Canada’s Most Iconic Mountain Town

Whistler: A Travel Guide

The Ultimate Whistler Travel Guide

There are few mountain lovers in the world who haven’t heard about Whistler and there is good reason for that.  With the most expansive ski area in Canada, a ton of hiking trails and one of the msot extensive mountain bike trail networks, Whistler is no joke in the adventure travel realm.  In this Whistler travel guide we will help you find the best hiking trails in Whistler, as well as the best adventures to plan your trip. 

Whistler is a year round mountain destination, just a couple hours from Vancouver and its international airport.  A short hop skip and a jump and you’ll be staring up at the mountains in this iconic adventure destination in Canada.  

Use our Whistler guide to find information on the top attractions in Whsitler, the best hiking trails and what else to do while you are here.  Whistler is just as popular, if not more, in the summer than it is in the winter.  There are several postcard perfect lakes surrounding the town of Whistler, as well as several waterfalls and swimming holes.  

Our Whistler travel information will also help you plan the perfect time of year to visit Whistler, and how long to stay.  WHatever kind of trip to Whistler you plan, it is sure to be epic! 

Top Attractions In Whistler

Things To Do In Whistler

Whistler Travel Tips

Getting To/ From Whistler:

Getting to Whistler is super easy with daily shuttles from Vancouver and it’s close proximity to Vancouver Airport.  

Driving To Whistler:

Whistler is an easy drive from Vancouver.  Roughly 2 hours up the scenic Sea to Sky Highway and you’re there.  The highway can get a bit messy when it’s snowing, so plan ahead. 

Getting To Whistler By Plane:

You  can fly into Vancouver and hop on one of the many shuttles that run from Vancouver Airport to Whistler.  From touch down you’ll be sipping a martini in Whistler inside of 3 hours.  

Getting To Whistler  By Bus:

Whistler is pretty much the center of the universe for all things mountain adventure, so you can easily take a bus from downtown Vancouver to Whistler.  Pacific Coach runs a scheduled service to and from Whistler with various pick up points in downtown Vancouver. 

Where To Go Hiking In Whistler

Whistler Top Hiking Trails- Easy Walks & Small Hikes

Crater Rim Trail

2 Hours
4.5 km Return
230 m elevation

Crater rim trail is the perfect place to explore some of Whistler’s sub-alpine forest, surrounding Loggers Lake.  The lake is in the bowl of an extinct volcano making for some cool geology on this hike in Whistler.  

Crater Rim Trail is a few minutes south of Whistler and can easily be done in half a day, with time to stop for a swim in the lake.

Lynn Canyon/ Loop

2 Hours
5 km Return
175 m Elevation 

Whistler’s Ancient Cedars Trail is an amazing and easy way to immerse yourself in some pristine old growth forest, without having to bomb around the backcountry too far.  The trail is a short drive from the core of Whistler and makes for a relatively flat and easy hike. 

The ancient cedars trail is a cool place to hike on a hot day! 

Cheakamus Lake Trail

5 Hours
16 km Return
No Elevation 

Hiking in the Cheakamus Valley is filled with several cool finds, including a suspension bridge over a rushing river.  Further up the valley is the Cheakamus lake trail, which winds through a shady old growth forest 8 km back to the beautiful Cheakamus Lake.  The trail pops out at the lake roughly halfway and you could stop there, but it is far more rewarding to go the full way and see the lake from the middle.  

Cheakamus Lake is a perfect place for a refreshing dip in the middle of your hike in Whistler.  

Best Hiking Trails in Whistler- Big Day Hikes

Garibaldi Lake Hike

5 Hours
18 km Return
820 m Elevation

Garibaldi Lake is one of the most beautiful alpine lake in the coast mountains and you haev the opportunity to hike to it.  The trailhead is at Rubble Creek, just over half an hour south of Whistler and the trail is long, but gentle, switchbacking up the side of a mountain. 

It’s a long day, but the views of the lake and option to continue on to Black Tusk for an even bigger day makes it all worthwhile.  

Wedgemont Lake

7 Hours
12 km Return
1160 m Elevation

Wedgemont Hike is a burly but worthwhile hike in Whistler.  There is a lot of elevation gain in not a ton of distance, which means it is consitently steep, with a relatively rough trail. 

Wedgemont Lake is absolutely gorgeous and the juice is definitely worth the squeeze.  The photos you get will make up for the massage therapy you’ll need after your descent.  

Blackcomb Ascent Trail

Time:  Depends on you (3.5 Hours Roughly- Lift Ticket For Return)
3 km One-way
1150 m Elevation

The Blackcomb Asscent Trail is a punishing way to get to the alpine of Blackcomb Mountain.  You’ll need a lift ticket to come back down, which you need to buy before heading up.  

You can hike this right to the top of Blackcomb and enter Blackcomb Meadows from here as well. 

If you prefer to skip to Blackcomb Meadows, you can take the lift up as well! 

Joffre Lakes Trail

Time:  3 Hours
10 km One-way
370 m Elevation

Joffre Lakes is one of the most popular day hikes in BC and for good reason.  You’ve almost certainly come across photos of people standing on the fallen tree, surrounded by emerald green water as they strike their wistful gaze or standing tree yoga pose.  

Joffre Lakes is kind of like Disney Land for people who love alpine lakes.  There isn’t just one lake, but three!  You start at one, slog your way to the second one, and the third is soon after.  From the third lake you can lay eyes on a nearby glacier and you’re welcome to hop in for a dip.  

Don’t forget to pop in to Pemberton on your way back for a frosty mug of craft beer! 

Explore Nearby

Vancouver

Stewamus Chief in Squamish

Squamish

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