Hiking & Sightseeing

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Hiking & Sightseeing

PEAK 2 PEAK ALPINE EXPERIENCE

It's about opening up Whistler Blackcomb’s incredible potential for adventure. From an alpine meal to pleasant strolls to epic hikes, the possibilities are infinite.
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Blackcomb Tab

Blackcomb Alpine Hiking Trails

Please note that during June and early July, hiking trails can be snowy and/or muddy. Please dress appropriately for varying weather conditions.


ALPINE WALK

LENGTH: 1.6km (0.96mi); 60 minutes (round loop)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 65m (213ft)
Two gentle walking trail routes lead away from the Rendezvous Lodge with views of Fitzsimmons Valley through a spectacular sub-alpine forest. This is a perfect trail for all ages with excellent photo opportunities.
OPEN

OVERLORD TRAIL

(We recommend our guests use this trail to access the Lakeside Loop trail for intermediates and Decker Loop for advanced expert)

LENGTH: 3.7km (2.27mi): 60-90 minutes (one way)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 62m (203ft)
Stretching into Garibaldi Provincial Park, this trail is used as the main connecting trail to all of Blackcomb Mountain hiking. Enjoy a wide variety of rich alpine fl owers, amazing views of Overlord Glacier and many alpine lakes and glacier run offs.
CLOSED

TREELINE TRAIL

LENGTH: 1.1km (0.7mi): 30 to 60 minutes (one way)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 235m (771ft)
A great hike through sub-alpine old growth forest with potential wild life sightings, this trail leads you down to the bottom of 7th Heaven Express from the Overlord Trail (2). Note: Only open during summer glacier skiing and riding. No return hiking trail available.
CLOSED

MARMOT TRAIL

LENGTH: 1.1km (0.7mi): 30 to 60 minutes (one way)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 174m (571ft)
Recommended for downhill hiking, this trail takes you from high alpine to below the tree line. Accessed by Overlord Trail (2) and return back to the Rendezvous Lodge via 7th Heaven Road.
CLOSED

LAKESIDE LOOP

LENGTH: 1.3km (0.81mi): 30 to 60 minutes (one way)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 43m (141ft)
Leaving the wetlands up to Blackcomb Lake, this short climb takes you to a rich area for alpine wildfl owers from Overlord Trail (2). In July or early August enjoy Red and White Heather, Arctic Lupine, Indian Paintbrush, Mountain Fleabone, and Sitka Valerian. Head back North on the Overlord Trail (2) to return to Rendezvous Lodge.
OPEN

DECKER LOOP

(Highly recommended for advanced to expert hiker)

LENGTH: 1.8km (1.09mi): 45 to 75 minutes (one way)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 134m (440ft)
At the South end of the Overlord Trail (2), Decker Loop trail offers high alpine views of rugged mountain peaks and glaciers traveling through Garibaldi Provincial Park. Perfect for the experienced hiker who is looking for more of an adventure. It is also a geological exhibition of how the mountains were shaped by glaciation and volcanic activity.
CLOSED

First Tab

Whistler Alpine Hiking Trails

Please note that during June and early July, hiking trails can be snowy and/or muddy. Please dress appropriately for varying weather conditions.


PEAK INTERPRETIVE WALK

LENGTH: 1.6km (1mi); 60 minutes (loop)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 30m (98ft)
Two loops of single track trail wind their way around the Peak. See fantastic views along with alpine ecosystem and local history story boards.
CLOSED

PALEFACE TRAIL

LENGTH: 0.6km (0.37mi); 20-30 minutes (return)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 58m (190ft)
This easy trail is a great introduction to alpine flowers and old-growth forest. There are nice views and resting places along the way.
CLOSED

GLACIER LOOKOUT TRAIL

LENGTH: 1km (0.62mi); 60 minutes (one-way)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 85m (247ft)
This road provides easy access to the foot of an eroding glacier. Be prepared to encounter snow along the way. Do not travel onto the glacier itself.
CLOSED

PEAK CHAIR TRAVERSE

LENGTH: 0.6km (0.37mi); 10 minutes (one-way)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 55m (180ft)
An easy, wide trail providing two-way access to the Peak Chair. Remain on the trail and avoid walking on the vehicle access road.
CLOSED

RIDGE LOOKOUT TRAIL

LENGTH: 0.8km (0.49mi); 30-35 minutes (return)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 68m (223ft)
This trail starts at the Heli-pad just uphill from the Roundhouse. It is a short steep hike providing quick access to spectacular views. Follow the signs and stay on the single track trail.
CLOSED

HARMONY LAKE TRAIL & LOOP

LENGTH: 2.5km (1.55mi) to Harmony Lake; 60-90 minutes (return)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 130m (426ft)
A descent with views through alpine forests. Walk the lower loop and enjoy marmot watching back before ascending back up to Roundhouse Lodge.
CLOSED

HARMONY MEADOWS

LENGTH: 1.1km (0.68mi); 30-60 minutes (one-way)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 80m (262ft)
Views of Fitzsimmons Valley and Harmony Lake. A steep descent connects hikers to the Musical Bumps and Harmony Lake Trails.
CLOSED

HARMONY RIDGE TRAIL

LENGTH: 1.1km (0.68mi); 30 minutes (one-way)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 150m (492ft)
This wide open rocky ski run along the ridge features views of Symphony Amphitheatre and Flute Summit.
CLOSED

HIGH NOTE TRAIL

LENGTH: 5.1km (3.2mi) to junction of Musical Bumps trail. ; 3-4 hours (loop)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 258m (902ft)
Hikers enjoy stunning views of Black Tusk and Cheakamus Lake as they descend through rugged terrain that mellows into a rolling course. Hikers can then return to the Roundhouse Lodge via the Musical Bumps Trail, or for a shorter route, take the Half Note trail back from the mid point. Note: total distance from Peak to Roundhouse Lodge via Musical Bumps is 9.4km (5.8mi)
CLOSED

HALF NOTE TRAIL - NEW

LENGTH: 1.2km (0.75mi); 30-60min (one-way)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 220m (722ft) to the junction of the High Note trail.
The newest addition to the Whistler Blackcomb trail network intersects with the High Note trail providing a shortened route back from the spectacular views of the glacial peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park and the crystal blue waters of the Cheakamus Lake. This trail covers alpine terrain between Harmony Ridge and the Roundhouse Lodge.
CLOSED

MUSICAL BUMPS & SINGING PASS IN GARIBALDI PROVINCIAL PARK*

LENGTH: 21km (13.04mi), one way to village; 3-5 hours (one-way)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 275m (902ft)
Starting at Whistler Peak, this classic alpine hike features a scree slope, Symphony Lake and a rewarding approach to Flute Summit. Beyond Flute the trail continues on into Garibaldi Provincial Park and connects to the Singing Pass trail.
*Please refer to BC Parks hiking maps when hiking within the Garibaldi Provincial Park boundary.
CLOSED - HOWEVER, ACCESS TO THE BACKCOUNTRY VIA THE ROUTE FOR PREPARED HIKERS ONLY

PIKA’S TRAVERSE

LENGTH: 2.3km (1.43mi); 1.5-2 hours (one-way)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 270m (885ft)
This mountain road offers great views and leads hikers to the Harmony Tea Hut. There are some steep sections. Please remain on the road.
*Please refer to BC Parks hiking maps when hiking within the Garibaldi Provincial Park boundary.
CLOSED

BURNT STEW

LENGTH: 1.7km (1.05mi); 40 minutes
ELEVATION CHANGE: 130m (427ft)
Starting at the Saddle, this mountain road is an alternative route between the Roundhouse Lodge, and the Musical Bumps & Singing Pass Trail. The lower portion turns into single track.
CLOSED

MATTHEW’S TRAVERSE

LENGTH: 0.9km (0.6mi); 45 minutes (one-way)
ELEVATION CHANGE: 80m (262ft)
Enjoy panoramic views along this mountain road from the Peak to the Harmony Tea Hut. Do not enter glacier areas
CLOSED

Third Tab

Here are just a few to get you started.

2 HOURS: PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience Loop

Start at Whistler Village and ride up the Whistler Village Gondola to the Roundhouse Lodge. Take the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola to Blackcomb Mountain while taking in stunning views of the surrounding environment. Finish by riding down Solar Coaster Express and Wizard Express to the Adventure Zone at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.

2.5 HOURS: CHRISTINE’S RESTAURANT

Indulge your culinary senses with Whistler’s only alpine full service dining at Christine’s Restaurant on Blackcomb Mountain via the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

3 HOURS: Whistler Peak

Visit the true summit of Whistler Mountain via the Peak Express. After a 10-minute walk from the Roundhouse Lodge, the open-air chairlift takes you high over a snowy glacier to enjoy 360-degree views of the entire Whistler area. Ride down the Peak Express and walk back to the Roundhouse Lodge and enjoy one of our artisan sandwiches.

3-4 HOURS: Half Note Trail

Intersecting with the popular High Note Trail, the Half Note Trail provides a shorter option to hike through alpine meadows above Cheakamus Lake. A true alpine hiking experience, this trail requires adequate preparation including proper hiking footwear and clothing. Complete the High Note Trail add 2 hours.

4-5 HOURS: Decker Loop

Journey on this epic hiking trail into Garibaldi Provincial Park while enjoying incredible views of Overlord Glacier and lush alpine wild fl owers. All times are based on travel up the Whistler Village Gondola and down from either Whistler or Blackcomb Mountains. Open-toe shoes are not recommended.

Forth Tab

Tips for Safe Alpine Hiking:

  • Never hike alone
  • Be prepared. Mountain weather changes frequently so carry extra clothing.
  • Observe all closures. Stay on marked trails to avoid damage to the alpine ecosystem.
  • Steep slopes, snow and ice fields are very dangerous. You may encounter various hazards such as cliffs, glaciers, crevasses, rock falls, avalanches and unstable surfaces.
  • Treat all wildlife with caution. Do not feed or approach bears.
  • Carry water, a snack, sunscreen and a watch. Make note of the last ride down (5:30pm).
  • No hiking permitted in the Bike Park.
  • Fires, dogs and camping are not allowed.


Caution:

  • If you encounter avalanche explosives, do not touch and keep well away. Mark the location and report it immediately to any mountain employee.
  • Due to fire and environmental concerns, smoking is not permitted while riding the gondola. Smoking on the mountain must be within the designated area at the Roundhouse Lodge.


Bears

The slopes of Whistler Blackcomb provide the perfect environment for black bears.

  • If you see a bear, do not approach him/her. Give the bear time to get away or if he/she approaches, back away slowly.
  • While hiking, make a noise occasionally or wear a bell to help prevent surprising an animal.
  • Never litter, even biodegradable items such as fruit peels. It only attracts bears and gets them into trouble. These days, bears need our respect and support more than ever, so we can share the mountains with them for generations to come.

Fifth Tab

Alpine Wildflowers

While you're out for a hike on Whistler Mountain this summer, you might just come across a colourful treat. Wildflowers begin to bloom after the thaw, decorating the alpine landscape with almost every colour of the rainbow. Here are a few of the flower species you might come across on your hike. Click to Zoom images:

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Mountain Arnica		 Highslide JS
Partridge Foot		 Highslide JS
Mountain Buttercup
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Western Pasque Flower		 Highslide JS
Sitka Valerian		 Highslide JS
Arctic Lupine
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Pink Mountain Heather		 Highslide JS
Indian Paintbrush		 Highslide JS
White Flowered Rhododendron