How To Explore Lost Lake Park

Editor’s Note: This post was originally written in 2014, but has been updated with a new video, information and images. The video was produced by the talented Ross Reid and hosted by Stan Rey.

Babies might be the smartest hikers out there.

Sure they drool a lot and speak mostly gibberish but when it comes to hitting the trails around Whistler, they never break a sweat.

While a good baby backpack will allow you to take the next generation pretty much anywhere, Whistler’s Lost Lake Park also offers the perfect short-and-convenient hike for stroller-pushers, mellow meanderers and anyone who wants to catch some forest, lake and mountain views without venturing too far from town.

In winter it’s a Nordic ski and snowshoe paradise but in the spring, summer and fall months Lost Lake Park becomes home to the most accessible of all of Whistler’s hiking trails. Just take a look at the Lost Lake Park trail map for an idea of how extensive this network is.

The main Lost Lake Loop is a wide gravel path running from the entrance of the park all the way around Lost Lake and back. From the Village, it’s about a five-kilometre round trip, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll, pushing a stroller and good for exercise for your four-legged friend. Kids of almost any age will enjoy getting out and hitting the beach once you arrive at the lake so plan to take longer than you originally expect.

Look out for the summer food trucks, which are part of Park Eats! and the pop-up Discover Nature program run by the Whistler Museum (Mondays through Fridays in July and August, 11 AM to 5 PM). There’s also a bike valet in the summer months, which means you can ride to the lake and store your bike safely while you go for a walk or swim.

The gravel trail is super-easy going but it’s also shared with bikes so it may not be the best for randomly wandering toddlers but Lost Lake Park does feature plenty of foot-traffic-only side trails that offer short excursions into the woods, down to streams and away from the beaten path. Take a look at the new Go Whistler Tours app for a self-guided tour at the entrance to Lost Lake Park, which takes you on a 500-metre journey into the forest where you can learn about the flora, fauna and what feeds on it!

Bringing your bike? Check out our dedicated Insider’s Guide on the trails around Lost Lake.

Hiking doesn’t have to be an epic overnight slog to some distant alpine peak. What’s important is getting out into nature and enjoying the day and the people you are with. And if you happen to be in a chair that rolls on wheels and the people you’re with will serve you drinks and snacks after just a few little peeps and coos, all the better. Hike on baby.

Lost Lake Park Etiquette

• If you are planning on visiting Lost Lake Park, please remember to pack out what you pack in and use the waste and recycling bins provided (if they’re full, take it with you).
• Be bear aware, and never approach or feed a bear should you get to see one in its natural habitat.
• Know the fire danger rating as this can affect which types of BBQs are allowed at the park.
• Bring a life jacket and a whistle if you’re paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, or using an inflatable boat (it’s the law and they will fine you if you don’t have them). If you want to fish, just make sure you grab a fishing license first.
• Dogs are not permitted at Lost Lake Park beach, but they have Canine Cove, a designated off-leash area at Lost Lake, to play on. For more information on dog-friendly areas visit whistler.ca/dogs.
• Camping and campfires are not permitted.
• There is no lifeguard on duty, and the water can be cold.

For more hiking ideas check out Whistler Insider’s hiking posts or get all the info you need at Whistler.com.