by Turo
posted on May 17, 2025
Whistler is known for its world-class skiing, but once the snow melts, the trails take center stage. Towering peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and alpine meadows are all within reach, and the views are just as wild as the terrain.
It’s easy to trade in your lift pass for a trail map and spend a day exploring the top things to do in Whistler. Get your pack ready and get out there – here are five of the best hikes in Whistler!
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Garibaldi Lake hike
- Joffre Lakes hike
- Wedgemount Lake hike
- High Note Trail
- Brandywine Falls hike
- Best hikes in Whistler: FAQs
- Get out and explore the best Whistler hiking trails
What to do in Whistler: must-see trails for hikers
These must-visit Whistler hiking routes take you beyond the village and into the kind of landscapes people travel the world to see. If you’re looking for what to do in Whistler, this is a fantastic place to start!
Garibaldi Lake hike
This iconic trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park leads to one of the most spectacular lakes in British Columbia and is well worth a road trip. Garibaldi Lake’s surreal turquoise water is framed by glacial peaks, flower-filled meadows, and the towering Black Tusk in the distance.
- Distance: 18 km round-trip
- Duration: 5–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: 820 m
Why it’s great
It’s hard to overstate just how spectacular the landscape of this provincial park is. From quiet forest paths to sweeping vistas on alpine hiking trails, every section of the trail builds toward a breathtaking finale at the lake’s edge.
Practical tips
Start early to beat the heat and the crowd. Day-use passes are required in peak season. This is the backcountry, so bring plenty of water, layers, and bear spray.
How to get there
Garibaldi Lake is a 25-minute scenic drive south of Whistler. An SUV is a great choice to stay comfortable and have the room for packs, a cooler, and trekking poles. When you book your Whistler rental car, look for models from Toyota, Subaru or Mercedes-Benz.
Joffre Lakes hike
The popular Joffre Lakes hike takes you past three brilliant blue lakes backed by hanging glaciers and jagged peaks. Each viewpoint is more impressive than the last, with the Matier Glacier towering above the upper lake.
- Distance: 10 km round-trip
- Duration: 4–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: 400 m
Why it’s great
It’s one of the most photogenic hikes in the region. The glacier-fed lakes look unreal in direct sunlight, and the changing views make the steady climb feel surprisingly quick.
Practical tips
The trail gets busy, so aim to arrive before 7 AM. Wear waterproof boots and pack a camera. Don’t forget to reserve a day-use pass online before you go.
How to get there
Drive north on Highway 99 for about 50 minutes from Whistler Village.
With a full day on your feet and limited parking, a compact car rental makes it easier to get a spot close to the trailhead. Models from Nissan or Toyota can handle mountain roads comfortably and keep fuel costs low for longer drives.
Wedgemount Lake hike
This trail doesn’t pull any punches. It’s a steep, demanding climb that leads to one of the most rewarding alpine views in the Whistler area. All your hard work will be well worth it, though. Wedgemount Lake glows an icy blue under towering peaks and a massive glacier.
- Distance: 14 km round-trip
- Duration: 6–8 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Elevation: 1,200 m
Why it’s great
The effort pays off. From cascading waterfalls to glacier views, every stretch of this trail feels remote and wild. The lake itself is jaw-dropping, and rarely crowded due to the climb.
Practical tips
Start early and pace yourself. Bring layers, trekking poles, and bear spray. This hike is not for the faint of heart, so pack smart and plan for a full-day push.
How to get there
The trailhead is 10 km north of Whistler, with the final 2 km on a rough gravel road that can get washed out after rain. This is a job for a high-clearance vehicle, ideally one with all-wheel drive. A capable Jeep or Ford SUV, or even a truck, will give you the confidence you need to take it on.
High Note Trail
This alpine loop at the top of the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains gives you wide-open views of Cheakamus Lake, Black Tusk, and the surrounding Coast Mountains. You’ll hike through wildflower meadows and rocky ridges, with the gondola ride up adding an extra thrill to the experience.
- Distance: 9.4 km loop
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: 420 m
Why it’s great
The views start the moment you step off the gondola. You get the high-alpine scenery without the grind, and the wildflowers in late summer are unreal. Add in the Cloudraker Skybridge, and this one’s a standout.
Practical tips
Buy your Whistler Mountain gondola ticket in advance and check the operating schedule. Pack sunscreen, water, and a windbreaker – it’s exposed up top, even on warm days.
How to get there
The Whistler Village Gondola is just a short drive from most accommodations. If you’re bringing the whole crew, choose a minivan as your rental car in Whistler. Roomy models from Honda, Chevrolet, and Chrysler have space for gear, snacks, and strollers, plus an easy loading zone near the gondola base.
Brandywine Falls hike
This quick trail leads to one of the most dramatic waterfalls near Whistler – a 70-meter cascade in Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, plunging over volcanic cliffs into a deep gorge. It’s an easy walk that’s perfect for a short stop or a full picnic-style outing.
- Distance: 2 km round-trip
- Duration: 30–45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation: Minimal (less than 50 m)
Why it’s great
You don’t have to work hard for a great view. It’s a flat, accessible trail with wide paths, great photo ops, and an overlook that never disappoints.
Practical tips
The falls are especially powerful in spring. Wear shoes with grip, and the viewing platform can be slick. Facilities are available at the trailhead, but check seasonal gate hours
How to get there
Brandywine Falls is a 15-minute drive south of Whistler. It’s also the closest of these hikes to Vancouver, and if you book a Vancouver airport rental car with Turo, you can leave the airport and head straight here! There are multiple electric vehicle charging stations on your way in, and a quiet, efficient Tesla is a great option.
Best hikes in Whistler: FAQs
Where is Whistler?
Whistler is in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, roughly 120 km (75 miles) north of Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. Most visitors arrive through Vancouver International Airport (YVR), then drive up Highway 99 to reach the village.
Whether you’re going for a weekend getaway or a longer trip, booking a Vancouver airport car rental through Turo means you can skip the counter and start your adventure right after landing!
Is Whistler good for hiking?
Absolutely! Whistler has one of the most diverse trail networks in British Columbia, ranging from family-friendly walks to high-alpine climbs, with world-class views around every turn.
What is the most beautiful trail in Whistler?
It depends on the season, but Garibaldi Lake is a top contender. Its vibrant turquoise water, glacier backdrop, and wildflower meadows make it a must-see.
What is the hardest hike in Whistler?
Wedgemount Lake is the hardest hike in Whistler, at least out of this list. The elevation gain is relentless, the trail is steep, and conditions can change quickly. It’s a serious challenge with serious rewards.
Do I need bear spray when hiking in Whistler?
Yes. Bears are common in the region, especially near alpine lakes and berry-filled meadows. Always carry bear spray when you’re hiking in Whistler and know how to use it.
Get out and explore the best Whistler hiking trails
You don’t have to go too far to find the best hikes in Whistler – they’re right there waiting, just a short drive from the village or the airport.
With Turo, you can choose the perfect ride for your route, your style, your group, and your pace. No crowded shuttles or rigid schedules – just clean alpine air, open roads, and freedom to explore on your terms!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this adventure into a reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just love to travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
