The Best Day Hikes in Whistler: Trails You Can’t Miss

Whistler is famous for its thrilling ski slopes, but its hiking trails are just as impressive. Whether you’re a seasoned or a beginner hiker looking for a leisurely stroll, you will find the best day hikes in Whistler that showcase its stunning natural beauty. From waterfalls to serene lakes, these trails are perfect for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in nature without the strenuous effort.

We visited Whistler as part of our road trip to Vancouver from Calgary and enjoyed every minute of it! There are lots of things to do in Whistler, but these hikes are some of the best as explored by myself or recommended by fellow hikers.

Hiking in Whistler is amazing, but there are great hikes in Vancouver that you can tackle, especially if you are looking for more things to do while in Vancouver

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Getting to Whistler

Reaching Whistler is part of the adventure and beauty! From Vancouver, it’s a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains. Public transport options like a day trip via a shuttle bus are also available if you prefer not to drive. Once you’re in Whistler, getting around is easy, with plenty of trails and attractions accessible by foot, bike, or a short drive from the town.

Hiking Checklist

Before you hit the trails, make sure you’re prepared with:

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Best Day Hikes in Whistler

Shannon Falls

Shannon Falls Provincial Park is one of the most popular stops along the Sea-to-Sky Highway and for a good reason. The hike to the falls is short and easy, about 1 km round trip, making it a perfect quick stop. You’ll be rewarded with views of one of BC’s tallest waterfalls, cascading 1,099 feet down a series of cliffs. The sound of the water and the cool mist on a hot day is very refreshing.

The trail is dog-friendly, but keep them leashed. You can venture up the Sea to Sky Gondola on the other side of the parking lot before you venture to your next destination. After your hike, consider visiting Squamish before continuing to Whistler.

Cheakamus River & Train Wreck Site

The Cheakamus River & Train Wreck Site trail is so cool and you must do it! The hike is about 2.5 km round trip, making it a manageable adventure for all skill levels. You’ll walk along the beautiful Cheakamus River and cross the suspension bridge.

The highlight of the trail is the Train Wreck Site. The derailment occurred in 1956 when a train, traveling from Lillooet to Vancouver, ran off the tracks at a curve and 12 boxcars derailed. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but several cars were damaged and left scattered along the route.

When you come upon the site, you can explore old, colorful boxcars, now covered in graffiti, and considered pieces of art, that are scattered around the forest. I loved this hike for its blend of natural beauty and quirky, historical artifacts!

Lost Lake

Lost Lake is a little tricky to get to. The actual park has no parking and has limited drop off / pick up in the parking lot. If you follow the directions above, then you end up on Lorimer Road – but you can’t park on that road. But where the marker is, there is a parking lot across the street. So make your way to the Day Lot 4 parking lot to park. Then walk towards Lost Lake PassivHaus, where you will see the sign at the beginning of the trail.

The trail is about a 4 km round trip, offering a peaceful loop around the lake. The path is well-maintained and great for both walking and biking. The lake itself is serene, ideal for a swim in the summer or a picnic by the shore. I enjoyed the calm atmosphere and the chance to spot wildlife like birds and squirrels when we walked the trail in the evening before heading back to Vancouver. This is one of the easy Whistler hikes for beginners.

There are a few other lakes near Whistler that you can visit if you are looking for beach activities as well as walking around the lakes. Some are a bit further away and of different lengths but if you have the time, it is worth exploring these Whistler lakes.

Whistler Peak: High Note Trail (to Half Note)

High Note Trail begins atop Whistler Mountain and passes through Garibaldi Provincial Park. Unfortunately, there is no free access to the trail. High Note Trail requires rides to and from the trailhead via the Whistler Village Gondola.

This hike is not rated as easy but as moderate to hard. But, the views on this hike are worth the expense. This nearly 6-mile/10-kilometre hike passes high above glacier-fed Cheakamus Lake. Its turquoise color provides a stunning backdrop for this hike. 

When I hiked this trail, the day started cloudy. But soon enough, the clouds parted and we got to enjoy the amazing views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

There are several options for this trail. Hikers can shorten the hike by turning onto Half Note Trail, which loops back to the mountaintop lodge and gondola. For a longer alternative, hikers can continue on the High Note Trail to Musical Bumps Trail. This adds a there-and-back stretch over a few different summits, all of which are named after musical instruments. 

High Note Trail is generally open from mid-summer to early autumn; the trail remains closed until snow clears. Because the High Note Trail is in the high alpine, be prepared for colder weather, even when it’s hot in Whistler Village. There are no dogs or drones allowed on Whistler Mountain, and hikers need to be aware of bears.

Rainbow Falls via Rainbow-Sproatt-Flank Trail

The Rainbow Falls Trailhead hike in Whistler is a challenging yet rewarding trail with beautiful waterfalls along the way. As you start your journey, expect the hike to take 6 to 8 hours. Swimming in Rainbow Lake at the end is not allowed, but you can dip your hands and feet to cool off in the bodies of water you come across along the way. Unfortunately, the trail is not dog-friendly, so your companions will have to stay home. 

But don’t worry—you won’t be hiking alone, even if there aren’t other people around.. Be prepared for mosquitoes. When I left Alta Lake’s Rainbow Park, the swarms of mosquitoes were relentless. I would’ve been relieved to leave them behind as I ascended the trail, but spoiler alert: they followed me to Rainbow Lake and back. To fend off these persistent bugs, I recommend wearing long pants and covering your arms.

Despite the bugs, the hike offered breathtaking views and an immersive nature experience. The beautiful waterfalls, lush greenery, and peaceful bodies of water made the trip worth it! If you’re up for a challenging hike with rewarding scenery, Rainbow Falls Trailhead is a must-visit.

Joffre Lakes

Joffre Lakes is one of the most beautiful parks in BC. And, fortunately, the Joffre Lakes hike is also one of the Whistler region’s easiest, so the park’s fantastic views can be enjoyed by almost everyone! Located just an hour’s drive north of Whistler Village, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park makes for a fantastic family-friendly day trip, which can easily be customized to suit your abilities.

The park has one trail which leads from the parking lot past three pristine bright blue lakes. So, even if you decide not to hike to the top, you’ll still get to enjoy some spectacular scenery along the way.

The lower lake is very easy to get to, as it’s only a couple of hundred meters from the parking lot. The hike to the middle lake is the most difficult section of the trail, as it has the most elevation gain, and the trail can get slippery in places. This is also the most popular lake since it features a fallen log which has become Instagram famous. A lot of visitors choose to end their hike here, but if you’re up for going further, I would highly recommend continuing to the third and biggest of the three lakes.

Getting to the upper lake should only take an extra 20 to 30 minutes from the middle lake. And it’s worth it, as you’ll get much better views of the Matier Glacier which feeds the lakes, and the surrounding mountain peaks! Plus, as not that many people make the effort to hike all the way here, it’s the quietest of the three lakes, so is the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy the beauty of the park.

There’s also a backcountry campground at the far end of the lake which is a fantastic place to spend the night. My most memorable experience of Joffre Lakes is watching the sun set over Upper Joffre Lake from our campsite, as the colors reflected in the turquoise water.

The one downside to Joffre Lakes is that because it’s so beautiful and accessible, it’s also now one of BC’s most popular hikes, so the trail does get very busy. To try and control this, BC Parks has implemented a day-use permit to visit the park. Passes are free and become available online at 7 am two days in advance. It’s also worth noting that to protect the environment of the park, dogs are unfortunately not permitted.

Extend Your Visit To The Canadian Rockies

Ready to explore even further into the Canadian wilderness? Head west to the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. Hiking in Banff, any time of the year is another wonderful mountain destination to explore. You can also venture into the area to hike in Kananaskis. You can find wonderful hikes in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park as well as near Canmore. If hiking is your thing, you can explore British Columbia and Alberta for weeks!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whistler’s day hikes offer something for everyone, from stunning waterfalls to serene lakes and historical sites. These trails are perfect for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. You will find each trail offers a unique glimpse into the beauty of Whistler. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your checklist, and explore these incredible trails. And don’t forget to share your experiences and favorite spots along the way – I’d love to hear about your adventures in Whistler!

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