Hiking is a must-do in Whistler, the landscape simply beckons exploration. From ancient cedar groves, perfect for peaceful contemplation, to rugged peaks that will challenge your stamina, there’s a trail for every type of hiker.
Over the years, our collective of Insiders have detailed many of these hikes in various recaps, their guides have been compiled below. Welcome to your new all-in-one guide for choosing and planning your next Whistler hike!
Whistler Hiking Resources
Let’s start with what you need to know about hiking in Whistler:
Whistler Hiking and Backcountry Etiquette
A must-read before venturing out on any of the trails in Whistler.
Insider’s Guide: Whistler Hiking Essentials
What to pack for various types of Whistler hiking.
Hiking in the Rain: Tips for When it Drips
The coastal temperate rainforest can be, well, rainy. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go hiking, here’s how to prepare.
Whistler Half-Day or Less Hikes
Sea to Sky Trail and Valley Trail
Various | Easy
Whistler Walks on the Mild Side
Suggested routes along the Valley Trail and the Sea to Sky Trail, these are great options for sightseeing on foot before the hiking trails are clear of snow.
Lost Lake Park
Various | Easy
Lost Lake Park is home to Whistler’s most accessible hiking trail network and is easily reachable from the Village.
Ancient Cedars
Whistler’s Ancient Cedars Hike
2.5 One-way | 150 M Elevation Gain | Moderate
A grove of awe-inspiring, 900 – 1000-year-old trees awaits you at the end of this trail.
Cheakamus Lake
7.5 KM One-way | 80 M Elevation Gain | Easy
Insider’s Guide: Hike or Bike to Cheakamus Lake
A classic Whistler hike with a stunning reward, at a lower elevation this trail is usually the first to be clear of snow. Its mellowness makes it a great hike for families or anyone looking for a short jaunt.
Snow Walls on Whistler Mountain
3.8 KM One-way | 387 M Elevation Gain | Moderate
Insider’s Guide: Hiking the Snow Walls on Whistler Mountain
Every year, Whistler Blackcomb cuts a trail through the heaping winter snowfall to create a truly unique hiking experience. But you have to time it right, the snow walls are only around from late spring to early summer.
Train Wreck
2 KM One-way | 30 M Elevation Gain | Easy
Boxcars & Bridges: Whistler’s Iconic Train Wreck Hike
It’s not every day a train crash results in a community art installation in the middle of the forest, this hike is a Whistler must-do for the curious and imaginative.
Blackcomb Ascent Trail
6.1 KM One-way | 1200 M Elevation Gain | Difficult
Blackcomb Ascent Hiking Trail: Time to Burn
From Little Burn to Heart Burn this sectioned trail is a choose-your-own-intensity workout.
Whistler Full-Day to Overnight Hikes
Black Tusk
27 – 37 KM | 1661 – 1400+ Elevation Gain | Difficult
Insider’s Guide: Hiking Black Tusk
Black Tusk is striking peak, the exposed basalt chamber we see today is the result of a volcanic eruption under ice. There are a couple of different options for reaching Black Tusk and upon reaching the peak there is an opportunity for a Class 3 scramble.
Wedgemount Lake
7 KM One-way | 1200 M Elevation Gain | Difficult
Insider’s Guide: Wedgemount Lake Hike in Whistler
An electric-blue alpine lake rimmed with dramatic peaks and glaciers awaits at the end of this challenging trail.
Callaghan Valley
Various | Easy to Difficult
Insider’s Guide: Hiking and Adventure in Callaghan Valley
Callaghan Valley is where you’ll find some of Whistler’s lesser known hiking trails. This guide includes hikes such as Madeley Lake, Ring Lake, Cirque Lake and more.
Skywalk Trail and Rainbow Mountain Hiking Trails
Various | Moderate to Difficult
Insider’s Guide: Skywalk Trail and Rainbow Mountain Hiking Trails
Rainbow Mountain has much to offer hikers, Insider Abby Cooper leads you through the trail network and the various ways to reach Iceberg Lake (which is as cool as it sounds).
AdventureSmart BC released this video on the Skywalk South Trail, which is definitely worth a watch if you’re contemplating this advanced hike.
Garibaldi Lake and Area
Various | Moderate to Difficult
Insider’s Guide: Hiking Garibaldi Lake & Area
A classic Whistler hike for a reason, this guide has all you need to know about hiking to Garibaldi Lake and exploring the surrounding trails which are full of jaw-dropping viewpoints.
Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains
Various | Easy to Difficult
Alpine Hiking Guide: Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains
A breakdown and guide to the lift-accessed alpine hiking network on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, includes trails such as High Note, Musical Bumps, Overlord and more.
Guided Whistler Hikes
Climbing Out of My Comfort Zone: Whistler Via Ferrata Tour
A little bit of hiking, a little bit of climbing and a whole lot of views.
Not Your Regular Hike: The New Whistler Sky Walk Tour
A hike like no other, traverse along ridges and cliff faces with the help of cables, bridges and platforms.
A Whistler Guided Hike: The Medicine Trail
From lichen to yew, learn the virtues of the flora found in the coastal temperate rainforest.
Whistler Glacier Tours: Scenery, Snow and Sliding
Let your feet carry your across a 10,000-year-old glacier, or, slide down on your butt.
More:
The Hills Are Alive: Hikes for Alpine Wildflower Season
Includes High Note Trail, Decker Tarn, Rainbow Lake and more.
Camping Culture: How and Where to Pitch a Tent in Whistler
Includes backcountry camping details for Cheakamus Lake, Garibaldi Lake, Russet Lake and Wedgemount Lake.
9 Whistler Walks and Hikes to Try this Summer
A little something for everyone.
7 Dog-friendly Hikes Around Whistler
For when you want to explore with your favourite adventure buddy.
A Guide to Sea to Sky Waterfalls
From short walks to long treks, here’s how to get up close with the stunning Sea to Sky waterfalls.
Prime hiking season is now! Start planning your Whistler hiking escape at Whistler.com.
