Nestled in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is a world-renowned destination that transforms into a hiker’s paradise the moment the alpine snow begins to melt. While the village is famous for its winter skiing, the summer months reveal a sprawling network of trails that wind through old-growth rainforests, across wildflower-filled meadows, and up to dramatic, craggy peaks. For outdoor enthusiasts in the United States planning a trip north, Whistler offers a unique blend of accessible valley strolls and challenging backcountry ascents, all within minutes of world-class dining and lodging.
The sheer variety of terrain means there is a trail for every fitness level and interest, from families with young children to seasoned mountaineers seeking a quad-burning workout. You can spend your morning walking past turquoise glacial lakes and your afternoon riding a gondola to a ridgeline that feels like the top of the world. The region’s unique geography, influenced by the Pacific Northwest, provides lush vegetation, towering cedars, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including black bears, marmots, and bald eagles.
Before you lace up your boots, it is essential to understand that mountain weather can change rapidly, even in the peak of summer. Trails that are sunny and clear at the base can be shrouded in fog or hit with chilly winds at higher elevations. Proper preparation, including layered clothing, adequate water, and bear spray, is not just recommended but necessary for a safe and enjoyable experience on many of these routes.
This guide focuses on the most rewarding and iconic hikes in the Whistler area, offering practical details to help you choose the right adventure. We have prioritized routes that provide the best scenic payoff for the effort required, ensuring you maximize your time in this stunning alpine environment. Whether you are looking for a gentle nature walk or a full-day summit attempt, you will find the perfect trail to connect with the rugged beauty of British Columbia.
Our recommendations are based on current trail conditions, accessibility, and the overall quality of the hiking experience. We have considered factors such as elevation gain, distance, and technical difficulty to provide a balanced list that serves both first-time visitors and returning Whistler veterans. The goal is to give you the confidence to explore safely while discovering the hidden gems that make this region so special.
With that in mind, here are the best hiking trails Whistler has to offer, ranging from easy lakeside loops to strenuous peak-bagging routes that will leave you breathless in more ways than one.
Rainbow Falls Trailhead
| Address | Whistler, BC V8E 0C3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
An easy hike with some elevation that takes you to a viewpoint of the waterfall.
We loved this hike. It was recommended to us by a local. We could park right at the trailhead and we had the whole place to ourselves - midweek in March. Spectacular trek through the snowy trail to a lovely waterfall. Highly recommended.
Steep walk for the 2.2km, so not easy, but short enough to not be too taxing. Nice waterfall at end after enjoyable walk that takes you right to the base of a small but brisk waterfall.
Parking lot is a road side pull out. There is an easy wide trail to follow to the waterfall. Old growth forest, waterfalls, and a deep canyon.
Short but somewhat steep hike that is doable for most people. We went on a Saturday and it wasn't too busy. The views are amazing
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
| Address | BC-99, Whistler, BC V0N 1B1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (800) 689-9025 |
## Brandywine Falls Provincial Park: A Quick Escape with Cascading Beauty
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, located just outside Whistler, offers a beautiful natural wonder easily accessible for travelers along the Sea to Sky Highway. Here's a quick rundown of what to expect:
**Majestic Waterfall:** The park's star attraction is the namesake Brandywine Falls, a cascading waterfall tumbling over 230 feet. A short, well-maintained trail leads from the parking lot to a viewing platform offering stunning views of the falls.
**Perfect for a Short Stop:** This park is ideal for those seeking a quick break from the car journey. The entire walk to the viewing platform and back takes less than 20 minutes, making it a manageable stop for families or travelers with limited time.
**Limited Amenities:** There are no restrooms, shops, or concession stands within the park. Be sure to use facilities and grab any snacks or drinks you might need before arriving.
**Easy Accessibility:** Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is very easy to find and access. There's a well-marked parking lot right off the highway, and the trail to the falls is short and paved, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
**Keep in mind:** There have been reports of the parking lot being closed occasionally. It's a good idea to have a backup plan in case you encounter a closure.
**Overall:** Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is a great choice for a quick and scenic stop along the Sea to Sky Highway. The impressive waterfall and easy accessibility make it a worthwhile detour for anyone wanting to experience a piece of beautiful British Columbia wilderness. Just be prepared for the lack of amenities and the possibility of a closed parking lot.
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is a stunning natural gem located just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway near Whistler. The highlight is the breathtaking 70-meter waterfall, surrounded by lush forests and rugged cliffs. The park offers well-maintained trails that lead to several lookout points, providing spectacular views of the falls and the surrounding mountains. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful hike, photography, and enjoying nature. The park also features picnic areas and ample parking. Whether you're visiting for a short stop or a longer hike, Brandywine Falls is a must-see for anyone exploring the Whistler area.
Brandywine Falls, nestled in the heart of Whistler's natural beauty, is a captivating sight to behold. This easily accessible wonder offers a picturesque view of nature's artistry.
The falls are a short walk from the parking area, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a quick and rewarding nature fix. The convenience, however, comes with a caveat. On weekends, finding a parking spot can be quite challenging due to its popularity. Arriving early or visiting on weekdays can help avoid the crowds and parking woes.
Once you reach the falls, you're greeted with a mesmerizing 70-meter cascade that plunges into a lush canyon. The viewpoint provides an excellent vantage point for photos, and the roar of the waterfall creates a soothing background soundtrack.
The well-maintained trails around the falls allow for further exploration, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the surrounding forest. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diversity of plant and animal life in this ecosystem.
Despite the weekend parking hustle, Brandywine Falls is a delightful and accessible natural attraction in Whistler. It's a perfect spot for a brief escape into nature's grandeur, and the falls' beauty makes it a must-see destination for both locals and visitors.
One of the beautiful provincial parks in Whistler. Very good parking facility. No entrance fee. Need to walk 500m to view the waterfall. In between the way there is a railway track. There are a lot of photo spots.
Restroom facilities are there but not very clean.
There are a lot of benches and desks to sit chit chat and have food
Beautiful hidden gem.its just a small walk from car park.there are 2 view point,one is within 10 min walk with a observation deck where you can have fall view and if you walk further you can see a beautiful view of Garibaldi lake and mountains.
You have to cross rail cross towards the location and thats a beautiful view
Its really a beautiful spot for a small stop over to whistler
Rainbow Falls
| Address | Rainbow Lake Trail, Whistler, BC V8E 0C3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Great hiking area. Can do small trails 2.1km up to 6.4km. The first is beautiful and the falls and rapids are great viewing. On the 2.1 trail, it is uphill at the start which could take your breath away if unfit but is easier going down.
We did the whole Rainbow loop trail. Not much to see.
To get to the Falls, be aware that it’s a lot of rather steep uphill. Obviously rocky and tree roots in the ground to be careful of.
The falls itself are typical. And the view of the full waterfall is rather obstructed by a large rock but oh well. A nice angle is from the other side but it’s hard to see due to trees.
There’s also a smaller fall with a bridge on the other side. (It’s not that far along the continuation of the loop. Just a bit further up and then down)
WARNING: do not continue on the path after the bridge unless going to the other hike paths. My brother and I were beyond bored, looking at the sad dead trees.
Getting to the falls was worth the hike. You can sit and relax on the rocks while the mist of the falls cool you off. It's beautiful.
Well worth the 2.5km round walk. Path is all up half way then down. Signage ok except for 1 sign as shown to clarify.
Follows the river so heaps of views on the way.
A gorgeous little waterfall at the end of a moderately easy and quite short hike. The trail is quite well-maintained, with some rocks and roots. The Falls themselves are quite simple, but pretty. It’s hard to get a good picture of them, though, without standing on the stones in the river, which is itself quite picturesque.
Panorama Ridge
| Address | Whistler, BC V8E 0C2, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Gorgeous view. However it’s very important that this trail is not for people who has no snow mountain climbing experience. The round trip is about 30 km. Half of the trail is covered by snow even it’s already summer. Usually you will need more than 9 hours.
The most beautiful and rewarding hike I’ve ever done. I’ve hiked in many different countries and visited many different places: Korea, Japan, Hawaii, LA, Toronto, Estonia, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, Banff, Calgary, ect. This is still the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my entire life!
Absolutely amazing hike! The scenery is incredible throughout the entire trail, with beautiful contrasts between lush green forests and snow-covered mountains.
I visited on Thursday, July 30, 2026. According to the 2026 rules, I did not need a day-use pass because I visited on a weekday.
I arrived at the parking lot around 5:30 AM, and there were still plenty of spaces available at that time. However, parking is quite limited overall, so I definitely recommend arriving as early as possible. Parking is free, and there is a washroom nearby.
As for the hike itself, it is definitely challenging, especially if you are not well prepared physically. I know many people complete this route much faster, but it took me about 13 hours. I made a lot of stops along the way and spent plenty of time taking photos and videos. In total, I hiked about 33 km round trip and made it back to my car in the evening.
DRONES ARE NOT ALLOWED. I would not recommend bringing one at all — it will only take up valuable space in your backpack. Bring extra water instead, as well as some high-protein, calorie-dense food that is easy to carry. You will burn a lot of calories on this hike.
The trail itself felt very safe. I did not encounter any dangerous wildlife along the way, and there were plenty of other hikers around since this is a very popular trail.
One more thing to keep in mind is the significant elevation gain. The final section, especially the last approximately 900 metres of the climb toward the main viewpoint, is particularly steep and challenging, so be prepared for that.
Overall, an incredible experience and absolutely worth the effort!
Stunning, stunning, stunning!!!!
June 4th 🤗
Starting at 9am reached the summit by 3pm (with rest stops along the way) that last 2k is HARD but definitely worth the pain🙌
Returned to the car park by 7pm
Something about spending 10 hours at this hike is special. It will test your endurance but that turquoise lake will be worth it.
High Note Trail and Matthew's Traverse
| Address | Whistler, BC V8E 0R1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Do NOT hike high note trail unless you’re an avid hiker. We brought our parents and it was a struggle, though we did make it all the way through. There were some very technical parts, steep areas, climbing rocks, crossing creeks, thoughtful footwork etc. Not recommended for elderly or small children. Expect to go down, up multiple peaks several times
Should be a 4 hour hike but it took us around 5 because of the frequent breaks we needed to take after the first half. If you’re looking for family friendly hiking, just go around harmony lake and look at the vista after taking the small gondola. Or just do half note.
Otherwise is a pretty good hike to breathe crisp fresh alpine air and it wasn’t busy at all on a Thursday. Quite dusty trail. Not much shade, recommend wearing a hat. But it didn’t get too hot since there was always a cool breeze. We went counterclockwise, which imo was a good. Bathroom at the starting point/lodge. Need to get day pass to go on gondalas. A lot of flights to swat away while hiking
I only have nice photos since I was too focused on the ground during the difficult parts 😛
One of my favorite trails in Whistler! Amazing views without tough climbs—easy start via gondola.
Lots of bugs, so bring spray.
Note: kids under 1m can’t ride the Peak Chair to the trailhead.
High note trail is a must if hiking in Whistler! It is one of the busiest trails for a reason….so many beautiful view points!
From the gondola station, you will take a chairlift to the cloudraker sky bridge and enjoy the view. Walk down the high note trail for about 2k till you start seeing amazing view of Cheakamus lake. You can enjoy different angles of the lake along the ridge. The view is even nicer at the Flute summit.
You will enjoy beautiful alpine mountains/ meadows on the latter part of the trail. There are also two little lakes, symphony and harmony at the end.
It is a long trail (11k a loop, took us 3 hrs) and there are lots of ups and downs. The terrain is rocky and almost no shade. Still absolutely worth it for your effort and a ride ticket!
My fiance and I did this hike today and loved it! Definitely a good challenge with unreal views and our knees/legs are a tad sore!
we purchased our lift tickets ahead of time, picked them up promptly at 9am, rode the Blackcomb Gondola up at 930am, peak to peak at 1015am and made it to The Peak gondola on the Whistler side at 11am (first ride up, open Fri-Sun) to start the hike at 1110am! we'd recommend doing something similar, given it was already packed and many others had the same plan 😉
the hike itself starts off downwards over some rocky terrain (poles recommended!) and eventually flattens out into a beautiful valley with lots of views of the surrounding mountains and river/lake. around 2.5km (and at least once per km) it gets a little steep and strenuous, but overall we found the entire hike a rather good mix of ascent, descent, flatter portions with the occasional switchback for good measure.
you're open to the sun and the elements the entire time, so we'd recommend a good hat, poles, good shoes and lots of water. we saw many families with younger children doing this hike and they all looked like they were having a blast!
we completed the route in 3hours with a short lunch break and lots of stops for pictures. don't miss this hike, it's been our favorite part of our trip to BC!
We have decided this year to do the entire High Note trail and we are very glad we did it. Last year we did half note trail only. We started from the Lodge on Pika's traverse road (2.3 km - 1.4 mi), continued with Mathews' traverse road to summit (0.9 km - 0.6 mi). It was very crowded since the Peak Express was open. The high note trails is starting from the summit (9.4 km - 5.8 mi). Along the trail there are astonishing views of Black Tusk, a tons of mountains and Cheakamus lake. There are a lot of points during this trail with stunning views over Cheakamus lake. We took a break at Simphony lake before to take a steep ascent. We took the Harmony Meadows trail (1.6 km - 1 mi) with views of Fitzsimmons Valley and Harmony lake. We enjoyed this trail since it was not crowded at all. Note: there are also pictures added from last year from the Half Note trail.
Skywalk Trailhead
| Address | Mountain View Dr, Whistler, BC V8E 0G3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (604) 754-8993 |
Did the Skywalk north loop to iceberg lake and came back via screaming cat lake and flank trail. 22km in around 8.5hrs with some breaks and photo stops. All types of terrain with some challenging areas. Trail was marked better than expected - there are a few points where the trail forks or crosses another and needed to check the trail map but otherwise was simple to follow. Bugs were out of control in some parts but the views made up for it. Didn't see any bears but some recent bear activity in some places. A great day hiking!
Hiked the Skywalk North trail from here, going up to Screaming Cat Lake, across Skywalk North, and down via Iceberg Lake. Probably this is the preferred direction as you'll have the glaciers in front of you when on Skywalk. Really amazing views! The 21km took us 7.5hrs with some lunch and some breaks. Also, lots of raspberries on the way up to Screaming Cat. However, we surprised a black bear on the way down about 2km from the bottom and the bear did a mock charge at us before leaving us.
One of the most beautiful summer hikes.
It is pretty long, especially when you go with unprepared people so keep this in mind (take lots of water and some snacks).
Hiking boots with ankle support are a must: there will be some rock climbing in the end.
Highly recommended to do on a sunny day (take some sunscreen with you).
Great workout trail. Go through various terrines sceneries, vegetations. At the end is the icefields with wild flowers. The weather was perfect in really September. Some people saw bear, we didn't have such luck, only saw pheasans and bees. Loved it a lot.
Fabulous trail system! Use trailforks to navigate the lower mountain and you won't get lost. Leave the dog at home as there are no dogs allowed above the flank trail.
Panorama Ridge Trail
| Address | Panorama Ridge, Whistler, BC V0N 1B3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
One of the best hikes near Vancouver, gets pretty hard initially but the views are worth it. Start off early and allow yourself a 9-12 hour time window for the full hike back to the parking lot
15km up to the top and oh boy is it worth it. You have to go all the way to get the stellar view. The whole trail is amazing but you need to make it to the top!
There are some campsites and bush toilets along the way and also one at the car park.
The gradient up is not the worst and jogging down is a real treat!
There is a sizeable carpark at the bottom which was free.
Saw some deer along the way up.
The whole trail is so varying and beautiful. Do it do it do it!!
Panorama Ridge is hands down one of the most breathtaking hikes in British Columbia. It’s definitely a challenge, but the reward at the top is unlike anything else. The trail is long (around 30 km round trip if you go from Rubble Creek), so starting early is key, but the views along the way make every step worth it.
The scenery changes as you go—first through dense forest, then opening up into meadows with wildflowers (depending on the season), and finally into alpine landscapes with views of snow-capped peaks. In early fall, the colors are incredible. Golden meadows and crisp mountain air add a whole new layer of beauty to the hike.
The highlight, of course, is the view from Panorama Ridge itself. Seeing Garibaldi Lake from above, with its unreal turquoise color surrounded by rugged mountains and glaciers, is something I’ll never forget. It feels like you’re standing on top of the world.
The trail is well-marked and popular, so you won’t feel isolated, but it’s still important to bring enough water, food, and proper gear. It’s a strenuous full-day hike, and good hiking shoes are a must.
Overall, Panorama Ridge is a bucket-list hike. If you’re ready for a long, tough day on the trail, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views anywhere in Canada. Absolutely worth the effort!
If you’re heading to the main lake (Garibaldi Lake near the campsite), expect a round trip to take about 6+ hours. The first part of the trail up to the Barrier Viewpoint is quite intense, but it gets relatively easier in the second half toward the lake. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, so you won’t get lost.
There are three washrooms along the way, but only the one at the trailhead has toilet paper — the other two don’t, so be sure to bring your own!
Parking: Free, but you must reserve a spot on the BC Parks website. Reservations open two days in advance at 7:00 AM.
Note: Pets are not allowed on this trail.
I had neither the time or the fitness to tackle the treck but just 50m from the car park is the most wonderful river with rocks covered in lichen and moss.
Whistler Interpretive Forest
| Address | 1011 BC-99, Whistler, BC V0N 0A0, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (604) 935-8398 |
A nice place for a hike in October. The temperatures are cooler and there is less crowds along with the changing colours of autumn. Start at the main parking lot with the riverside trail then transfer to the Ridge trail which will meet up with the crater rim trail. The crater rim trail is the best with several good view points in different directions. the trail go around the ridge of an extinct volcano and goes down to the loggers lake. It is also the most difficult trail as it is steep in places. The effort is rewarded with good views. After a rest at loggers lake return to the parking via the riverside trail with a stop at the suspension bridge.
On your way in this place is heavily populated with people going to party at the lake but once you get off the main path we only saw two people. We headed over to crater rim trail which took about 2 hours round trip. Beautiful views all along this trail.
Beautiful hike, good workout. Trail is well maintained and follows the river up the hill to the suspension bridge at which point you can continue on in 3 different directions.
Beautiful well groomed trail with amazing views of the rapids. Moderately challenging in parts. Would definitely return!!
Enjoyed this short educational hike on a damp afternoon. Great info on forest ecosystem, types of forest areas/sites and trees/shrubs growing in the area. It’s possible to take a short walk around a flat area or a longer walk around a hillier area. Both ( we did both) offer great educational insights. Loved it. Thx!
Train Wreck
| Address | Whistler, BC V8E 0A4, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
This is not a paid/sponsored review. First time visit for our family (Jul 25’26).
Although it was drizzling rain condition, we enjoyed this short hike (or strolling).
Not so much people due to the weather.
Managed to find all 7 box cars…5 of them easily found but 2 of them often missed by people. Try to go further south and you will see the last 2 box car.
Direction to the wreck site (from parking lot and from entrance) was visible and made it easy for people. Quite challenging for people who have walking disability and for elderly IMHO to reach the wreck site. In rainy weather, always wear a proper hiking boots and bring extra pair of shoes to change before entering your car - as your hiking boots will get dirty.
Parking quite easy as it was drizzling. But what i heard it is quite challenging if the weather is good!
A very manageable hike for children and dogs. The kids loved checking out all the train cars and finding more in the woods. The suspension bridge gives a beautiful view of the cheakamus. A fun free activity.
We arrived around 7:00 a.m. on a weekend, and it was the perfect time to go there was no one else there, so we had the whole area to ourselves. The peaceful atmosphere made it easy to take in the scenery and enjoy the unique graffiti-covered train cars without the crowds.
The short walk to the site is beautiful, with lush forest trails and the suspension bridge adding to the experience. It's a great spot for photos, exploring, or simply enjoying nature.
If you're planning a visit, I'd highly recommend going early in the morning. It's quiet, cool, and lets you experience this iconic Whistler attraction at its best. Definitely a must see if you're in the area!
An off the beaten track trail with great history. There was no plan to see this train wreck or do the trail but a quick google search confirmed it was worth doing. The hike itself is not too taxing, a few minor inclines and drops but dooable for people of all ages.
The train wreck is well cool.
Super nice trail that is wide, easy to walk, has a fun suspension bridge. The train wreck is awesome! I can't believe this is here. All I can think about the whole time is how lawsuits haven't forced some municipality or train company to remove this.
Feels like the good ol' days of self responsibility.
The train cars are all graffiti covered and look really cool. I would do this hike every time I could. Lots of families, kids, a few mountain bikers.
There are 7 cars total and interpretive signs that explain it all.
Nairn Falls Provincial Park
| Address | BC-99, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (604) 986-9371 |
1.5km hike from the parking lot, took me one hour. It's mostly level but I'd recommend hiking boots because there's some small rocks to walk over on the trail. Don't let your children run or ride their bike on the trail as they could end up in the river below and that would be bad! Campsite is pretty sweet next door too but I imagine it's hard to get a spot during summer
We visited the falls on a weekday, during our trip to Vancouver. This falls was not in our itinerary, but made the stop when we saw it from the highway. So glad we did.
We were there at the start of October, and it was not crowded. The hike to the falls is about 1.5km long and mostly flat. The last stretch is rocks though, so if raining, it will get slippery.
The falls are very beautiful, along with the stream that flows along the trail. Turquoise blue waters nestled by trees on both sides, really a gorgeous sight to behold. It's bear country, so be safe and aware.
Tip: From the main viewing platform, go down further along the rocks, to get awesome views of the stream and a second waterfall.
Really cool place to visit. The trail to the falls is moderate, as the sign states, steep banks and fast flowing water. Certainly manageable, though, with decent shoes. Kids and elderly persons can certainly manage the walk.
I went off the main pathway (not recommended for inexperienced people of course) and got closer to the river.
A really beautiful spot overall, I will return one day.
Absolutely loved the place. Was worth the drive down from Vancouver, the trails are super easy to follow along, the waterfall view is amazing & the sound of waterfall just fills your heart with happiness. The place has nice views all along, has lot of parking & clean bathroom facilities. The trails however are bit narrow so exercise caution while walking.
This place is a must visit destination in this area. Pleasant hike, fenominal views of the river and falls.
We had a wonderful time, thanks to the fair weather at the time.
Highly recommend, easy path to walk.
Rubble Creek Trailhead
| Address | 0A0 Daisy Lake Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0A1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (800) 689-9025 |
The trail was hard for first 6kms especially the incline which starts at the beginning of the trail.
After the 6kms its a moderate hike to the lake and the campground area.
Carry loads of water. Lots of bugs and insects.
You need to book a day pass for this trail.
Restrooms available at the start of the trail and then after the 6kms incline stop.
Plenty available at the campground.
Lots of parking, pit toilets at the parking lot/trail head. Path to Garabaldi lake is nice, did it carrying our supplies for 3 days plus a 1 year old + fishing gear. Very doable! Even saw a lad doing it in CROCS
If you are reasonably trained and give it a good speed walk and jog on flats. From the parking lot to the lake you could get it done in 90 minutes up and if you run down it'll take you about at hour.
With a 50lb pack is a totally different story though. Lots of fun, not super busy.
Once you get to the lake, you have to go over this bridge to your right, then walk along the waters edge on snow and large rocks to get to the actual camp site. Its about 200m or so in distance but not very obvious footing or direction if its your first time.
Fantastic experience. As it’s a busy park, it can be difficult to find parking
The first 6km are uphill; lots of trees provide shade most of the way. Once up, there are different route options. Lake Garibaldi is unique and a swim in the clear lake is medicine for body, spirit, and soul.
We had an amazing hike to Panorama Ridge! It was very difficult so come prepared for a long, painful day. The views are beautiful and we did not encounter any parts of the trail that were blown over or hard to traverse. The parking lot fills up really fast. Get there early enough if you're doing a day trip.
Ancient Cedars Trail (Parking and Trail Start)
| Address | Whistler, BC V0N 2L0, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Breathtaking hike to grove of ancient cedars
Totally worth the bumpy drive. Bring water, camera and bug spray. Takes ~ 2 hrs total of hiking.
Beautiful hike to old red and yellow cedars (estimated at least 750 years for the Red Cedars), a picturesque small water fall, a look-out point to Showh Lake, some interesting rocks - and plenty of hungry mosquitoes. The access road is not too steep but well known for its potholes, best for 4x4 with moderate clearance.
The hiking trail is well-maintained and marked, starting uphill and then levelling out a bit, about 5km for in and out.
We drove past the parking lot operated by a private company (Adventure X) and almost made it to the trailhead some 2-3km further up the unpaved road with a regular car. We stopped and parked and walked another half kilometer to get to the trailhead. Overall very well indicated and marked, both the road and trail. The ancient tree patch is incredible. You need to realize how very special living conditions converger in that hidden bowl protected by surrounding mountains. It's a tiny very special pocket of trees.
Early Sept ‘25 hike. Seasonal temperatures double what they normally are. Smoke in the air from near by fires. It’s a bit of a rutted road to get to the trail head but absolutely doable.
The hike, absolute chefs kiss. It’s fantastic. You hike uphill - however every way you look it’s gorgeous. Loved getting here and hiking here.
You should do it. It’s incredible, feels remote and not too many people.
The Ancient Cedars Trail is an interesting trail to take. The trail is a little less than 2 miles one way to a one mile loop trail that has the old growth cedar trees.
The trail is rocky and has some steep areas, but is worth it if you take it slow and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The drive to the parking is via a forest service road so take it easy and you should be fine. Your gps may indicate you are there already but you may be about a mile away from the parking and trailhead. Just keep going a bit further and you should see the parking area and sign for the trail.
Essential Tips for Hiking in Whistler
A successful hiking trip in Whistler requires more than just picking a trail and showing up. The alpine environment presents unique challenges that can catch unprepared visitors off guard, from rapidly shifting weather to encounters with wildlife. By following a few key strategies, you can ensure your time on the trails is both safe and memorable for all the right reasons.
First, always check the weather forecast for the specific elevation you plan to hike, not just the village base. Temperatures can drop significantly as you gain altitude, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer months. Second, start your hikes early in the morning to avoid crowds, secure parking at popular trailheads, and finish before the heat of the day or afternoon cloud cover rolls in. Third, carry bear spray and know how to use it; Whistler is active bear country, and making noise while you walk is the best way to avoid surprise encounters. Fourth, invest in proper footwear with good ankle support and traction, as many trails feature loose rock, exposed roots, and muddy sections even in dry weather. Finally, respect the trail etiquette of yielding to uphill hikers and staying on marked paths to protect the delicate alpine flora that can take decades to recover from a single footstep.
Whistler’s hiking scene offers an unmatched combination of accessibility, raw beauty, and physical challenge that keeps outdoor lovers returning year after year. The trails described above represent the very best the region has to offer, each providing a unique window into the dramatic landscapes that define the Coast Mountains. Whether you are standing beneath a thundering waterfall or gazing out over a sea of jagged peaks, the memories you create here will stay with you long after you return home.
As you plan your trip, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Take the time to breathe in the cedar-scented air, listen to the rush of glacial streams, and appreciate the quiet solitude that only a mountain trail can provide. With the right preparation and a spirit of adventure, your Whistler hiking experience will be nothing short of extraordinary.
