While the powerlines mar the view a little bit, it is still pretty spectacular. You can see skiers far below you on the Nicklaus North Golf Course, the huge expanse of Green Lake, and the snow-covered peaks of Rainbow Mountain and Cougar Mountain on the other side of the lake.

Use caution at the viewpoint as there are cliffs in a few places. But there is lots of room to hang out and enjoy the view.

When you are ready to continue, retrace your steps back to the junction with the Orange Trail. Go left to follow the Orange Trail back up a small hill to the junction with the Purple Trail.

Take the right fork of the Purple Trail over the Elephant Bridge. In the summer this bridge is actually an overpass for mountain bikers. Be sure to look down as you cross to see if any skiers are on the trail below you.

Just after the bridge, ignore the Brown Trail to your right (it heads downhill to the Scandinave Spa, one of my favourite things to do in Whistler). Instead, stay on the Purple Trail and follow it across another ski trail.

The Purple Trail meanders through a more open forest for another kilometre, passing a bench with an obscured mountain view.

Cross another ski trail, then arrive at the junction with the Blue Trail, which is near another obscured viewpoint. Take the right fork for the most direct route back to the Passivhaus. (If you take the left fork it will add another 3 km to your trip.)

From the junction, the Blue Trail heads downhill, then makes a big switchback around a gully. Cross another ski trail, then arrive at the junction with the Red Trail. Turn right to head back to the Passivhaus a few minutes (and one more ski trail crossing) away.

The trail ends at the back of the Passivhaus. Follow the trail around to the left to go back through the arch. Or take the stairs into the upper level of the Passivhaus to get a cup of hot chocolate.

So that’s everything you need to know to snowshoe at Lost Lake in Whistler. Have questions? Ask them in the comments as I love to help.

MORE WHISTLER POSTS:

• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler
• 44 Best Things to Do in Whistler in Winter
• The Best Things to Do in Whistler (Over 80 Ideas)
• Lost Lake in Whistler: Hiking, Swimming, Biking and More
• Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler

MORE SNOWSHOEING POSTS:

• Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them
• How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide
• The Best Boots For Snowshoeing
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Vancouver

The post Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails in Whistler appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

There is a Whistler hike for everyone on this list from short and easy hikes to all-day epic climbs. There are waterfalls, river canyons, historical ruins, lakes, viewpoints, and mountain tops.

These Whistler trails are all easy to navigate and don’t require tedious 4×4 driving to reach. Use this list of the best hikes in Whistler to plan your next adventure. 

Psst: Looking for a full list of Whistler activities? Check out my list of the best things to do in Whistler. It includes over 80 ideas!

Whistler Hiking Basics

Getting to Whistler: Whistler is located in British Columbia, Canada. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver via the Sea to Sky Highway a.k.a. Highway 99. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can take a shuttle bus. The drive to Whistler is gorgeous! For a complete list of things to see between Vancouver and Whistler, check out my Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide.

Hiking season in Whistler: Whistler sits high up in the Coast Mountains. That means it has a short summer hiking season from June to September. Generally, the valley bottom trails start to be snow-free in April or May with higher elevation trails staying snowy into July. By mid October, it has started to snow again in the mountains. No matter what time of year you hike, check the weather forecast before you head out. Checking the weather is just one of the things you should do before every hike. (And if you’re visiting in the winter, check out this list of places to snowshoe in Whistler.)

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

What to bring hiking in Whistler: Even if you are just going for a short hike, you need to be prepared for the weather and conditions. Don’t forget the 10 essentials. (Rain gear and warm clothing are especially important.)

Bear Safety: Whistler is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Carry bear spray and make noise while you hike to reduce your risk of a negative bear encounter. For more info about hiking in bear country, read my post about bear safety for hikers.

Leave No Trace: The area around Whistler is sensitive wilderness. Learn about Leave No Trace principles to help keep the wilderness wild.

Whistler Trails Map

I made a custom Google map for you that shows all of the trails on this list, plus the exact location of the trailhead and parking.

Hikes in Whistler Village

Lost Lake

The Lost Lake Trail is almost in the heart of Whistler Village. It is an easy hike through the forest to the lake. The trail is fairly flat and smooth enough for strollers. Follow the trail around the lake, then retrace your steps on the main trail back to the trailhead. On hot summer days, take a break at the lake for a swim.

If you want to add on some additional distance, a huge network of multi-use trails wind their way around the area, including the Sea to Sky Trail that stretches from Squamish to Pemberton. A few of them also go to viewpoints. Just watch out for mountain bikes. (In the winter the trail network is a great place to cross country ski or go snowshoeing in Whistler.)

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 5km loop Elevation gain: 50m Time Needed: 1.25 hours Best Time to Go: March to October Trail Info: My Lost Lake Park guide How to get there: The trailhead is located in Whistler on Lorimer Road near the intersection with Blackcomb Way. It’s a 10-minute walk from the village.

Blackcomb Ascent Trails

The steep Blackcomb Ascent trail is one of the hardest hikes in Whistler. Challenge yourself by hiking directly up the side of Blackcomb Mountain. But your knees won’t have to suffer because you can take the gondola back down. Known collectively as the Burn trails, the Blackcomb Ascent hike starts with Little Burn, which is the mellowest gaining just 74m over 0.8km. In the middle is Big Burn, which is steep and challenging – it’s 2.2km long with 494m of elevation gain. At the end of Big Burn, you can load onto the gondola at the Blackcomb Midstation or continue climbing upwards to the Rendezvous Lodge gondola station on the Heartburn Trail for another 3.1km, gaining 607m. Be sure to look up the gondola schedule before you go!

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 6.1km one-way Elevation gain: 1175m Time Needed: 3.5 hours Best Time to Go: mid-June to September Trail Info: Whistler Blackcomb How to get there: The trail starts at Blackcomb Base on Blackcomb Way in Whistler. It’s an easy 10-minute walk from Whistler Village.  To take the gondola back down, you’ll need to buy a ticket on the mountain.

Blackcomb Alpine Trails

You’ll need to buy a gondola ticket to get the Blackcomb Alpine Trails, but the views are worth the price. You’ll ascend to 1850m above sea level in the gondola, emerging into an alpine landscape of rocks, glaciers, and wildflowers. Follow the Alpine Loop trail to the Fitzsimmons Viewpoint, then continue onwards on the Overlord Trail to Decker Tarn and Blackcomb Lake via loop trails. Your high point is Overlord Glacier Viewpoint at an elevation of 2050m.

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: Up t0 10km loop Elevation gain: 200m Time Needed: 3 hours Best Time to Go: mid-July to September Trail Info: My Blackcomb Trails guide How to get there: Take the Blackcomb gondola from Blackcomb Base up to Rendezvous Lodge at the top of Blackcomb. You can also get there via the Whistler Gondola and Peak to Peak Gondola directly from Whistler Village. 

Singing Pass to Russet Lake

This trail is long and not particularly scenic, but it provides free access into the gorgeous alpine between Whistler and Blackcomb Peaks in Garibaldi Provincial Park. I’ve got a complete description for this trail in my Russet Lake hiking and backpacking guide.

The trail climbs first on an old road, then on a forested trail up the Fitzsimmons Creek valley. The trail has several washouts and unbridged creeks, so use caution during snow melt or after heavy rain. But at Singing Pass, you emerge into the alpine. The trail ends at Russet Lake, surrounded by glaciated peaks. You can also use this trail to connect with the Musical Bumps or High Note Trails to Whistler Peak.

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 31km round trip Elevation gain: 1280m Time Needed: 10-11 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: My Russet Lake hiking guide, Garibaldi Provincial Park  How to get there: The trailhead is next to the Whistler Gondola bus loop on Blackcomb Way.

Musical Bumps

The Musical Bumps is one of the most beautiful hikes in Whistler. It travels along the top of a ridge, passing Harmony Lake, Symphony Lake, Piccolo Summit, Flute Summit, and Oboe Summit. Now do you understand why it’s called the Musical Bumps Trail?

To get there, pay for the gondola and take it all the way up to Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. The trail ends at Singing Pass. From there, you can retrace your steps back to the Roundhouse, continue upward to Russet Lake, make a loop by using the High Note Trail, or walk all the way back down to Whistler Village on the Singing Pass Trail. Time your visit for mid-summer to see the wildflowers. 

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: 19km round trip Elevation gain: 305m Time Needed: 8-9 hours  Best Time to Go: July-September Trail Info: Whistler Blackcomb, Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: Ride the gondola from Whistler Village to the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain.

High Note Trail

The High Note Trail is one of the newest trails in Whistler, and also one of the most spectacular. (It made my list of the top 10 hikes near Vancouver.) You ascend to the very top of Whistler Peak, then make a descending loop. Along the way, there are gorgeous views of Cheakamus Lake below and Black Tusk across the valley. You can also connect this trail to the Musical Bumps. And if the entire High Note Trail is too long for you, there’s a shortcut halfway along called the Half Note. 

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 9.6km one-way Elevation gain: 430m Time Needed: 3-4.5 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: My High Note Trail Guide How to get there: Ride the gondola from Whistler Village to the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain, then take the Peak Chair up to the peak.

Hikes on the West Side of Whistler

Rainbow Lake

The trail to Rainbow Lake climbs through the forest on the west side of the Whistler Valley, passing Rainbow Falls along the way. It emerges into the alpine on the shores of beautiful Rainbow Lake, nestled beneath the rocky bulk of Rainbow Mountain. The entire hike is within the Whistler watershed that supplies drinking water to the town so swimming isn’t allowed and you should use the three toilets along the trail. 

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: 16km round trip Elevation gain: 850m Time Needed: 6-7 hours Best Time to Go: July-September Trail Info: Rainbow Mountain Trail Map, Vancouver Trails How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99, then turn right on Alta Lake Road. Follow it for 6km to the trailhead and parking area on the left side of the road. You can also take a taxi. 

Rainbow Falls

If the hike to Rainbow Lake is too long, just head a short distance up the trail to visit Rainbow Falls. The falls aren’t visible from the main trail, but you can take a side trail to visit them. The best time to see the falls is during the spring runoff, but they are beautiful at any time of year. You can also snowshoe to Rainbow Falls in the winter. Use my Rainbow Falls trail guide to find your way.

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 2.3 km loop Elevation gain: 130 m Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours Best Time to Go: May-October Trail Info: My Rainbow Falls trail guide. How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99, then turn right on Alta Lake Road. Follow it for 6km to the trailhead and parking area on the left side of the road. You can also take a taxi. 

Skywalk Trail

The Skywalk Trails are part of Whistler’s new alpine trail network on the northeast face of Rainbow Mountain. There are actually three trails: Skywalk South, 19 Mile Creek, and Skywalk North that connect to make several loop trips possible. All three trails top out in the alpine near the frozen waters of Iceberg Lake. A popular loop option is to combine the 19 Mile Creek and Skywalk North trails. 

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: Up to 20km Elevation gain: 1025m Time Needed: 9 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: Rainbow Mountain Trail Map, Vancouver Trails How to get there: The Skywalk North and 19 Mile Creek trails start at the end of Mountain View Drive in the Alpine Meadows neighbourhood. To get there from Whistler Village, drive Highway 99 north and turn left on Meadow Lane into Alpine Meadows. Immediately turn right onto Parkwood Drive, then go left on Mountain View Drive and follow it up the hill to its end. Bus route 30 stops at the intersection of Mountain View Drive and Valley drive a few minutes from the trailhead. You can also take a taxi.

Hikes in Cheakamus Crossing

Riverside and Farside Trails

This easy loop hike follows the Riverside and Farside Trails (also known as the Cheakamus River Trail) along the banks of the Cheakamus River through the Whistler Interpretive Forest. It is located just south of Whistler in the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood, which was the site of the Whistler Olympic Village. Halfway through the hike, cross the Cheakamus River on a suspension bridge, then follow the opposite bank back to the trailhead. (The Riverside Trail is also a great snowshoe trail in the winter.)

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 6km loop Elevation gain: 90m Time Needed: 2 hours Best Time to Go: March to October Trail Info: Whistler Interpretive Forest Map How to get there: The trailhead and parking lot are on Cheakamus Lake Road immediately after you turn off Highway 99. You can also take bus route 10 or 20 from Whistler Village. The bus stop is at the trailhead. 

READ NEXT: 40+ Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler

Crater Rim Trail

The Crater Rim trail makes a loop through the Whistler Interpretive Forest high above Loggers Lake. The lake is actually an extinct volcanic crater. As the trail passes above the lake, it visits several great viewpoints. If you want a longer hike, you could combine the Crater Rim Trail with the Riverside Trail or other trails in the Interpretive Forest. 

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 4.5km loop Elevation gain: 230m Time Needed: 2 hours Best Time to Go: May to October Trail Info: Whistler Interpretive Forest Map, Vancouver Trails How to get there: Turn off Highway 99 onto Cheakamus Lake Road. Less than 1km later, go left on a gravel road, then make your first right and follow the road across a bridge. Park at the Logger’s Lake trailhead on the side of the road about 2km after you left the pavement. If you don’t have a car, take bus route 10 or 20 to Cheakamus Lake Road, then walk the gravel road to the trailhead. You can also take a taxi.

Cheakamus Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Cheakamus Lake in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

This is one of the best easy hikes in Whistler. It heads through old-growth forest to the shores of Cheakamus Lake. The lake has beautiful turquoise blue water thanks to glacial runoff. You can take a shorter 7km round trip hike to the west end of the lake, or continue along the trail until it ends at Singing Creek, for a 14km round trip hike. While the water looks beautiful, it’s bitterly cold so swim at your own risk. 

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 7-14km round trip Elevation gain: 50m Time Needed: 2-4 hours Best Time to Go: May to November Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: Turn off Highway 99 onto Cheakamus Lake Road. Stay on the road for 7.5km, avoiding all branches, until it ends at a parking lot and trailhead. The road is bumpy, but fine for all for all vehicles. Some Whistler taxi companies will also drive you to the trailhead. 

Helm Pass

Heads up: Day passes are required at the Cheakamus Lake trailehad in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

This challenging trail starts from the same trailhead as Cheakamus Lake. It crosses a bridge over the Cheakamus River then ascends forested slopes into the heart of Garibaldi Provincial Park. After passing the Helm Creek campground, you’ll arrive at the surreal volcanic landscape of Helm Pass. The pass has several beautiful light blue alpine lakes as well as a fascinating flat plain covered in lava rocks called the Cinder Flats. If you have the energy to continue onwards, you can connect to the Panorama Ridge, Garibaldi Lake and Black Tusk trails from Helm Pass.

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: 25km round trip Elevation gain: 930m Time Needed: 8-9 hours Best Time to Go: July-September Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: Turn off Highway 99 onto Cheakamus Lake Road. Stay on the road for 7.5km, avoiding all branches, until it ends at a parking lot and trailhead. The road is bumpy, but fine for all for all vehicles. Some Whistler taxi companies will also drive you to the trailhead. 

Whistler Train Wreck

The Whistler Train Wreck trail is one of the most unique trails in Whistler. A train derailed in the area in the 1950s. Today, the cars still lay where they landed in the forest, covered in graffiti, and surrounded by mountain bike trails. It’s an easy and flat hike to the wreck, which includes a suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River. The Whistler Train Wreck Trail is also a great place to snowshoe in the winter. 

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 3km round trip Elevation gain: Minimal Time Needed: 1 hour  Best Time to Go: March to October Trail Info: My Whistler Train Wreck hiking guide. How to get there: From Whislter Village, go south on Highway 99, then turn left onto Cheakamus Lake Road, which becomes Legacy Way. Turn right off Legacy Way onto Jane Lake Road. The trailhead is on your right 500m later. You can also take bus route 10 or 20 to the stop on Legacy Way and walk Jane Lakes Road to the trailhead. Whistler taxis will also take you to the trailhead.

Hikes South of Whistler

Brandywine Falls

This short and easy hike heads to one of the Whistler area’s most spectacular waterfalls: Brandywine Falls. It plummets 70 meters down volcanic basalt cliffs into the canyon far below. You can get a great view of the falls from a viewing platform. If you want a longer hike, there are other trails in the park. Snowshoeing at Brandywine Falls is also great in the winter. 

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 1km round trip Elevation gain: none Time Needed: 30 minutes  Best Time to Go: March to October Trail Info: My Brandywine Falls trail guide How to get there: Head south on Highway 99 from Whistler Village for 17km, then turn left into the parking lot for Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. 

Garibaldi Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibadi Lake in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

The hike to Garibaldi Lake is a classic, and I think it’s one of the ten best hikes near Vancouver. The trail climbs up through the forest, passes a great viewpoint and several small lakes before arriving at Garibaldi Lake. This massive lake is glacially fed, giving the water an unreal blue tinge. From the picnic area and campground there are incredible views of the glaciers across the lake. 

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: 18km round trip Elevation gain: 820m Time Needed: 6-7 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99 for 25km. Turn left onto Daisy Lake Road and follow it to its end at the Rubble Creek parking lot and trailhead. 

Black Tusk

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Lake in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Black Tusk is the prominent black peak you can see from many places in the Whistler area. It’s actually hardened lava from an extinct volcano. You can hike to the base of the Tusk, but only experienced rock climbers should make the final sketchy scramble to the summit. To get there, follow the Garibaldi Lake Trail uphill from the Rubble Creek trailhead to a junction. Go left through the wildflowers of Taylor Meadow, then turn left again to begin the tough slog up the rocky trail to the Tusk.

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 29km round trip Elevation gain: 1740m Time Needed: 11-12 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99 for 25km. Turn left onto Daisy Lake Road and follow it to its end at the Rubble Creek parking lot and trailhead. 

Panorama Ridge

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Lake in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Panorama Ridge is one of my favourite hikes, and on my list for the best hikes in the Vancouver area. It’s a long day on the trails, but the views from the summit are truly incredible. You start on the forested Garibaldi Lake Trail, go left through Taylor Meadows, pass the turnoff to Black Tusk, and arrive at the volcanic landscape of Helm Pass. From there you ascend the slopes of Panorama Ridge. At the top, you get mind-blowing 360-degree views. Garibaldi Lake is in front of you, Black Tusk is behind you and snow-capped mountains are all around. 

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 30km round trip Elevation gain: 1520m Time Needed: 11-12 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: Garibaldi Park How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99 for 25km. Turn left onto Daisy Lake Road and follow it to its end at the Rubble Creek parking lot and trailhead. 

Hikes North of Whistler

Ancient Cedars Trail

The short Ancient Cedars Trail travels to a grove of huge old-growth cedar trees at the north end of Whistler. These massive trees are part of a small parcel that wasn’t logged. Some of the trees are over 900 years old! The trail was upgraded with new signage in 2013 and now it is much easier to find than it used to be.

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 5km round trip Elevation gain: 175m Time Needed: 2 hours Best Time to Go: June to October Trail Info: Cougar Mountain Trail Map, Vancouver Trails How to get there: Go north on Highway 99 from Whistler Village. Just past Green Lake, turn left onto the gravel Cougar Mountain Road about 8.5km from the village. The road is rough so you will need an AWD or 4WD vehicle. The trailhead is 4.5km up the road from the highway, past the ziplines and ATV rentals.

Parkhurst Ghost Town

Abandoned in the 1960s, Parkhurst was a logging settlement on the shores of Green Lake. Old buildings, machinery, and artefacts litter the site today, making it one of the area’s most unusual hikes. You can make a loop hike through the town to check it out. There are tons of mountain bike trails in the area that can be confusing and aren’t well marked, so bring a GPS. Parkhurst is also a great place to snowshoe in the winter. 

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 5km loop Elevation gain: Minimal Time Needed: 2 hours Best Time to Go: May to October Trail Info: Read my guide to the Parkhurst Ghost Town trail How to get there: Head north from Whistler Village on Highway 99 for 11.5km. Turn right across the train tracks onto Wedge Forest Service Road and cross a bridge. On the other side, go right at the junction and park just past Whistler Paintball. You can also take a taxi to the trailhead. 

Wedgemount Lake

The hike to Wedgemount Lake is the steepest and most challenging hike in Whistler. Your legs will certainly feel the effort. At the top you’ll arrive at a beautiful blue lake, surrounded by mountains. Follow the trail to the far end of the lake, then uphill through the rocks for a few minutes to the toe of a glacier. A few decades ago, this glacier ended at the lakeshore – it’s sad to see how far it has retreated in such a short time!

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 14km round trip Elevation gain: 1200m Time Needed: 8-9 hours Best Time to Go: July-September Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: Head north from Whistler Village on Highway 99 for 11.5km. Turn right across the train tracks onto Wedge Forest Service Road and cross a bridge. On the other side, go left at the junction and follow signs for another 2km to the trailhead. The gravel road is rough but passable for all types of vehicles. You can also take a taxi to the trailhead. 

Nairn Falls

This easy hike follows the banks of the Green River to 60m-tall Nairn Falls. It’s one of many great waterfall hikes in the area.  The falls crash down through smooth granite rocks, worn away by thousands of years of flowing water. Two different platforms give you great views of the falls. If you visit in winter, snowshoeing to Nairn Falls is fun too. 

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 3km round trip Elevation gain: None Time Needed: 1 hour  Best Time to Go: May to October Trail Info: Nairn Falls Provincial Park How to get there: From Whistler Village, head north on Highway 99 for 29km, then turn right into the park. 

Joffre Lakes

Heads up: Day passes are required Joffre Lakes in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

The popular hike to Joffre Lakes isn’t in Whistler – it’s actually closer to the towns of Pemberton and Mount Currie. But since many people do it as a day trip from Whistler, I’ve included Joffre Lakes on this list. The hike travels to three beautiful turquoise lakes and passes by a waterfall. At the third lake, there are amazing views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The Joffre Lakes trail near Whistler can get incredibly busy, so try to go on a weekday.

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 10km round trip Elevation gain: 400m Time Needed: 4 hours Best Time to Go: June to September Trail Info: My Joffre Lakes hiking guide How to get there: Go north on Highway 99 from Whistler Village for 61km, then turn right into the parking lot. If the lot is full, there are overflow lots on the other side of the highway.

With over 20 trails to choose from, I’m sure you’ll find a Whistler hike on this list that you love. Do you have other Whistler hikes to recommend? Tell me in the comments. 

More Whistler Area Posts:

• 80+ Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)
• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer (By a Local)
• 40+ Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• 44 Best Things to Do in Whistler in Winter
• Camping in Whistler, BC: The Best Campgrounds
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

More Whistler Hiking Posts:

• Joffre Lakes Hike (By a Local)
• High Note Trail in Whistler
• Whistler Train Wreck Hike
• Blackcomb Hiking Trails in Whistler (By a Season’s Pass Holder)
• Rainbow Falls Loop Trail in Whistler
• Brandywine Falls Provincial Park Hiking Guide
• Hike to Parkhurst Ghost Town in Whistler
• The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)
• Sea to Sky Trail from Squamish to Pemberton

More Whistler Outdoor Adventures:

• How to Paddle the River of Golden Dreams in Whistler, BC
• Lost Lake in Whistler: Hiking, Swimming, Biking and More
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler
• Cheakamus River Snowshoe Trail in Whistler
• Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails in Whistler

The post The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.