I live just up the road from Whistler in Squamish so I’ve been going to Whistler for day trips and weekend getaways for decades… and I’m not a skier!

In this list of things to do in Whistler in winter for non-skiers I’ve got something for everyone:

• Non-skiing ways to have fun in the snow from snowshoeing to sledding and more
• Winter sightseeing and tours: gondola rides, walking tours, and a unique multi-media experience
• Things to do in Whistler Village: Shopping, spas, skating, and more
• Indoor things to do: Museums, indoor sports, and nightclubs
• Extreme winter sports: ziplining, bungee jumping, and bobsleigh rides
• Eating and drinking: Amazing food and craft beer
• Whistler FAQ: Let me answer all your questions about planning a trip to Whistler in winter: What is the weather like? When is the ski hill open? What to pack? What month is best to visit Whistler? And lots more.

Psst: Looking to save money? Check out my list of free and cheap things to do in Whistler.

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

Non-Skier Ways to Have Fun in the Snow

If you don’t ski, you can still have fun in the snow in Whistler in the winter. Here are my picks for non-skiing snow adventures. The best part: all of these options are beginner-friendly – no experience required.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is my go-to snow sport, and the reason I end up in Whistler a few times each winter. There are lots of great snowshoe trails in Whistler, ranging from beginner to expert, and most of them are free. You can even snowshoe to frozen waterfalls!

In my opinion, snowshoeing is the best outdoor activity to do in Whistler in winter for non-skiers since you can get out into the snow and don’t need any skills or experience to try easy trails.

Use my guide to Whistler snowshoe trails to plan your adventure or book a guided snowshoe tour.

Dogsledding

Let a team of adorable dogs pull you through the snowy landscape. Whistler is home to two different dog sledding companies: Blackcomb Dog Sled and Canadian Wilderness Adventures. Both offer tours through the wilderness outside of town.

Settle into the cozy sled and enjoy the ride, or step on to the runners and learn how to drive. This is definitely one of the most unique winter activities in Whistler.

Check dogsledding tour prices.

Snowmobiling

Drive yourself through a winter wonderland. If you’ve never driven a snowmobile before, there are scenic tour options for beginners and families. Experienced riders can opt for extreme backcountry tours into the mountains.

There are a few different snowmobile tour companies in Whistler. Book a Wilderness Snowmobile Tour or a Family Snowmobile Tour

Sledding and Snow Tubing

Nothing says winter quite like a day of sledding. Head to the bubly Tube Park at Whistler Blackcomb and rent a tube. You’ll slide down the curving lanes, then ride the conveyor belt back to the top. Buy tickets on-site.

For some low tech (and free) fun, bring your own sled to the gentle hill at Whistler Olympic Plaza in the village.

Play in the Snow

You don’t have to be a little kid to head outside and play in the snow. Build a snowman, make snow angels, or have a snowball fight. Popular places to play in the snow in Whistler are Whistler Olympic Plaza in the village, Rebagliati Park near Blackcomb Base, or anywhere along the Valley Trail.

Sightseeing and Tours in Whistler in Winter

Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Even if you’re not a skier, it’s worth riding the gondola up into the mountains. The views from the top are spectacular. Your lift ticket includes the Peak 2 Peak Experience.

This spectacular gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains with a cable that is 436 meters above the valley floor – a world record. Gaze out the windows at the gorgeous mountain views, or ride a special glass-bottomed gondola for an adrenaline-pumping bird’s-eye view.

The gondola is the easiest way for non-skiers to experience Whistler’s winter wonderland.

Check Peak 2 Peak Gondola winter prices.

Vallea Lumina

Vallea Lumina is multimedia and light experience that is truly unique. It’s a story-based journey where you walk through the snowy forest encountering lights, sound, and lasers that create a sense of magic in the landscape.

It’s such a unique and immersive experience. I really loved walking through the quiet forest and looking for all the clever details they’ve created with lights. Honesty, it is the kind of thing you can’t really understand unless you’ve experienced it.

Check Vallea Lumina experience ticket prices.

Flightseeing Tours

Fly high above Whistler’s glaciers and peaks on a helicopter or floatplane tour. There are lots of tours to choose from: glide over Whistler Peak, see Whistler village from above, or head into the backcountry to see mountain peaks and tumbling glaciers. Some tours even let you land on a glacier and explore an ice cave!

I did a flightseeing tour last year during the summer for my birthday as a splurge, special-occasion experience and it was so cool! I’d love to do one in winter to see the ice caves.

Book a Scenic Helicopter Flight or a Glacier Floatplane Tour

Ice Fishing

Walk out onto a frozen lake and fish for trout through a hole in the ice. It’s definitely a bucket list experience. In cold weather, you’ll sit inside a portable ice hut or beside a heater, but in milder temps, you can enjoy the scenery around you. Book an Ice Fishing Adventure

Sightseeing Tours

Take a guided tour to see all of Whistler’s highlights in one easy tour. It includes scenic viewpoints, a museum, local food, Olympic sites, and more. This small-group van tour hits all the sights and is led by a knowledgeable local guide. Book a Whistler Sightseeing Tour.

Self-Guided Walking Tours

With winding lanes and lots of nooks and crannies, I find something new to discover each time I visit Whistler. For example, I didn’t know how many old growth trees there were around Whistler Village until recently!

Tourism Whistler has a great app with over a dozen self-guided walking tours. Each one has its own theme: I discovered the giant trees on their Weird and Wonderful Trees tour.

Other tours focus on a diverse range of topics including the legacy of the 2010 Olympics, craft beer, Indigneous culture, and more.

Whistler Village Activities in Winter

You don’t need to leave the village to find lots of things to do in Whistler. You could easily spend a day or two exploring the winding pedestrian friendly streets. Just be sure to wear your winter boots and as it gets pretty snowy!

Wander through Whistler Village

Whistler’s core is a purpose-built pedestrian village. I think it looks a bit like alpine Disneyland. In the winter it’s covered in snow and charming twinkling lights. If I have downtime in Whistler, I love to take a walk through the village to people-watch.

Take a walk on the Village Stroll, a pedestrian-only street that winds past cafes, boutiques, and ski shops. It’s a great place to window-shop or just enjoy a walk. Use this map of Whistler Village to find your way.

Go Shopping

Since it is an international ski destination, Whistler has surprisingly good shopping for such a small town, and most of it is concentrated around the pedestrian-friendly Village Stroll. You can find your favourite chain stores like The Gap and Lululemon alongside fine jewelry and tons of outdoor and ski shops.

But the real gems are boutiques selling local goods. Check out 3 Singing Birds for locally designed and made clothing and home decor. Find local art at several galleries. Or pick up a local book at Armchair Books. (They carry my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, so I think they’re pretty awesome!)

Ice Skating

What could be more magical than ice skating outdoors? Each winter Whistler transforms part of the Whistler Olympic Plaza into an outdoor ice rink. It’s especially phenomenal at night when the nearby trees are lit up with twinkly lights. You can rent skates on-site or bring your own.

If you’d rather skate indoors, head to the rink at Meadow Park Sports Centre.

Scandinave Spa

I try to visit Scandinave Spa at least once every winter. The gorgeous facility has a mix of outdoor hot and cold pools, indoor steam rooms and saunas, and both indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. You’re encouraged to take in cycles of heat, cold, and rest in the Nordic spa tradition.

I also love that Scandinave has a silence and no-phones policy. At first I thought it was annoying but I found it was much easier to zone out and relax. You are allowed to bring a book or eReader, which is what I usually do. Although I often end napping in one of the solariums too.

You can book a massage and other treatments, but I usually just pay for access to the spa facilities. I can literally spend all day here!

I think winter is the best time to go to Scandinave since the snow makes the grounds even more beautiful. The contrast of the cold air temperature with the warmth of the hot pools and saunas is also great in cold weather. This is my number one pick for the best things to do in Whistler in winter for non-skiers.

Fire and Ice Show

Head to the Whistler Village base between the Whistler and Excalibur gondolas every Sunday night in winter to catch the free Fire and Ice Show. It combines fire spinners and fireworks with insane ski and snowboard flips, jumps, and tricks.

It’s one of the best things to do in Whistler in winter for both non-skiers and skiers. (Or really, anyone who likes watching other people do dangerous things.)

Best Indoor Activities in Whistler

Sometimes you just want to stay inside, out of the cold. Thankfully, there are lots of great things to do in Whistler like museums, indoor rock climbing, movies, and more. (Axe throwing anyone?)

Audain Art Museum

Opened in 2016, the Audain Art Museum houses a huge collection of British Columbia art in a beautiful and award-winning modern building. Honestly, I think the architecture itself makes it worth a visit. It includes art from the late 18th century to the present.

The museum is home to a large collection of Coastal First Nations masks as well as works by settler artists like Emily Carr, Jack Shadbolt, and E.J. Hughes. The gift shop is also one of the best places in Whistler to pick up beautiful and unique local souvenirs.

Buy Museum Tickets in Advance.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

The Squamish and Lil’wat Nations have lived in the Whistler valley since time immemorial. Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about their history, culture, and art. Guides welcome you with drums and song, then take you on a tour of the exhibits including a hand-carved canoe. Visit the Thunderbird Cafe to try indigenous-inspired dishes made with local ingredients.

It’s one of the best Indigenous museums I have been to. If you are going to do just one indoor activity in Whistler in winter, I think it should be the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Whistler Museum

Learn about Whistler’s history at the community-run Whistler Museum. It has exhibits detailing Whistler’s history from wilderness to world-class ski resort including vintage ski gondolas, retro photos, the 50-year-long road to the 2010 Olympics, historical furniture and gear from the early days of the Rainbow Lake Lodge, and profiles of local people who shaped the town.

Don’t miss a photo op in the vintage gondola. I also love the geology section which explains how the local landscape was shaped by glaciers and volcanoes.

Admission is by donation, so this is a great cheap thing to do in Whistler in winter.

Escape! Whistler

Take on challenging puzzles to escape from themed rooms at Escape! Whistler. They have four different scenarios to choose from: Pirate Ship, Buried Cabin, Pinball Machine, or Rabbit Hole. These escape rooms are really fun with groups, but you can also get a private escape room for parties of two. (No sharing with strangers!)

Book an Escape Room session

Forged Axe Throwing

Let your inner lumber Jack or Jill out at Forged Axe Throwing. If you’ve never thrown an axe before, don’t worry: they’ll give you all the pointers you need to help you hit the bullseye. Most visitors go for a one-hour session, but if you’re super keen (and competitive) they also have a weekly league night.

Book a 1-hour Axe Throwing Session

Apres-Ski

The apres-ski culture is strong in Whistler. There are also tons of pubs around town, perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes. You can’t go wrong with Dusty’s Bar and BBQ. It’s Whistler’s original apres spot, open since the 1970s.

For an upscale experience apres experience, try the Ketel One Ice Room at the Bearfoot Bistro, billed as the coldest vodka tasting room in the world at -32C (-25F). (Don’t worry – they’ll give you a parka to wear!)

And if you still have energy for dancing, Whistler has several nightclubs. I remember Garfinkel’s from my early 20s clubbing days, and they’re still going strong (even if I’m not!)

Extreme Winter Sports in Whistler

If you like to go fast, feel your heart beat through your chest, and get your adrenaline pumping, these extreme Whistler winter sports are for you. You also don’t need any experience to try these exciting (or scary) activities.

Ziplining

In Whistler, you can zipline all year-long. In the winter, you’ll enjoy winter wonderland views and snowflakes falling all around you.

Ziptrek Ecotours lets you soar like an eagle over Fitzsimmons Creek between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. I’ve done this tour in summer, and it’s gorgeous. I’d love to see it in the snow!

Superfly Ziplines is located 10 minutes north of the village on Cougar Mountain and has ziplines deep in the wilderness.

Bungee Jumping

3… 2… 1… Bungee! Jump off a bridge 50 metres (164 feet) above the Cheakamus River at Whistler Bungee just south of Whistler. In the winter, the river freezes, the surrounding cliffs are covered in ice and snow, and you’ll jump into a postcard-perfect winter landscape.

I’ve hiked and biked past the bridge plenty of times in summer, but I’ve never had the courage to jump.

Book bungee jumping.

Bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton

As host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler is home to one the two bobsleigh tracks in Canada. Sign up for a one-day bobsleigh, luge, or skeleton lesson to try out the sport.

If you just want to go for a high-speed ride, they offer passenger bobsleigh rides too. You’ll go up to 125 km/hour!! You can also watch the action for free.

Book a Passenger Bobsleigh Ride.

Whistler Food and Drink

Whistler has an amazing restaurant scene. I end up here a few times a year simply to eat.

It’s home to upscale fine-dining at places like Alta Bistro, The Rimrock Cafe and Araxi Restaurant, but there are also lots of amazing casual places where you can show up in your sweaty ski clothes and no one cares.

We often grab beer and burgers at the High Mountain Brewing Co. Brewhouse or burritos at La Cantina Tacos. Don’t miss the amazing Aussie pies at Peaked Pies. Order it with mashed potatoes, mushy peas, and gravy on top!

For coffee, I highly recommend Mount Currie Coffee Co. And for a sweet treat purebread is to die for.

To sample the best food that Whistler has to offer, Book a Fine Dining Dinner Tour or a Hidden Gems Dinner Tour.

Whistler also has a strong craft beer scene. There are three craft breweries in town each with its own tasting room. High Mountain Brewing is located in the heart of Whistler Village, right next to the Olympic Plaza. It’s a huge space with tons of tables and a big food menu. We often end up here with friends.

Whistler Brewing and Coast Mountain Brewing are both located south of Whistler village in the industrial Function Junction neighbourhood. I love the pizza at Whistler Brewing.

Whistler in Winter FAQ

What is the the weather like in Whistler in winter?

While Whistler gets a ton of snow (about 10.8 metres/35.5 feet per year), it’s actually not that cold. In December, January, and February, the average low temperature is about -5°C/24°F and the average high is about 1°C/34°F.

The snowiest months are December and January, with about 40 inches/101 cm of snow per month. It snows about 25 inches/64 cm in February.

When is ski season in Whistler?

Whistler Blackcomb ski resort typically opens each year on American Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday in November). The mountain starts to close in mid-April and is fully closed by mid-May.
The best skiing is typically in January and February and Whistler is the busiest during those two months.

What should you pack for Whistler in winter?

Even if you aren’t going to ski, it’s a good idea to have a waterproof jacket for walking around the village or wearing for activities. For extra warmth, layer it over a puffy down or synthetic insulated jacket. Don’t forget a pair of warm gloves and and a toque. (That’s what Canadians call a beanie.)

Whistler is a pretty casual place so skip the high heels and opt for some insulated winter boots instead. The village can be icy, snowy, and slushy so you will appreciate the protection.

There is no dress code at Whistler restaurants or bars, so you don’t have to worry about packing a jacket and tie. You can turn up pretty much everywhere in casual clothes. However, if you plan to go a fine dining restaurant, you might be more comfortable in a nice pair of pants and a sweater or a simple dress.

Hot tubbing and visiting the spa are an important part of the Whistler experience. Don’t forget your bathing suit and a pair of sandals for navigating snowy poolsides.

What is the best month to visit Whistler in winter?

Late January and February are the best months for skiing since there is a good snow pack. However, look for crowds to spike around Family Day, a local holiday on the third Monday in February.

Late November and early to mid-December have variable skiing conditions so it can be a bit quieter than other times of the year. However, you might luck into some powder. It’s also a cheapest time to visit in winter.

The holiday season around Christmas and New Year’s brings good skiing conditions, and tons of events to Whistler. It’s a popular (and expensive) time to visit, and for good reason.

The late season of March and April can have great snow conditions, but they get more variable as the season goes on. It’s also a bit quieter and less expensive than other times of the year. However crowds do pick up around Easter.

How to Get to Whistler in Winter

There are several ways to get to Whistler in winter. The easiest and most economical option is to take one of the shuttle bus services: YVR Skylynx, Whistler Shuttle, or Epic Rides. They offer rides from Vancouver or Vancouver Airport to Whistler.

You can also book a private chauffered charter limo or van service.

If you want, you can also drive yourself. It’s a gorgeous road trip on the Sea to Sky Highway. However, keep in mind that you will likely face snowy and icy winter driving conditions. Snow tires are required between October 1 and March 31, so make sure your rental car has them.

I do not recommend driving yourself unless you are an experienced winter driver. As well, once you get to Whistler, it’s easy to get around the Village on foot or to take the bus or a taxi to other attractions.

Where to Stay in Whistler

There are literally hundreds of places to stay in Whistler, so it can be hard to choose. Here are my picks:

Budget – Pangea Pod Hotel: This unique Japanese style pod hotel is in the heart of the village. There on-site bar has a huge selection of board games you can play. Check prices.

Condo – Glacier’s Reach: I’ve stayed at these condos just north of the village on a lot of trips to Whistler. It’s sooo nice to have a kitchen but the best part is the private hot tubs! Check prices.

Boutique Hotel – Summit Lodge: We stayed at this centrally located hotel on our most recent trip to Whistler. It’s a boutique property with funky decor and a fun vibe. When we were there they had a pop-up bubble tea shop! Check prices.

Luxury Hotel – Westin Resort & Spa: My now-husband took me here when we were first dating. It was a luxe experience. My favourite part is the huge pool that both indoor and outdoor sections you can swim between. Check prices.

Final Thoughts

So that’s my big list of winter activities in Whistler for non-skiers. I’m sure you’ll find something to do in the Whistler in the winter that you’ll love. (Actually, I’m sure you’ll find a bunch of things.) What’s your favourite Whistler winter activity? Tell me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer (By a Local)
• Cheap and Free Things to Do in Whistler
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler
• Things to do in Squamish (By a Local)
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

The post Visiting Whistler in Winter For Non-Skiers appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

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 day hiked the various routes to Russet Lake several times each, and I’ve backpacked to the lake three times over the last 20 years. (The photos in this post are from various trips.) I keep coming back since it is one of my favourite areas – the mountain and glacier views are amazing (maybe the best in Garibaldi Park!) and access to the alpine is easy if you take the Whistler gondola.

I’m a hiking guidebook author and have backpacked all over BC, so I’ve put together a detailed Russet Lake hiking and backpacking guide for you. It includes:

• Quick facts about hiking to Russet Lake, including distances, how long it takes, best time to go, and more
• Map and elevation profile, plus a downloadable GPX file
• Detailed trail descriptions for each of the three options for hiking to Russet Lake plus tips for skiing and snowshoeing in winter
• Tips for which route to take and taking the gondola, including how to ride it for free
• Extending your trip – day hikes and scrambles from Russet Lake
• Camping and the hut – details on staying at the campground and Kees and Claire Hut, including reservations and fees
• How to get to the Russet Lake trailhead – including parking and bus info
• Russet Lake hiking tips – advice for bears, what to bring, food storage, weather, and more

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

Russet Lake Quick Facts

Route Options: Russet Lake is located in Garibaldi Provincial Park in the mountains above Whistler, BC. You can get there via two different trails from the top of the Whistler Gondola or by the Singing Pass Trail from Whistler Village. I’ve got details on all three below.

Distance: 11.7 to 14.6 km one-way, depending on route choice

Elevation Gain: 665 to 1,450 m, depending on route choice

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 9 to 12 hours or overnight

Best Time to Go: Mid-July to mid-September to avoid snow and take advantage of Whistler Gondola’s summer service.

Reservations and Fees: Day hiking is free and does not require a day pass. You must make reservations with BC Parks to backcountry camp. If you camp, you must pay camping and reservation fees. More details in the camping section below.

Indigenous Context: This area is in the traditional territory of the Skwxwu7mesh (Squamish) and Lil’wat Nations. To learn more, see the info sign in the Elfin Lakes campground or visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Russet Lake Trail Map and Elevation Profile

For the most part, the main trails to Russet Lake are well-marked and easy to follow. There are signs at all junctions.

I used the Gaia GPS app on my hikes. It is helpful to know where I am on the trail to figure out how much higher I have to climb and where the next viewpoint is. All Trails+ is also great.

I also made you a trail map using Gaia GPS. Click through to zoom in and explore. You can also save it to your routes in Gaia GPS or export the GPX file.

PS: Want to save 10% on a premium subscription to Gaia GPS (the app I use for all my hikes)? Use my link – the discount appears in cart.

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Russet Lake Trail Options

There are three ways to hike to Russet Lake: the Singing Pass Trail, the High Note Trail from the top of the Peak Chair, and the High Note Trail from Whistler Roundhouse. You can also ski or snowshoe to Russet Lake in winter. Below, I’ve got details on each one.

Note: While I usually list distances as a round-trip, this time I‘ve listed distances one-way since this is a hike where you can take different routes there and back. I’ve also included elevation loss stats for the trip to Russet, which become elevation gain stats if you take that route back to the trailhead.

High Note Trail from the Top of the Peak Chair

Distance: 11.7 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 665 m

Elevation Loss: 940 m

Practicalities: Requires taking the Whistler Gondola or the Blackcomb Gondola and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, and then the Peak Chair.

This is by far the most scenic route to Russet Lake and the route I recommend. You start by taking the Whistler Gondola up to the Roundhouse and then Peak Chair. (More gondola tips in the section below.)

You’ll hike the High Note Trail to Flute Junction, then continue along the Musical Bumps to Singing Pass, then up Cowboy Ridge to Russet Lake.

As you can see in the elevation profile above, the route has some ups and downs, but in general, it is mostly downhill. There are no reliable water sources on this route, so pack all the water you will need for the day.

Key Locations

Route Description

Ride the gondola and then the Peak Chair to the top of Whistler Mountain. Walk across the suspension bridge, then go left and down the stairs to the signed trailhead for the High Note Trail. My High Note Trail Guide has a more detailed description of this trail.

Follow the trail steeply downhill through a rocky section, then across a ski area access road. The trail follows the hillside through beautiful meadows with great views of Black Tusk Peak. Pass the junction with the Half Note Trail at 2.9 km and the Cheakamus Lake Lookout at 3.7 km.

At 4.5 km, arrive at Flute Junction. From here, you’ll go across the Musical Bumps: Flute and Oboe Summits. Go straight and gain 120 m up the hill to Flute Summit at 5.1 km. Be sure to detour south from the summit for the best views of Cheakamus Lake. Continue across the broad summit plateau and then down into a dip 160 m below Flute Summit.

On the other side, gain 150 m uphill to Oboe Summit at 7.2 km. The view from the ridge crest is gorgeous, but frustrating. You can see your trail dropping 225 m down into Singing Pass and then climbing up the other side.

Drop down off the summit and head downhill through meadows and clumps of trees to Singing Pass Junction at 8.7 km. Turn right and begin your ascent of Cowboy Ridge. The 240 m climb has a few switchbacks, so it is never very steep, but it feels tiring at the end of the day. There are great views the higher you climb.

Reach Kees and Claire Hut at 10.9 km in very rocky terrain on the ridge crest. Follow the trail down through rocks and then meadow to the end of the trail at the Russet Lake campground on the north shore of the lake at 11.7 km.

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High Note Trail from Whistler Roundhouse

Distance: 11.7 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 765 m

Elevation Loss: 707 m

Practicalities: Requires taking the Whistler Gondola or the Blackcomb Gondola and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Does not include the Peak Chair.

This is another scenic option, but it isn’t quite as picturesque as the main part of the High Note Trail. You can use this option when the Peak Chair isn’t running. (It opens later/closes earlier than the gondola and doesn’t run at all in the fall.) I’ve also used this route when I’m with people who are afraid of heights and therefore don’t want to ride the Peak Chair.

From the Whistler Roundhouse, you’ll hike the bottom part of the High Note Trail in the reverse direction that most people take. Once you arrive at Flute Junction (and meet up with the High Note coming from Whistler Peak), you’ll follow the same route across Flute and Oboe Summits as the High Note Route from Whistler Peak.

While this route doesn’t have much more total elevation gain than the High Note Route from the Peak Chair, it does have a lot more ups and downs.

Key Locations

Route Description

From the Whistler Roundhouse, follow the signs to Harmony Lake, 1 km away and 90 m lower. On the far side of the lake, head uphill, passing under a chairlift, to gain 160 m on a ridge crest.

Drop steeply down from the ridge, losing 90 m, to arrive at Symphony Lake at 3.2 km. This is the last reliable water source on this route, so fill up here just in case.

Head gently uphill, gaining 80 m to Flute Junction at 4.5 km. Turn left to begin the ascent of Flute Summit. From here, you can use the High Note Trail from Peak Chair description above since the route is the same.

Singing Pass Trail

Distance: 14.8 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 1,446 m

Elevation Loss: 263 m

Practicalities: This is the only route to Russet Lake that does NOT require taking a gondola. You start right from Whistler Village.

If the gondola isn’t running, you don’t have the budget for it, or you just like the idea of getting to Russet Lake under your own power, you can take the Singing Pass Trail. While it gains a LOT of elevation, it’s pretty gradual. It is entirely in the forest – you won’t get any views until you get to Cowboy Ridge.

The route starts in Whistler Village, crosses through the Mountain Bike Park, then follows an old road and then a trail uphill to Singing Pass Junction. From there, you take the same route up Cowboy Ridge as you would if you came from Whistler Mountain.

There are lots of water sources on this route, so you don’t have to worry about carrying much with you.

Key Locations

Singing Pass Trail Description

The trailhead is on Blackcomb Way in Whistler Village next to the Gondola bus stops. From the info sign, walk around the yellow gate into the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Follow the access road up the hill through the bike park. Watch for service vehicles on the road.

When the road forks at the top of the open area, go left on a road into the forest. Watch out for a bike trail crossing the road. Follow the road gently uphill past a reservoir building with glimpses of bike trails on both sides of the road. Watch for another bike trail crossing the road at 1.5 km.

Past here, you’ll be walking on an old road that is overgrown and eroded in places. In places, there are wide bridges over creeks and ditches. These bridges help keep the route open for skiers in winter.

About 3.8 km from the start, pass through an area overgrown with alder. If you look carefully, there is an old outhouse on the left. Until the late 1990s, you could drive up this old road. You are now at the former trailhead and parking area.

Continue the trail, passing under the Peak 2 Peak Gondola at 4.6 km. Cross Harmony Creek at 5.3 km. This area is the site of a huge washout and is unstable, so use caution, especially during times of snowmelt or heavy rain.

A few minutes later, cross an unnamed creek in a steep gully and then pass a sign welcoming you to Garibaldi Provincial Park. Cross Flute Creek on a sturdy metal bridge at 7.1 km. At 8.2 km, cross Oboe Creek on a deteriorating Bridge. This crossing can also be difficult at higher water.

Past here, the vegetation begins to change and transition to more alpine species like Mountain Hemlock and Subalpine Fir. You can also hear Melody Creek downhill to your left.

As you approach Singing Pass junction at 11.9 km, the trees start to thin out and patches of meadow start to appear. From Singing Pass junction, turn left and follow the directions above for the final ascent of Cowboy Ridge.

Skiing and Snowshoeing to Russet Lake in Winter

Russet Lake is a popular spot for backcountry skiing in winter. It is part of the Spearhead Traverse, a multi-day backcountry ski trip between Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains. As well, many people ski or snowshoe to the Kees and Clair Hut in the winter.

If you’re coming to Russet Lake in winter, you need to have avalanche training and experience since both routes to the lake travel through avalanche terrain.

Skiers can pay to take the Whistler Gondola and lifts, ski across the Musical Bumps to Singing Pass, and then head up Cowboy Ridge to Russet Lake. The Spearhead Huts site has advice on which chairlifts and routes to take through the ski resort. Snowshoers are not allowed on the lifts or in the resort, so they can’t take this route.

The other option in the winter is to come in via the Singing Pass Trail from Whistler Village. This route is open to both skiers and snowshoers. Depending on snow levels, you may have to hike the bottom section of the trail. Skiers should use caution if descending this way because there are lots of tight turns with drop-offs as well as narrow bridges.

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Whistler Gondola Tips and Route Choice

If you have the cash for it, the Whistler Gondola has by far the best views in the Whistler area and is a great way to start your hike to Russet Lake.

If you’re splashing out on the gondola, you should get your money’s worth. I recommend riding the Blackcomb Gondola first, then the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to the Whistler Roundhouse. That way, you can get the most views before you start hiking to Russet Lake.

I do recommend taking the Peak Chair up to Whistler Peak to enjoy the Suspension Bridge and views from there. (And because the High Note Trail has the best views.) However, it’s not a great option for people who are afraid of heights since it is an open chair (your legs dangle) and it goes over a cliff. (More details on that in my High Note Trail Guide.

If the price of the gondola is too steep for you, you can ride the gondola for free! There is a bit of a catch, though: you have to hike up the Singing Pass Trail for free, then up across the Musical Bumps and along the High Note to the Peak Chair or to the Whistler Roundhouse.

From there, you can go down the Peak Chair and the Peak 2 Peak, Whistler, and Blackcomb gondolas for free – as of 2025, they don’t check for tickets for downloading – only for uploading! I’ve heard this policy may change next year, but it’s been free to download every year as long as I’ve been hiking here (over 20 years).

Extending Your Trip: Hikes From Russet Lake

There are no official trails starting from Russet Lake. However, if you are comfortable with scrambling and off-trail travel, you have a few options for exploring from the hut or campground.

Adit Lakes

An informal cairned route leads from the campground to the Adit Lakes to the north, nestled in a rocky bowl. From the outhouse, pick up a faint trail across the bottom of the scree slope. Watch for cairns as the trail contours along the side of the ridge before arriving at the lakes. It’s about 1 km each way.

Cowboy Ridge

The gentle ridge above the lake makes for easy off-trail travel and exploring. The easiest place to gain the ridge crest is near Kees and Claire Hut. There are great views from the top as well as lots of wildflowers and curious marmots. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also head over to Russet Ridge to the north.

Whirlwind Peak and Overlord Peak Scrambles

While Gaia GPS and AllTrails show a trail from the campground to Whirlwind Peak and beyond to Overlord Peak, there is no trail. In places, there is a cairned route. However, you must be comfortable with route finding and exposure on steep slopes if you choose these routes. Unless you are an experienced scrambler, you may find these routes too challenging and scary.

It’s 6.5 km round-trip to Whirlwind with 600 m of elevation gain. Add another 4 km and 500 m of elevation gain if you continue to Overlord.

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Where to Stay at Russet Lake: Camping and Hut

Russet Lake Backcountry Campground

The Russet Lake campground has 20 tent pads spread out around the creek on the north side of Russet Lake.

The tent pads are simple clearings in the grass and gravel with low rock walls to block the wind. Each campsite has a metal post with a number on it. Many are a bit lumpy or slanted.

While BC Parks policy permits up to 2 tents per pad, this won’t be easy or possible at many of the Russet Lake campsites. In most cases, the second tent will be on a very lumpy, rocky, or slanted area or won’t fit at all.

There is a urine-diversion outhouse next to the campground. Store your food on the food storage poles, which have cables and pulleys. Collect drinking water from the lake or the stream. Avoid the algae-choked parts of the stream.

Fires are never allowed in Garibaldi Park. This is a fragile alpine ecosystem, and fire scars can take decades to regrow.

Camping Reservations and Fees

Since Garibaldi Park has some of the most popular backcountry campgrounds in BC, advance reservations are required. Camping costs $25 per person per night plus a $6 reservation fee for each tent pad.

Reservations open three months before your trip. That means if you want to camp on August 1, you can reserve starting on April 1.

See my tips for booking backcountry camping for pointers on how to navigate the site. Be ready to book as soon as reservations open because popular dates will sell out in minutes.

Your booking can include up to 3 tent pads on the same reservation. Keep in mind that you are allowed to have up to two tents and four people per pad.

If you didn’t get a reservation, keep checking back as people cancel and spots open up, especially within a week or two of their trip. A more efficient way is to sign up for a camping cancellation notification app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

Kees and Claire Hut at Russet Lake

Opened in 2019, the Kees and Claire Hut is a large, modern, and frankly, kinda fancy, backcountry hut. It sits at the top of Cowboy Ridge above Russet Lake. A group of local mountaineering clubs run the hut as part of the Spearhead Hut Society.

The hut has 38 bunks spread across 6 rooms. Cooking and eating supplies and sleeping mats are provided. The hut also has LED lighting and urine-diversion toilets. While the hut has heaters, it is kept cold at night, so you will need a 3-season sleeping bag.

Reservations are required at Kees and Claire Hut. Hut reservations open 60 days before the first day of your trip. Bunks cost $60/night. If you are a member of BCMC, ACC Vancouver, or ACC Whistler, you can book 90 days in advance and use a promo code to get a discount.

How to Get to Russet Lake Trailhead

The Russet Lake Trailhead is in the heart of Whistler Village, right next to the gondola. It’s easy to get to by car or on the bus.

Driving Directions

From Vancouver, drive Highway 1, then Highway 99 north to Whistler. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. Once in Whistler, take the Lorimer Way exit to get to the parking lot. (More on parking below.) Here are Google Maps driving directions.

Russet Lake Parking

If you are doing a day hike, you can park in any of the parking lots. Day Lot 1 is the most convenient, but I usually park in Day Lot 4 since it is cheaper. There is no free parking in Whistler Village. Here is more info about locations and rates for parking in Whistler.

If you are staying overnight at the campground or hut, there is a special area of Day Lot 4 you need to park in. You must display your hut or camping reservation number on your dash and pay for each day you will be parked using Lot #4078 in the Pay by Phone app. Here is more info about overnight parking.

Getting to Russet Lake By Bus

Russet Lake is one of the best car-free backpacking trips in BC. You can get to Whistler from Vancouver using the Epic Rides or YVR Skylynx buses. They drop you off at Gateway Bus Loop in Whistler. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk through the village to the gondola and trailhead.

Tips for Hiking to Russet Lake

Check gondola hours and trail status: Check to make sure that the gondola and chairlifts are open and the alpine trail conditions, if you plan to come in from Whistler Mountain.

Food Storage: The campground has a pole with pulleys for food storage. Bring a waterproof bag to store your food in case it rains overnight. I always keep my food in a lightweight dry bag. The pulleys have clips, but some are broken – carry a carabiner as a backup.

Mosquitos and Black Flies: Bugs can be bad on the trail in July and early August. Bring bug spray and a head net.

Bears: This is black bear country. Bring bear spray, make noise while hiking, and store your food securely. See my bear safety tips for more info.

Dogs: Not allowed in Garibaldi Park.

Fires: Not allowed in Garibaldi Park.

Check the weather before you go: The high mountains are notorious for fickle weather. Rainstorms can blow in at any time. Expect overnight lows near freezing on some summer days. City weather forecasts are useless in the mountains. Use an algorithmic spot forecast for Russet Lake like Spotwx. (Read my guide to weather apps for hikers for more tips.)

Bring a rain jacket and warm clothing just in case. It can be much colder and rainier in the mountains than in the city. If you are staying overnight, you will need to bring typical backpacking gear. Use my backpacking checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

Wear trail running shoes or hiking boots. The trail is rocky and loose in places. Regular running shoes don’t have enough grip or ankle support.

Bring water and snacks. It is not safe to drink the water from the lakes without boiling, filtering, or treating it because you never know if people or animals have pooped or died upstream. Gross! (I use a Katadyn BeFree.)

Bring the 10 Essentials. These are key safety items you should have on every hike.

Final Thoughts

The Garibaldi Lake, Elfin Lakes, and Cheakamus Lake areas of Garibaldi Provincial Park get lots of attention (rightly so), which means that many people miss out on visiting Russet Lake. Honestly, I think the glacier views from the High Note Trail and Musical Bumps on the way to Russet Lake are actually even better than the views at Garibaldi and Elfin.

While Russet Lake does get booked up on weekends, it’s easier to book than Garibaldi Lake. And you are almost guaranteed to see adorable marmots near the lake. These furry guys are my favourite! I love watching them munch on alpine plants or take naps on the rocks.

If you’ve got questions about visiting Russet Lake, ask me in the comments. I’m happy to help.

READ NEXT:

• High Note Trail in Whistler (By a Season’s Pass Holder)
• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer (By a Local)
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC

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The post Russet Lake Hiking and Backpacking Trail Guide appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

In this post, I’ve got basic info for over 80 backcountry cabins in BC and Alberta. The listing for each hut includes the location, info on fees, and booking, and a link to make reservations or get more info. The backcountry hut listings are separated into six regions. Click the links below to jump to your area.

• Vancouver backcountry huts
• Sunshine Coast backcountry huts
• Vancouver Island backcountry huts
• Kootenays backcountry huts
• Canadian Rockies backcountry huts
• Northern BC backcountry huts

All info on backcountry huts in BC was up-to-date at the time of publishing. But booking policies, prices, and access can change without notice. Check the club and park links below for the latest info. And let me know if anything is incorrect so I can update it.

I’ve been to lots of the backcountry cabins on this list, especially the ones near Vancouver. But with over 80 backcountry huts in British Columbia to choose from, I haven’t made it to all of them… yet!

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.

What kinds of backcountry huts are on this list?

The backcountry huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies on this list are geared toward self-propelled users and are operated by clubs and parks.

You won’t find ATV, snowmobile, or 4×4 club cabins on this list.

I also haven’t included private, for-profit lodges.

BC also has lots of “secret” un-sanctioned cabins and I haven’t included them. These unofficial backcountry huts are often illegal and increased traffic means they might get shut down. However, info on secret cabins is often widely available in local communities.

I also chose not to include emergency shelters which you shouldn’t plan to stay at – that’s why they have “emergency” in the name!

BC Backcountry Huts Map

To give you a general idea of where these backcountry cabins are located, I’ve put together a custom Google map of backcountry huts in British Columbia. Click through to zoom in.

A Note on Hut Access

Some of these backcountry huts in British Columbia are easy to reach via well-marked trails. Others involve off-trail travel, route-finding, scrambling, glacier, travel, or rock climbing.

In winter, reaching many of the backcountry cabins is more complex and may take you through avalanche terrain.

As well, road access to trailheads can be complicated. It may involve rough logging roads that are unplowed or require 4WD. In some areas, it is common to use a snowmobile to reach trailheads where users switch to skis to reach the hut.

A few huts can only be reached by helicopter.

See the links to club and park websites for more access information.

Backcountry Hut Etiquette

In general, backcountry huts in British Columbia are for outdoor adventurers. Most huts are communal, so you will share space with strangers. We all need to work together to help these cabins in good condition for everyone to enjoy. These aren’t places to have a party.

Here are a few BC backcountry hut etiquette tips:

• Research hut rules and guidelines before your trip. Know what to expect at each hut and pack accordingly. Some huts supply stoves, kitchen gear, and mattresses, but many do not.
• Pack out everything. That includes your trash and trash that other groups have left. Please don’t leave extra food as it is unlikely to get eaten and will just attract mice.
• Protect the water source. Don’t bathe, do dishes, or pee in the hut water source. In winter, there is often a designated pee area to avoid contaminating snow that will be melted for drinking water.
• Keep the noise levels down. Many hut users may go to bed early to get an early start the next morning. Skip the music unless all hut users agree.
• Leave your dog at home. Very few huts allow dogs.
• Conserve firewood. Firewood is a scarce resource that can be expensive to supply. In most huts, it is only acceptable to use the wood stove in winter.
• Keep your gear tidy and out of other people’s way. Don’t monopolize the drying rack.
• Don’t wear boots inside the hut. This keeps dirt, mud, and snowmelt off the floor. Bring hut booties or sandals to wear indoors.
• Keep the mice out. Mice are a problem at most huts. Keep the door closed and store your food and garbage inside a bin or hanging from the ceiling in a sealed bag.
• Share the chores: Help out by restocking firewood, swapping outhouse barrels, or grabbing more snow to melt.
• Clean up before you leave. Sweep the floor, wipe down the counters, and empty the grey water buckets.
• Be nice. Be welcoming and friendly to other hut users. Communicate your plans so you can optimize the use of cooking areas and agree on quiet hours.

Backcountry Huts Near Vancouver

Elsay Lake Hut

Location: Elsay Lake in Mount Seymour Provincial Park, North Vancouver.

Operated By: Mount Seymour Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking

Sleeps: 4

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free.

More Info: Mount Seymour Provincial Park and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Mountain Lake Hut

Location: Near Mount Sheer east of Britannia Beach.

Operated By: BCMC

Best For: Hiking, mountaineering, scrambling, ski touring

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 180 days before your trip.

Cost: $20/person/night for non-members, $10/person/night for members

More Info: BCMC

Watersprite Lake Hut

Location: At Watersprite Lake In the mountains east of Squamish.

Operated By: BCMC

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 60 days in advance.

Cost: $300/night for the entire hut

More Info: BCMC, Watersprite Lake Facebook group (for road and trail conditions), and my book Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Elfin Lakes Shelter

Location: At Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park east of Squamish

Operated By: Garibaldi Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 33

Booking: Reservations required. Book online three months in advance.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: My Elfin Lakes hiking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

READ NEXT: Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish

Tantalus Hut (Lake Lovely Water)

Location: Lake Lovely Water in Tantalus Provincial Park west of Squamish.

Operated By: ACC Vancouver and Tantalus Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 16

Booking: Reservations required. Book online in March in advance for non-members. Members can book in January. Open in June 1 to September 30 only.

Cost: $1700 for weekday 3 night booking (Mon, Tues, Wed nights) of the entire hut or $2000 for the weekend 3 night booking (Fri, Sat, Sun nights) of the entire hut. ACC members get a 10% discount.

More Info: ACC Vancouver, Tantalus Provincial Park, and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Jim Haberl Hut

Location: On the edge of a glacier high in the Tantalus Range west of Squamish. Access requires glacier travel or helicopter.

Operated By: ACC Vancouver

Best For: Mountaineering

Sleeps: 12

Booking: Reservations required. Book online in March for non-members. Members can in January. Open March 1 to September 30 only.

Cost: $1700 for weekday 3 night booking (Mon, Tues, Wed nights) of the entire hut or $2000 for the weekend 3 night booking (Fri, Sat, Sun nights) of the entire hut. ACC members get a 10% discount.

More Info: ACC Vancouver

Brew Hut

Location: Near the summit of Mount Brew, west of the Sea to Sky Highway between Squamish and Whistler.

Operated By: UBC VOC

Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 12

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: UBC VOC and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Sphinx Hut (Burton Hut)

Location: On the eastern shore of Garibaldi Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park between Squamish and Whistler. Summer access is via boat.

Operated By: UBC VOC

Best For: Ski touring, snowshoeing, mountaineering

Sleeps: 10

Booking: You must purchase a Wilderness Permit for Garibaldi Provincial Park by calling BC Parks. The hut is first-come, first-served, but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: UBC VOC

Kees and Claire Hut

Location: At Russet Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park just outside Whistler. The hut sits at the south end of the Spearhead ski traverse.

Operated By: Spearhead Huts Society

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 38

Booking: Reservations required. Book online 60 days in advance for non-members. ACC and BCMC members can book 90 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. ACC and BCMC members get a discount.

More Info: Spearhead Huts Society, Garibaldi Provincial Park, my Russet Lake hiking and backpacking guide, and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Wedgemount Lake Hut

Location: At Wedgemount Lake in the northern part of Garibaldi Provincial Park near Whistler.

Operated By: Garibaldi Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online three months. You will actually need to make a reservation for the Wedgemount Lake campground as there is no separate booking for the hut. Spots in the hut are first-come, first-served amongst those with campground reservations.

Cost: $10/person/night

More Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Tenquille Lake Cabin

Location: Tenquille Lake, northwest of Pemberton.

Operated By: Pemberton Wildlife Association in partnership with the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua Nations.

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring

Sleeps: 12

Booking: Reservations required. Book online 60 days before your trip.

Cost: $25/person/night.

More Info: Pemberton Wildlife Association and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

North Creek Cabin

Location: In the mountains on the north side of the Lillooet River valley west of Pemberton.

Operated By: BCMC

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 10

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 180 days before your trip.

Cost: $20/person/night for non-members. There are discounts for BCMC members.

More Info: BCMC

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Harrison Hut

Location: At the edge of the Pemberton Icefield above Meager Creek east of Pemberton.

Operated By: UBC VOC

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 15

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served, but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: UBC VOC

Wendy Thompson Hut

Location: Near Mount Marriott on the west side of Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet.

Operated By: ACC Whistler

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 16

Booking: Reservations required. Book online 105 days before your trip. Members of the Whistler, Squamish, and Vancouver ACC sections can book 140 days in advance.

Cost: $25/person/night for non-members. $20/person/night for members of the Whistler, Squamish or Vancouver sections of the ACC.

More Info: ACC Whistler and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Keith Flavelle Hut (Keith’s Hut)

Location: Just north of Joffre Lakes on the east side of Highway 99 in between Pemberton and Lillooet.

Operated By: Keith Flavelle Hut Society and Nlháxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 14

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served and is often over capacity.

Cost: Free, but donations are welcome.

More Info: Keith Flavelle Hut Society and Nlháxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy

Brian Waddington Hut (Phelix Creek Hut)

Location: In the mountains near Birkenhead Provincial Park north of Pemberton.

Operated By: UBC VOC

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 25

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served, but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding. The hut is voluntarily closed from August 15 to October 15 for wildlife protection.

Cost: $15/person/night.

More Info: UBC VOC

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Backcountry Huts on the Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Trail Huts

Location: There are 14 huts spread along the length of the Sunshine Coast Trail between Saltery Bay and Lund. From north to south they are: Bliss Portage, Manzanita Bluff, Rieveley Pond, Inland Lake-Anthony Island, Confederation Lake, Fiddlehead Landing, Tin Hat, Elk Lake, Walt Hill, Golden Stanley, Mount Troubridge, Rainy Day Lake, and Fairview Bay.

Operated By: Sunshine Coast Trail/Powell River Parks and Wilderness Society

Best For: Hiking

Sleeps: Most huts sleep 10, but a few fit 3-6.

Booking: None. All huts are hut is first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free, but donations of $5/person/night are encouraged.

More Info: Sunshine Coast Trail and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

READ NEXT: Best Hikes on the Sunshine Coast

Tetrahedron Provincial Park Cabins

Location: There are four cabins accessed from the same trailhead in Tetrahedron Provincial Park north of Sechelt: Batchelor Cabin, Edwards Cabin, Mount Steele Cabin, and McNair Cabin. Batchelor and Edwards Cabins are on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

Operated By: Tetrahedron Outdoor Club and Tetrahedron Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: Each cabin sleeps 12

Booking: None. All huts are first-come, first-served and are often over capacity on winter weekends.

Cost: $15/person/night for non-members, $10/person/night for Tetrahedron Outdoor Club members payable online, by mailing a cheque, or at Trail Bay Source for Sports in Sechelt.

More Info: Tetrahedron Outdoor Club, Tetrahedron Outdoor Facebook group (for trail and road conditions) Tetrahedron Provincial Park, and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Emma Lake Cabin

Location: On the South Powell Divide in the Eldred River Valley north of Powell River.

Operated By: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 6-10

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free, but donations of $20/person/night are welcome.

More Info: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association

Knuckleheads Cabins

Location: The Knuckleheads Range north of Lois Lake near Powell River. There are three cabins: Vic Cole Lodge, E-Branch Cabin, and A-Branch Cabin (Chateau Rotary Cabin).

Operated By: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association

Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: Each cabin sleeps 8-12

Booking: None. All huts are first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free, but donations of $20/person/night are welcome.

More Info: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association

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Backcountry Huts on Vancouver Island

Hišimy̓awiƛ Hut (5040 Peak Hut)

Location: On the slopes of 5040 Peak east of Highway 4 between Port Alberni and Ucluelet. The hut’s name means “Gather Together” in the Barkley Sound dialect of the Ucluelet First Nation and is pronounced Hi-SHIM-ya-wit.

Operated By: ACC Vancouver Island

Best for: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 12 in 2 rooms with 6 bunks each

Booking: Reservations required. Book online three months before your trip.

Cost: Bookings are per room. $150/room/night for non-members. $120/room/night for members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada Vancouver Island and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Wheaton Memorial Hut

Location: In the Marble Meadows area of Strathcona Provincial Park. Access to the trail is via boat across Buttle Lake.

Operated By: BC Parks

Best for: Hiking, scrambling

Sleeps: 2-4

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free.

More Info: BC Parks

Kludahk Huts

Location: Five huts (Meadow Cabin, Tower Cabin, Blueberry Cabin, Noyse Lake Cabin, and Tent Lake Cabin) spaced along the top of San Juan Ridge between Port Renfrew and Sooke.

Operated By: Kludahk Outdoors Club

Best for: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: Each hut sleeps 4-10

Booking: Reservations required. Only club members may use the huts.

Cost: A nightly per person fee is charged.

More Info: Kludahk Outdoors Club and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Backcountry Huts in the Kootenays

Bill Putnam Hut (Fairy Meadow Hut)

Location: In the Adamant Group of the Selkirk Mountains north of Glacier National Park. Access is via helicopter.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Scrambling, mountaineering, rock climbing, ski touring

Sleeps: 20

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Winter bookings are via a lottery.

Cost: $60 for non-members. $50 for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada

Ben Ferris (Great Cairn) Hut

Location: In the Northern Selkirk Mountains north of Glacier National Park at the base of Mount Sir Sandford. Access via helicopter.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60 for non-members. $50 for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada

A.O. Wheeler Hut

Location: Southwest of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 30

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park

Asulkan Cabin

Location: At the head of the Asulkan Valley south of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 10

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park

Sapphire Col Hut

Location: High on the Asulkan Ridge south of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 4

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Glacier Circle Cabin

Location: Below the Illecillewaet Neve in the Dawson Range of Glacier National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park

McMurdo Cabin

Location: North of the Spillimacheen Glacier in the mountains southwest of Golden.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 5

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $85/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Kingsbury Cabin

Location: Near the Headwaters of Bobbie Burns Creek in International Basin southwest of Golden.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 4

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $90/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Conrad Kain Hut

Location: In Bugaboo Provincial Park in the Purcell Mountains east of Radium Hot Springs.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, rock climbing

Sleeps: 35

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve six months in advance. Open in summer only.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Bugaboo Provincial Park

Dave White Cabin

Location: In the Forester Creek valley near the Catamount Glacier west of Radium Hot Springs.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 4

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $70/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Olive Hut

Location: On the edge of the Catamount Glacier west of Radium Hot Springs. Access requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 4

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $70/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Jumbo Pass Cabin

Location: At Jumbo Pass along the Purcell Divide near Invermere.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Huts

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $120/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Kokanee Glacier Cabin

Location: At Kaslo Lake in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson. Winter access is via helicopter.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 12-20

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve 180 days in advance. Winter bookings are via a lottery.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

Silver Spray Cabin

Location: In the northern part of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, mountaineering, scrambling

Sleeps: 10

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve 180 days in advance. The hut is closed in winter.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

Woodbury Cabin

Location: In the northern part of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve 180 days in advance. The hut is closed in winter.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

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Backcountry Huts in the Canadian Rockies

Mount Colin Centennial Hut

Location: On the southwest side of Mount Colin in the northern part of Jasper National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, rock climbing, scrambling

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.

Cost: $40/person/night.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Jacques Lake Cabin

Location: Jacques Lake near Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. This hut is only open in winter.

Cost: $60/person night for non-members. $50/person/night for members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Ramparts Hut (Wates-Gibson Memorial Hut)

Location: At Outpost Lake in the Tonquin Valley in Jasper National Park. (Psst! The Tonquin Valley is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, rock climbing, ski touring

Sleeps: 24-26

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Fryatt Creek Hut (Sydney Vallance Hut)

Location: In the Fryatt Valley in Jasper National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, mountaineering, scrambling, ski touring

Sleeps: 12

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Lloyd Mackay Hut (Mount Alberta Hut)

Location: On the shoulder of Mount Little Alberta in Jasper National Park. Access requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Scrambling, mountaineering, rock climbing

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $50/person/night for non-members. $40/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

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Peter and Catharine Whyte Hut (Peyto Hut)

Location: The northern end of the Wapta Icefield near the Peyto Glacier in Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 16-18

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Bow Hut

Location: On the Wapta Icefield west of Bow Lake in Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 30

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Balfour Hut (Rob Ritchie Hut)

Location: On the toe of the Vulcan Glacier on the Wapta Icefield in Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 16-18

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Scott Duncan Hut

Location: South end of the Wapta Icefield near Mount Daly in Yoho National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 12

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Yoho National Park.

Louise and Richard Guy Hut

Location: Just north of Yoho Peak in Yoho National Park on the Bow-Yoho Traverse. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Ski touring, mountaineering

Sleeps: 18

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in summer.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Yoho National Park.

Stanley Mitchell Hut

Location: In the Little Yoho Valley of Yoho National Park. (Psst! The Yoho Valley is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 22

Booking: Reservations required. Book online.Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada, Yoho National Park, and my guide to the Yoho Valley Loop.

Elizabeth Parker Hut

Location: Near the shores of Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park. (This is one of the destinations on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 20-24

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. In summer, bookings are by lottery.

Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada, Yoho National Park, and my guide to Lake O’Hara

Neil Colgan Hut

Location: Above the Valley of the Ten Peaks at Moraine Lake in, Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, rock climbing

Sleeps: 18

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Castle Mountain Hut, Banff

Location: Halfway up the south face of Castle Mountain. Access to the hut requires scrambling and technical rock climbing.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Rock climbing, mountaineering.

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.

Cost: $60/night for non-members. $50/night for ACC members. Bookings are for the entire hut.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Elk Lakes Cabin

Location: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in the Kananaskis Valley south of Canmore.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 14

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve six months in advance.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

Naiset Huts

Location: A cluster of five huts at Magog Lake in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park southwest of Canmore. (Mount Assiniboine is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)

Operated By: Mount Assiniboine Lodge and Assiniboine Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: Each hut sleeps 5-8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online for summer starting in early January. Book online for winter starting in December.

Cost: $150-$240 per night for an entire hut

More Info: My huge guide to hiking in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and Mount Assiniboine Lodge

Queen Mary Lake Cabin

Location: At Queen Mary Lake in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park northeast of Fairmont Hot Springs.

Operated By: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 8

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free

More Info: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park

Connor Lake Cabin

Location: At Connor Lake in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park east of Canal Flats.

Operated By: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free

More Info: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park

Fish Lake Cabin

Location: At Fish Lake in Top of the World Provincial Park northeast of Kimberley.

Operated By: Top of the World Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling

Sleeps: 14-18

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: Top of the World Provincial Park

Thunder Meadows Cabin

Location: Northwest of Fernie Alpine Resort near the Island Lake Lodge

Operated By: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club

Best For: Ski touring

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Only club members may make bookings through the members-only section of the club website.

Cost: There are nightly fees charged for booking.

More Info: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club

Tunnel Creek Cabin

Location: On the west side of Highway 3 between Fernie and Elko

Operated By: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club

Best For: Ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Only club members may make bookings through the members-only section of the club website. The hut is closed in summer.

Cost: There are nightly fees charged for booking.

More Info: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club

Cameron Lake Cabin

Location: At Cameron Lake in the southwest part of Waterton Lakes National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Ski touring, ice climbing

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in summer.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada

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Backcountry Huts in Northern BC

Plummer Hut

Location: In the remote Mount Waddington area on the central coast. Access is via helicopter.

Operated By: BCMC

Best For: Mountaineering

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 180 days before your trip.

Cost: $10/person/night for non-members. Free for members.

More Info: BCMC

Hankin Lookout Cabin

Location: At the community-run, no-lifts Hankin-Evelyn ski area northwest of Smithers.

Operated By: Bulkley Backcountry Ski Society

Best For: Ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online.

Cost: $60/whole cabin/night

More Info: Bulkley Backcountry Ski Society

Harold Price Cabin

Location: In the headwaters of Gramaphone Creek, north of Smithers.

Operated By: Bulkley Valley Backpackers Society

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 6-8

Booking: Reservations required. Contact Ellen Anderson at 778-210-0625 or ellen.anderson59@gmail.com

Cost: $10/person/night, payable by etransfer

More Info: Bulkley Valley Backpackers Society and Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre

Joe L’Orsa Cabin

Location: Silverking Basin in Babine Mountains Provincial Park east of Smithers.

Operated By: Babine Mountains Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 15-20

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: $10/person/night payable in cash at the cabin.

More Info: Babine Mountains Provincial Park

Morice Mountain Cabin

Location: At the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club south of Houston.

Operated By: Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club

Best For: Ski touring, snowshoeing, hiking

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book by email: mmnsclub@gmail.com

Cost: $20/person/night for the first night and $10/person/night for each additional night.

More Info: Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club

Ozalenka Cabin

Location: In the Boreal Valley north of Ozalenka Peak near McBride.

Operated By: Ozalenka Alpine Club

Best For: Hiking

Sleeps: 6-8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online.

Cost: $100/whole hut/night

More Info: Ozalenka Alpine Club

Eagle Valley Cabin

Location: In the Eagle Valley southwest of McBride.

Operated By: Ozalenka Alpine Club

Best For: Hiking

Sleeps: 6-8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online.

Cost: $80/whole hut/night

More Info: Ozalenka Alpine Club

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So that’s my big list of over 80 backcountry huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies. Did I miss a BC backcountry cabin? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add it.

READ NEXT:

• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners
• BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know
• How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
• Get my book: Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

The post Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The route leads you through lush coastal rainforest, past rushing rivers, and beside swimmable lakes. It also passes right through downtown Squamish and Whistler Village, so that you can stop for a civilized coffee break. However, there are a few short stretches where the trail is not complete, so you’ll have to walk on roads or Highway 99.

The trail is multi-use, open to both hikers and cyclists. I’ve done both, covering the trail’s entire length on a series of hikes and bike rides over the years. My husband, an avid bikepacker, also helped with this post.

There isn’t much info on the Sea to Sky Trail online (and what is online is a bit dated since several new trail sections have been built in the last few years). In this guide, I’ve got everything you need to know about the Sea to Sky Trail, including:

• Quick facts about the Sea to Sky Trail: distance, best time to go, how long it takes, and more
• An up-to-date map and elevation profile, plus a downloadable GPX file
• Detailed trail description, broken down into sections with distances and elevation change
• My recommended itineraries for hiking and biking
• Camping and where to stay along the trail
• Sea to Sky Trail tips, including water access and specific tips for hikers and bikers
• How to get to the Sea to Sky Trail and between trailheads
• My honest opinion of the trail and whether I recommend it

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

Sea to Sky Trail Quick Facts

Route Overview: The Sea to Sky Trail runs from Squamish to Whistler in a route that parallels the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). It is a multi-use trail that is open to hikers and bikers and strings together sections of trail and road to create the Sea to Sky Trail.

Not the Sea to Sky Gondola: Lots of people get this trail confused with the trail that goes from the base of the Sea to Sky Gondola to the top. That one is called the Sea to Summit Trail – the Sea to Sky Trail is a different trail!

Distance: 107.4 km

Elevation Gain: 2,435 m

Surface Breakdown: Single-track trail: 52.8 km; Paved multi-use trail: 20.1 km; Gravel road: 19.4 km; Paved road: 11.5 km; Paved Highway: 10 km

How Long to Spend: Cyclists should plan on 2 to 3 days. Hikers can complete the trail in 4 days.

Best Time to Go: May to October for the best weather and no snow.

Indigenous Context: The Sea to Sky Trail is on the traditional territory of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. Be respectful in this special place.

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Sea to Sky Trail Maps and Elevation Profile

When I was researching my trips, I had trouble finding good info about the routing of the Sea to Sky Trail. Some sections are really straightforward, but others are not. This is because the trail has been rerouted in a few places to avoid roads or to take paths that are bikeable versus just hikable.

After digging through the Sea to Sky Trail section of the Squamish-Lilooet Regional District website, the Trans Canada Trail interactive map, Trailforks, and Gaia, I’ve put together what I think is the most complete and accurate (for now) map of the Sea to Sky Trail.

Here is my custom Sea to Sky Trail map, made using Gaia GPS, my fave mapping app. Click through to zoom in and explore (and to download the GPX file).

PS: Want to save 10% on a premium subscription to Gaia GPS (the app I use for all my hikes)? Use my link – the discount appears in cart.

When you’re hiking or biking the trail, you will usually come across Sea to Sky Trail markers at important junctions. The markers aren’t huge, but they are there if you look for them. However, keep in mind that sometimes the markers will take you on older versions of the trail so use the markers along with my map to stay on track.

Sea to Sky Trail Description

Which Direction to Go?

When I was researching this trip, it seemed like most people (both hikers and cyclists) chose to start in Squamish and go north to Pemberton. But then I looked at the elevation profile and realized that if I started in Pemberton and went south, the first 30 km would be uphill, but then the rest would be downhill. So I started in Pemberton.

However, I don’t know that I would necessarily recommend that strategy. The 30 km from Pemberton to the high point above Green Lake involves lots of climbs, some of which are steep. Starting in the north means you have your hardest day first. If you start in Squamish, yes, you’ll be going uphill, but it’s much more gradual.

So, in summary, I don’t recommend one direction over the other.

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Key Locations

Squamish Waterfront to MTN Fun Basecamp

Distance: 10.9 km

Elevation Gain: 100 m

Elevation Loss: 70 m

The trail starts at Sp’akw’us Feather Park near downtown Squamish. It’s a new beachfront park accessed via Loggers Lane. It has washrooms, a water bottle refill station, and incredible views of the Stawamus Chief. You’ll find a small “Sea to Sky Trail” sign on the road near the parking area, but otherwise, there is no other info about the trail.

From the beach, head west along the paved path through the park. Exit the park at the northwest corner, following a gravel trail along a narrow inlet littered with remains of Squamish’s industrial past.

About 1.5 km from the start, emerge onto the pavement in downtown Squamish. Use Logger’s Lane or Cleveland Avenue to head north to Pemberton Avenue, then turn right. Take the path under the bridge. On the other side, stay on the paved Corridor Trail beside the Mamquam Blind Channel.

Follow the Corridor Trail as it parallels Loggers Lane, then crosses the Mamquam River beside Highway 99. About 7 km from the start, the Corridor Trail passes in front of Garibaldi Village shopping centre. This is a good place to get a snack or go to the bathroom at one of the quick-service restaurants. The Purebread cafe here is a great place for a treat.

The Corridor Trail ends at the 9.9km mark. From here, follow signs for the Through the Looking Glass Trail through the woods. Those on bikes should be prepared for a steep first few minutes and some tight switchbacks at the end.

At the 11 km mark, exit the trail onto Depot Road. MTN Fun Basecamp Campground is located here.

MTN Fun Basecamp to End of Paradise Valley Road

Distance: 15.4 km

Elevation Gain: 155 m

Elevation Loss: 90 m

Cross Highway 99 at the traffic light, then turn right onto the Ray Peters Trail. A minute later, go left to take the left branch of the Ray Peters Trail (right continues beside the highway). You’ll follow this packed gravel and dirt path through the forest as it parallels Ross Road and Government Road.

Exit the Ray Peters Trail at the intersection of Government Road and Squamish Valley Road at the 14.5 km mark. From here, you have a long road section, first paved, then gravel. Thankfully, traffic is light.

Head west on Squamish Valley Road to the bridge over the Cheakamus River. Fergie’s Cafe is on your right – it’s a great brunch or lunch spot if you have time. Sunwolf Riverside Cabins are also on the same property.

On the other side of the bridge, at the 16.1 km mark, turn right onto Paradise Valley Road. The first section of this road is gorgeous with lots of big leaf maple trees overhead. Pass the Paradise Valley Campground at 19.7 km just after crossing a bridge over the Cheakamus River.

The road turns to gravel at 21.5 km. Unfortunately, this section isn’t very scenic, and it can be dusty. The road gets rougher as it reaches its end at 26.5 km. There is an informal drive-in camping area at the end of the road that is popular on weekends. However, it has no toilets, food storage, or other facilities.

End of Paradise Valley to Chance Creek FSR

Distance: 9.9 km

Elevation Gain: 455 m

Elevation Loss: 235 m

From the end of the road, follow the Cheakamus Canyon Trail uphill into the forest – it’s one of my favourite hikes in Squamish. This is one of the biggest climbs on the trail. The trail is steep and loose in places. Cyclists will have to hike-a-bike through here. There is a large barrier at a railway crossing that bikes will need to be lifted over.

Reach Starvation Lake at 28.6 km, having gained about 115 m since leaving the road. I love swimming here. There is a clearing in the trees on a spur trail on the north side of the lake that makes a good informal campsite. It has no toilet, food storage, or other facilities.

Continue uphill past the lake. In places, you can see the railway line and Cheakamus River in the canyon below you. In one short section, traverse a wire mesh catwalk suspended on the side of a cliff. The trail has steep drop-offs in places, but it is wide, so you can always stay far back from the edge. Some short, steep hills with loose gravel may require pushing your bike.

The trail ends at Highway 99 at the 32 km mark, having climbed another 100 m up from the lake. From here, you have a 3.9 km segment of Highway 99 to deal with. Hikers can stay on the west shoulder, in some places on the other side of the concrete barrier. Bikers will need to cross the highway carefully, then bike on the shoulder, which is reasonably wide.

Turn left onto Chance Creek FSR at the 36.1 km mark.

Chance Creek FSR to Brandywine Falls

Distance: 10.5 km

Elevation Gain: 260 m

Elevation Loss: 125 m

Follow this gravel road for 0.2 km, then turn right back onto the Sea to Sky Trail. The trail climbs up under a power line and passes near Lucille Lake. (Take a trail branching left to visit the lake, which has good swimming.) It then heads back under the same powerline and follows old double-track roads to Shadow Lake.

Shadow Lake is part of the larger Daisy Lake Dam complex, so there are pumphouses and other infrastructure in this section. Stay on the old double track on the west side of the lake, then follow the road as it becomes a trail and heads into the forest. Some trailside clearings near a bridge over Roe Creek could work as informal campsites. There are no toilets, food storage, or other facilities.

The trail becomes old double track again as it crosses the railway tracks and swings north to follow the powerlines. Reach paved Retta Lake Road at the 41.5 km mark. This road accesses two gated communities of private homes.

Go north on Retta Lake Road until you reach Highway 99 at the 43 km mark. Next up is the longest Highway section. You’ll be on the road for 4.1 km. Cyclists have a left turn lane to cross the highway, but the shoulder in this section is quite narrow. As well, it’s uphill – you’ll gain almost 100 m. Hikers can stay on the west shoulder, facing traffic, which is a bit wider.

Turn right into Brandywine Provincial Park at 46.9 km.

Brandywine Falls to Cal-Cheak Campground

Distance: 5.2 km

Elevation Gain: 155 m

Elevation Loss: 135 m

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park has lots of trails, but you’ll use just a few of them. Head through the parking lot, past the outhouses, and over the bridge across Brandywine Creek. Follow the wide main trail southeast and across the railway tracks. On the other side, detour for a few hundred metres to visit the Brandywine Falls viewpoints.

The Sea to Sky Trail continues east just south of the railway tracks. The wide gravel trail heads through the forest and down a small hill before climbing back up into more open terrain as you pass under powerlines and past old lava flows pockmarked with little lakes.

Arrive at the Bungee Bridge at 46.9 km. It’s worth waiting at the viewpoint to watch someone jump. Cross the bridge when the bungee staff tell you it’s safe to do so. Cyclists will have to carry their bikes up a short flight of stairs.

On the other side, follow the trail down to the Daisy Lake/Cal-Cheak FSR and head north on the wide gravel road.

Reach the southern entrance to Cal-Cheak Campground at 52.2 km at the intersection of the Cheakamus River and Callaghan Creek. This large campground has three main areas, each with tent sites and outhouses.

Cal-Cheak Campground to Function Junction

Distance: 8 km

Elevation Gain: 250 m

Elevation Loss: 150 m

Continue along the gravel road, watching for the Sea to Sky Trail to branch off to the right at 52.6 km, just past the spur road to the north campground.

The next section of trail travels through beautiful shady woods and past several rockslides, a relic of the area’s volcanic history. There are some short, sharp climbs with tight switchbacks that require careful bike handling. A long, straight section follows a former logging railway. Cross the Cheakamus River on a suspension bridge at the 55 km mark.

On the other side, the trail starts with a climb and then winds across a series of rolling hills. Expect to see lots of hikers as you approach Trainwreck junction at 58.3 km.

You can take a short detour down the hill to the Whistler Trainwreck, a set of abandoned train cars suspended over the side of the Cheakamus River Canyon. From the junction, follow the busy trail east to Jane Lakes Road at 58.8 km.

Go northeast on Jane Lakes Road, then take the Valley Trail across the Cheakamus River near the intersection with Legacy Way. At 60 km, stay on the Valley Trail as it heads northeast on the east side of Highway 99. If you need a break, detour across the Highway into Function Junction to grab a treat from Purebread or beer and pizza from Whistler Brewing.

Function Junction to Lost Lake

Distance: 11.6 km

Elevation Gain: 270 m

Elevation Loss: 175 m

You’ll be on the Valley Trail all the way through Whistler. It is a paved multi-use trail, so expect to share it with other cyclists, joggers, and walkers. Even though it crosses many streets and Highway 99, the trail is fairly easy to follow with signs at every junction – just follow the arrows to Whistler Village.

At 64.5 km ride through Alpha Lake Park. Pass through Wayside Park at 66.2 km and Lakeside Park at 66.7 km. All three parks have bathrooms and swimming areas. Wayside Park and Lakeside Park are also launch points for paddling the River of Golden Dreams.

Use the underpass to cross Highway 99 at 69.2 km to enter Whistler Village. You must walk your bike through the village. This is a great place to stop for something to eat – there are seemingly endless cafes and restaurants. It’s a bit fancy, but I love the sandwiches at Provisions on Village Stroll.

Make your way through the village, aiming for the Valley Trail between parking lots #1 and #2. After crossing the parking lots, take the Valley Trail north towards Lost Lake – ignore the branch that crosses Fitzsimmons Creek on the covered bridge.

Stay on the Valley Trail as it parallels the parking lots and passes underneath Lorimer Road. Cross Fitzsimmons Creek on a wide bridge, and arrive at the entrance to Lost Lake Park and the Lost Lake Passivhaus at 70.7 km.

Follow the wide gravel trail into the park, then go right to stay on it towards Lost Lake Beach. There are more bathrooms and another swimming area here.

Lost Lake to Wedgewoods

Distance: 8.4 km

Elevation Gain: 245 m

Elevation Loss: 335 m

Stay on the wide gravel trail as it heads up the lake’s east side.

From here, you’ll be on a series of mountain bike trails that traverse the slopes high above Green Lake. If you follow the signage correctly, you’ll stay on easy green-rated trails or old logging roads. But if you get lost, you could end up on a challenging black diamond-rated trail. Pay attention!

At the end of the Lost Lake Trail, take Gandy Dancer for 400 m to Siwash Trail for 200 m to the Green Lake Loop. Stay on the Green Lake Loop as you reach the Sea to Sky Trail’s high point at 758 m.

As you get towards the north end of Green Lake, the trail network can be confusing. Look for signs that say Sea to Sky Trail or Green Lake Loop. When in doubt, the wide gravel road will also take you where you want to go. If you want an interesting detour, you can head northwest on the Parkhurst Trail to explore the abandoned ghost town of Parkhurst.

Eventually, you’ll descend to the Green River Road, also called Riverside Drive. Turn right and follow this road as it parallels the railway tracks and the Green River.

At 80.4 km, reach the Riverside Dispersed Camping Area near the railway tracks and Highway 99. This informal drive-in camping area has an outhouse but no food storage or other facilities.

Follow the gravel road northeast from the junction. In a few minutes, ignore the uphill branch that goes to the Wedgemount Lake Trailhead. Instead, stay left and follow the road into the Wedgewoods neighbourhood.

Wedgewoods to Gord’s Garden

Distance: 5.8 km

Elevation Gain: 90 m

Elevation Loss: 185 m

A wide paved path runs beside Riverside Road through this high-end subdivision. Follow it across a bridge over the Green River. Just before the road curves left to meet up with Highway 99, turn left on Skier’s Rest Lane. Turn left again into an unmarked driveway for the complex’s trash storage building, and find the Sea to Sky Trailhead at 82.7 km.

The next section of trail sticks close enough to Highway 99 that you can often hear it or see it. The path heads through tight second-growth forest and rambles underneath the powerlines.

Emerge on Highway 99 at 86.1 km and turn right to cross the railway tracks, then turn right onto Soo Valley Road. You’ll be on the Highway for less than 100 m.

Gord’s Garden to Green River Motocross

Distance: 8.4 km

Elevation Gain: 150 m

Elevation Loss: 295 m

Find the Gord’s Garden Trailhead on your left almost immediately after leaving the highway. This section is named for Gordon McKeever, one of the early champions of the Sea to Sky Trail. Follow the trail steeply up the hill and under the power lines. There are tons of dirt bike trails in this area – follow the Sea to Sky Trail signs to stay on track.

After reaching a high point under the power lines, the trail descends gradually. Watch for a left turn into the forest. The trail continues to descend until it reaches the banks of the Green River.

The next few kilometres are my favourite part of the Sea to Sky Trail. The path follows the Green River with lots of spots to stop for a break or stick your toes in the water. There are also some lovely groves of giant trees.

There are even a few clearings big enough to work as informal campsites. The best one near the 90 km mark has a picnic table, but there are no toilets, food storage, or other facilities.

Starting near the 90.5 km mark, the trail passes through an ancient rockslide. A spur trail leads to a viewing platform. In places, the trail builders have shored up the trail to create a smooth pass across large boulders. It’s a spectacular sight.

Around 91.7 km, the trail passes a sandy area called Mystery Beach. While the river is cold and fast, locals do dip here.

Emerge on the gravel Mount Currie Road at 92.3 km. There is an outhouse here. Turn left and follow the flat road past the oval of the Pemberton Speedway and the jumps of the Green River Motocross Track, both on your right. They both have outhouses.

Green River Motocross to Nairn Falls Provincial Park

Distance: 8.3 km

Elevation Gain: 260 m

Elevation Loss: 350 m

Turn right on Highway 99 at 94.7 km to start your last highway section. It’s 1.9 km long. The shoulder is moderately wide here, and traffic is lighter here than south of Whistler, so it’s not a high-stress section. Follow the Highway across the Soo River Bridge. Pass the Sea to Sky Soils Compost Plant – hopefully it’s not too smelly.

Immediately after crossing the Rutherford Creek bridge, turn left onto North Rutherford Creek Road at 96.6 km. Walk uphill on the steep gravel road, passing an outhouse. About 500 m from the highway, turn right onto the Sea to Sky Trail. This newer section provides an alternative route to the highway (which is scary to ride/walk), but does involve lots of short, sharp climbs and descents.

The trail climbs up onto a bluff with a view down to the river. Then it descends into an open and flat area under the power lines. Next, the trail goes into some beautiful cedar woods as it passes several creeks and the remains of an old cabin.

Stay on the trail as it swings close to the highway, then climbs up onto another bluff under the powerlines. Cross the entrance road to the gun range, and continue along the trail as it climbs under powerlines. Descend to Highway 99 and cross it at a railway crossing at 102.2 km.

From here, a new trail parallels the highway on the east side and brings you into the parking lot for Nairn Falls Provincial Park at 103.1 km. The trail to the falls is one of my favourite hikes in Whistler.

Nairn Falls Provincial Park to Pemberton

Distance: 4 km

Elevation Gain: 95 m

Elevation Loss: 140 m

Head into the campground, then turn left to follow the northernmost campground road to the northeastern corner of the campground, where you rejoin the Sea to Sky Trail. You’ll pass several outhouses and a water pump.

The trail winds through the woods and zigzags up a hill. You’ll enter a zone with several mountain bike trails joining from the right – ignore them and stay on the main Sea to Sky Trail. The trail also passes through a challenging and wooded disc golf course.

At 105.7 km, reach One Mile Lake. A spur trail to the left leads to the beach, parking lot, and toilets. Turn right and follow the trail around the east side of the lake. At the north end of the lake, take the trail north to a bridge over Pemberton Creek.

Stay on the trail as it becomes Vine Road, passes McDonald’s, and then crosses Highway 99. Congratulations, you’ve finished all 107.4 km of the Sea to Sky Trail from Squamish to Pemberton.

If you’re really keen, the trail continues to the tiny town of D’Arcy. However, most of the trail is on a boring paved road, so I haven’t done it.

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Sea to Sky Trail Itineraries

Hiking Itineraries

If you’re planning to hike the Sea to Sky Trail as a backpacking trip, stopping to camp along the way, it makes sense to do it as a four-day/three-night trip.

Here is my recommended itinerary for hikers:

Day 1: Sp’akw’us Feather Park to end of Paradise Valley Road: 26.5 km, 255 m gain, 160 m loss

Day 2: End of Paradise Valley Road to Cal-Cheak Campground: 24.9 km, 870 m gain, 495 m loss

Day 3: Cal-Cheak Campground to Riverside Dispersed Camping: 28.3 km, 765 m gain, 660 m loss

Day 4: Riverside Dispersed Camping to Pemberton: 27.6 km, 595 m gain, 970 m loss

You can also create other itineraries by using car shuttles or taxis, since there are lots of places to access the trail from Highway 99. See the camping and where to stay section below for accommodation options along the trail.

Biking Itineraries

Strong gravel riders or mountain bikers can ride the Sea to Sky Trail in a single day. However, it is a common bikepacking destination, and most bikepackers will ride in two days.

Here is my recommended itinerary for biking the Sea to Sky Trail:

Day 1: Sp’akw’us Feather Park to Cal-Cheak Campground: 51.4 km, 1125 m gain, 655 m loss

Day 2: Cal-Cheak Campground to Pemberton: 55.9 km, 1360 m gain, 1630 m loss

You can also stretch out the trip to three or even four days using the accommodation options listed in the camping and where to stay section below.

Camping and Where to Stay on the Sea to Sky Trail

There are lots of accommodation options along the Sea to Sky Trail, including campgrounds, hostels, and hotels. My guide to hotels in Squamish and my guides to camping in Squamish and camping in Whistler have more info.

Please note that I’ve included some dispersed and informal camping areas that have no facilities. In these areas, you will need to go to the bathroom the Leave No Trace way, filter water, pack out your trash, and store your food/toiletries/garbage securely in a bear hang or Ursack.

Below, I’ve got a breakdown of the major campgrounds and hotels arranged in the order you will encounter them along the trail.

Squamish Area Camping and Hotels

Downtown Squamish Hotels and Hostels: There are several hotels and the Squamish Adventure Inn Hostel in downtown Squamish between the 1.5 and 2.8 km marks on the trail. I recommend Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company.

Mamquam River Campground: Located a few blocks east of the trail near Brennan Park Rec Centre at the 5.9 km mark. Both drive-in and walk-in sites. No water or showers. Reservations are required.

Garibaldi Estates Hotels: There are two hotels along the northern part of the paved trail through Squamish: The Executive Suites Hotel and Resort (8.7 km mark) is my top pick, but the Sea to Sky Hotel (at the 7.5 km mark) is right next to shops and restaurants.

MTN Fun Basecamp Campground: Located at the 10.9 km mark. Drive-in sites. Free hot showers. Reservations required.

Sunwolf Riverside Cabins: Hipster cabins and a famous brunch spot next to the Cheakamus River Bridge near the 16 km mark.

Paradise Valley Campground: Located at 19.7 km. It has a few walk-in sites and lots of drive-in sites. Pay showers. Reservations required.

End of Paradise Valley Road: An informal dispersed camping area with drive-in access next to the river at the 26.5 km mark. No toilets or other facilities.

Starvation Lake: There is an informal dispersed camping area near the north end of the lake at the 28.6 km mark. No toilets or other facilities.

Shadow Lake: There is an informal dispersed camping area north of the lake near Roe Creek at the 40 km mark. No toilets or other facilities.

Whistler Area Camping and Hotels

Cal-Cheak Campground: This drive-in campground at the 52.2 km mark has 55 first-come, first-served sites spread over three loops next to a creek and a river. It has bear-proof food lockers and outhouses, but no water taps or showers.

HI Whistler Hostel: Located near the 59.4 km mark in the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood.

Whistler Hotels: There are lots of hotels located between the 65 and 70 km marks in Whistler Village and Creekside. My favourite is the Summit Lodge since it is quiet and has large rooms but isn’t too pricey (by Whistler standards anyway).

Parkbridge Riverside Whistler Campground: Take a 1 km detour off the trail at the 74 km mark in the Lost Lake Trail system to reach this luxury drive-in campground with showers. In addition to tent sites, they have log cabins and yurts. Reservations required.

Riverside Dispersed Camping: There is informal camping along Riverside Road/Wedge FSR near the intersection with Highway 99 at the 80.4 km mark. You’ll find lots of vanlifers on the road and tents down along the Green River. There is an outhouse here, but no other facilities.

Pemberton Camping and Hotels

Gord’s Garden Dispersed Camping: There are several informal campsites with no facilities on the banks of the Green River along the Gord’s Garden section of the trail between the 89 and 91.5 km marks. The best one is near 90 km.

Nairn Falls Provincial Park: A big drive-in campground at the 103.1 km mark. It has outhouses and a water pump. Reservations required.

Pemberton Hotels: There are two hotels in downtown Pemberton near the 107.4 km mark. I recommend the Pemberton Valley Lodge, which is near the trailhead.

Tips for Hiking and Biking the Sea to Sky Trail

General Tips

Black bears are common in some sections of the trail. Carry bear spray in an easy-to-reach spot and know how to use it.

If you choose to use one of the informal camping areas, stow all food, toiletries, and garbage securely at night to protect them from bears, birds, and other critters. You can rig a bear hang in a tree, but I prefer to use an Ursack with a smell-proof liner.

There is cell phone coverage on most of the trail, but there are dead zones. Download offline maps ahead of time. Leave a trip plan with a friend or family member so someone knows where you’ll be.

Water Access on the Sea to Sky Trail

The trail passes lots of creeks, rivers, and lakes, so it’s usually fairly straightforward to get water. However, some smaller water sources will be dry in July, August, and early September. Unless you are filling from a tap or pump, you’ll need to filter or treat your water. I use a Katadyn BeFree since it is light, compact, and fast.

Below, I’ve identified the easiest places to fill up. These are all reliable year-round water sources.

• Sp’akw’us Feather Park (0 km): Water fountain next to the washroom building.
• Brennan Park Recreation Centre (5.7 km): Water fountain and washrooms inside.
• Cheakamus River Bridge (16 km): Access the river by walking through Sunwolf/Fergie’s.
• Cheakamus River Bridge (19.3 km): Access to the river on the north side of the bridge.
• End of Paradise Valley Road (26.5 km): Access to the Cheakamus River on the gravel flats at the north end of the informal camping area.
• Starvation Lake (28.6 km): Easy access to the west and north sides of the lake.
• Roe Creek (40.2 km): Water access next to a bridge, a few minutes north of Shadow Lake.
• Bungee Bridge Lake (49.8 km): Small lake on the west side of the trail just before the bungee bridge.
• Cal-Cheak Campground (52.2 km): Access to Callaghan Creek from the campground.
• Alpha Lake Park (64.5 km): Washroom building.
• Wayside Park (66.2 km): Washroom building.
• Whistler Village (69.2 km): Washrooms and water bottle refill stations at Olympic Plaza and Gateway Bus Loop.
• Lost Lake Passivhaus (70.7 km): Washrooms and water bottle refill station.
• Lost Lake Beach (72 km): Washroom building.
• Riverside Dispersed Camping (80.4 km): Access to the Green River.
• Gord’s Garden (89 to 91.5 km): Several spots to access the Green River.
• Nairn Falls Provincial Park (103.1 km): Water pump.

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Hiking Tips

The trail is mostly hard surfaces (packed gravel, pavement, logging roads), so big hiking boots are overkill. I wore big boots for the section I backpacked and regretted it – I would do it in low-cut hiking boots or trail runners next time.

The Highway sections aren’t that long but, they can be intimidating. Wear bright clothing. Next time, I would wear my headlamp on blinking mode and a blinky bike light on the back of my pack.

In a few places, you can walk on the other side of the concrete Highway barrier from traffic, which helps. While walking facing traffic is the safest option, in some places the shoulder is wider on the other side of the Highway, so you might want to cross over. But do it carefully, of course.

Biking Tips

The trail is intermediate/challenging for most bike packers. The hike-a-bike section near Starvation Lake (including lifting your bike over the railway barrier) and a few steep, punchy climbs just south of Nairn Falls are the main obstacles.

You will also want to be a confident bike handler, especially fully loaded, because in places the trail passes close to steep drops off or river banks.

Unlike many other bike packing or cycling touring routes, there is a lot of semi-technical single-track. Mountain bikers will find this terrain easy, but those unused to riding off road will find it challenging.

Most of the trail is packed gravel single track, dirt roads, or pavement, making it great for gravel bikes and hard-tail mountain bikes. In general, you’ll want wider tires – at least 38 mm but ideally 45+ mm or 2″ MTB tires. You’ll also want gearing for the steep climbs.

A bikepacking set-up is ideal for the bumpy terrain. You could do it with panniers, but they will get jostled around a lot. Don’t go too heavy, or you will hate the hills.

The Highway sections are short, but in places the shoulder is narrow and traffic is fast. Consider bringing a blinky light and wearing bright clothing to keep yourself visible. Take extra care crossing the highway.

How to Get to the Sea to Sky Trail (And Between Trailheads)

There are a few ways to get from Vancouver to Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton and between these towns.

Driving

It’s an easy (and beautiful) 1-hour drive to Squamish from Vancouver via the Sea to Sky Highway. It’s another hour to 45 minutes to Whistler, and then a further 30 minutes to Pemberton.

Biking

You can bike the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Pemberton, passing Squamish and Whistler, but it’s not for everyone – many cyclists will appreciate driving or taking the bus to skip the highway, especially between Vancouver and Squamish.

The section between Vancouver and Squamish is about 68 km with about 650 m of elevation gain. In some places, there is little to no shoulder. There are sharp turns, and traffic is very fast.

The section between Squamish and Pemberton is 93 km with 830 to 1050 m of elevation gain (depending on which direction you are going). It has more shoulder than the southern section, but there are still some tight spots.

Buses

There are four bus services you can use to get between Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton. The bus stops in Squamish and Whistler are on the Sea to Sky Trail. In Pemberton, the bus stop is 1 km from the trail. Getting to Squamish or Whistler is easy, but you’ll have to transfer in Whistler to get to/from Pemberton.

• Epic Rides: Stops in Whistler and downtown Vancouver. Takes bikes on a rear rack or in a box/bag. No charge for bikes.
• YVR Skylynx: Stops at YVR Vancouver airport, downtown Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler. Takes bikes if they are in a box or bag.
• Squamish Connector: Stops at downtown Vancouver and Squamish. Takes bikes on a rear bike rack if you call or email ahead of time to reserve.
• BC Transit: Public transit between Pemberton and Whistler via the 99 Commuter bus route. Takes bikes on a front rack for free, but space is limited.

Taxis and Ride Shares

Squamish and Whistler have taxi services you can use to get between trailheads or to road crossings along the trail. Depending on the distance travelled, it can get expensive.

Whistler and Squamish do not have Uber or Lyft. However, you may be able to find a ride via Poparide, a carpooling app that is popular locally.

Squamish Trailhead

The Squamish Trailhead is located at Sp’akw’us Feather Park in downtown Squamish. The Sea to Sky trail ends/begins here next to the ocean.

The best place to park overnight is the gravel lot next to the Adventure Centre on Loggers Lane. It’s right on the Sea to Sky Trail and is 3.5 km from the trailhead. You can walk, bike, or take a taxi to the trailhead. Here are Google Maps directions to Sp’akw’us Feather Park.

Pemberton Trailhead

There isn’t a designated trailhead in Pemberton since the trail technically continues onward to D’Arcy. However, since that section isn’t finished and is essentially just a road, I recommend starting or ending in Pemberton rather than continuing to D’Arcy.

I consider the big “Pemberton” sign outside Mile One Eating House at the intersection of Highway 99 and Pemberton Portage Road to be the trailhead. It’s about 1 block from the trail, and there’s something cool about saying that you hiked or biked from downtown Squamish to downtown Pemberton. Here are Google Maps directions to the Pemberton sign.

I don’t have a great recommendation for overnight parking in Pemberton since we got dropped off. However, Pemberton’s bylaws allow anyone to park on the street for up to 72 hours, so you should be fine to leave your car in street parking. There is also a parking lot next to the Pemberton Skate Park on Pemberton Portage Road that could be ok to leave your car.

Sea to Sky Trail Review: My Opinion

I have to be honest: I have some mixed feelings about this trail (especially for hikers), and I don’t necessarily recommend it. However, it has enough redeeming features that I thought it was worth writing a guide. My opinion can be broken down into two broad themes:

It’s Not a Wilderness Trip

For the most part, the trail is surrounded by stunning natural scenery: forests, rushing rivers, lakes, etc. But the Sea to Sky Trail crosses Highway 99 and other car-accessible roads over 25 times. The farthest you will ever be from a car accessible road is 3 or 4 km on the Cal-Cheak to Trainwreck, Gord’s Garden, and Green Lake sections.

That’s great because it gives you flexibility for resupplying or getting on and off the trail. But it also means this is definitely not a wilderness experience. It’s not an urban trip either – it’s something in between. If you’re looking to detach yourself from the world and head into the bush, this trip isn’t that.

But I also loved the way that the Sea to Sky Trail shows you that despite being close to a rushing Highway, the entire corridor is full of wilderness. On my trips, I spotted lots of wildflowers, berries, old-growth trees, and animal tracks, often within sight or sound of Highway 99. It was great to slow down and enjoy walking and biking through a landscape that is usually rushed through in a car. So it’s not a wilderness experience… but there is still lots of nature.

And honestly, being close to population centres can also be great. You can stop for coffee, sandwiches, groceries, etc. You can have friends shuttle you and/or your gear between sections so you don’t have to carry heavy packs. An overnight in a hotel with a real bed and a shower is also possible!

It’s Better as a Bikepacking Trip Than a Backpacking Trip

In general, the Sea to Sky Trail is much better for cyclists. Even though it is bumpier and more technical than many bikepacking routes (which usually use gravel roads), it is quite scenic in places, and the single-track sections are a nice change of pace. Bikes can also get through the highway sections quickly.

As you can see in the surface breakdown at the top of this post, only 51.8 km of the 107.4 km is single-track trail. The rest of the trail is paved surfaces or hard-packed gravel roads, which are fun for cyclists but boring for hikers. Those hard surfaces are also killer on hikers’ feet.

That doesn’t mean that hikers shouldn’t do this trail. It just means that I recommend you understand what you’re signing up for. As well, if you’re doing it as a backpacking trip, I think the Sea to Sky Trail is best for spring or fall when other destinations are too snowy. Don’t waste prime summer weather on this trip.

Do I Recommend the Sea to Sky Trail?

For bikepackers looking for something a bit different than the usual gravel logging roads, yes, I recommend the Sea to Sky Trail. If you’re up for single track, a bit of hike-a-bike, and short, steep climbs, it’s great. The campground at Cal-Cheak (the typical overnight on a 2-day bikepacking itinerary) is also very nice.

For hikers, I don’t necessarily recommend the Sea to Sky Trail. If you’re already in Vancouver or the Sea to Sky region and are looking for a unique spring or fall trip, give it a go. Otherwise, I think there are so many other backpacking destinations in BC that are better.

The main reason I don’t recommend this trip for hikers is that there is too much road and paved trail. As well, many of the unpaved trail sections are under powerlines, which you’ll pass through quickly on a bike, but as a hiker, they get tiresome. And finally, the way that the campsites are spread out on the trail means you’ll have to do 20+ km days each day, which can be a lot for fully-loaded backpackers.

Final Thoughts

While the Sea to Sky isn’t my favourite trail, as a local, I do still have a soft spot for it. I love that the trail lets us see the plants, animals, and scenery that most people drive through the region without slowing down to appreciate. It’s also pretty cool to be able to go backpacking or bikepacking from the centre of one town to another!

If you’ve got questions about the trail, I’m happy to help. Hit me up in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• 60+ Things to do in Squamish
• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer
• 22 Places to Camp Near Squamish
• 18 Places to Camp Near Whistler
• 10 Best Hotels in Squamish
• The Best Hikes in Squamish
• The Best Hikes in Whistler

The post Sea to Sky Trail from Squamish to Pemberton appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I think one of the reasons I like Whistler so much is that it lets everyone get close to the mountains. Whistler is just 90 minutes north of Vancouver, so it’s easy to get to. If you’re looking for a chill adventure, there are easy hikes and walks in the valley bottom and at the top of the gondola. If you want something more adrenaline-focused, you can go ziplining, whitewater rafting, and more. And of course, there’s lots in between.

The town is really cute too. The main focus is the pedestrian village that is lined with shops. In the summer, almost every restaurant has a great patio, perfect for people-watching. You can also explore the rest of town by the flat, paved Valley Trail.

In this guide to visiting Whistler, BC in summer, I’ve got:

• A Whistler summer map: it includes all the places I mention in this post
• 25 things to do in Whistler, BC in summer: hiking, biking, patios, kayaking, museums, and more
• Whistler summer travel tips: Weather, how to get around, how long to spend, where to stay, and more

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

Map of Things to Do in Whistler, BC in Summer

To help you find your way around, I made this custom Google Map of things to do in Whistler in the summer for you. It includes every single place I mention in this post.

25 Things to Do in Whistler in the Summer

Here’s my list of the best summer activities in Whistler. It’s a lot of outdoor activities (which shouldn’t be a surprise), but don’t worry – lots of them are laidback and beginner-friendly.

Alpine Sightseeing via Gondola

As you walk around Whistler, you get glimpses of towering mountains between the buildings. They seem incredibly tall and hard to reach… but they’re not.

Thanks to the gondola system, you can ride up to the peaks. Your summer alpine experience ticket includes a ride up the mountains on the Whistler and/or Blackcomb gondolas, making the mountaintops accessible to everyone. (Your ticket also includes the Peak2Peak Gondola and the Peak Chair – more on both of those below.)

I’m a season’s pass holder, so I’ve been up these gondolas tons of times, and I never get tired of it. The ride is gorgeous, but once you get to the top the views are even better.

From the top of the Blackcomb Gondola, you can enjoy the views from the Rendezvous Lodge patio and restaurants, ride the Peak2Peak Gondola, or hike the Blackcomb Alpine Trails. (More on the Peak2Peak and trails below.)

If you ride the Whistler Gondola up, you’ll arrive at the Roundhouse Lodge, which has a great deck and restaurants including the famous Umbrella Bar. You can ride the Peak2Peak Gondola, hike the Whistler Alpine Trails, or take the Peak Chair up to the top of Whistler to experience the Cloudraker Skybridge. (More on all of these options below.)

Peak2Peak Gondola

Don’t miss the Peak2Peak Gondola. It connects Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain via a lofty route over the Fitzsimmons Creek Valley. It’s one of the world’s highest gondolas at 1,427 feet/436 metres. It takes 11 minutes to complete the journey, and of course, the scenery is beautiful.

You can reach the Peak2Peak by buying a summer alpine experience ticket and then riding the Whistler Gondola or Blackcomb Gondola up the mountain. They also have a special glass-floored gondola if you want to test your fear of heights.

Unless you plan to do a lot of hiking, I recommend taking the Blackcomb Gondola up, then the Peak2Peak, then the Whistler Gondola down. That gives you lots of time to spend on the Whistler side which has slightly better views and more attractions.

Peak Express Chair and Whistler Peak

If you’ve taken the gondola to Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler, don’t miss going to the mountain’s peak. To get there, walk the short trail from the Roundhouse, then take the Peak Chair to the top.

The Peak Express Chair is an open chair lift with a safety bar. It’s a short ride, but it is very steep and passes over steep cliffs. I’ve ridden this lift with several people who are afraid of heights and some of them really didn’t like it. Unless your fear is severe, I think it’s worth riding (maybe with your eyes closed?) so you can enjoy the scenery at the top.

Once you reach the top of the Peak Chair you can explore the summit of Whistler Peak. A short network of walking trails leads to great viewpoints.

Cloudraker Skybridge

The closest and most obvious viewpoint is the Cloudraker Skybridge. This suspension bridge connects two outcroppings and suspends you over a small glacier. Unlike most other suspension bridges, this one is quite stiff so it doesn’t bounce or sway that much, which is nice if you’re afraid of heights.

Raven’s Eye Viewpoint

The Raven’s Eye Viewpoint is at the far end of the suspension bridge. It’s a cantilevered viewing platform with panoramic views of the Whistler Valley. I think it has by far the best view of anywhere on the mountain.

Whistler Peak Inukshuk

The other must-see at the top of Whistler Mountain is the inukshuk. This stone sculpture makes a great photo op. From the inukshuk, you get great views of Black Tusk in nearby Garibaldi Provincial Park.

This inukshuk was built for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Whistler. Inukshuks are navigational aids or as symbols of hospitality. However, inukshuks are not used by the local Squamish or Lil’wat Nations – they are from the Inuit culture in Canada’s polar regions.

Alpine Hiking on Whistler Mountain

BC’s alpine trails are stunning, but in most places, you’ll have to trudge uphill for hours until you get any views. That isn’t the case at Whistler – you can ride the gondola directly into the alpine.

There are a few different trails to choose from on Whistler Mountain. I recommend the Harmony Lake Loop if you are short on time or stamina. It heads downhill and then circles past a few pretty little ponds.

However, if you’re up for a moderately challenging hike, my top pick is the High Note Trail. It’s by far my favourite trail in Whistler. It starts from the top of the Peak Chair and then follows the side of a ridge through wildflower meadows. The entire time you’ll get panoramic views of Black Tusk, Cheakamus Lake, and glacier-covered mountains. My High Note Trail guide has step-by-step directions.

READ NEXT: High Note Trail in Whistler (By a Season’s Pass Holder)

Alpine Hiking on Blackcomb Mountain

While the lift-accessed hiking on Whistler gets all the hype, there are great trails on Blackcomb too. The trails here don’t have the wildflowers that you’ll get on Whistler, but they do have my favourite animal: marmots! These adorable rodents live in burrows. You can often catch them sunbathing on rocks or chomping on grasses at the side of the trail.

Blackcomb’s Trails are arranged in a series of interconnected loops. Strong hikers can hike all of them in about 4 hours. The views from Decker Tarn and Overlord Glacier Lookout are great – you can see Whistler Mountain and lots of glaciers.

If you have less time, the short and easy Alpine Loop trail is the closest to the gondola, has great views, and is a great place to spot marmots.

My Blackcomb Alpine Trails guide has info on all of the trails and suggestions for which order to hike them.

READ NEXT: Blackcomb Hiking Trails in Whistler (By a Season’s Pass Holder)

Walk the Village Stroll

The Village Stroll is the pedestrian-only main street through Whistler Village. It’s lined with shops and restaurants. In the summer, I often head into the village after a hike to get an iced coffee and then sit and shade and people-watch.

You can also catch live music and other events as part of the Whistler Summer Concert Series in Whistler Olympic Plaza at the north end of the Village Stroll.

Patio Culture

Since it’s a ski town, patio season is fairly short. But that just means that everyone enjoys it as much as they can while it lasts. Lots of restaurants and cafes have great patios, perfect for chilling out in the sun.

If you want to be right in the heart of the action, head to the patio at the Longhorn Saloon. It’s next to the Whistler Gondola and is a popular place to party.

For more laid-back vibes with great people-watching, I like La Brasserie. It’s on Village Stroll and serves breakfast until 2 pm along with comfort food like fondue.

I also love the quieter scene along Main Street, just back from the Village Stroll. Hunter Gather and Pizzeria Antico both have great food and tree-lined patios.

Further afield, Whistler Brewing Co. in Function Junction is a great place to drink craft beer in the sunshine. The best way to get there is via bike on the Valley Trail. (More on that below.)

Valley Trail

The paved Valley Trail runs through Whistler Valley, connecting neighbourhoods and pockets of green space. The network includes more than 46 km of trail. The trails are great on foot, but I love them on bikes since you can explore further afield. There are several bike rental shops in the village.

Most of the trail is fairly flat, but there are a few steep hills. My favourite section of the Valley Trail is along Alta Lake and then beside the Whistler Valley Golf Course.

Lost Lake Park

Lost Lake Park is one of my favourite places in Whistler. It’s a short walk or shuttle bus from the heart of the village. The forested park is centred on the lake, but it also has a ton of trails. My Lost Lake Park guide has all the info you need to visit.

On a hot day, Lost Lake is the best place in Whistler to swim. Even though the water isn’t warm, it’s the warmest of Whistler’s Lake. It also has a lovely sandy beach and lots of floating platforms to swim to.

If you’re looking for an easy hike, the trails at Lost Lake are the best options in Whistler. Follow the Nature Trail and the Lost Lake Loop to make a beginner-friendly 4.5 km circuit around the lake.

You can also hike on any of the other trails in the park, but they are multi-use, so expect to share them with mountain bikers. For great views, head to the Green Lake Lookout in the northern part of the park.

As a beginner/intermediate mountain biker, Lost Lake is my favourite place to ride in Whistler. There are lots of green and blue trails to explore. Most trails are smooth single track but a few have wooden features or technical sections.

READ NEXT: Lost Lake in Whistler: Hiking, Swimming, Biking and More

River of Golden Dreams

Lots of people don’t realize that there is a natural lazy river running through Whistler Valley. The River of Golden Dreams connects Alta Lake and Green Lake and it is so much fun to paddle. The entire trip has great mountain views and lots of opportunities to spot birds and other animals.

If you’re a beginner, I recommend taking a tour where your guide will give you tips on how to paddle your canoe.

But if you have some paddling experience, it’s easy to do on your own. You can rent a canoe or kayak on the shores of Alta Lake. My River of Golden Dreams guide has step-by-step directions for self-guided paddling.

READ NEXT: How to Paddle the River of Golden Dreams in Whistler, BC

Train Wreck Trail

The easy Train Wreck Trail is probably Whistler’s most popular short hike. It’s an easy hike to see some abandoned train cars along the banks of the Cheakamus River. The trail goes through beautiful coastal rainforest and you’ll cross a suspension bridge over a turquoise glacial river.

When people ask me to recommend a Whistler hike that doesn’t require a gondola ticket, Train Wreck Trail is always the one I suggest. It has a great effort-to-reward ratio since the entire hike is pretty and it takes about an hour. My Whistler Train Wreck Trail guide has step-by-step directions.

Joffre Lakes

Joffre Lakes isn’t in Whistler – it’s about an hour away. But it’s on this list because it’s one of the most popular outdoor spots in BC.

The Joffre Lakes Trail takes you past three beautiful turquoise glacial lakes. At the end of the trail, you get close-up views of the glaciers. The hike to Lower Joffre Lake is short and easy (about 5 minutes). But you’ll need some fitness if you want to get to Middle and Upper Joffre Lakes.

It’s also worth noting that you need to get a free day-use pass in the summer months. My Joffre Lakes trail guide has all the details on how to visit this beautiful spot.

READ NEXT: Joffre Lakes Hike (By a Local)

More Hiking Trails

If you like to hike, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Whistler. I’ve already recommended the High Note Trail, the Blackcomb Alpine Trails, the Train Wreck Trail, Lost Lake, and Joffre Lakes. But there are dozens of other nearby hikes to explore. My list of the best hikes in Whistler has all of my favourites.

If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, I recommend hiking to Parkhurst Ghost Town. It’s an abandoned logging town that dates back to the 1960s and has some old buildings, cars, and machinery to explore.

READ NEXT: The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails

Mountain Biking

Whistler’s Mountain Bike Park is world-famous. It includes dozens of trails serviced by a handful of lifts and gondolas. The trail network offers a full progression of difficulty from easy greens to expert online double blacks and prolines. Beginners should consider taking a lesson.

But while the bike park gets all the press, there are actually lots of other places to mountain bike in Whistler. As a beginner/intermediate, I love the Zappa Trails at Lost Lake. If you’re looking for self-propelled alpine adventures, check out Lord of the Squirrels. The Trailforks app is the best way to find trails – get 10% off the Pro version when you use my link. Or hire a local guide to show you around.

Whitewater Rafting

With raging mountain rivers, there are a few places to go whitewater rafting near Whistler. Some of the rivers are fairly remote, but the tour operators will pick you up in Whistler.

For years I was too scared to go rafting, but last summer I finally worked up the courage to try it. I had planned to try their tamer family-friendly option on the Cheakamus River, but I got talked into the more extreme Elaho River trip.

Our guides were friendly (and hilarious) and they helped me feel safe, even when we hit some huge waves that left us soaked. The experience actually helped me get over my fear of whitewater and now I’d like to do it again!

The other thing that I liked so much about the trip is that I usually see the rivers near Whistler and Squamish from roads or trails. It was so cool to drift through the tight canyons and past gravel bars that most people can’t reach from land. Such beautiful scenery!

Via Ferrata

If you’re up for an adventure, try the Via Ferrata course on Whistler Mountain. Via ferrata means “iron way” in Italian. It’s a type of rock climbing but instead of using ropes, you spend the entire time in a harness clipped into a series of cables. And in tough spots, there are metal ladder rungs or platforms to help you climb.

The via ferrata course at Whistler climbs a steep face on the side of Whistler Mountain, finishing near the top. I went with a friend who had done other via ferratas and she said this one was much more physical – we were pulling ourselves up on metal ladder rungs and climbing over sheer drops.

It was exhilarating in a way that was part terrifying, part glee. Unfortunately on the day I went the fog moved in really quickly so we couldn’t see much, but on a clear day, the views would be amazing.

Ziplines

Another adrenaline-pumping activity I recommend is ziplining. There are two zipline courses in Whistler: Ziptrek Ecotours operates lines in Fitzsimmons Creek Valley near Whistler Village and Superfly Ziplines has a base at Cougar Mountain just north of town.

Both feature multiple ziplines through the forest and over a stream. So far I’ve only done the Ziptrek tour. It starts with a van ride partway up Blackcomb Mountain. From there you walk along bridges and elevated platforms to zip back and forth across the creek.

I was worried it was going to be scary (and the first time I stepped off the platform was a bit nerve-wracking) but watching the scenery fly by was too distracting and I never got frightened. Ziplining is also fairly low effort compared to many other Whistler activities – you just need to be able to climb stairs.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

If you do one indoor activity in Whistler, it should be the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. I’ve been to lots of Indigenous museums in Canada and this is one of my favourites.

The museum does a great job of explaining the history and culture of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations who have lived in the Whistler area since time immemorial. Your visit includes a guided tour, which I think is the best part because your guide will explain the exhibits while also telling stories from their personal experience with their culture.

READ NEXT: Where to Experience Indigenous Tourism in Canada

Sea to Sky Highway

The Sea to Sky Highway is one of the most beautiful drives in BC. Summer is the best time to do it since you are more likely to get good weather to enjoy the views and improve driving conditions.

I have an entire guide to driving the Sea to Sky Highway that includes all the places I think you should stop. However, I can’t resist sharing a few of my favourites with you now:

• Squamish: I’m biased since I live here, but I think Squamish is pretty great. We have a cute downtown, incredible hiking, the Sea to Sky Gondola, and thundering Shannon Falls.

• Tantalus Lookout: A great roadside viewpoint with an incredible view of the glacier-capped Tanatlus Mountains.
• Pemberton: A quaint village north of Whistler with a bit of a cowboy/farming vibe.
• Brandywine Falls: This waterfall is a must-stop on the Sea to Sky. Brandywine Falls is a short walk from the parking lot.

READ NEXT: Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

More Things to Do in Whistler

I don’t have enough room here to list all the summer things to do in Whistler. But here are a few more ideas:

• Lakes and beaches: In addition to Lost Lake, which I mentioned above, Whistler has good beaches on Alta Lake (Rainbow Park, Lakeside Park, and Wayside Park) and Alpha Lake (Alpha Lake Park). I also love paddling on Green Lake, which is huge, but it is glacier-fed so it’s too cold for swimming. Nita Lake is small and has a little gravel beach.
• Audain Art Museum: This architecturally stunning museum has an interesting collection of Indigenous and contemporary art. It’s a great rainy day activity. Book tickets.
• Vallea Lumina: I love the immersive light walk at Vallea Lumina. The nighttime walk-through experience uses lights, projectors, and sound to tell a story. Book tickets.

• Scandinave Spa: Soaking in the outdoor hot tubs at Scandinave is one of my favourite things to do in Whistler. They also have cold plunge pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. They adjust the pool temperatures so you won’t overheat. But I think it’s better on a rainy or cold day in the summer months.
• Fine Dining: Since Whistler is a world-class ski resort, it has exceptional restaurants. As a closet foodie, I’ve tried most of the options so here are a few I recommend: Araxi has great seafood. Bar Oso makes amazing tapas-style Spanish food. For French food, I like Alta Bistro. For classics, go to Rimrock Cafe. Make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Whistler Farmer’s Market: If you visit on a Sunday, don’t miss the farmer’s market in the Upper Village. They have local fruit and veg as well as lots of prepared foods, baked goods, crafts, and more.

Whistler Summer Travel Tips

In this section, I’ve got advice to help you plan your summer trip to Whistler.

When is Summer in Whistler? (Best Time to Go)

In general, summer in Whistler is June through September. However, in early June and late September, you can expect snow high on the mountain and not all hiking trails will be open. Whistler Peak is also not open in early June and late September although the Peak2Peak and lower gondolas are open.

How to Get to Whistler

Whistler is 90 minutes north of Vancouver via the Sea to Sky Highway. The easiest way to get there is by car or bus. You can rent a car at Vancouver International Airport or in Vancouver. Or you can take the Skylynx or Epic Rides bus from Vancouver. Be sure to read my Sea to Sky Highway guide to learn about places to stop along the way.

Getting Around Whistler

You don’t need a car in Whistler. It’s easy to get around the Village on foot and most activities provide shuttles from the village. You can also use Whistler Transit or a taxi to get pretty much anywhere in town. Whistler does not have Uber.

If you do bring a car to Whistler, it’s easiest to park it in the Day Lots next to the Village and walk from there. All of Whistler’s beaches have very limited parking so I recommend taking the bus, walking, or biking via the Valley Trail.

How Long to Spend in Whistler, BC in Summer

I recommend spending at least three days/two nights in Whistler in summer. That’s enough time to take in iconic attractions like the Peak2Peak Gondola as well as fit in a hike and another activity like ziplining or rafting.

If you’re serious about hiking, I recommend staying longer – I’ve lived in the area for years and still haven’t done all the hikes!

Summer Weather in Whistler

Whistler is in the mountains so while summer days are usually warm, it can sometimes be chilly. Average summer temperatures are usually between 10°C and 25°C (50-77°F) in July and August. Temperatures in June and September are a bit cooler: 7°C to 20°C (44-68°F).

July and August are the driest months but you can still expect a few days of rain. June and September are still dry, but they get more rain than July and August.

Keep in mind that weather and temperatures on the tops of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains will be colder and wetter. Always bring warm and waterproof clothing if you are going up the mountain.

Where to Stay in Whistler

Boutique Hotel – Summit Lodge: This is my favourite place to stay in Whistler. It’s a boutique hotel in Whistler Village with large suite-like rooms and fun decor. It’s not cheap, but it won’t break the bank. Check prices.

Luxury – Westin Resort and Spa: The Westin is right next to the Whistler Gondola and has lots of deluxe features like a pool with indoor and outdoor sections you can swim between. My husband took me here for a romantic getaway years ago before we were married and I was impressed. Check prices.

Condo – Glacier’s Reach: Condos with kitchens are a great option for longer stays. Whistler has lots of them, but at Glacier’s Reach you have the option a private hot tub. Check prices.

Indigenous Context

Whistler is on the unceded traditional territory of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. Their oral tradition teaches us that before settlers arrived, the two Nations shared the Whistler Valley, using summer camps to harvest plants and animals. To learn more, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Final Thoughts

Many people think of Whistler purely as a ski destination, and I feel sad for them because they are missing out. Honestly, I think Whistler is better in the summer since there are more things to do. If you haven’t been in the warm months, I promise, you’ll love it. It has some of the most accessible mountain scenery in BC.

Do you need help planning a summer trip to Whistler? Ask your questions in the comments – I’m happy to help.

READ NEXT:

• 42 Cheap and Free Things to Do in Whistler
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• High Note Trail in Whistler (By a Season’s Pass Holder)

The post Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer (By a Local) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I live in nearby Squamish so I have paddled the River of Golden Dreams both in my own canoe and in a rented kayak. But it’s easy for visitors to enjoy it too since you can take a tour or rent a canoe or kayak (which I’ve done and think is lots of fun). It’s a gorgeous trip with views of the mountains and lots of big trees and flowering huckleberry bushes.

In this guide to the River of Golden Dreams, I’ve got everything you need to know to plan a trip. It includes:

• FAQ: How long does it take? When to go? And lots more.
• Map: A custom map showing all the important spots
• Padding Directions: Step-by-step instructions for the whole trip
• How to Get There: Bus and driving directions plus info on how to get back from the finishing point
• What to Bring: A packing checklist of what you’ll want to bring and wear.

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

River of Golden Dreams FAQ

Where is the River of Golden Dreams?

The River of Golden Dreams is a quiet section of Alta Creek that makes a natural lazy river as it flows between Alta Lake and Green Lake in the heart of the Whistler Valley.

How long does it take to paddle the River of Golden Dreams?

The entire route is about 6.5 km long. Plan to spend about 2-3 hours paddling.

When is the best time to paddle the River of Golden Dreams?

July to mid-August has the best water conditions. At that time of year, the river isn’t so fast that you need expert paddling skills or so slow that there isn’t enough water.

Experienced paddlers can tackle the river from May to early July if they are comfortable handling fast-moving water with lots of sharp turns. There is also a portage at this time of year due to low bridge clearance.

After mid-August, water levels are low and parts of the river are very dry. This means that you will have to portage a dry section that is about 600 m long. You may also have to lift your canoe over several beaver dams. See the paddling route description below for more details.

The river is too high and dangerous to paddle in the spring (March and April) and fall (October and November). It is frozen in the winter (December, January, and February).

How much paddling experience do you need for the River of Golden Dreams? Can you just float down the lazy river?

While it is billed as a lazy river, you do have to do a bit of paddling to steer. If you don’t, you’ll get stuck in the bushes on the sides or even dumped from your boat in the faster-moving bits. But there are lots of parts where you can just chill and let the current carry you along.

The River of Golden Dreams is fairly easy as far as moving water goes, but it does require some experience and knowledge of paddling techniques. Paddling on a moving river is a bit different (and more challenging) than paddling on a lake.

You don’t need any paddling experience if you go with a guided tour. They will help you navigate and teach you the best way to paddle.

If you have a little bit of paddling experience, you will be fine on your own as long as water conditions are good. In high water or low water, you need to be an experienced paddler.

Can you paddle the River of Golden Dreams self-guided? Or do you need to go with a tour?

If you have your own boat, you can paddle self-guided. You can also rent a boat and go self-guided. Your boat rental includes a shuttle back to the start. Keep in mind that if you rent a boat and need rescue, the rental companies will charge you a rescue fee. You can book a self-guided tour in advance or just show up to the rental shack and hope they still have boats available.

If you’re not sure of your skills, take a tour. Tours includes boat rental, shuttle, instruction, and info along the way about plants, animals, and Whistler’s history. And this tour includes transportation to and from Whistler village. If you are a beginner, I recommend taking a tour as it can be tough to turn in the river if you don’t have some paddling skills.

How much does the River of Golden Dreams cost?

It’s free to paddle if you have your own boat. If you need to rent a canoe or kayak, it’s about $130 for boat rental and shuttle. Or you can go on a guided tour for about $165.

What kind of boat do you need for the River of Golden Dreams?

Canoes and kayaks work best as they are durable, stable, and easy to steer. I’ve done the River of Golden Dreams in both a canoe and a kayak.

Kayaks are easier to paddle and can feel more stable since you sit lower in the water. But they are harder to get in and out of if you need to portage or navigate beaver dams. You’ll also get a LOT wetter if you kayak since the paddle drips water in the boat. And if you get in and out with wet feet, you’ll drip more water inside. You sit on the bottom of the boat, so you are almost guaranteed a wet butt.

Canoes require a bit more skill to paddle, especially if you sit in the back, which is the steering position. However, it’s easy to learn if you take a guided tour. Canoes are easier to get in and out of and easier to portage. You also sit higher in the boat so you stay drier.

Paddleboards can also be ok on a warm day if you are ok with getting wet… because you will get wet. But use caution with inflatable SUPS. There can be lots of sharp sticks and logs, especially later in the season when the beaver dams are exposed.

You might see people taking inflatable air mattresses, pool toys, and big box store inflatable boats like Explorer 200s. Don’t do that. They pop easily, leaving you stranded in cold water. They also can be hard to fish out of the water when they pop, which pollutes the river.

Are there bears on the River of Golden Dreams?

Yes. Black bear sightings are common. If you see a bear, keep paddling and let them be. The bears just want to eat from the berry bushes – they aren’t interested in paddlers. Read my guide to bear safety for more tips.

What is the Indigenous context of the River of Golden Dreams?

The River of Golden Dreams is in the traditional territory of the Lil’wat and Skwxwu7mesh (Squamish) Nations. According to the oral tradition of these nations, they shared the Whistler Valley, using summer camps here to harvest plants and animals. To learn more about the Lil’wat and Skwxwu7mesh, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

River of Golden Dreams Maps

The River of Golden Dreams is fairly easy to navigate, but if you are on your own, you’ll need a map. I made a custom map in Gaia GPS for you. It shows you all the key points along the route. Click through to zoom in and explore.

The Municipality of Whistler also has a good map that shows the key portage section. (Don’t worry, I’ll explain what it all means in the paddling directions section below.)

River of Golden Dreams Paddling Directions

Here’s my step-by-step directions for paddling the River of Golden Dreams. I’ve broken it up into several sections: Alta Lake and the Start, the Middle, Finishing, and Extending Your Trip.

Alta Lake and the Start of the River of Golden Dreams

To start the River of Golden Dreams you will launch from either Wayside Park or Lakeside Park on Alta Lake. Both of these parks have boat rentals and guided tours. (The How to Get There section below has more info on these locations.)

From there, you will paddle across Alta Lake for about 2 km which takes 20-30 minutes. If it is windy, this can be a bit challenging. At the north end of the lake, look for the River of Golden Dreams draining out of the lake.

The first part is very narrow and choked with lily pads, but after a few minutes, it becomes a little wider.

The Portage

After going around a few bends and going under a bridge, arrive at the Alta Lake fish weir, which has a dock. It’s a wooden stair-like structure that spans the width of the river. It should take about 15 minutes to get here from the end of the lake.

Past the weir, the river runs through a narrow ditch-like channel that is usually dry from mid-July until fall.

You need to get out of the river and start the portage here. Follow the path up the bank to the right. If you are renting a boat or are on a tour, there will be carts here you can use to wheel your canoe. Turn left and follow the paved valley trail for a few minutes (about 350m) to a bridge over the River of Golden Dreams.

If you are an experienced canoer and the water level is not too low or too high, you can put your boat back in the water here. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the river, with large old growth trees.

But this section can be dangerous at high water since the train bridge at the end is very low and you can get stuck underneath. As well, some of the fastest moving water is in this section, so this is where most paddlers capsize. And finally, if the water is too low, you won’t be able to paddle this section and instead will have to drag your boat through the gravel, which disturbs fish habitat.

I recommend just doing the portage instead. It’s only a few minutes further to walk and isn’t much hassle (you just miss one curve of the river).

To continue the portage, cross the bridge and then go through the yellow gates to follow the paved path across the train tracks. Go through the second set of yellow gates and look for the gravel path branching right. It is marked with a small portage sign. Turn right onto the gravel path and stay on it until it reaches the river again next to a train bridge.

Congratulations! You’ve finished the portage. The entire portage is about 600 m long and will take you 10-15 minutes.

Paddling the Middle Section

After you get back in your boat after the portage, you’ll be in the middle section of the River of Golden Dreams. This is the best part of the trip. The river goes through about 30 curves as it snakes its way through the marshes of the valley.

In most places, the bushes on the sides of the river are high. The river is not far from homes, roads, and a golf course, but it will feel like you are in the middle of the wilderness since all you can see are birds, bushes, and trees. You can also see the mountains on all sides.

There are lots of types of plants, but the main ones are huckleberry bushes. In early summer they have pretty flowers, but later in the year, they have berries, a favourite food for bears. Be sure to keep an eye out for bears as you paddle. We got quite close to one before we even noticed it was there! But the bear was so focused on eating, that it didn’t care about us. Read my bear safety tips for more info.

Your trip will really depend on the river conditions. Sometimes when the water is low, there are lots of gravel bars to navigate. You might also encounter fallen trees or branches growing into the channel that you will have to paddle around.

Beaver dams can also impact your trip. If the water is low and the beavers have been busy, there will be lots of dams. Some dams have breaks in them so you can paddle through. But others will be high enough that you can’t paddle over them. Instead, you’ll need to get out of your canoe and lift it over. Be careful as the water can be really deep next to the dam!

Ask your tour guide or the rental shop about river conditions before your trip so you know what to expect. If you are paddling your own boat, it’s worth asking about conditions at the rental shop before you go. They are usually happy to help.

Finishing the River of Golden Dreams

As you get towards the end of your trip, you’ll see a park with a walking path on your left. This is Meadow Park. A few minutes later you will paddle underneath a footbridge. The Meadow Park dock is immediately after the bridge on your left.

Pull over at the dock and follow the path up the bank to the parking lot at the Meadow Park Sports Centre. If you are on a tour or rented a boat, this is where you catch the shuttle back to the start.

Extending Your Trip

If you want to paddle a little bit further, you can continue past the dock and follow the river under the highway bridge and then another footbridge. The river makes a few more sinuous curves before emptying into Green Lake.

Green Lake is the biggest lake in Whistler so it can get windy. It’s best to stay near shore. You can explore Green Lake, which has gorgeous views. If you’re really ambitious, paddle down to the northeast end to check out Parkhurst Ghost Town.

When you are done, head out of Green Lake by paddling back upstream along the River of Golden Dreams to the Meadow Park dock. Keep in mind that you will be paddling against the current, which will be much more challenging than the paddling you did going downstream!

How to Get to the River of Golden Dreams

The River of Golden Dreams starts at Alta Lake. If you have booked a guided trip or a self-guided trip including boat rental, Backroads Whistler tours start at Lakeside Park and Whistler Eco-Tours start at Wayside Park. You can arrange a shuttle to Alta Lake if book a tour.

If you have your own boat, you can also launch at Rainbow Park. I’ve got directions for all three below.

It’s worth keeping in mind that parking is very limited at any of the parks on Alta Lake. It can be impossible to get a parking spot on a summer weekend unless you arrive very early in the morning. You may want to consider walking or biking to the start. You can also take a taxi or the bus.

Wayside Park

Wayside is a small park near the south end of Alta Lake. It has a little bit of grass but not much beach. If you launch here, you will paddle almost the entire length of Alta Lake before starting the river section.

The Whistler Eco-Tours boat rental hut and dock are down the hill from the parking lot. There is a sloped path you can use. If you brought your own boat, you can launch from the dock.

To drive here, head south from Whistler Village on Highway 99. After you go under the pedestrian overpass at the intersection with Nordic Drive, start watching for the small blue sign for Wayside Park. Turn right into the parking lot. It’s easy to miss! It has about 15 parking spots. There is no overflow parking. Click here for Google maps driving directions.

To get to Wayside Park by bus, take Bus 20 or Bus 21 from Village Gate to the stop on Nordice Drive. Then, use the pedestrian overpass to cross the highway and turn left onto the Valley Trail. Walk 5 minutes along the trail to the park. Click here for Google Maps bus directions.

You can also walk or bike to Wayside Park via the Valley Trail. It takes about 20 minutes to bike or 1 hour to walk the 4 km distance. Click here for Google Maps walking and biking directions. Whistler Eco-Tours offers a pedal and paddle combo tour that includes a guided bike ride from the Village to Wayside Park.

Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park occupies a large, flat grassy area on the east side of Alta Lake. If you start your trip here, you will paddle about 2/3 of Alta Lake before reaching the river.

Backroads Whistler starts their tours out of a kiosk in the centre of the park. If you brought your own boat, you can launch from the beach or the dock.

To drive here, head south from Whistler Village on Highway 99. Go straight through the traffic light at Blueberry Drive, then turn right onto Hillcrest Drive at the sign for the Alta Vista neighbourhood. Reach a Y-junction right away. Turn right onto Alpine Crescent to access the parking lot.

There is a little bit of overflow parking along Hillcrest Drive. Pay attention to signs to make sure you park legally. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

You can also get here by bus. Take bus 10, 20, or 21 from Village Gate to the stop on the Sea to Sky Highway just before Hillcrest Drive. Then walk 5 minutes along Hillcrest into the park. Click here for Google Maps bus directions.

It’s easy to get to Lakeside Park by bike or on foot. It takes 10 minutes to bike or 40 minutes to walk the 3 km distance. Click here for Google Maps walking and biking directions.

Rainbow Park

Rainbow Park is the largest of the three parks on Alta Lake. It is close to the end of the lake, so you will be paddling in the river almost immediately. There are no tour or rental operators here so you will need to bring your own boat if you plan to launch from Rainbow Park.

To drive to Rainbow Park, head north on Highway 99. A few minutes later, turn left at the traffic light onto Alpine Way. A block later, turn left onto Rainbow Drive. Stay on this road (which becomes Alta Lake Road) for about 4 km, then watch for the entrance to the park and parking area on your left. There may also be some overflow parking on the gravel shoulder. Pay attention to signs to make sure you park legally. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

How to Get Between the Start and Finish of the River of Golden Dreams

With a Tour or Rental

If you book a boat rental or guided tour for the River of Golden Dreams, the tour company will pick you up a the end of the River Golden Dreams at Meadow Park Sports Centre and give you a ride back to your starting point. They may also drop you off in the village if you request it.

I recently did the Whistler Eco-Tours pedal and paddle combo tour. We met in Whistler Village and rode rental bikes to Wayside Park. Next, we paddled the River of Golden Dreams. At the end of the paddle, the shuttle drive picked up our boats and delivered our bikes so we could bike back to the village. So far this is my favourite way to do the River of Golden Dreams since you get to experience biking in the forest too.

With Your Own Boat

If you have your own boat, you will need to figure out how to get between the two points on your own. There are four main options: bring two cars, use a bike, take a taxi, or take the bus.

In general, it makes the most sense to unload your boat from your car at Wayside, Lakeside, or Rainbow Parks and have someone wait with the boat.

The driver can take the car to the end of the River of Golden Dreams at the Meadow Park Sports Centre and park. That way when you finish, you can load your canoe onto your car right away. The parking lot is large and has lots of room. The lot has a 3-hour max time limit, which should be enough time to finish the paddle. Click here for driving directions to Meadow Park Sports Centre.

To get back to your boat at the start, the driver can take a taxi, bike, or bus. Calling a taxi is the easiest – it’s a 10-minute drive.

Biking via the Valley Trail takes about 20 minutes and is fairly flat. That’s the option we chose – we locked up the bike while we paddled, then picked it up after we were done.

The bus is also possible if you time it right. Bus 10 is the most direct but you can also take bus 31 to the Village then switch to bus 20 or 21 to go to Lakeside or Wayside Park or the free summer shuttle to Rainbow Park. But bussing takes at least 30 minutes, plus time spent waiting.

What to Bring on the River of Golden Dreams

If you rent a boat or go on a tour, they will supply essential safety gear including a PFD (life jacket), paddle, and bailer. They will also give you access to a cart to make portaging your boat easier. Here’s everything else you should bring on the River of Golden Dreams:

• Water shoes or sandals: Your feet will get when you are getting in and out of the boat. You may also have to portage your canoe, which means lifting it in and out of the water. Or you might need to pull or push your canoe through low-water sections. Bring water shoes or secure sandals. Neoprene paddling booties or Teva-style sandals are best. Flip-flops are a disaster since they fall off. Crocs can also be ok as long as you wear the heel strap. In a pinch, a pair of old running shoes will also work.
• Quick-drying clothing: You might get a little wet, so wear quick-drying clothing. If you wear pants, make sure you can roll them up to your knees.
• Light jacket: The weather can change quickly and you’ll be out for a few hours. Pack a fleece or a light rain jacket in case it gets cold or starts to rain.
• Sunscreen: It’s bright out there and the sun reflects off the water. Slather on sunscreen before you go and bring the tube along to reapply halfway through.
• Hat: Shade your face from the sun!
• Sunglasses: The glare off the water can be harsh. Bring polarizing sunglasses. Goodr makes my favourite budget-priced (yet durable) polarized sunnies. I also use a Neoprene strap to keep my sunglasses secure when paddling. You don’t want to drop them into the water!
• Water: You’ll be exercising in the sun and you need to stay hydrated. Pack at least 1L per person. I like to bring my Hydroflask since it keeps my water cold.
• Snacks: Bring some snacks in case you get hungry. I recommend picking up a treat from Purebread to enjoy along the way.
• Dry bag: Bring a roll-top dry bag to store your snacks, extra clothing, and essentials that you don’t want to get wet. Sea to Summit makes my favourite lightweight dry bags.
• Phone leash: This one is optional, but is a game-changer for me. I use this simple phone leash to tether my phone to my life jacket or shorts. That way it’s easy to grab for photos, I’m not worried about dropping it in the river!
• Canoe cart: If you have your own boat, portaging is much easier with a canoe cart. (We use this canoe cart.) The portage trail is flat and part paved and part gravel, so it’s the ideal scenario for a cart. If you don’t have a cart, it’s also fairly easy to carry your canoe if you are an experienced portager.

Paddling the River of Golden Dreams is one of my favourite things to do in Whistler in the summer. It’s such a fun way to enjoy the valley away from the hustle of the village. If you have questions about the trip, let me know in the comments.

READ NEXT:

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

The post How to Paddle the River of Golden Dreams in Whistler, BC appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

There’s something for everyone on this list from city-breaks to beach town chill-outs, to adventurous mountain towns, to foodie destinations, to luxurious glamping.

Since, I’m an outdoorsy person, most of the trips have an adventure focus, but there are lots of options for less sweaty activities too. All of these trips are a few hours away, and some of them you can do without a car.

So here are my picks for the most beautiful weekend getaways from Vancouver.

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

Map of Weekend Getaways From Vancouver

Here’s a custom Google Map I made for you. It shows all of these beautiful weekend getaways from Vancouver, plus a few of the attractions, restaurants and attractions that I recommend.

Bowen Island

Tiny Bowen Island is just minutes from Vancouver but feels worlds apart. This Howe Sound island is mostly forested, with lots of small beaches, which makes it a great place for kayaking and hiking. My favourite spot is Cape Roger Curtis on the west side of the island.

The village of Snug Cove at the ferry dock has a few restaurants to choose from, but the pizza at Tuscany Restaurant is amazing. If you have a sweet tooth, check out Cocoa West Chocolatier for incredible handmade chocolates. Yoga and meditation are also really popular here, with several retreats on the island. 

My guide to Bowen Island has lots of other suggestions for great things to do.

Where to Stay on Bowen Island

Artisan Suites: This all-suite hotel is located in Artisan Square just a few minutes from the ferry terminal. It’s the in same complex as tons of cute boutiques and Cocoa West Chocolatier. Check rates.

Cabin Rentals: There are lots of really cute cabins on Bowen Island for rent. The Wildwood Cabins are gorgeously rustic and get amazing reviews. Check rates.

Squamish

For the last three years I’ve lived in Squamish, known as the adventure capital of Canada and one of the best small towns in Canada. It sits at the head of Howe Sound sandwiched between mountain ranges. It has world-class hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and kiteboarding.

For less heart-pumping adventures, ride the Sea to Sky Gondola up to a gorgeous mountain viewpoint, visit Shannon Falls, or swim at one of the lakes. My list of the best things to do in Squamish includes lots more recommendations.

Where to Stay in Squamish

Sunwolf Riverside Cabins: We stayed in these adorable cabins on a winter trip to Squamish. Bonus: Fergie’s Restaurant is on the property so getting the best breakfast in town is easy! Check rates.

Executive Suites Hotel: This all-suite hotel has great access to hiking and biking trails and is my number 1 pick on my list of the best hotels in Squamish. Check rates.

Alice Lake Provincial Park: This large campground is on my list of the best campgrounds in Squamish. It has a great swimming lake and lots of trails. Check availability.

READ NEXT: Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

Whistler

Whistler is a great weekend trip from Vancouver at any time of year. In the summer you can ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola up the mountain for amazing views, go swimming in the lakes, stroll through the village, or hit up the famous mountain bike trails. One of the main reasons I love Whistler is because it has some of the best hiking trails around.

In the winter you can downhill ski and snowboard of course, but there are also has plenty of beautiful snowshoeing trails. Read my guide to the best things to do in Whistler in winter for even more ideas.

READ NEXT: 80+ Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)

Where to Stay in Whistler

The Westin Resort and Spa: If you want to splurge, this is the place. My now-husband took me here to impress me when we were first dating. Check rates.

Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel: Apartment-style suite hotels are really popular in Whistler. This one is right in the village and gets great reviews. Check rates.

Camping: My guide to camping in Whistler has details for 18 campgrounds near Whistler.

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

Pemberton

Pemberton often gets overshadowed by Whistler, its flashier neighbour to the south. But Pemberton makes a great weekend getaway from Vancouver. It’s a chill, small town surrounded by mountains with lots of hiking and mountain biking trails. (Nearby Joffre Lakes is gorgeous.)

But it also has a strong farming and ranching history. Head to North Arm Farm for u-pick berries, a produce stand, and a cafe. Or book a horseback ride – Pemberton has more horses per capita than any other place in BC!

Where to Stay in Pemberton

Pemberton Valley Lodge: Highly rated all-suite hotel near downtown Pemberton and an easy walk to the One Mile Lake trails. Check Rates.

Cabins: There are lots of cute cabins and tiny houses for rent near Pemberton. This cabin the woods is luxe but rustic and has a hot tub. Check Rates.

Sechelt and the South Sunshine Coast

Sechelt is located on the Sunshine Coast, a short ferry ride from Vancouver, making it the perfect weekend trip. Make sure you also check out the nearby villages of Gibsons, Roberts Creek, and Halfmoon Bay. There are tons of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. But lots of people prefer to book a stay at a cabin or resort with a water view, then just chill out.

The Sechelt area is also an emerging destination for foodies and artisans with weekend farmer’s markets in Sechelt, Gibsons, and Roberts Creek. With lots of new craft breweries, distilleries, cider houses popping up, the area now has its own Sunshine Coast Ale Trail. My husband loves the beer at Persephone Brewing near the Langdale ferry terminal.

READ NEXT: The Best Things to do in Sechelt

Where to Stay in Sechelt and the South Sunshine Coast

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort: This one has is special for me since it’s where I got engaged! The luxury tent cabins are unreal and worth the splurge! Check Rates.

Cabins: There are tons of cute cabins for rent on the Sunshine Coast. This cute cabin in Madeira Park has its own private beach! Check Rates.

Powell River and the North Sunshine Coast

Sleepy Powell River is a bit more off the beaten path than Sechelt to the South. It’s a logging town with tons of outdoor adventure possibilities. The 180km-long Sunshine Coast Trail runs through the outskirts of town, making Powell River a great jumping-off point for day hikes if you don’t have time for the whole thing.

The historic downtown is home to Townsite Brewing. On my last visit, we spent a fun couple of hours there tasting beer before heading to Costa del Sol in downtown Powell River for some tasty Mexican food. Don’t miss a trip to the cute village of Lund 30 minutes north of Powell River. Head to Nancy’s Bakery on the waterfront to get one of the famous cinnamon buns.

READ NEXT: The Best Things to do on the North Sunshine Coast, BC

Where to Stay in Powell River and the North Sunshine Coast

The Magical Dome: This quirky rental cabin near Lund looks like a hobbit house. It has been on my list for a long time! Check rates.

Cabins: These glamping pods have incredible views and are right on the beach in Seal Bay. Check rates.

Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs is a small resort community in the Fraser Valley. The main attraction is the hot springs, which are piped into a series of pools at the Harrison Hotsprings Resort as well to a public community pool. (Did you know we have lots of other amazing hot springs in Canada?)

I also love it as a winter destination for cozy cabin time and chill hiking. But the best part about visiting in winter is the eagles – you can see hundreds of bald eagles at once in nearby Harrison Mills.

And it’s less than an hour away, making it one of the closer weekend getaways from Vancouver.

Where to Stay in Harrison Hot Springs

Sandpiper Resort: I loved my stay in the cabins at this cute riverside property in Harrison Mills. Check rates.

Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa: Staying at this hotel gets you exclusive entrance to their deluxe hot springs pools. Book now.

Bramblebank Cottages: Cute cabins with a hot tub, fire pit, and canoes. Check rates.

Fraser Canyon

The Fraser Canyon is a off-the-beaten-path, literally. Since the Coquihalla Highway was built in the 1980s, a tiny fraction of the traffic between Vancouver and BC’s Interior goes along Highway 1 past Hope to Lytton.

The Fraser Canyon makes a great short road trip with beautiful hikes, lots of viewpoints, historic sites, and quirky, old tourist attractions like the Hell’s Gate Airtram. My Fraser Canyon road trip guide has lots more recommendations.

Where to Stay in the Fraser Canyon

Windsor Motel: I spent two nights at this recently renovated hotel in Hope. It is basic, but super clean and affordable. The location in downtown Hope made it easy to walk to shopping and dinner. Plus, it was quiet at night. Check prices.

Kumsheen Rafting Resort: I arrived early for my river rafting trip, so I walked around their campground just outside of Lytton. They have really cute teepees and glamping tents with real beds and amazing Fraser River views. I would definitely stay here next time I’m in the area. Check prices.

Manning Park

E.C. Manning Provincial Park is one of BC’s most popular parks. In the winter it has a ski resort and lots of snowshoeing trails. In the summer it’s one of my favourite places to hike with kilometre upon kilometre of wildflower meadows.

You can also go canoeing on Lightning Lakes, walk nature trails, and spot wildlife. The ground squirrels are particularly cute. The resort has cabins and a restaurant, so you don’t have to rough it.

Where to Stay in Manning Park

Manning Park Resort: The only lodging in the heart of the park, they have cute cabins and a pool. Check rates.

Manning Provincial Park: There are four campgrounds in the park, but the nicest sites are at Lightning Lake. Check availability.

Parksville

Parksville is a beach town just north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. With kilometres of sandy beaches, it’s one of the best weekend getaways from Vancouver. In summer they have an incredible sandcastle competition.

And there are gorgeous waterfalls if you head inland: check out Englishman River Falls and Little Qualicum Falls. The quirky Old Country Market in Coombs is also a short drive away. (It’s the place that famously has goats on the roof!)

Where to Stay in Parksville

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort: I know people who return to this beachfront resort year after year. Their Grotto Spa also looks really cool. Check Rates.

The Beach Club Resort: Located right on the beach and an easy walk to the shops and restaurants in Parksville. Check Rates.

Tofino

Tofino on Vancouver Island’s West Coast is a popular weekend getaway from Vancouver and one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures. Explore the long sandy beaches, go for a hike in the lush rainforest, or hit the waves at Canada’s most famous surf spot.

While you might think of a beach town as a place to visit in the summer, I actually prefer visiting Tofino in winter. It’s quieter and more affordable. And the storm watching is really cool.

If you’re looking to get a bit off the beaten path, head a bit south to the neighbouring town of Ucluelet, which is much quieter and just as cute. Or take a water taxi to the old-growth trees on  Meares Island or the sandy beaches of the Wild Side Trail on Flores Island.

Don’t miss the Tacofino food truck for some of the best tacos in BC. If you’re looking for sit down dinner, head to Shelter Restaurant. My husband and I had a great dinner there for our anniversary a few years ago.

Where to Stay in Tofino

Ocean Village: These adorable gothic-arched cabins are right on the water at Mackenzie Beach. Check Rates.

Island Village at Fred Tibbs: We stayed at these waterfront condos on a recent trip. They’re right downtown Tofino so you can walk everywere. Check Rates.

Southern Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands are a group of over 200 small islands between Vancouver Island the mainland of British Columbia. Each island has its own personality, but they all offer beautiful ocean views, beaches, forest hikes, farmer’s markets, and artisan studios.

Saltspring is the largest and most populated island, so it has the most things to do. Galiano is a bit smaller and a little more sleepy. Pender, Mayne, and Saturna have fewer shops, restaurants, and services than Saltspring and Galiano, so do a bit of research before you go to find out what’s available. 

READ NEXT: Four Outdoor Adventures on Galiano Island

Where to Stay on the Gulf Islands

Poets Cove Resort and Spa: I stayed at this waterfront resort on Pender Island once for a wedding and it’s gorgeous! Check Rates.

Cabins: Over the years we’ve stayed at some great cabins on Saltspring and Galiano Island. This log cabin on Galiano has a killer cliff top view. Check Rates.

Victoria

Victoria is British Columbia’s capital city, but it’s not a stodgy government town. It has a beautiful harbour, interesting museums, historic buildings, a foodie scene, and easy access to beaches and trails. I’ve visited Victoria countless times because I have several good friends who live there.

One of my favourite things to do in Victoria is to bike the flat, scenic, and quiet Lochside and Galloping Goose trails. I also love walking in Beacon Hill Park or along the Waterfront Trail on Dallas Road.

For indoor activities, I like the Royal British Columbia Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Victoria’s compact downtown also is a great place to shop. I can’t go to Victoria without going to the fabulous Silk Road Tea store. If you want amazing baking, head to Fol Epi in Vic West. The croissants are sooo good.

Where to Stay in Victoria

Abbeymoore Manor: I’ve stayed at this historic B&B a few times since my friends used to live around the corner. It’s a beautiful house. And breakfast is included! Check rates.

Hotel Zed: This renovated motel has an amazing and photogenic retro vibe. It looks like an awesome place to stay on a budget. Check Rates.

Pacific Marine Circle Route

The Pacific Marine Circle Route is a 260km-long loop road trip on Southern Vancouver Island. It’s the perfect length to drive over a weekend. The route starts and finishes in Victoria.

The first half of the route travels along the coast past Sooke. You can stop for hikes in the rainforest, waterfalls, or visits to wilderness beaches. Spend the night in Port Renfrew, my favourite small town, and visit Avatar Grove, home of Canada’s tallest trees and the starting point for the famous West Coast Trail.

On the second half of the route, drive inland past more giant trees to Lake Cowichan and the farms in the Cowichan Valley. Finish the trip by heading back to Victoria along the Malahat Highway.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to the Pacific Marine Circle Route

Where to Stay on the Pacific Marine Circle Route

Wild Renfrew: We stayed at these gorgeous waterfront cabins in Port Renfrew. They even have patios with fire pits. Check Rates.

Prestige Oceanfront Resort: A luxury resort right on the water in Sooke and a short drive to lots of the sights on the southern side of the Pacific Marine Circle Route. Check rates.

Kamloops

I have family in Kamloops, so I’ve spent a lot of time in the area. It has an incredible network of hiking and mountain biking trails, many of which are right in the city. Sun Peaks Resort is also nearby, with its great hiking and mountain biking in summer and skiing in winter. The beaches along the riverfront are a great place to go for a swim or head out of town to the nearby lakes.

Kamloops has also gotten into the craft beer scene lately, with five breweries and two taphouses in town. With its sunny climate, a weekend in Kamloops can be just what you need to escape the rains in Vancouver in spring and fall. 

Where to Stay in Kamloops

Fairfield Inn and Suites: I’ve stayed at this hotel a few times recently while visiting family. It’s a newer hotel so the rooms are really nice, but the prices are quite reasonable. Plus it includes breakfast. Check Rates.

Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel: This new hotel has a fabulous location right on the riverfront. Check rates.

The Okanagan

The Okanagan is a big region, stretching from Sicamous in the north to Osoyoos in the south. Several lakes run through the middle of the valley, perfect for boating and with great beaches. Explore some of the cute small towns like Vernon and Penticton or check out the many things to do in Kelowna.

The hot and dry climate is also ideal for orchards and vineyards. There are over 200 wineries to visit, but I like the smaller organic ones near Summerland, which are easy to visit by bike. Don’t miss everything apple at Davison Orchards – it’s one of the best things to do in Vernon.

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail runs through the Okanagan. It’s easy biking, especially on an e-bike, and has great views of the lakes and vineyards. My favourite sections are are in Penticton (there’s a tunnel!) and Vernon.

Where to Stay in the Okanagan

Penticton Lakeside Resort: Great rooms right on the lake in downtown Penticton. Walking distance to the beach, kayaking, farmer’s market, breweries, etc. Check Rates.

Predator Ridge Resort: This resort has a great ridge-top location with great hiking and mountain biking trails and restaurants on site. Check rates.

Hotel Zed: Like their sister location in Victoria, this budget motel in Kelowna has an incredible retro look. Check Rates.

Wells Gray Provincial Park

Wells Gray Provincial Park is located in British Columbia’s interior north of Kamloops near the town of Clearwater. It’s a huge park with giant lakes and lots of hiking trails. But it is famous for its waterfalls. There are 8 waterfalls easily accessible from the main park road, plus dozens more in the backcountry. Don’t miss 141m-high Helmcken Falls. It’s the 4th-tallest waterfall in Canada.

The park is in ranch country, so if you want to live like a cowboy, there are tons of lodges nearby where you can go horseback riding or have a cook-out. Wells Gray is definitely one of the best under-the-radar weekend getaways from Vancouver.

Where to Stay in Wells Gray

Nakiska Ranch: This Western-style property has great cowboy vibes since it is located on a working ranch. Check Rates.

Across the Creek Cabins: These cute cabins are nestled in the forest inside the park. Book now

Revelstoke

Revelstoke is the ultimate Canadian small town: it has world-class mountain biking, incredible hiking, skiing, and paragliding from the highest launch in North America. I liked it so much I went two years in row. It also has one of my favourite things: hot springs! There are several hot springs a near town, including the gorgeous undeveloped Halfway River Hot Springs.

Revelstoke also has a surprisingly robust culinary scene for such a small town with a little farmers markets, great restaurants, micro-breweries, and not one but TWO distilleries! Check out my guides to things to do in Revelstoke, the best hikes in Revelstoke, and the best things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park to plan your trip. 

Where to Stay in Revelstoke

The Regent Hotel: We stayed at this somewhat upscale, family-run hotel on our first trip to Revelstoke. It was nice without being pretentious. Check Rates.

Boulder Mountain Resort: I spent two nights at these adorable cabins just outside of Revelstoke last summer. They even come with fleece robes! Check Rates.

Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham, Washington is more than a place to do some cross-border shopping or buy cheap groceries. It’s actually a cute college town on the ocean with a historic district called Fairhaven. Bellingham is also a craft beer haven with 16 micro-breweries, many of which are gastro-pubs as too.

One of the best things to do is cruise along Chuckanut Drive, a twisty road along the coast through the forest with some great views. There are also lots of hiking and mountain bike trails, quiet country roads for road biking, and kayaking in sheltered bays of Puget Sound.

Where to Stay in Bellingham, Washington

Hotel Leo: The rooms at this downtown hotel have really cool modern decor. Check Rates.

Cabins: There are lots of cute rentals in Bellingham and on Chuckanut Drive. This waterfront cottage has beach access. Check Rates.

Whidbey Island and Deception Pass, Washington

Tucked into the north end of Puget Sound, the Deception Pass area is strikingly beautiful: tiny tree-covered islands, swirling currents, and sea cliffs. I love hiking in Deception Pass State Park or enjoying the view from the famous bridge.

Long and narrow Whidbey Island has lots of other pretty spots too including Ebey’s Landing, WWII era defences at Fort Ebey and Fort Casey, wineries, farmers markets, whale watching tours, and sleepy historic towns. 

Where to Stay in Whidbey Island and Deception Pass, Washington

Captain Whidbey Inn: This historic house is now an amazing B&B right on the water near Coupeville. Check Rates.

Cabins: There are tons of vacation rentals on Whidbey Island. Lots of them are right on the water too. This beach house has a great view. Check Rates.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a gorgeous city, sitting between the waters of Puget Sound and the snowy peak of Mount Rainier. Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, the world’s first Starbucks, and the Museum of Pop Culture are all must-sees. Lots of visitors on a weekend getaway from Vancouver take in Seahawks football game too.

To get a bit more off-the-beaten-path, I recommend the Underground Tour, where you’ll learn a bit about the city while walking through historic underground tunnels.

This is also a great car-free getaway. It’s easy to take the bus from Vancouver to Seattle, and once you’re there, you can walk or take public transit.

Where to stay in Seattle

Ace Hotel: This hipster spot is in Belltown, a trendy neighbourhood close to downtown. Check Rates.

Vacation Rentals: Seattle can be a pricey city, but you can usually find good deals on rental apartments. This cool loft is right downtown. Check Rates.

Book a Cozy Cabin

Spend the weekend chilling out in nature at a cozy cabin. There are tons of adorable cabin rentals near Vancouver. Wake up deep in the forest, high in a treehouse, right beside the ocean, or in a luxury glamping tent.

I’ve stayed in a bunch of beautiful cabins – check them out on my list of the best cabins near Vancouver.

Go Camping

One of the cheapest ways to go on a weekend getaway from Vancouver is to go camping. There are lots of amazing camping spots fairly close to town. You can camp on a lake, by the ocean, or in the mountains. However, camping is popular so make a reservation in advance to make sure you get a spot. Below are some of my suggestions for the best campgrounds near Vancouver.

I’ve got a whole post with a big list of over 40 places to go camping near Vancouver. It includes options in the Sea to Sky, Fraser Valley, near Hope, in Washington State, and reachable via a short ferry on the Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island.

Final Thoughts

With over 20 weekend trips from Vancouver on this list, I’m sure you’ll find one to add to your list. What is your favourite weekend getaway from Vancouver? Tell me in the comments.

More posts you’ll like:

• Cozy Cabins near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway
• Camping Near Vancouver, BC: 40+ Best Campgrounds
• Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures
• Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada
• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip

The post 23 Weekend Getaways from Vancouver appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

If you’re interested in hiking to Joffre Lakes I bet you’ve seen incredible photos of Gatorade-blue lakes on Instagram or Tiktok. And you’re probably wondering: Where is that? Is it a hard hike? Is it as busy as everyone says? Do you need a day pass? And when is Joffre Lakes closed?

I live just down the road in Squamish and I’m a hiking guidebook author so I’ve got all the locals’ insight on Joffre Lakes and can help you out with all your Joffre Lakes questions. This Joffre Lakes hiking guide includes:

• Why hike Joffre Lakes? Why is it so special?
• Joffre Lakes trail stats including distance, time needed, and best months to go
• Tips for hiking Joffre Lakes including what to bring
• How to get a day pass for Joffre Lakes (You can’t hike the trail without one.)
• When is Joffre Lakes closed? Details on annual closures
• A Joffre Lakes trail map with all the key locations marked
• How to get to Joffre Lakes by car or bus or tour and info on where to park
• Where to stay near Joffre Lakes – recommendations for hotels in Whistler and Pemberton
• Step-by-step Joffre Lakes hiking directions with info on the best places to get views
• How to go backcountry camping at Joffre Lakes including how to get reservations
• Info for winter hiking and snowshoeing at Joffre Lakes including avalanche safety info
• Info for swimming and paddling at Joffre Lakes – it’s allowed but be careful
• The Indigenous context for Joffre Lakes so you can be respectful of Lil’wat and N’Quatqua land
• A Joffre Lakes FAQ that answers all your questions

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

Why Hike Joffre Lakes

Joffre Lake is one of the most popular hikes in BC. In fact, it is currently number one on my list of the most Instagrammed hikes near Vancouver.

But why is it so popular? There are three main factors:

First, it’s undeniably gorgeous – it’s on my lists of the best hikes in Whistler and best backpacking trips in BC. The hike leads past three bright turquoise glacial lakes with views of snow-capped mountains. Unlike many other hikes where you spend a long time in the forest to get to one good view at the end, on the Joffre Lakes hike you get views almost the whole time.

Second, the hike isn’t that difficult. Anyone with a moderate fitness level can do it and the trail is easy to follow. It’s on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC for that reason. On my most recent trip, I saw toddlers, seniors and everybody in between on the trail. Some were fast, some were slow, but almost everyone was able to complete the hike.

Third, the trail is an easy three-hour drive from Vancouver, British Columbia’s largest city. It’s easy to get there by car or bus. (More details in the Getting There section below.)

Joffre Lakes Trail Stats

Distance: 9.5 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 360 m cumulative elevation gain

Duration: 3.5-4.5 hours (but allow more time for breaks and photos)

Difficulty: Moderate

Best Time to Go: June to October

Toilets: At the trailhead, Middle Joffre Lake Viewpoint, Upper Joffre Lake Viewpoint, and the Upper Joffre Lake Campground

Dogs: Not allowed.

Distance from Vancouver: About 3 hours

Permits: Day-passes are required from mid-May to late October each year. See the day pass section below for more details.

Closures: The trail has several closures during the summer and fall months for Indigenous use. See the closures section below for more info.

Tips for Hiking Joffre Lakes

• Get a day pass and check for closures. Joffre Lakes is a popular place so at some times of year day passes are required. And the park also has scheduled closures for Indigenous use. See the day pass and closure sections below for more info.
• Check the weather before you go. City weather forecasts are useless in the mountains. Use an algorithmic spot forecast for Joffre Lakes like Spotwx. (Read my guide to weather apps for hikers for more tips.)
• Check trail conditions online using AllTrails or Instagram. This is especially important in the spring or fall when the trail can be icy or snowy.
• Bring a rain jacket and warm clothing just in case. It can be much colder and rainier in the mountains than in the city.
• Wear trail running shoes or hiking boots. The trail is steep, rocky, and loose in places. Regular running shoes don’t have enough grip or ankle support. (I wear Salomon XA Pro 3D trail runners.)
• Bring water and snacks. There is nowhere to fill up your water bottle. It is not safe to drink the water from the lakes without boiling, filtering, or treating it as you never know if people or animals have pooped or died upstream. (Gross!)
• Bring the 10 Essentials. These are key safety items you should have on every hike.
• Bring a camera – it’s gorgeous and you will want tons of pics! But leave the drone at home. Drones aren’t allowed in BC Parks without a commercial filming permit.
• Pack out all your garbage. There are garbage cans in the parking lot, but if they are full, take your garbage home with you. Leaving it in the park attracts animals.

Joffre Lakes Day Passes

Since Joffre Lakes is so popular, you need to get a free day pass to visit in spring, summer, and fall. In 2025 you need a day pass from May 17 to October 26.

Each person needs their own pass. Passes are available on the BC parks website starting at 7 am two days before your trip. Act fast: passes run out fast on summer weekends.

Print out your day pass or save it as a screenshot on your phone. There is no cell service at the trailhead so you won’t be able to pull it up from your email. Parks staff will check for passes at the trailhead. If you don’t have a pass, you won’t be allowed to hike.

Read my guide to BC Parks day passes for more info including tips for getting a pass.

When is Joffre Lakes Closed?

Joffre Lakes is jointly managed by BC Parks and the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua Nations. These Indigenous Nations have lived in this area since time immemorial. Joffre Lakes is a sacred place for their community and is used for harvesting and ceremonies.

There are several park closures each year to allow Indigenous people exclusive access to the park.

In 2025, Joffre Lakes is closed to support Indigenous cultural practices during the following periods: (Note these dates are subject to change – I’ll keep this post up to date as best I can.)

• April 25 to May 16
• June 13 to 27
• September 2 to October 3

Joffre Lakes Trail Map

I made a map of the Joffre Lakes Trail for you using Gaia GPS, my favourite GPS and mapping app. It also includes an elevation profile. Click through to zoom in.

How to Get to Joffre Lakes

The Joffre Lakes hike is about 3 hours from Vancouver. You can get there by car or bus. In this section, I’ve got everything you need to know for driving, parking, and taking the bus to Joffre Lakes.

Driving Directions to Joffre Lakes

From Vancouver, head over the Lions Gate Bridge, then go west on Highway 1. Follow the signs to switch to Highway 99 North just before Horseshoe Bay. Stay on Highway 99 North through Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton.

Reach a T-junction in Mount Currie and turn right to stay on Highway 99. After you cross the bridge over the Lillooet River just outside Mount Currie, the road starts to climb steeply on curving switchbacks.

About 10 minutes after the switchbacks end, look for signs for Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. The main parking lot is on the right side. The overflow parking lot is on the left side just before the main lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Joffre Lakes Parking

There are two parking lots for Joffre Lakes. The main parking lot is at the trailhead. There is also an overflow parking lot on the left side of the highway just before the main parking lot. The overflow parking lot is larger and is a better option if you are driving an RV.

A gravel trail on the side of the highway connects the overflow parking lot to the main parking lot. Don’t walk on the highway and please use the crosswalk to stay safe.

Both parking lots are gravel and don’t have painted lines, so park close to the car next to you so there will be room for everyone. There used to be issues with full parking lots leading people to park illegally on the highway, which was really dangerous. Now that day passes are required, there is enough parking for everyone.

Caution: Since the parking lot is right next to the highway, sometimes people parking overnight return to find that their car has been broken into. If you are parking overnight, do not leave anything in your car.

Joffre Lakes Parking Passes

You do not need a parking pass for Joffre Lakes. While other BC Parks require parking passes, at Joffre Lakes, you just need a day pass for each person in your group – you don’t need a parking pass.

Buses to Joffre Lakes

2025 Update: In previous years, you could get to Joffre Lakes using the Parkbus. It was the only bus going to Joffre lakes from 2021 to 2023. However, Parkbus did not run in 2024 and it looks like they will not run in 2025.

In previous years, Parkbus ran dozens of scheduled departure dates from Vancouver in the summer and fall. Most dates were on weekends, but there are were weekday trips too. As a bonus, you didn’t need to get a day pass if you go with Parkbus.

You might find old info online about a different bus to Joffre Lakes that let you park at Cayoosh Lot and then take a shuttle to the trailhead. That info is not up to date or correct. That bus service has not operated since 2019 and there do not seem to be any plans to bring it back.

Tours to Joffre Lakes

You can also visit Joffre Lakes on a guided hiking tour. Your guide will provide transportation and can help you learn about the fascinating glaciers you will see on your hike. They can also point out plants and animals you might otherwise miss.

• This Joffre Lake guided hike is led by a professional photographer and includes pro photos of your trip.
• This Joffre Lakes guided day trip includes transportation from Vancouver or Squamish as well as lunch and snacks.

Getting to Joffre Lakes Without a Car

If you don’t own a car, you can still get to Joffre Lakes. Taking a tour is the easiest way since you don’t have to worry about driving. You can also rent a car. I use Discover Cars because it lets me compare car rentals across different companies to get the best rate.

If you belong to a car-sharing service like Evo or Modo, you can drive one to Joffre Lakes. Keep in mind that you will need to pay the date rate which can work out to more than a rental car.

You can also use a ride-sharing service like Poparide to try to find people who are driving to Joffre Lakes and want to make a few extra dollars by taking passengers. Or post on local Facebook hiking groups or with hiking clubs to find people to carpool with.

Where to Stay Near Joffre Lakes

While you can drive to and from Vancouver and Joffre Lakes in one day, it is 3 hours each way, which means 6 hours in the car. I recommend staying nearby so you don’t have such a long drive.

Joffre Lakes makes a great day trip from Whistler since it is 1 hour from Whistler. (Joffre Lakes is also on my list of the best things to do in Whistler in summer). The cute town of Pemberton also makes a great place to stay near Joffre Lakes.

Here are a few hotels I recommend:

• Pemberton Valley Lodge: An all-suite hotel near downtown Pemberton and just 30 minutes from Joffre Lakes. Check prices.
• Summit Lodge: A boutique hotel in Whistler Village with slightly eclectic decor. (This is my favourite place to stay in Whistler.) Check prices.
• Glacier’s Reach: Condos in Whistler Village with full kitchens. The best part? Private hot tubs! Check prices.
• The Westin Resort & Spa: Luxury hotel in Whistler with luxe rooms and a cool pool that is part indoors, part outdoors. Check prices.

Joffre Lakes Hiking Directions

Trip Planner

0 km Trailhead, Day Pass Check-in, and Toilets

0.2 km Lower Joffre Lake Viewpoint (5 min from trailhead)

2.8 km Middle Joffre Lake Viewpoint and Toilet (1-1.5 hours from trailhead)

3 km Floating Log (1-1.5 hours from trailhead)

3.3 km Holloway Falls Viewpoint (1.25-2 hours from trailhead)

3.8 km Upper Joffre Lake Viewpoint and Toilet (1.5-2.5 hours from trailhead)

4.8 km Upper Joffre Lake Campground and Toilet (2-3 hours from trailhead)

Starting the Joffre Lakes Hike

The hike to Joffre Lakes starts at the far end of the main parking lot. There is an info kiosk with informative signs about plants, animals and Indigenous culture. You will also find four pit toilets here.

If you visit between May and October, there will also be a temporary building that houses the BC Parks staff members who check day passes. For more info about day passes including why they are required, read my guide to BC Parks day passes and the day pass section above.

Lower Joffre Lake Viewpoint

After you have had your day pass checked you can start the trail. The path heads very slightly downhill to an intersection. For now, go straight for one minute to the Lower Joffre Lake viewpoint.

The viewpoint has a bench and is a great place for photos. You can see the glacier-topped peaks far above you up the valley. The shallow water is very clear so you can easily see the bottom. If you are short on time or stamina, the Lower Joffre Lake viewpoint may be as far as you get.

If you want to continue on the trail, retrace your steps to the junction and turn left. The trail is fairly flat for a few minutes as it parallels the lakeshore. The lake is out of sight behind some bushes.

After you cross a wooden bridge over the lake outlet stream, the trail begins to head uphill a little bit. You can catch glimpses of the lake through the forest to your left.

About 30 minutes from the start the trail emerges from the forest in a more open area with lots of low bushes. This area is a rock slide. Until 2013 you had to clamber from boulder to boulder, avoiding the huge drops in between.

But huge loads of gravel have been dumped in between the rocks to create a smooth path that’s easy to hike. These days the only hazard is sun exposure.

After the boulder field, the trail heads back into the forest and the steepest part of the trail begins. Many people find this part very tiring.

Take your time as you follow the steep trail up many wood and rock stairs and a few eroded sections. If you need to take breaks, move off to the side so other hikes can get by. In a few places, you can look back down to Lower Joffre Lake and across the valley to Cayoosh Mountain.

Middle Joffre Lake Viewpoint and the Floating Log

About 1-1.5 hours from the trailhead you will get your first view of the turquoise waters of Middle Joffre Lake. Continue down the trail for another minute to the main viewpoint. This is a great spot for a snack and some photos.

After you have enjoyed the viewpoint, continue along the trail to cross a bridge. On the other side, you will find a trail to the left that leads to a toilet. The trail to the right leads to some benches in the shade and the lakeshore with a slightly different viewpoint.

Keep hiking for another minute to reach the famous floating log. Unless you arrive early in the day, there will likely be a line-up of people waiting for photos of themselves standing on it.

The log is quite stable and easy to walk on as you long as stay close to shore. The farther out you go, the more bouncy and slippery it gets. Be careful because the water is frigid and falling in can cause hypothermia.

Holloway Falls

Follow the trail around the lake and into the forest again. The path climbs a small hill. About 5 minutes later, take a spur trail to the right for a great view of Holloway Falls. This waterfall wasn’t on the original Joffre Lakes trail – it was rerouted in 2013 to include this great viewpoint. (Psst: Holloway Falls is on my list of the best waterfalls near Vancouver.)

Upper Joffre Lakes Viewpoint

From the waterfall, climb a short set of wooden stairs on the main trail and continue up the hill. The terrain starts to flatten out as you cross a bridge and some boardwalks.

You will start to get views of Upper Joffre Lake through the trees. Stay on the main trail since the lakeshore is marshy here and going off-trail can cause ecological damage. In any case, there are better views up ahead.

About 10 minutes after the waterfall, reach a junction. The main trail goes straight but you should go left to the Upper Joffre Lake Viewpoint. The viewpoint is on a short trail that loops back to the main trail. The viewpoint trail scrambles over rocks in a few places, but it is fairly easy to follow along the lakeshore.

This is the best view of Upper Joffre Lake and the mountains behind it, so plan to take a break here. As you look across the lake the main peak you see is Slalok Mountain with the Stonecrop and Matier Glaciers hanging from its flanks. Joffre Peak is on the left. At one time, the huge glaciers extended all the way down the valley to the present-day highway. Today’s lakes fill bowls in the rocks that the grinding ice of the glaciers carved out.

For some people, the Upper Joffre Lake viewpoint is as far as they want to go. After enjoying the view follow the viewpoint trail around to a second junction with the main trail in a rocky area. Turn left if you want to continue onwards. Turning right will take you past a spur trail to an outhouse and then back down to the trailhead.

Joffre Lakes Campground

If you are continuing to the campground, follow the trail beside the lake. It is much rougher than it was lower down with lots of small ups and downs and scrambling over rocks and roots. A bridge about 2/3 of the way along is the only smooth footing.

About 20-30 minutes after leaving the viewpoint, scramble down a short ladder, and then pass an outhouse up some stairs. A spur trail to the left leads to a helicopter pad. Rock hop across a small creek to arrive at the Upper Joffre Lake campground. The campground is spread out in this area. Find more details in the camping section below.

This is the end of the official Joffre Lakes trail. Head down to the lakeshore to take a break and enjoy the view. You can look back across the lake to Cayoosh Mountain on the other side of the highway. When you are ready, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Take care on the steep sections on the way down. Some of the dirt and gravel is loose so it can be easy to slip.

Continuing Beyond the Campground

There are no official trails beyond the Joffre Lakes campground. On some maps or apps, you may see trails continuing past the campground. These are unmarked, unmaintained, and unofficial mountaineering routes.

It can be tempting to want to scramble up towards the glaciers and you’ve probably seen photos on social media of people doing it. However, if you spend any time hanging out at Joffre Lakes you will probably see and hear rocks and chunks of ice falling off the glacier.

The routes up to the glacier are all in the path of falling rock and ice. Some of the falling chunks can be car or bus sized. Please don’t scramble up to the glacier without mountaineering training. You could be injured or killed.

There is a faint path through the rocks and bushes to a small waterfall cascading over a rock outcrop and then down into the back of the lake. The route to the waterfall does occasionally get hit by falling rock and ice, but it is a much safer option if you really want to explore beyond the campground.

You may also see a path on some maps leading to Tszil Mountain. This is an unmarked scramblers route that involves off-trail navigation through boulder fields and snowfields. Do not attempt it without off-trail navigation and scrambling experience.

Backcountry Camping at Joffre Lakes

The backcountry campground at Joffre Lakes is a popular destination so it requires reservations. You can book online up to 3 months before your trip. See my guide to making backcountry reservations in BC for tips on getting a spot. Camping costs $25 per person per night plus a $6 reservation fee for each tent. Note: You don’t need a day pass if you have a backcountry camping reservation.

The campground has 26 gravel campsites spread out along the lakeshore and hillside. There is a large metal food locker in the center of the campground. The toilet is 100 m away back down the main trail. Collect drinking water from the stream between the outhouse and the campground but be sure to filter or treat it.

Camping is not allowed between mid-November and mid-June since the campground is in an avalanche path. As well, campfires are never allowed to protect the fragile environment.

You can find more info about backpacking to Joffre Lakes in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

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Hiking and Snowshoeing Joffre Lakes in Winter

With easy access to a plowed highway, Joffre Lakes makes a good winter hiking and snowshoeing destination. I’ve got all the details in my guide to snowshoeing near Whistler.

However, it is a much more challenging and potentially dangerous trip in winter. The trail is not marked in winter so you will need to be comfortable with navigation. I use the Gaia GPS app.

The trail will also be very snowy and icy. Depending on trail conditions, you will need snowshoes or microspikes. I recommend microspikes in April, May, late October, and November and both snowshoes and microspikes between January and March. (Read my guide for tips on how to choose snowshoes and my guide to the differences between snowshoes and microspikes).

As well, the trail is in serious avalanche terrain so you will need avalanche training and rescue gear. Check the avalanche forecast before your trip.

However, I don’t recommend you visit Joffre Lakes in winter for one big reason: You won’t be able to see the gorgeous blue lakes because they will be covered in snow and ice. You will just see snowy mountains, which you can see lots of other places in BC.

Paddling and Swimming and Joffre Lakes

You are allowed to swim in all three Joffre Lakes but it is not a great idea. The BC Parks website says: “The glacier-fed lakes are very cold and are not recommended for swimming.”

They are right – the water is just above freezing. It is easy to get hypothermia and you are a long way from help. Bring some warm clothes to put on afterward. The best places to swim are at the viewpoints at each lake as well as at the campground.

BC Parks does not have any rules about paddling SUPs, floaties, or inflatable boats at Joffre Lakes. So yes it is allowed to paddle at Joffre Lakes. However, I honestly don’t think it’s a good idea.

The same caution about the frigid water temperature applies. You should bring a wetsuit or drysuit and wear a PFD for safety. If you capsize, the water is cold enough to incapacitate you quickly and could lead to drowning. You are a long way from help.

Indigenous Context

Indigenous people have lived and travelled in the area around Joffre Lakes since time immemorial. Joffre Lakes is in the traditional and unceded shared territories of the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua people.

In 2021 the Joffre Lakes Provincial Park Visitor Use Management Strategy was released. It is a joint project between BC Parks, several arms of the BC government, the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua.

Historically, the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua used the park for hunting, gathering, and spiritual ceremonies. They refer to the entire Duffey Lake corridor as a “banquet place” where they can harvest minerals, plants, berries, and animals such as mountain goats, deer, and fish. The Joffre watershed was also an important place for vision quests.

The Lil’wat and N’Quatqua call the area Pipi7íyekw and the park has been renamed Pipi7íyekw/Joffre lake Park. (Pipi7íyekw is pronouced “pee-PEE-yow”.)

The influx of hikers as well as the designation of the area as a provincial park have negatively impacted the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua people since they are unable to continue to harvest and conduct spiritual practices they way they could before settlers arrived.

The Visitor Use Management Plan seeks to protect important Indigenous cultural resources and sites. It also strives to celebrate Indigenous culture and allow Indigenous people access to the park for cultural practices.

Starting in 2024, there are three closure periods each year where there is no public access to Joffre Lakes Park. These closures allow the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua to conduct cultural celebrations and engage in harvesting.

When you visit Joffre Lakes, be respectful. Remember that you are a visitor on Lil’wat and N’Quatqua land. Stop to read the info boards at the trailhead to learn more about the Indigenous context of the area.

I also recommend visiting the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. It’s a beautiful museum and the guides do a great job of explaining their culture both historically and today. (It’s also one of my top picks for things to do in Whistler.

Joffre Lakes FAQ

Final Thoughts

That’s everything you need to know about the Joffre Lake hike. Did I miss something? Do you have more questions about the Joffre Lakes trail? Ask them in the comments – I’m happy to help.

READ NEXT:

• The Best Hikes in Whistler
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler
• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer (By a Local)
• 80+ Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)
• 31 Best Backpacking Trips in BC

The post Joffre Lakes Hike (By a Local) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

You also don’t have to sweat to get there – instead, you can ride the gondola up the mountain from Whistler Village. You can also combine a trip to the hiking trails on Blackcomb with the Peak 2 Peak Gondola (which is one of my picks for the best things to do in Whistler.)

There are so many hikes in Whistler that it can be hard to choose. And honestly, some of the other trails get all the hype. That’s why I think the Blackcomb Alpine Trails are underrated. They have incredible views, easy trails, easy access via the gondola, an otherworldly above-treeline alpine location… and a fraction of the traffic!

I have an annual summer season’s pass for the Whistler Blackcomb Gondola so I’ve hiked this trail quite a few times. This guide includes:

• Blackcomb Hiking Trails Basics including how long it takes, difficulty, cost, best time to go, and more
• Are the Blackcomb hiking trails worth it? My honest opinion on these trails vs. other trails on Whistler Mountain.
• Tips for hiking the Blackcomb Trails including what to pack and how to prep
• Blackcomb Hiking Trails map that shows all the key locations I mention in this post
• How to get to the Blackcomb Hiking Trails including parking and which gondola to take
• Step-by-step hiking directions and tips for where to get the best views

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

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.

Blackcomb Hiking Trails Basics

There is a great network of alpine trails high on the slopes of Blackcomb Peak. In this guide, I’ve got details for all of the trails up there. To help you make the most of your trip, I’ve also got a step-by-step route that links together the best trails in one killer loop.

Note: There are also three trails lower on the mountain that are collectively called the Blackcomb Burn Ascent Trails. These are workout-style uphill trails like the Grouse Grind. I’m only going to focus on the alpine trails at the top of the mountain in this post since the ascent trails don’t have great views so I only recommend them for a workout.

Duration: 30 min to 4.5 hours

Distance: 1.5 to 9.9 km

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Elevation Change: 70 to 560 m elevation gain

Cost: $85/adult for an all-day sightseeing lift ticket that also includes the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. (If you plan to go sightseeing for more than one day, it’s worth it to buy a season’s pass. That’s what I do.)

Best Time to Go: Late June/early July to late September. The trail is closed the rest of the year. I highly recommend picking a clear day so you can enjoy the views. It’s not worth your money if it’s cloudy.

Toilets: There are no toilets on the trail, but there are toilets at the Rendezvous Lodge where you start and end the hike.

Drinking Water: You can collect water at Blackcomb Lake and Decker Tarn, but you need to filter or treat it first.

Dogs: Only guide dogs and service dogs are allowed.

Caution: Keep an eye on the gondola hours – you don’t want to miss the last one off the mountain!

Indigenous Context: The Blackcomb Trails are in the traditional territory of the Lil’wat and Skwxwu7mesh (Squamish) Nations. Their oral tradition teaches us that before settlers arrived, the two Nations shared the Whistler Valley, using summer camps to harvest plants and animals. To learn more, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Are the Blackcomb Hiking Trails Worth It?

Unfortunately, the Whistler Blackcomb Gondola is pretty expensive. So you might be wondering, “Are the Blackcomb Hiking Trails worth it?” and “If I’m paying for the Whistler Blackcomb sightseeing gondola, which hike should I do?”

I’ve hiked all of the trails on both mountains several times. If you only have time for one trail and you’re a moderately fit hiker, I recommend the High Note Trail because it has by far the best views.

But if you want to see something different, have great opportunities for viewing marmots and pikas, and escape the crowds, I think the Blackcomb Alpine Trails are worth it.

My recommendation is to combine your hike on the Blackcomb trails with the Peak 2 Peak gondola and exploring Whistler Peak. That way you get the best bang for your buck.

My guide to visiting Whistler in summer has more tips for making the most of your trip on the Whistler Blackcomb Gondola and Peak2Peak Gondola.

Tips for Hiking for the Blackcomb Trails

• Check the weather before you go. City weather forecasts are useless in the mountains. Use an algorithmic spot forecast for Blackcomb Peak like Spotwx. (Read my guide to weather apps for hikers for more tips.)
• Check gondola hours and trail status. Make sure the trail is open and the gondola and chairlifts are running by checking hours of operation and trail status online.
• Bring a rain jacket and warm clothing just in case. It can be much colder and rainier in the mountains than in the valley.
• Wear trail running shoes or hiking boots. The trail is steep, rocky, and loose in places. Regular running shoes don’t have enough grip or ankle support.
• Bring water and snacks. It is not safe to drink the water from the lakes without boiling, filtering, or treating it because you never know if people or animals have pooped or died upstream. Gross! (I use a Katadyn BeFree to filter water.)
• Bring the 10 Essentials. These are key safety items you should have on every hike.
• Bring a camera – it’s gorgeous and you will want tons of pics! But leave the drone at home. Drones aren’t allowed in Whistler without a commercial filming permit.
• Pack out all your garbage. There are garbage cans at Rendezvous Lodge – please pack out your trash.
• Leave time for the Peak 2 Peak Gondola – it’s a spectacular ride and it’s included with your lift ticket. If you have extra time, it’s also worth taking the Peak Chair up to the top of Whistler Peak after you ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

Blackcomb Hiking Trails Map

The Blackcomb trails are easy to follow with lots of signs and maps at every junction.

But it can be helpful to have a map to understand where you are once you leave the map stations. I made you a custom trail map using Gaia GPS, my favourite mapping app. It shows all the locations I mention in this post. Click through to zoom in and explore (and to download the GPX file).

You can also use Whistler Blackcomb’s Alpine Trails Map – they will give you a paper copy when you buy your lift ticket. It’s a beautiful hand-drawn map, and it gives you a vague idea of the terrain. But I don’t find it nearly as helpful as a proper topographic map… which is why I use All Trails+ or Gaia GPS instead.

How to Get to the Blackcomb Trails

Parking

Getting to Whistler is fairly straightforward: Drive Highway 99 north from Vancouver to Whistler. My Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip guide has lots of driving tips and suggestions for where to stop along the way.

Once you get to Whistler, head for the day-use parking lots on Backcomb Way. Here are Google Maps driving directions. From there, walk 5 minutes on the Valley Trail to the Blackcomb Gondola in the Upper Village.

Day-use lots 1 and 2 are the closest parking to the Blackcomb Gondola Base. My budget tip: Park in lots 4 or 5. They are an extra 5-10 minute walk and a bit cheaper. Here is info on current parking rates and hours.

Gondola Ride

The Blackcomb Alpine Trails starts at the top of Blackcomb Peak. To get there you, will need to ride the gondola from Upper Whistler Village. You need to pay to take the gondola, but they only check your ticket at the bottom when you get on the first gondola. They don’t check it again for the Peak 2 Peak Gondola or the Whistler Village Gondola.

Buy your lift tickets at Blackcomb Gondola Base in Upper Whistler Village. Then take the Blackcomb Gondola to its end at Rendezvous Lodge. The takes about 15 minutes. The Lodge has a coffee shop, restaurant, and bathrooms. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola to Whistler is next to Rendezvous Lodge.

Adding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to Your Hike

If you’ve paid for a summer sightseeing lift ticket, you should make the most of it. And that means riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola along with hiking on Blackcomb – it’s one of my recommendations for the best things to do in Whistler in summer.

If you want to ride the Peak 2 Peak before your hike, walk to Whistler Base and take the Whistler Village Gondola to Roundhouse Lodge. Then ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb. If you have time, I recommend taking the Peak Chair to the top of Whistler Peak before getting on the Peak 2 Peak. It is a short walk from the Roundhouse and has incredible views. There’s also a cool suspension bridge up there.

To ride the Peak 2 Peak after hiking on Blackcomb, finish your hike at the Rendezvous Lodge, and then go next door and get on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Ride it to Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler, then ride the Whistler Village Gondola back down to Whistler Village. (And of course, add on the Peak Chair if you have time.)

Keep an eye on gondola opening hours to plan your hike and decide when to ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

Hiking Up Via the Ascent Trails

If you don’t want to pay full price to take the gondola, you can hike up via the Blackcomb Ascent Trails instead. This option costs $45 instead of $85.

However, these are steep and challenging trails that take most hikers 3-4 hours. Unless you are a strong hiker, I don’t recommend hiking the Ascent Trails to access the Blackcomb Alpine Trails because you won’t have enough energy or time to complete both hikes.

Blackcomb Alpine Trails Hiking Directions (My Recommended Route)

There are several trails on Blackcomb. Below, I’ve got step-by-step directions for my recommended route which includes most of the trails.

The total stats for my route are below. But in each section, I’ll also give you the option to turn around and go back to the gondola, which will make your trip shorter.

Duration: 3.5-4.5 hours

Distance: 9.9 km loop

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Change: 560 m elevation gain

To help keep you on track, here is a brief overview of the key distances on this hike:

Alpine Loop

To start the hike, follow the path in front of the Rendezvous Lodge. This is often a good place to spot marmots eating grass or sunbathing on rocks. Marmots are one of my favourite animals and I can’t resist slowing down to watch them. These large rodents whistle when they are scared, which is how nearby Whistler Mountain got its name.

From the Rendezvous Lodge, take the path that goes left around the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to the entrance to the alpine trails. You are now on the Alpine Loop Trail. Go left to start the first part of the loop. (Your return route will take you through the other side of the loop.

Soon you leave the ski hill infrastructure behind. The wide path has great views of Whistler Mountain to your right. Keep your eyes peeled for more marmots here as well as pikas, a tiny round-eared member of the rabbit family.

Reach a junction about 0.9 m from the gondola. Go right onto a short loop to a great viewpoint. Back on the main trail, turn right and reach another junction 100 m later.

If you have had enough, go left to head back to the gondola. It is about 1 km away via the other side of the Alpine Loop Trail.

Overlord Trail (Part 1)

If you want to continue onwards, turn right onto the Overlord Trail. The next kilometre of trail is gradually downhill. It starts in more open and rocky terrain and transitions to patches of meadow. If you visit in late July and early August, you might spot some gorgeous alpine wildflowers here.

Just before you pass underneath the 7th Heaven Express chairlift (about 1.9 km from the gondola), reach a junction with the Lakeside Loop. There are some wide ski hill roads here, so pay attention to the signs to stay on the right track.

Lakeside Loop

From the junction, turn left to start the Lakeside Loop. This trail climbs gradually through meadows and patches of trees. It also crosses a wide ski and grassy ski run.

At the top, reach Blackcomb Lake 2.75 km from the gondola. The turquoise waters of this lake sit in a gravelly bowl right under Blackcomb Peak. This is a good place to take a break on some benches. There are also great views of Whistler Mountain across the valley.

You might also notice a large stone cairn with a plaque that commemorates a ski patroller who was responsible for developing the ski terrain in this area.

When you are ready to continue, follow the trail downhill through the meadows and gravel to another junction with the Overlord Trail 3.2 km from the gondola.

If you want to head back to the gondola it is 2.6 km away via the Overlord and Alpine Loop Trails.

Overlord Trail (Part 2)

But if you want to continue on the loop, turn left and follow the Overlord Trail for a few minutes as it heads downhill, first through the trees and then across a meadow. Reach the junction with the Decker Loop Trail 3.6 km from the gondola.

Decker Loop Trail

Turn left and start up the Decker Loop Trail. This is the only steep and challenging climb of the hike. You’ll gain about 200 m in just 1 kilometre. While the trail is steep, the views are great and it doesn’t take that long.

Stay on the trail as it zigzags up the slope at the edge of a ridge. The trail is often dusty and loose. You’ll want to pause often to catch your breath and to enjoy the views.

Reach the top of the climb at the best viewpoint on Blackcomb 4.6 km from the gondola. From this rocky vantage point, you can look south to Overlord Mountain in Garibaldi Provincial Park. The spectacular Overlord and Fitzsimmons Glaciers spill down its slopes. You can also look back north to Blackcomb Lake and the rocky slopes below Blackcomb Peak.

When you are done enjoying the view, follow the trail through small trees and rocks as it starts to head downhill towards Decker Tarn.

Reach the tarn 5.4 km from the gondola. It sits in a pretty little meadow and is surrounded by a jumble of boulders.

This is my favourite spot on the whole trail. Find a boulder to lounge on and enjoy the scenery. You can also explore the shoreline a bit, but tread lightly as this is a fragile ecosystem with a short growing season.

When you are ready to carry on, follow the trail downhill along the creek from the lake outlet – it can be slightly confusing to locate the trail here – look for signs and trail markers.

The trail continues to head gradually downhill as it works its way through patches of meadow and clumps of trees. Arrive back at the junction with the Overlord Trail 6.8 km from the gondola.

Back to the Gondola via the Overlord and Alpine Loop Trails

From here your route back to the gondola is fairly straightforward and mostly uses trails you’ve hiked already. Go straight onto the Overlord Trail and follow it through a meadow and up a small hill to the southern junction with the Lakeside Loop 7.2 km from the gondola.

Continue straight onto a section of the Overlord Trail that you haven’t hiked yet. It climbs gradually and crosses several grassy ski runs as well as a few patches of dense forest.

Arrive at the northern junction with the Lakeside Loop 8.1 km from the gondola. Go straight onto the Overlord Trail. While you have hiked this section of the trail already, now you have to hike it in the uphill direction, which might be a little tiring at the end of the day. Thankfully, it’s fairly short.

Reach the junction with the Alpine Loop Trail 9 km from the gondola. Turn right to hike the other side of the loop. The trail weaves through rocky terrain. It’s a good place to spot pikas and marmots.

Towards the end, it crosses a rocky slope before joining a ski area access road to head downhill to the Peak 2 Peak gondola, the Rendezvous Lodge, and the Blackcomb Gondola.

Finish your hike back at the Rendezvous Lodge. Head out to their patio to have a drink on their patio – I love the views there! Or jump on the Peak 2 Peak gondola and ride over to Whistler to relax at the Umbrella Bar on the patio at the Roundhouse Lodge.

I hope you enjoy your hike on the Blackcomb Alpine Hiking Trails. I love the contrast of the gravel alpine moonscape with the lush wildflower meadows. And don’t forget those cute marmots! If you’ve got questions about the trail, ask them in the comments and I’ll help you out.

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