Saturday, August 1, 2009

Top 5 Whistler Hikes

Whistler has so many excellent hikes to choose from that it's often difficult to know where to start. From gentle, undulating walks through old growth forests, to challenging climbs up to awe-inspiring peaks, there is something for everyone. Here's our top five.

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Cheakamus Lake - Easy
Length: approx 6km roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Minimal

Starting only 8km south of Whistler this trail is easy to get to. From the parking lot it's a fairly easy, mostly shaded, 45 minute walk through old growth forests to the lake where you are rewarded with a beautiful view and a relatively secluded campsite. You then have the option to either hike further round the lake or return.

Ancient Cedars Trail - Easy
Length: 4km roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 150m

You really need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get to this trail. Access is via the 16 Mile Creek FSR off Highway 99 at the north end of Green Lake. It's a pleasant trail with some decent views and the 1000 year old cedars at the base of Cougar Mountain are very impressive.

High Note Trail - Easy
Length: approx 5km roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 258m

The High Note starts behind the Inukshuk at the Peak of Whistler Mountain and can be accessed by the Whistler Gondola. The views of Black Tusk and Cheakamus Lake are breathtaking, and in August, when the wildflowers are in bloom, the meadows come alive with colour.

Singing Pass - Moderate
Length: 23km roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1000m

The Singing Pass trail begins at the bus loop in Whistler village. It's a good single track trail that initially passes through forest and then alpine meadows. The hike itself is very rewarding with spectacular views of the Fitzsimmons and Spearhead mountain ranges. It's also possible to do a short side trip to Russet Lake from here.

Wedgemont Lake - Challenging
Length 14km roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,200 m

This hike starts approx 12km north of Whistler village and there is a parking lot at the trailhead. It's a challenging hike taking 4-6 hours one way, with some steep and rocky sections, but the rewards are great. The lake is pristine and the surrounding landscape is magnificent. There is even a pit toilet and hut.


Planning a trip to Whistler?

Activity Bookers is a one-stop website for researching, planning and booking Whistler activities and Whistler things to do.

Inspiring ideas from guided hikes to horseback riding, from river rafting to the Whistler zip line - the possibilities are endless.