Hikes in British Columbia

The Rainbow Lake Trail is a scenic 16.9 km out-and-back route that will take you through the woodlands near Whistler to the picturesque waters of Rainbow Lake. Boasting some of the most pristine waters in the area, this alpine lake is the perfect destination to reconnect with nature while taking in sights of wildflowers and nearby mountains. This route is the perfect day trip option from Whistler if you are looking for a moderate workout with stunning views.

The Brandywine Trail is a 5.8 km out-and-back route through Brandywine Falls Provincial Park that takes hikers to several scenic viewpoints, including lookouts over Brandywine Falls and Daisy Lake. Hikers will continue along the trail to visit the Whistler Bungee Bridge, where they can watch fearless enthusiasts dive toward the rushing water far below. This short hike is a great half-day option the whole family will enjoy.

The trail to Brandywine Meadows is an 11.1 km out-and-back trail that will challenge your fitness from the start, but will reward you with some truly stunning views. Climb up the steep forested incline along the creek to reach the picturesque Brandywine Meadows, where you will experience the pristine alpine environment and gorgeous mountain backdrop. If you are in the Whistler area during the late summer, then this hike is definitely worth clearing some time in your schedule.

Time-travel back to the 1950s along the Whistler Trainwreck Trail as you explore the remnants of a de-railed boxcar from that era. Hike through the forest to reach the Cheakamus River, where you’ll experience the cascading water of the Cheakamus River Waterfalls, before making your way to the graffitied rail cars hidden in the forest. This short route has several unique highlights, so pack your camera and head out on this well-trafficked trail near Whistler.

The Ancient Cedars Trail is a beautiful 4.3 km out-and-back route that travels through a densely forested trail on the way to a grove of stunning old-growth cedar trees. Along the way, you can stop at a scenic viewpoint over a tranquil lake before completing the short loop through the grove. This trail is a must if you are looking for a short hike to reconnect with nature.

The Rainbow Falls Loop is a short 2.1 km route near Whistler that skirts along the banks of Twentyone Mile Creek and offers views of the beautiful Rainbow Falls. Although the trail only has a minor elevation gain of 124 m, this occurs in a very short stretch, making parts of the route a bit more physically demanding. Overall, this short and scenic route is one that is sure to be enjoyed by hikers of all skill levels.

The Hike to Brew Lake is a lightly-trafficked 17.1 km out-and-back that will take you through variations of terrain on the way to some beautifully scenic viewpoints of the lake and surrounding area. The initial stretch of trail is largely wooded, before reaching a more rugged and exposed back half. This makes for an interesting hike through some rough country that will ultimately leave you feeling reward, if not a bit tired.

The Hike to Russet Lake is a 24.9 km one-way trail that takes hikers from Whistler Village into the Fitzsimmons Mountain Range, stopping at the picturesque Russet Lake along the way. The trail is a bit of a grind due to its length and elevation gain, but it makes up for it with beautiful views and an easy gondola ride for the return trip. If you like the idea of a long uphill climb that traverses several mountain peaks and has scenic alpine lake views, then this trail should absolutely be on your list.

The Brandywine Falls Trail Loop is a scenic 9.5 km hike through the beautiful forests of Brandywine Falls Provincial Park that takes hikers along both sides of the Cheakamus River. Along the trail, you will cross over the expanse of the Whistler Bungee Bridge before making your way to two viewpoints that overlook the cascading waters of Brandywine Falls and the turquoise surface of Daisy Lake. This route contains some truly awesome sights that you won’t want to miss if you are visiting Whistler.

The Little Burn, Big Burn, Heart Burn trails are a physically demanding 7.4 km point-to-point trail in Whistler that allows you to access the Blackcomb ski area without utilizing the gondola. Along the route, you will experience beautiful views and a real leg burn as you climb through 1,390 m of elevation gain. Hikers can either purchase a gondola ticket or retrace their journey by foot to return to the village.

Hiking the Molly Hogan Trail in Whistler, BC, is a fun experience that will take you through a dense network of hiking routes to visit two picturesque lakes. This trail features a variety of terrain, including dense forests and an initial stretch of trail in a more urban area. The hike highlights are the viewpoints where hikers can look out over the tranquil waters of Green and Lost Lakes.

Hiking the Helm Glacier trail is a scenic experience that will allow hikers to view a number of beautiful peaks within Garibaldi Provincial Park and visit a viewpoint overlooking the glacier. This 2.4 km hike follows along some easy terrain and is connected to other popular routes in the region, making it suitable for both casual and experienced hikers alike. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to camp overnight at the Helm Creek Campground and experience this awesome trail.

Hiking to Logger’s Lake is a fun experience that will take you through the beautiful woodlands of the Whistler Interpretive Forest to the serene shores of a small lake nestled inside of a 10,000 year-old volcanic crater. This trail features easy to navigate terrain and interpretive signs along the trail, making it ideal from hikers of all skill levels. If you are looking to extend your hike, why not explore the trails east of the lake to arrive at the Cheakamus River Suspension Bridge.

Tonic Peak is an 18.0 km hiking route just west of Whistler, BC, that loops through the forest on the way to a spectacular viewpoint on the summit. Along the trail, hikers will make their way through a picturesque woodland setting before passing by several mountain top lakes on the final approach to Tonic Peak. From there, you will have amazing views overlooking the Fitzsimmons Range.

A popular spot with locals, the Lucille Lake Loop is a quiet hiking route southwest of Whistler that travels around the forested edge of this quaint lake. Made up of easy-to-navigate terrain and beautiful scenery, this is a fun trail that the whole family will love. Make sure to bring bear spray, as bears and/or cougars may be in the area.

Hiking along the Farside and Riverside Loop is a fun adventure through the Whistler Interpretive Forest that offers scenic woodland views and the chance to cross over a swaying suspension bridge. This trail follows closely alongside the rushing Cheakamus River and allows hikers to stare down at the torrenting water as they cross the bridge. Made up of fairly easy terrain, this moderate hike makes for a fun day outdoors in the Whistler area.

Hiking the Overlord, Lakeside, Decker Loop is a fun experience within the Blackcomb Peak Ski Area that will take hikers along a circuit that visits the calm waters of Blackcomb Lake before travelling along the slopes of Blackcomb Peak and Decker Mountain. The trail itself isn’t overly difficult, making it an ideal way for hikers of most skill levels to experience the beauty of the Whistler area. From the various viewpoints along the trail, you will have the opportunity to gaze out at the countless mountains that dot the landscape throughout Garibaldi Provincial Park.

The Skywalk Trail to Screaming Cat Lake is a beautiful 14.0 km out-and-back trail near Whistler that climbs through dense woodlands and alpine meadows on the way to the tranquil waters of the lake. Along the trail, you will have some nice views of Green Lake below and a beautiful woodland scene with a mountainous backdrop when you reach Screaming Cat Lake. This is a lightly-trafficked trail, so head out with a hiking partner and enjoy the beautiful backcountry routes that the Whistler area has to offer.

The Cheakamus River Trail is a scenic one-way hiking route that skirts along the banks of the Cheakamus river on the way up to Whistler Mountain. This 15.4 km trail makes its way through the Whistler Interpretive Forest, taking hikers through the beautiful woodlands on a steady climb to the alpine terrain of the mountain. Here, you will have sweeping views of Whistler and the surrounding area. Due to the length of the hike, it’s best to utilize the gondola for the return trip down Whistler Mountain.

While the glacial lake at the end of this hike is definitely a highpoint, there is so much more to see while on the 19 Mile Creek Trail to Iceberg Lake. Experience the beautiful wildlife of the backcountry around Whistler, while hiking through alpine meadows and along exposed sections of loose rock. This 13.7 km out-and-back is a bit of a tough hike, but the views of the lake and surrounding mountains are certainly worth the effort.