Whistler

Known for its skiing and the Winter Olympics, the Whistler area in Canada's British Columbia has hiking trails that are a part of its historical and cultural identity. The Train Wreck site is one popular attraction and a great photo opportunity that is located near the Cheakamus River just south of Whistler.

getting there

Whistler Olympic Village is ~75 miles (121 km) north of Vancouver, Canada on British Columbia Highway 99.

on the trail

whistler trails

  • Cut Yer Bars Trail: 2.4-mile loop with 429 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: Easy. Best Season: March through October.
  • Lost Lake Nature Trail: 1.7-mile loop with 278 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: Easy. Best Season: July through November. Also a good snowshoeing destination in winter.
  • Whistler Train Wreck: 1.4 miles round trip with 150 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: Easy. Best Season: May through November. Enjoy old growth forest, a suspension bridge and seven train box cars left over from a wreck in 1956, now painted with artwork and graffiti.
  •  Ancient Cedars Trail: 2.7 miles round trip with 984 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: Moderate. Best Season: May through October. Enjoy old growth cedar forest,  hunting for mushrooms of every shape and size (October is the best time), and stunning views of snowy mountains and a hidden waterfall that ends in a cluster of yellow cedars.
  • Cheakamus Lake Trail: 8.9 miles round trip with 1,318 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: Moderate. Best Season: April through October. There may still be snow higher up in the earlier months. It's also good for beginner mountain biking and for backpacking/camping (with fee).
  • Rainbow Lake Trail: 9.1 miles round trip with 2,709 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: Strenuous. Best Season July through October. The terrain and bio-zones are varried terrain and bio-zones, but the trail is well-maintained and marked. The trail meanders through forests, flowers, and berry bushes, and across creek bridges and boardwalks.
  • Wedgemont Lake Trail: 6.4 miles round trip with 3,937 feet of elevation gain, Difficulty: Strenuous. Best Season: July through September. This is one of Whistler's most difficult trails offering 360° panoramic views of peaks and glaciers, and a waterfall. There are  lots of roots and boulders in the first bit of the trail.
  • Harmony Lake Trail: 1.7-mile loop with 416 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: Easy. Hike to a postcard-perfect mountain lake.

Information for Leaders

Considerations for travel to Canada

  • Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, Strenuous
  • Length: 2.8 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 150 ft
  • 2,047 ft
  • Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
  • Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Green Trails Whistler No. 92J1S
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Whistler Trails
  • Whistler Village
  • Whistler Olympic Village
  • Cut Yer Bars Trail
  • Cut Yer Bars Loop
  • Lost Lake Nature Trail
  • Whistler Train Wreck
  • Ancient Cedars Trail
  • Cheakamus Lake Trail
  • Rainbow Lake Trail
  • Wedgemont Lake Trail
  • Harmony Lake Trail
  • Harmony Lake Loop
Resources

There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.