In this guide to snowshoeing in Squamish, you’ll get info and directions for 9 different trails ranging from super flat beginner trails to all-day epics to deep backcountry wilderness. I’m a Squamish local, so I’ve got the inside scoop on the best places to snowshoe in Squamish.

This guide to snowshoeing in Squamish includes:

• Quick reference guide: An easy overview of the stats for all the trails
• Snowshoeing safety: key info to help get you prepared to snowshoe in Vancouver
• Where to rent snowshoes in Squamish including which shops have the best price
• Snowshoe tours in Squamish: options for going with a guide
• Snowshoe trails in Squamish: details for 10 trails
• No-go trails: summer trails that aren’t safe for snowshoeing

Looking for other places to snowshoe in BC? Check out these posts about Vancouver-area snowshoe trails:

• Snowshoeing in Vancouver
• Snowshoeing in Whistler
• Snowshoeing in the Fraser Valley
• Snowshoeing in Manning Park
• Snowshoeing at Dakota Ridge on the Sunshine Coast

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Snowshoeing in Squamish Quick Reference Guide

But First… Be Prepared

• Make a trip plan: While these trails may be steps from busy ski areas, they access serious wilderness. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Use the great trip planning tools from Adventure Smart.
• Check the weather, trail conditions, and avalanche forecast: If the weather and trail conditions don’t look good, don’t go. Use my list of the best weather apps for hiking. Check the avalanche forecast. Unless you have taken an avalanche safety course, you probably shouldn’t go out unless the forecast is rated “Low”. 
• Wear winter clothing and pack the essentials: Prepare for emergencies by packing the 10 essentials. Read my recommendations for what to wear snowshoeing and tips for winter hiking and snowshoeing.
• Use safe snowshoeing techniques: Snowshoes keep you from sinking into deep snow, but they aren’t great for walking sideways or downhill – it’s easy to slip and injure yourself. Read up on snowshoeing safety and check out my guide to choosing snowshoes.) They also have crampons and other traction aids underfoot to help grip icy snow.
• Take an avalanche safety course: If you plan to stray from flat terrain, you need avalanche safety training. Avvy Savvy is a great FREE online beginner tutorial on Avalanche.ca. You should also take a 2.5 day AST1 course with avalanche Canada.

READ NEXT: Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them

Snowshoeing at the Sea to Sky Gondola

The easiest place to go snowshoeing in Squamish is at the Sea to Sky Gondola. They have lots of trails to choose from (beginner to expert), and you don’t have to worry about driving on unplowed mountain roads. The only downside is the cost.

Permits/Fees: Day tickets for the gondola are $72. Once you get to the top there are no additional charges for snowshoeing.

If you want to avoid paying for the gondola up, you can hike up the Sea to Summit Trail instead, carrying your snowshoes. (You can take the gondola down for only $19.)

However, in the winter the Sea to Summit Trail sometimes closes due to hazardous conditions and if it’s open, it can be icy and dangerous so you will need crampons and an ice axe. For more information on the Sea to Summit trail including trail closures and conditions, see the Sea to Sky Gondola website.

Dogs: Not permitted on the gondola and on most trails. You can hike up via the Sea to Summit Trail and then snowshoe with your dog on a leash on the Al’s Habrich Ridge, Sky Pilot Valley and Skyline Trail and they must be on leash.

Driving Directions: Drive 50 min from Vancouver to Sea to Sky Gondola parking lot. If you’re coming from Squamish, it’s a 10-minute drive south of downtown. Note that BC law requires you to have winter tires to drive on highway 99 between October and April.

Transit Access: The Sea to Sky Gondola runs a shuttle service from Vancouver each day. It’s $112 for a combo shuttle and gondola pass, which isn’t a bad deal. Be sure to keep the shuttle schedule in mind when planning which trail to tackle.

Panorama Trail, Sea to Sky Gondola

The Trail: This is the Sea to Sky Gondola’s signature trail in both summer and winter. It’s a loop through gently rolling terrain that leads to some great viewpoints. The best one by far is the Chief viewing platform where you can look down to the Chief, the town of Squamish, the Squamish River valley and Howe Sound. Choose a sunny day for this one to really soak up the views.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: None.

Trail Map/Guide: The Sea to Sky gondola has a trail app you can download or just pick up a copy of their map when you buy your tickets. You can also find more info about the Panorama trail and about snowshoeing at the gondola in general on their website.

Wonderland Lake Loop, Sea to Sky Gondola

The Trail: This short and easy loop provides a bit more of a wilderness experience (and sees far fewer tourists) than the Panorama trail. It loops around through rolling terrain and passes several viewpoints. Be sure to take the narrow side Wonder View Spur to the right (south) to get the views.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: None.

Trail Map/Guide: The Sea to Sky gondola has a trail app you can download or just pick up a copy of their map when you buy your tickets. You can also find more info about the Wonderland Lake Loop and about snowshoeing at the gondola in general on their website.

Shannon Basin Loop, Sea to Sky Gondola

The Trail: This trail follows an old road on a meandering loop that descends to cross Shannon Creek on a bridge, then comes back up to the gondola on a portion of the Sea to Summit Trail. While it does gain over 400m, since it’s on an old roadbed, it’s never very steep. This is the lowest elevation trail at the Sea to Sky Gondola, so in mild weather it may not have enough snow to snowshoe.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: None.

Trail Map/Guide: The Sea to Sky gondola has a trail app you can download or just pick up a copy of their map when you buy your tickets. You can also find more info about the Shannon Basin Trail and about snowshoeing at the gondola in general on their website.

Al’s Habrich Ridge, Sea to Sky Gondola

The Trail: This backcountry trail travels a few hundred meters on a road before heading off into the forest. It immediately crosses a creek (there is no bridge), then heads uphill through the trees. The trail emerges onto a ridge and follows the crest of the ridge past several great viewpoints. The official winter route stops at the far end of the ridge. Unlike the other snowshoeing trails at the Sea to Sky Gondola, this trail mostly avoids roads and tourist attractions so it feels like real wilderness.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The initial stream crossing can be a bit awkward: The creek doesn’t ice over but the rocks you need to use to hop across are icy. The far bank of the stream is also very steep. Take off your snowshoes to cross the stream and use poles for balance.

Watch carefully for diamond markers in the trees – it can be easy to lose the trail Once on the ridge, stay on the top of the ridge: there is a lot of steep and dangerous terrain if you leave the marked route.

The official winter route stops at the far end of the ridge. The summer trail continues past here and climbs steeply through the trees. It is very difficult to follow and is not well marked. Unless you are an expert in backcountry winter navigation, turn around at the far end of the ridge.

Check the avalanche forecast before you go.

Trail Map/Guide: My Al’s Habrich Trail guide has all the info you need. The Sea to Sky gondola has a trail app you can download or just pick up a copy of their map when you buy your tickets. You can also find more info about snowshoeing at the gondola in general on their website.

Sky Pilot Valley Trail, Sea to Sky Gondola

The Trail: This trail is primarily used by experienced backcountry skiers and mountaineers accessing challenging terrain. But it does follow an old road in a beautiful valley so it is accessible for snowshoers just looking for a winter walk with great views of the surrounding mountains.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: Past the end of the marked trail the skiers/climbers route goes steeply uphill into avalanche terrain. The slopes above the road are steep enough to slide – use caution if the avalanche forecast is anything except low. Please be prepared to share the trail with skiers and step aside to let them pass, especially when they are coming downhill. Don’t walk in the ski tracks – leave them intact for the skiers to use. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.

Trail Map/Guide: The Sea to Sky gondola has a trail app you can download or just pick up a copy of their when you buy your tickets. You can also find more info about snowshoeing at the gondola in general on their website. There’s also information on the summer hiking route on the Skyline Pilot Valley Trail. Keep in mind that the winter route only covers the first three-quarters of the trail before turning around.

Skyline Ridge Trail, Sea to Sky Gondola

The Trail: This trail follows an old (and sometimes overgrown) road through the valley before climbing on to the shoulder of Goat Ridge where there are some views. It’s a long way to go in a day, but it is a good option if you’re looking for a challenging trip from the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola. Be sure to stop at the end of the marked trail since route-finding past there will be very difficult and potentially dangerous in the winter.

Trail Map/Guide: The Sea to Sky gondola has a trail app you can download or just pick up a copy when you buy your tickets. You can also find more info about the the Skyline Ridge Trail and snowshoeing at the gondola in general on their website

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

Other Places to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish

Red Heather/Elfin Lakes, Garibaldi Provincial Park

The Trail: The trail follows an old road for the first 5km to the Red Heather warming hut. Past there, the winter route is marked by reflective bamboo poles that lead another 6km along the undulations of Paul Ridge to the Elfin Lakes Hut. There are great views of the mountains from the ridge. Red Heather hut makes a great destination for shorter day trips.

Going all the way to Elfin Lakes and back is doable in a day but it is challenging. You can also snow camp overnight next to both Red Heather and Elfin Lakes huts, or you can reserve a bunk inside the Elfin Lakes Hut.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche danger or hazards below Red Heather hut.

After Red Heather hut the trail emerges above treeline on to the ridge. The winter route is placed to minimize avalanche exposure, but the trail does travel through avalanche terrain and on slopes that can slide.

Use caution in these areas and do not attempt this trail if the avalanche forecast is above moderate. Avalanche.ca rates this as simple terrain which can be travelled with the normal amount of caution in most conditions. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.

Trail Map/Guide: My Elfin Lakes hiking guide has all the info you need.

Permits/Fees: No permits or fees are required for day trips on the trail in winter. If you want to camp or stay overnight in the Elfin Lakes hut you need to make a reservation and pay backcountry fees. Elfin Lakes Hut is $15/person/night + $6 reservation fee. Camping is $10/person/night + $6 reservation fee.

Dogs: Not permitted in Garibaldi Park.

Getting There: Drive 2 hours from Vancouver to the trailhead. If you’re coming from Squamish, it’s a 45-minute drive. After passing Quest University in Squamish the road turns to gravel and it is not plowed often.

You will need chains and possibly also 4-wheel drive (depending on the conditions) to get up this road in the winter. Cars without chains slip off the road every year and require very expensive tow trucks to get them out. 

The parking lot can fill up on winter weekends so carpool and be prepared to park in the pullouts further down the road and walk up. Don’t park on the shoulder as you will block the narrow road.

READ NEXT: Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies

Garibaldi Lake/Taylor Meadows, Garibaldi Provincial Park

The Trail: This snowshoe route follows the usual summer trail up the switchbacks to Garibaldi Lake or Taylor Meadows. At the 6km the trail forks: left for Taylor Meadows, right for Garibaldi Lake. The trail can be icy lower down and covered in deep snow higher up so you may need to pack both microspikes and snowshoes. (Read my guide to the differences between microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes.) It’s a long hike to either destination so be sure to give yourself plenty of time and pack a headlamp in case you end up coming down in the dark.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The switchbacks up to the 6km junction are steep and can be icy. Bring microspikes just in case. Watch for open creek crossings and partially buried bridges. Later in the year Barrier Lake and Lesser Garibaldi Lake on the Garibaldi Lake route freeze over. You can take a shortcut by walking across the lakes. Use extreme caution if you decide to walk on the lakes. 

Avalanche.ca rates the trail as simple terrain which can be travelled with the normal amount of caution in most conditions. The terrain is rated challenging past Taylor Meadows. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.

On your descent stay on trail and don’t follow skier descent trails into the Rubble Creek valley. The valley is prone to slides. A snowshoer drowned in Rubble Creek in 2008 after getting lost on the descent.

Trail Map/Guide: You can also find more information on the BC Parks website.

Permits/Fees: No permits or fees are required for day trips on the trail in winter. If you want to camp overnight you need to make a reservation and pay backcountry fees. Camping is $10/night + $6 reservation fee.

Dogs: Not permitted in Garibaldi Park.

Getting There: Drive 1.5 hours from Vancouver to the trailhead. If you are coming from Squamish it’s only 30 minutes. Note that BC law requires you to have winter tires to drive on highway 99 between October and April.

The road to the trailhead and the parking lot is plowed sporadically. However, it is still a mountain road so winter tires and chains are recommended in case the plow has not been through recently.

Brandywine Falls

The Trail: The flat and easy trail to the Brandywine Falls viewing platform is a great option for snowshoeing near Whistler. If you want to extend your trip, you can snowshoe a portion of the Sea to Sky trail over to the Whistler Bungee Bridge. You can look down into the depths of the Cheakamus River canyon and maybe even watch people bungee jump.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The trail crosses train tracks: use caution. There is no maintained trail down to the base of Brandywine Falls: there is an illegal route that uses a scary old rope to descend a cliff but it travels over slippery rocks and is very icy and dangerous in the winter. No avalanche hazard.

Trail Map/Guide: My Brandywine Falls hiking guide has all the info you need.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Permitted on leash.

Driving Directions: Drive 1.5 hours from Vancouver. It’s only 30 minutes from Squamish. Note that BC law requires you to have winter tires to drive on Highway 99 between October and April.

Getting There: The park gate is locked in the winter and unfortunately you are not allowed to park on the side of Highway 99. (Your car will get towed.) Unless you get dropped off and picked up, unfortunately the only way to do this snowshoe trip currently is to park at Whistler Bungee on the Cal-Cheak Forest Service Road and walk in from that direction. Whistler Bungee does plow the road but it is rough.

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

No-Go Trails for Snowshoeing in Squamish

There are lots of summer hiking trails in Squamish that may sound like a fun snowshoe adventure in winter. However, many of them have significant avalanche danger, are closed in winter, or just don’t have enough consistent snow for good snowshoeing.

Here’s my list of no-go trails for snowshoeing:

• Sea to Summit Trail: Only the last section of the Sea to Summit Trail is high enough to see consistent snow, and it’s steep enough to make microspikes or crampons a safer choice than snowshoes even if there is snow.
• Stawamus Chief: It snows on top of the Chief a few times a year, but it doesn’t usually stick for long since it is not at a high enough elevation. As well, it’s too steep for snowshoes – microspikes are better here.
• Watersprite Lake: The road to Watersprite Lake is not plowed so even with 4×4 and chains, you often have to walk a long distance just to get to the trailhead. The summer trail has significant avalanche hazard, so in winter, you have to use an unmarked route to get to the lake. Watersprite Lake is best for experienced snowshoers with avalanche training and experience with off-trail winter navigation.

Squamish Snowshoeing FAQ

Final Thoughts

How many of these snowshoe trails have you done? Which is your favourite? Have questions about snowshoeing in Squamish? Hit me up in the comments.

READ NEXT:

More Snowshoeing Guides:

• Snowshoeing in Vancouver
• Snowshoeing in Whistler
• Manning Park Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing in Vancouver’s Fraser Valley

Advice for Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking:

• How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide
• The Best Boots For Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them
• Best Gifts for Snowshoers (20+ Ideas)
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• 9 Tips for Winter Hiking (You Don’t Have to Freeze!)
• 100+ Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver: Trails You Can Hike Year Round

More Squamish Posts:

• The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)
• 70+ Things to Do in Squamish
• Camping in Squamish, BC: 22 Places to Camp Near Squamish
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler
• 10 Best Hotels in Squamish

The post Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

This guide covers every trail in the Whistler area that is safe to snowshoe. I haven’t included the countless expert-only areas that are not marked and have significant avalanche danger.

I grew up in Vancouver and live in nearby Squamish, so I’ve been snowshoeing in Whistler for close to two decades. So I know the BEST places to snowshoe near Whistler.

This guide to snowshoeing in Whistler includes:

• Quick reference guide: An easy overview of the stats for all the trails
• Snowshoeing safety: key info to help get you prepared to snowshoe in Vancouver
• Snowshoe trails in Whistler: details for 10 trails
• No-go trails: summer trails that aren’t safe for snowshoeing
• Where to rent snowshoes in Whistler – both at the trailheads and in the village
• Snowshoe tours in Whistler: options for going with a guide

If you’re looking for even more places to go snowshoeing or other things to do in Whistler in winter, don’t worry – I got you! Check out these other guides:

• 40+ Things to do in Whistler in Winter
• 40+ Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Vancouver
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish

Psst: Looking for a full list of Whistler activities? Check out my list of the best things to do in Whistler. It includes over 80 ideas!

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Snowshoeing in Whistler Quick Reference Guide

But First… Be Prepared

• Make a trip plan: While these trails may be steps from a busy ski area, they access serious wilderness. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Use the great trip planning tools from Adventure Smart.
• Check the weather, trail conditions, and avalanche forecast: If the weather and trail conditions don’t look good, don’t go. Use my list of the best weather apps for hiking. Check the avalanche forecast. Unless you have taken an avalanche safety course, you probably shouldn’t go out unless the forecast is rated “Low”.
• Wear winter clothing and pack the essentials: Prepare for emergencies by packing the 10 essentials. Read my recommendations for what to wear snowshoeing and tips for winter hiking and snowshoeing.
• Use safe snowshoeing techniques: Snowshoes keep you from sinking into deep snow, but they aren’t great for walking sideways or downhill – it’s easy to slip and injure yourself. Read up on snowshoeing safety and check out my guide to choosing snowshoes.) They also have crampons and other traction aids underfoot to help grip icy snow.
• Take an avalanche safety course: If you plan to stray from flat terrain, you need avalanche safety training. great FREE online Avy Savvy beginner tutorial from Avalanche Canada. You should also take a 2.5 day AST1 course with avalanche Canada.

READ NEXT: Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them

Brandywine Falls Snowshoe

The Trail: The flat and easy trail to the Brandywine Falls viewing platform is a great option for snowshoeing near Whistler. If you want to extend your trip, you can snowshoe a portion of the Sea to Sky trail over to the Whistler Bungee Bridge. You can look down into the depths of the Cheakamus River canyon and maybe even watch people bungee jump.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The trail crosses train tracks: use caution. There is no maintained trail down to the base of Brandywine Falls: there is an illegal route that uses a scary old rope to descend a cliff but it travels over slippery rocks and is very icy and dangerous in the winter.

Trail Map/Guide: My Brandywine Falls hiking guide has all the info you need.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Permitted on leash.

Getting There: The park gate is locked in the winter and unfortunately you are not allowed to park on the side of Highway 99. (Your car will get towed.) Unless you get dropped off and picked up, unfortunately the only way to do this snowshoe trip currently is to park at Whistler Bungee on the Cal-Cheak Forest Service Road and walk in from that direction. Whistler Bungee does plow the road but it is rough.

Snowshoeing at The Callaghan

The Trails: There are two separate cross country ski areas in the Callaghan Valley (Whistler Olympic Park and The Callaghan). They used to operate together, but in 2024/2025 they have separate tickets. The Callaghan has cross country and backcountry ski trails, but there are also 21 km of snowshoe trails ranging from super flat to more moderate. The highlight of the area is 43m high Alexander falls, which looks spectacular when frozen. You can snowshoe right to the base.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: Most trails in the park are on flat or rolling terrain. However, some trails travel across steeper slopes that can be prone to avalanche. The park may close these trails if conditions are not safe. There are several backcountry access points in the park. Once you pass into the backcountry, there are no trail markings and you are in serious avalanche terrain. Some trails are shared with cross country skiers. Stay on the side of the trail and don’t walk in the set ski track.

Trail Map/Guide: Plan your route with this map.

Permits/Fees: Trail passes are $18 a day.

Dogs: The current website for the The Callaghan does not have any info about dogs. In the past dogs were allowed with the purchased of a day ticket . There were some on-leash on some trails. I’ll update this post after I get more info for the 204/25 season.

It costs $7 for a dog day pass. Dogs are allowed on leash on some trails and prohibited on others. There are also a few off-leash trails and a designated dog parking lot. (See this map for details on dog-friendly trails and parking).

Getting There: Follow signs to The Callaghan ski area along the Callaghan Valley Road. It is located just before the Whistler Olympic Park parking area.

Snowshoeing at Whistler Olympic Park

Distance: 18.5 km with various loops possible

Time Needed: 30 minutes to all day

Elevation Gain: Up to 300 m

Rating: Super Easy to Challenging

The Trails: There are two separate cross country ski areas in the Callaghan Valley (Whistler Olympic Park and The Callaghan). They used to operate together, but in 2024/2025 they have separate tickets. Whistler Olympic Park has cross country ski trails as well as a network of snowshoe trails.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: Most trails in the park are on flat or rolling terrain. However, some trails travel across steeper slopes that can be prone to avalanche. The park may close these trails if conditions are not safe. There are several backcountry access points in the park. Once you pass into the backcountry, there are no trail markings and you are in serious avalanche terrain. Some trails are shared with cross country skiers. Stay on the side of the trail and don’t walk in the set ski track.

Trail Map/Guide: Plan your route with this map.

Permits/Fees: Trail passes are $20 a day.

Dogs: It costs $8 for a dog day pass. Dogs are allowed on leash on some trails and prohibited on others. There are also a few off-leash trails and a designated dog parking lot. Read through the Whistler Olympic Park dog info to see where dogs are allowed.

Getting There: Follow signs to the Whistler Olympic Park ski area along the Callaghan Valley Road. It is located just after The Callaghan parking area.

Snowshoeing to Whistler Train Wreck

The Trail: This short trail is one of the best hikes in Whistler, so in the winter it’s a great place to go snowshoeing. The trail descends gradually to a brand new suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River.

On the other side, there are 7 graffiti-covered box cars in the forest along with some old mountain bike jumps. The main 5 are right where you came up the hill. The other two are a little further along the trail to the left.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche danger. Be sure to follow the directions in the trail guide linked below. There are still some old trail guides online that use an old (an illegal!) way to access the train wreck. The old way involves trespassing on some train tracks.

Trail Map/Guide: My Whistler Train Wreck Trail guide has all the info.

Permits/Fees: None required.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Getting There: There is free parking at the trailhead in the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood of Whistler. You can get to within a 10 minute walk of the trail on public transit. From Whistler Village take bus 20 to Legacy Way, then walk 700m down Jane Lakes Road to the trailhead.

Snowshoeing the Cheakamus River Trails

The Trail: The Whistler Interpretive Forest in Whistler’s Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood is a great place to go snowshoeing in Whistler. You can make a loop by using the Riverside Trail on one side of the Cheakamus River and the Farside Trail on the other. Connect the two with a walk over a picturesque suspension bridge. The route has some short rolling hills, but its never very steep.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: None.

Trail Map/Guide: This map shows all the trails. Use my Cheakamus River Snowshoe Trail guide.

Permits/Fees: None

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Getting There: Park in Whistler Interpretive Forest Parking lot on Cheakamus Lake Road just after you turn off the highway.

You can get to the trail on public transit. From Whistler Village take bus 20 to the first stop in Cheakamus Crossing.

READ NEXT: Cheakamus River Snowshoe Trail in Whistler

Cheakamus Lake Snowshoeing

The Trail: Cheakamus Lake is a popular short hike in the summer time. In winter it’s a much longer journey since the normal access road is closed. First you have to snowshoe 7.5 km along the closed road to the summer parking lot. From there it’s another 3km to Cheakamus Lake following the summer trail. Once you get to the lake you can continue along the shore for a further 4km.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The road portion of the trip has no hazards. Once you leave the summer parking lot for the Cheakamus Lake and start on the trail you will be crossing a large rock slide and a steep slope. This slope is an avalanche hazard. Use caution and cross one at a time. Be prepared to turn back if conditions aren’t right.

Trail Map/Guide: This map shows all the trails.

Permits/Fees: None

Dogs: Allowed on leash on the road portion and the Whistler Interpretive Trails. Dogs are not permitted in Garibaldi Park so you can’t bring your dog on the Cheakamus Lake Trail.

Getting There: Parking: Park in Whistler Interpretive Forest Parking lot on Cheakamus Lake Road just after you turn off the highway. You can walk down the road to the trailhead.

You can get to within a 5 minute walk of the trail on public transit. From Whistler Village take bus 20 to the first stop in Cheakamus Crossing, then walk 350m down Cheakamus Lake Road to the trailhead.

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

Snowshoeing to Rainbow Falls

The Trail: This short trail takes you to the base of pretty little Rainbow Falls near Alta Lake in Whistler. It looks particularly gorgeous when frozen. While the trail is short, it does gain over 100m in less than a kilometer so it’s not super easy.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche hazard. The trail to Rainbow Falls branches off right from the main trail to Rainbow Lake (which isn’t accessible in the winter due to a removed bridge). The turn off to the falls can be hard to spot, but my trail guide will help you find the way.

Trail Map/Guide: Use my Rainbow Falls Loop Trail guide.

Permits/Fees: None required.

Dogs: Allowed on-leash on the Rainbow Falls Loop Trail but not allowed on other trails in the area.

Getting There: There is a parking lot at the trailhead. You can also take a taxi from Whistler Village.

Snowshoeing at Lost Lake Park

The Trail: Lost Lake Park is mostly known for its cross country ski trails, but it also has a 15km network of snowshoe trails to explore. These rolling trails wind through the forest around Lost Lake, intersecting the ski trails occasionally. If you climb up some of the hillier trails, you’ll discover views of Lost Lake or Green Lake. If you want a break, there’s a day lodge with a cafe and a warming hut.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards:  No avalanche danger. The trails sometimes intersect cross country ski trails. Watch for on-coming skiers. Stay on the side of the trail and carefully step over the set ski track.

Trail Map/Guide: Read my Lost Lake snowshoe guide for step-by-step directions for my recommended route, a map, driving directions, and more.

Permits/Fees: Day passes are $13.50.

Dogs: Not permitted.

Getting There: The closest parking is in Lot 5 in Whistler Village. On public transit, take bus 5 to the corner of Blackcomb Way and Lorimer Road, then walk 5 minutes down Lorimer to the entrance to Lost Lake Park.

READ NEXT: Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails in Whistler

Snowshoeing the Ancient Cedars Trail

The Trail: In the summer, the Ancient Cedars Trail is an easy hike to a grove of huge old-growth cedars. But in the winter it turns into a much longer outings since the rough logging road to the trailhead (4 km in total) isn’t plowed, so you will have to walk that as well.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: The first two kilometres of the road is in a tight valley with steep slopes above you that will expose you to avalanche hazard.

Trail Map/Guide: There is a good description of the summer route on Vancouver Trails. Keep in mind that you will need to snowshoe up the access road.

Permits/Fees: None

Dogs: Allowed

Getting There: From Whistler, head north on Highway 99. Just past the end of Green Lake, turn left onto Cougar Mountain Road. Drive up the road for a few minutes to the Superfly Ziplines base area. Park here as the road past this point is impassable in winter.

Snowshoeing to Parkhurst Ghost Town

The Trail: If you love abandoned buildings and are comfortable navigating unmarked trails, the free snowshoe trip to the former town of Parkhurst was made for you. The loop hike to the ghost town follows a network of mountain bike trails that can be a challenge to find in the winter.

Parkhurst Ghost Town is a former logging town settlement on the shores of Green Lake that was abandoned in the 1960s, before Whistler was a ski area. There are lots of collapsed buildings and vehicles to discover in the area. The highlight is the one surviving building, covered in graffiti.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche danger. Some of the trails and junctions are not well marked so it can be easy to get lost. The markers are not easy to see in the winter. I recommend using a GPS app that shows trails like Gaia, Alltrails or Trailforks. Bring a map and compass just in case.

Trail Map/Guide: Read my complete guide to the Parkhurst Ghost Town hike. The directions were written for summer travel and the trail network will be much more challenging to find in the winter.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Allowed.

Getting There: Drive 10 minutes north of the village on highway 99 to the marked turn off for the Wedgemount Lake Trail. Turn right off the highway, then cross train tracks and a bridge. Park on the side of the road right after the bridge. There will usually be too much snow to drive all the way to the trailhead described in my trail guide. Walking the road will add 1km each way to your hike.

Snowshoeing to Nairn Falls

The Trail: This flat trail runs above the bank of the Green River before ending at the spectacular viewpoint for Nairn Falls. The falls are especially dramatic when they partially freeze up in the winter.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: No avalanche danger. Use caution in slippery conditions as the trail is on a wide ledge above the river and the drop down to the river is pretty steep.

Trail Map/Guide: There is info on the Nairn Falls Provincial Park website.

Permits/Fees: None.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Getting There: Drive 30 minutes north of Whistler Village to Nairn Falls Provincial Park. Watch for the BC Parks signs so you don’t miss the turn. The campground portion of the park is gated in winter, but you can drive into the day use parking lot.

Snowshoeing to Joffre Lakes

The Trail: This popular trail winds past two alpine lakes before arriving at a third alpine lake with a great view of the surrounding glaciers. In the summer the turquoise blue lakes are the draw, but in the winter the whole area is blanketed in white.

The first lake is an easy 5 minute walk from the car (great for beginners), but the other lakes will take substantially longer to reach and are best left for experienced snowshoers. You have to pay if you want to camp overnight, but it’s totally free to snowshoe there on a day trip.

Avalanche Danger and Hazards: This is serious backcountry terrain. You are far from help and there is no cell service. The trail crosses below some avalanche terrain, particularly in between the 2nd and 3rd lakes and at the far end of the 3rd lake. You should have avalanche gear and training if you plan to tackle this trail.

Trail Map/Guide: See my Joffre Lakes hiking guide for more details.

Permits/Fees: None in winter.

Dogs: Not allowed.

Getting There: Drive an hour north of Whistler, through Pemberton and Mount Currie to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. Although the entire drive is on the paved road of highway 99, this is a VERY steep mountain road with lots of switchbacks and it can be slippery and snowy in the winter. Bring tire chains just in case.

In the summer there is a large parking lot, but only a fraction of it is plowed in the winter. And sometimes it’s not plowed at all. Try to park where you won’t block the plow and bring a snow shovel in case you need to dig yourself a parking spot. Get there early to make sure you get a spot.

Join: Snowshoeing in Vancouver Facebook Group

No-Go Trails for Snowshoeing in Whistler

There are lots of summer hiking trails in Whistler that may sound like a fun snowshoe adventure in winter. However, many of them have significant avalanche danger, or are closed in winter.

Here’s my list of no-go trails for snowshoeing:

• Blackcomb Ascent Trails: These trails are closed in winter because they go through the ski area.
• Blackcomb Alpine Trails: These trails are closed in winter because they go through the ski area.
• Singing Pass Trail to Russet Lake: This trail has significant avalanche hazard. As well, this trail is very long and is often used as a backcountry ski descent route. It is only suited for experienced snowshoers with avalanche training. And honestly, it’s not a very aesthetically pleasing route unless you are on your way to the Kees and Claire Hut at Russet Lake.
• Musical Bumps: This trail is closed in winter because it goes through the ski area.
• High Note Trail: This trail is closed in winter because it goes through the ski area.
• Rainbow Lake: This trail is closed in winter because a key bridge is removed to protect it from snow-loading.
• Skywalk Trail: This trail includes signifcant avalanche hazard. As well, once it leaves the trees wayfinding is very difficult. The trail is only suited for experienced snowshoers with avalanche training and off-trail travel skills.
• Wedgemount Lake: This trail has significant avalanche hazard, especially just before the lake. It is also very steep and can require an ice axe to navigate. The trail is only suited for experienced snowshoers with avalanche training.

Where to Rent Snowshoes in Whistler

If you want to try snowshoeing before you buy, lots of places in Whistler rent snowshoes. Sunny weekends and holidays can be really busy for rentals, so try to reserve a pair ahead of time if possible.

• Urban Alpine in Squamish
• Whistler Olympic Park
• Ski Callaghan
• Cross Country Connection at Lost Lake
• Spicy Sports in Whistler Village.
• Spud Valley Sporting Goods in Pemberton

Snowshoe Tours in Whistler

If it’s your first time snowshoeing, it can be helpful to go with a guide. They can help you get your snowshoes set up and provide tips for snowshoeing technique. Your guide will also have info about the plants, animals, and views you will see on your trip.

• Snowshoe the Medicine Trail: This snowshoe tour takes place on private land through beautiful forest, so you can only do it with a tour. The trip visits an old trapper’s cabin too!
• Private Snowshoeing Tour: Your guide will take you to the trail of your choice – you can pick from several destinations to suit your group.

Final Thoughts

Which of these Whistler snowshoe trails is your favourite? Have questions about snowshoeing in Whistler? Let me know in the comments.

READ NEXT:

More Snowshoeing Guides:

• Cheakamus River Snowshoe Trail in Whistler
• Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails in Whistler
• Brandywine Falls Provincial Park Hiking Guide
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Vancouver
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish
• Where to Go to Snowshoeing in Manning Park
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Vancouver’s Fraser Valley
• Snowshoe at Dakota Ridge on the Sunshine Coast, BC

Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Advice

• How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide
• The Best Boots For Snowshoeing
• Best Gifts for Snowshoers (20+ Ideas)
• Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• 9 Tips for Winter Hiking (You Don’t Have to Freeze!)

More Whistler Ideas:

• The Best Things to do in Whistler (By a Local)
• 44 Things to do in Whistler in Winter
• 40 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• Camping in Whistler, BC: The Best Campgrounds
• Hike to Parkhurst Ghost Town in Whistler
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

The post Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The falls are great in all seasons. In the spring they gush with snowmelt. The falls gets a little drier in the summer and you can see the rock formations better. In the fall, they gush again with rain. And in the winter they freeze up a little bit and the ice formations are really cool.

But the falls are not the only thing worth visiting at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. Lots of people don’t know that there is a whole trail network here: you can visit another canyon with a bungee bridge, see other viewpoints, and go for a swim.

This guide to Brandywine Falls Provincial Park includes:

• Key trail stats for the hike to Brandywine Falls
• A Brandywine Falls trail map that I made just for you
• How to get to the park by car or on a tour
• Turn-by-turn hiking directions with lots of photos
• Hiking to the bottom of Brandywine Falls – is it allowed?
• Winter hiking and snowshoeing at Brandywine Falls including where to park legally
• Other hikes at Brandywine Falls – info for three other scenic trails
• Brandywine Falls FAQ – all your questions answered

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Brandywine Falls Trail Stats

Note: The trail stats below are just for the hike to Brandywine Falls. I’ve also got details on three more hikes in the park at the bottom of this post.

Distance: 1.2 km

Elevation Gain: 20 m

Duration: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Very easy

Season: April to November without snowshoes. November to March with snowshoes or microspikes. (Read my guide to the differences between microspikes and snowshoes.)

Toilets: Pit toilets at the trailhead.

Dogs: Allowed on-leash only.

Heads up: There are popular (and more advanced) hikes upstream of Brandywine Falls called Brandywine Meadows and Brandywine Mountain. Both of those hikes require logging road driving to reach the trailhead. They are not at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park.

Brandywine Falls Trail Map

The trails at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park are well-signed and easy to follow. There are signs at each junction. But, I made you a trail map using Gaia GPS, my favourite GPS and mapping app. Click through to zoom in and explore.

How to Get to Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is located between Squamish and Whistler on Highway 99.

To get there, go north on Highway 99 from Squamish. A few minutes after you pass the turn-off to Garibaldi Provincial Park and the Daisy Lake Dam, look for signs for Brandywine Falls on your right. Click here for Google Maps directions from Squamish.

If you are coming from Whistler, go south on Highway 99. About 8 minutes after the traffic light in Function Junction, look for the left turn lane and signs for Brandywine Falls on your left. Click here for Google Maps directions from Whistler.

The parking lot at has room for a few dozen cars and also has an RV and bus section. However, it does fill up on summer weekends, especially in the afternoon. There is no overflow parking. If you park on the highway you will get towed.

Unfortunately, there is no public transportation to the park. You could take a taxi from Whistler, which is about 15 minutes away.

Many Sea to Sky tours stop at Brandywine Falls. This highly-rated full-day bus tour includes stops at Brandywine Falls, the Sea to Sky Gondola, and Whistler. Or book a private tour of the Sea to Sky Highway that includes Shannon Falls, Brandywine Falls, and Whistler.

In winter, the parking lot is gated. Your car will get towed if you park in front of the gate. See the winter hiking and snowshoeing section below for more info.

Brandywine Falls Hiking Directions

From the parking lot, walk past a kiosk with info about Squamish and Lil’wat Indigenous culture and history. Continue past a few picnic tables to the covered bridge over Brandywine Creek.

Cross the bridge and turn right on the other side to head towards the falls. (The trail to the right goes to Lava Lake.)The wide trail here heads slightly downhill through the forest.

A few minutes later, ignore the signed Swim Lake Trail branching uphill to the left. Continue through the yellow gates to carefully cross the railway tracks.

On the other side, ignore the Sea to Sky Trail going left and continue straight. The first waterfall viewpoint is just ahead. There is a large wooden platform here with great views of the falls. Unfortunately as of summer 2023, a small tree is growing in front of the platform, which reduces the view a little.

Some people turn around here because they don’t realize there are more views. Continue along the trail for another minute to another viewpoint. This one is from a bit further back, so you get a head-on view of the waterfall.

You can continue along the trail to its end at another viewpoint. This time you can look south to the turquoise waters of Daisy Lake, a human-made lake used as a reservoir for hydropower generation. You can also look back north and spot the volcanic peak of Black Tusk.

When you have finished enjoying the view, retrace your steps back to the parking lot.

Hiking to the Bottom of Brandywine Falls

You may have seen photos on social media of people at the bottom of the waterfall. Unfortunately hiking to the bottom of Brandywine Falls is illegal.

The Provincial Park website clearly states there is no access to the bottom of the falls since it is very unsafe due to unstable slopes and falling rocks.

As well, the start of the route to the bottom of the falls now has huge fences in front of it with signs warning people not to go down into the canyon. The signs also warn people that there are fines for going past the fence.

Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing at Brandywine Falls

The flat and easy trail to the waterfall as well as the other hikes in the park make great winter hikes or snowshoe trips. However, there is one big problem: the parking lot is closed in winter.

Unfortunately, it is not easy to snowshoe at Brandywine Falls since BC Parks locks the gate at the parking lot in the winter and doesn’t plow the parking lot. If you park outside the gate on the highway, you risk getting your car towed away or having it hit by a snow plow.

However, you can legally park in winter at the Whistler Bungee parking lot on Cal-Cheak Forest Service Road. From there it’s a 6 km round trip snowshoe to the falls. More details in my guide to snowshoeing in Whistler.

Other Hikes at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park

Most visitors to Brandywine Falls Provincial Park do the short hike to the waterfall viewpoint and then head back to their car. However, there are several other great hikes in the park. I’ve got details below.

Sea to Sky Trail to the Bungee Bridge

The hike to the Bungee Bridge makes a great add-on to Brandywine Falls. It’s a 4.5 km round trip from the main trail and takes about 1.5 hours. Click here to see the custom map I made of the route to the Bungee Bridge.

Just after crossing the railway tracks, turn left onto the Sea to Sky Trail. The trail is shared with bikes, but it is wide so there should be room for everyone. The trail heads downhill to a viewpoint of Daisy Lake, then works its way back up a short but steep hill.

The second half of the trail travels under the powerlines and into an old lava field, so there is no shade, which can be tough on hot days. Just after you pass under the powerlines, ignore a trail branching to the left and stay on the main Sea to Sky Trail.

A few minutes later pass some small lakes, then arrive at the edge of the Cheakamus River Canyon. There is a great view down into the canyon and of the Bungee Bridge a few minutes ahead. This is the best place to watch people bungee jump.

You can also carry on along the trail to the bridge and look directly down into the canyon. The bridge closes for a few minutes each time people bungee jump so you may have to wait to cross it. After you’ve enjoyed the view, retrace your steps back to the Brandywine Falls main trail.

Alternatively, you can follow the Sea to Sky Trail all the way to Whistler Village, 20 km to the north across the Bungee Bridge.

Swim Lake Trail

This short trail (0.8 km round trip) leads uphill through rocks and forest to the south shore of Swim Lake. The route to Swim Lake starts just before you cross the railway tracks on the main trail. Click here to see the custom map I made of the Swim Lake Trail.

You will encounter a much more rugged trail than the main Brandywine Falls Trail, but it’s not too long – the climb from the main trail to the lake takes about 10 minutes.

The shore of the lake is rocky in some places and marshy in others, so it can be tough to find a place to get in the water easily. It is refreshing on a hot day though.

Lava Lake Trail

This multi-use trail is shared with bikes, but it’s rarely used so you won’t see many people. It starts just after the covered bridge – go left to Lava Lake instead of right to Brandywine Falls. Click here to see the custom map I made of the Lava Lake Trail.

The hike to the end of the trail is 5.3 km round trip and takes about 1.5 hours. The trail is a wide old road that passes under some powerlines. Faint side trails lead to some interesting lakes formed by depressions in an old lava field.

If you are up for some navigating, you can follow the road at the end of the trail out of the park, then across the railway tracks to meet up with the trail that goes to a cool suspension bridge over Callaghan Creek. You will end up at Cal-Cheak Campground, one of my picks for the best places to camp near Whistler.

If you choose to head outside the park, I recommend using All Trails+ or Gaia GPS app to find your way as the trails can be confusing.

Brandywine Falls FAQ

So that’s everything you need to know to hike at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. If you have questions about the hike, leave them in the comments so I can help you out.

MORE WHISTLER HIKES:

• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• Joffre Lakes Hike (By a Local)
• Whistler Train Wreck Hike
• Hike to Parkhurst Ghost Town in Whistler
• Rainbow Falls Loop Trail in Whistler
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler

MORE WHISTLER INFO:

• 80+ Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)
• 42 Cheap and Free Things to Do in Whistler
• Camping in Whistler, BC: 18 Places to Camp Near Whistler
• Lost Lake in Whistler: Hiking, Swimming, Biking and More
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

The post Brandywine Falls Provincial Park Hiking Guide appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The Sea to Sky Highway is a gorgeous drive along the side of Howe Sound, an ocean fjord, and then up into the snowy mountains to the Whistler ski village. Along the way you’ll pass through the town of Squamish (where I live), one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures and home to world class hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

Instead of just speeding through all the way to Whistler, take a little longer and get out of your car. There are so many amazing places to stop including viewpoints, waterfalls, hikes, swimming, picnic spots and museums.

In this guide I’ll give you directions to all my favourite places along the Sea to Sky Highway, plus include tips for driving and recommendations for where to eat and stay.

This post includes:

• Sea to Sky Highway driving directions
• Sea to Sky Highway map including locations of all the places I recommend to stop
• How long it takes to drive the Sea to Sky Highway
• Sea to Sky Highway road conditions and driving tips
• How to take a Sea to Sky Highway road trip without a car – shuttle bus services, tours, and more
• The best places to stop on the Sea to Sky Highway – 20 of my favourite places to stop
• My favourite places to eat and drink on the Sea to Sky Highway
• Where to stay along the Sea to Sky Highway: hotels, cabins, hostels, and more
• Sea to Sky Highway FAQ: all your Sea to Sky road trip questions answered

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Sea to Sky Highway Driving Directions

Total Distance: About 120km from Vancouver to Whistler

The Sea to Sky highway (also known as Highway 99) runs from West Vancouver to Whistler, passing Squamish about half way between the two. It also extends past Whistler to the towns of Pemberton and Mount Currie before ending at Lillooet. 

To get to the Sea to Sky Highway, take the Lions Gate bridge from Vancouver. Once over the bridge, follow the signs left for Highway 99 and Whistler. Turn right onto Taylor Way, continuing to follow the signs. Go up the hill on Taylor Way. Then go under the highway and turn left to merge on to the highway.

At this point you are on a highway that is both Highway 1 and Highway 99. Continue for about 10km. Watch for the signs for Whistler where the highway splits. Stay in the left lane to continue onto Highway 99 (the Sea to Sky Highway). Continue following the Sea to Sky Highway for another 100 kilometres to Whistler. You stay on the same highway the whole time so it’s easy to follow.

Click here for Google maps driving directions.

Sea to Sky Highway Map

I’ve made a custom clickable map of the Sea to Sky Highway for you showing all my recommended stops including places to eat and sleep. 

Sea to Sky Highway Driving Times 

Driving Time: Minimum 2 hours

If traffic is light and the weather is good, you can drive the entire Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler in about 2 hours. However, if you want to make a lot of stops, allow a full day. If you want to make any longer stops, I’d recommend splitting the trip up over 2 or 3 days.

Sea to Sky Highway Road Conditions and Driving Tips

Best time to drive the Sea to Sky Highway: June-September

You can drive the Sea to Sky Highway all year, but the best time to go is from June to September when the snow has melted and the hiking trails are accessible. The most popular time is July and August on the weekend. If possible, try to go mid-week.

The Sea to Sky Highway was upgraded for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, so it’s in much better shape than it was before. However, it is still narrow in a few places and very winding, especially south of Squamish. Accidents are common so take your time and go slow (even if the locals are speeding). 

The weather can also be a huge factor when you drive from Vancouver to Whistler. There can be lots of snow in the winter. Heavy rain and fog can make the drive treacherous any time of the year. You can check conditions before you go on the highway webcams.

From October 1st to March 31st you must have winter tires on your car to drive the Sea to Sky highway. If you don’t, you could be fined. 

There are lots of gas stations, restaurants and shops in Squamish, but there are few services along the rest of the drive.

The Sea to Sky Highway is in the ancestral territory of the Squamish (Skwxwú7mesh) and Lil’wat First Nations. Along the way there are interpretive signs in kiosks in the shape of traditional cedar bark hats. If you want to learn more about First Nations culture and history, be sure to stop when you see one.

The highway can be busy with a mix of tourists who want to go slow to enjoy the view and locals who are in a hurry to get home. Be a courteous driver and stay out of the left lane, except to pass.

It’s easy to rent a car in Vancouver or at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). I use Discover Cars since they let you compare prices between tons of different rental companies.

Experiencing the Sea to Sky Highway Without a Car

If you don’t want to drive yourself, you have a few options for experiencing the Sea to Sky Highway.

Sea to Sky Shuttle Bus Services

There are several bus services that go from Vancouver to Squamish and Whistler. These services are intended to get you to your destination. They don’t stop at any attractions. However, you will still get great views out the window.

For the best views, sit on the left side of the bus on the way to Whistler and the right on the way back.

Local companies currently offering shuttle services include:

• YVR Skylynx (Vancouver airport, downtown Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler)
• Epic Rides (Downtown Vancouver, Whistler)
• Whistler Shuttle (Vancouver airport, Whistler)
• Squamish Connector (Downtown Vancouver, West Vancouver, Squamish)

Sea to Sky Tours

Several companies offer Sea to Sky bus and small group van tours.

A popular option is a 10-hour Sea to Sky small van tour that goes from Vancouver to Whistler and back, stopping at popular spots like Shannon Falls and Porteau Cove along the way. Check prices.

If you want to include the Sea to to Sky Gondola, book a Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler day trip. The tour includes stops at Shannon Falls, the Sea to Sky Gondola, and Whistler. Check prices.

Taxis, Limos, and Private Transfers

You can also take a taxi, limousine or private transfer from Vancouver to Whistler. Prices vary depending on what you book and how many stops you want to make.

Some Vancouver taxi companies will pick you up at the airport or downtown and take you to Whistler. However, it’s fairly expensive (about $350 one way) and the driver won’t want to make any stops since they will be in a hurry to get back to Vancouver to get their next customer.

If you want to customize your itinerary or are travelling with a group, a private transfer in a limo or van makes the most sense. With vehicles ranging from town cars to luxe mini buses, they can come up with a quote and itinerary that works for your group. Check prices.

Places to Stop on the Sea to Sky Highway

Whytecliff Park

This beautiful park is nestled into a pocket cove surrounded by fancy West Vancouver mansions. Head down to the beach for great views of Howe Sound and the nearby Sunshine Coast. Or explore the trails to various bluff-top viewpoints.

At low tide you can scramble across the rocks out to Whyte Islet, the rocky island just offshore. 

Getting there: 7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver. From the highway, take exit 2 for Eagleridge Drive. Go right at the round about and continue past the the ticket booths for the ferry terminal. Turn left onto Marine Drive.

At next two roundabouts, go straight to continue on Marine Drive. Stay on Marine Drive as it winds through the neighbourhood and ends at the Whytecliff parking lot. Click here for Google maps driving directions.

Lions Bay

The tiny village of Lions Bay (population 1300) is perched on the side of the steep mountainside. If you need a snack, there is a small general store and cafe accessed via the Lions Bay Avenue exit. There are also several small beaches (Lions Bay Beach, Kelvin Grove Beach), but parking is quite limited.

One of the main reasons to visit Lions Bay is the hiking trails. Challenging routes lead high into the mountains to the summits of iconic peaks like the Lions (for which the town is named). An easier and equally picturesque option is the 4 hour hike to Tunnel Bluffs, which has an incredible view.

READ NEXT: My guide to the Tunnel Bluffs Hike in Lions Bay

Porteau Cove

This small provincial park is wedged between the Sea to Sky Highway, a rail line and the deep waters of Howe Sound. The day use area is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. Be sure to take a walk out on the pier for great views of the surrounding mountains.

Fun fact: The pier actually doubles as an emergency ferry terminal in case parts of the Sea to Sky Highway are impassable. However, it’s never actually been used for that purpose.

Getting There: Turn left at the sign for Porteau Cove Provincial Park. Click here for google maps driving directions.

More info: Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Psst! Porteau Cove Provincial Park is on my list of the best places to camp near Vancouver and the best places to camp near Squamish.

Britannia Mine Museum

This little village of Britannia Beach used to be home to the largest copper mine in the British Commonwealth. These days the mine is a museum and the village is exploding with new condo developments.

The museum is pretty cool. They have lots of old hulking machinery on display, including a GIANT truck. But I found the historical displays the most interesting. They explain the history of the village and what it was like for the miners and their families who lived there. In the mine’s heyday, there was no road to Britannia so it was a pretty isolated spot.

The highlight of the museum is the underground mine tour. You get to ride on an old mine train, wear a hardhat and experience what it was actually like to mine for copper. (Hint: It was LOUD!) 

They also have a new multimedia show called BOOM! that provides a behind the scenes look at what the giant mill building looked, sounded, and smelled like when it was operational. I sometimes find shows like this to be a little cheesy, but this one was really well done.

Getting There: 1 Forbes Way, Britannia Beach. Turn right off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Copper Drive at the traffic light in Britannia Beach. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Britannia Mine Museum

Detour: If you’re hungry, don’t miss Mountain Woman Take-Out. This tiny old-school shack of a restaurant in Britannia Beach has great fish and chips. If you’re looking for something a bit more hip, check out Outbound Station, also in Britannia Beach. They have great burgers and coffee.

Murrin Provincial Park

On summer weekends you’ll be lucky to get a spot in the parking lot at Murrin Provincial Park. That’s because tiny Browning Lake is a super popular swimming spot with warm water and a nice sandy beach. It’s a nice spot for a picnic any time of year too. Keep an eye out for rock climbers on the nearby cliffs.

If you are adventurous, there is also a fun hike up onto the bluffs with incredible views. However, it involves a bit of scrambling so it’s best for experienced hikers.

Getting There: Turn left at the flashing yellow light and signs for Murrin Provincial Park. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Murrin Provincial Park

Nch’kay Viewpoint

As you round the corner into Squamish, you’ll see a pull out on the left. This is the Nch’kay viewpoint. From here you get a great view of Mount Garibaldi, known as Nch’kay in the Indigenous Skwxwu7mesh language.

Mount Garibaldi is a huge dormant volcano that towers over the town. If the weather is clear, pull over here for a quick photo op of Nch’kay and the town of Squamish.

Getting there: Turn left into the pullout about 1.5km after Murrin Park.

Shannon Falls

At 335m tall, Shannon Falls is the 3rd highest waterfall in BC. It’s a short 5 minute hike to the falls. Be sure to check out both the upper and lower viewing platforms to see the falls from different vantage points.

Getting there: Turn right at the Darrell Bay Road traffic light and follow the park road into the parking lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Shannon Falls Provincial Park, my guide to Vancouver area waterfall hikes

Sea to Sky Gondola

Opened in 2014, the Sea to Sky gondola is one of best attractions in between Vancouver and Whistler. I have an annual pass and head up there every few months.

The gondola carries passengers from the side of the highway, up past granite cliffs to a lodge perched high above Howe Sound. It’s an easy way to get up into the mountains without a breaking a sweat. (Although it will give your wallet a minor workout.) 

If you want to save some money, you can also hike up to the top via the challenging Sea to Summit Trail. It climbs 900m over 7km and will take most people about 3.5 hours. If you want, you can take the gondola down for a fraction of the price it costs to go up.

Once you arrive at the top, be sure to check out the viewing platforms and suspension bridge near the lodge. For more epic views, walk the Panorama Trail. It’s mostly flat and quite easy and at only 1.6km long, it’s short enough for almost everyone.

If you are up for a longer hike, Al’s Habrich Trail made my list as one of the best hikes near Vancouver. In the winter, the Sea to Sky Gondola also has some of the best snowshoeing trails in Squamish.

If you get hungry, the lodge has a small cafe. Grab a bowl of poutine and a beer, then sit out on the patio in the sunshine and enjoy the views.

Tip: Save time by buying your Sea to Sky Gondola tickets ahead of time.

Getting there: 36800 Highway 99, Squamish, BC. Watch for the entrance on the right hand side of the Sea to Sky highway just after the Darrell Bay Road traffic light. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Sea to Sky Gondola 

Stawamus Chief

The Stawamus Chief is a huge granite dome that towers over the town of Squamish. The Sea to Sky highway passes right beneath the base. The Chief is 700m tall and is one of the largest granite monoliths in the world.

If you just want to pull over for a quick look, the best place is the roadside parking lot just after the pedestrian overpass. See if you can spot rock climbers high above you! If you want to try it out, you can go on a guided rock climbing trip that’s geared for beginners.

However, you don’t need a rope and harness to get to the top. There’s a steep hike up the backside of the Stawamus Chief that takes you all the way to the top of the cliffs. Be careful as there are no railings and it’s a LONG way down! This is a popular hike and is one of Vancouver’s most Instagrammed hikes.

Getting there: For the best view, turn right off the Sea to Sky highway into the parking lot next to the highway just past the pedestrian overpass. (This isn’t the main parking lot.) Click here for Google maps driving directions.

More info: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park

Downtown Squamish

Be sure to turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway to explore downtown Squamish along Cleveland Avenue. As a local, my favourites are Billie’s House for house plants and home goods, Empire of Dirt for gifts and housewares, Lucas Tea, and Xocolat chocolates.

If you are driving the Sea to Sky Highway on a Saturday in the spring, summer, or fall, be sure to stop in at the Farmer’s Market for local produce, baked goods, crafts, and live music.

Getting There: Turn left at Cleveland Avenue and follow it a few blocks into downtown Squamish. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Squamish Farmer’s Market

Psst! Looking for even more things to do in Squamish? Check out my Squamish activities guide – it has over 70 ideas.

Railway Museum of British Columbia

I’m not into trains, so I have to be honest and say I’ve never been here. However, my nephew loves it and has been several times. The Railway Museum of British Columbia has all kinds of vintage train cars, engines, and parts (over 90 of them!) Some of them are over 100 years old.

They also have a miniature railway that is popular with kids. At Christmas they have a special Polar Express Event. There’s also a Thomas the Tank Engine event in the spring.

Getting There: 39645 Government Rd, Squamish, BC. Turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Commercial Way. Go straight through the roundabout, then turn right on Queens Way. Follow Queens Way as it curves around to the left and becomes Government Road. Cross the railway tracks and find the entrance to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on your right. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Hours: The museum is only open on Saturdays in the summer. The rest of the year they are open for special events like the Polar Express and Thomas the Tank Engine.

More Info: Railway Museum of British Columbia

Squamish Estuary and Spit

For the best view of the Stawamus Chief, head to the Squamish Estuary and Spit. This finger of land sticks out into Howe Sound at the mouth of the Squamish River. There are several short, flat trails where you can spot birds and other wildlife.

But for the best views, head out to the end of the spit. Squamish means Mother of the Wind, and the spit is the windiest place in Squamish. There are usually lots of kitesurfers and windsurfers playing in the waves just offshore.

Getting There: Turn left on Commercial Way. Go straight through the roundabout, then turn right onto Queen’s Way. Follow this road as it curves around to the left and becomes Government Road. Cross the train tracks and keep going on Government.

Look for Spit Road on your right. It’s gravel, and can be very bumpy, but it’s fine for 2WD vehicles if you go slow. Follow Spit Road to a T-junction and turn left. Keep going to the end of the road. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Brackendale Eagle Viewing

Squamish has more eagles than anywhere else in the world, usually around 1,300 every year. Many eagles migrate to Squamish in the fall to feed on spawning salmon, then stay for the winter. Head to the dykes along the Squamish River in the Brackendale neighbourhood to see them.

From November until January there are volunteers along the dyke on weekends with telescopes to help you get a better look. You can also bring your own binoculars of course!

Another great way to see the eagles is on a floating raft tour. I did this eagle float tour a few years ago and had a great time. 

Getting There: Turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Garibaldi Way. Turn right at Government Road and follow it as it approaches the river. Park in the gravel parking lot on the right just before the Watershed Grill or on the shoulder. Cross the road and follow the path to the top of the dyke. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Alice Lake Provincial Park

Alice Lake has a popular campground and picnic area that makes a great place for break when driving to Whistler. You can go for a swim in the lake or rent a paddleboard or kayak. It’s also a great place to swim on a hot day.

There’s also an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails. If you’re looking for an easy hike, I like the Four Lakes Trail. It’s mostly flat and only takes 2 hours to complete. Details are in my guide to hiking in Squamish.

Getting There: Turn right off the Sea to Sky Highway at the flashing yellow light at Alice Lake Road. Follow the road into the park. On busy summer weekends when the parking lot fills up park rangers may close the entrance gate. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Alice Lake Provincial Park 

Psst! Alice Lake Provincial Park is on my list of the best places to camp near Vancouver and the best places to camp near Squamish.

Cat Lake

This small lake 15 minutes north of Squamish gets fairly warm in the summer. It also has several docks you can jump off. The lake is surrounded by walk-in campsites. It’s a popular spot for partiers on the weekend, but during the week you can have it mostly to yourself.

Getting There: Turn right off the Sea to Sky Highway onto the Cheekeye Forest Service Road about 3 minutes after you pass the turn off to Alice Lake. Follow the gravel road about 2.5km to the parking lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Cat Lake Recreation Site

Brohm Lake

From the highway Brohm Lake looks pretty marshy. However, if you head around the corner you’ll discover a pretty little lake surrounded by forest and granite bluffs. There’s a trail around the lake so you can stake out your own lakeside spot.

There is also a great network of hiking trails that lead to several viewpoints. Get more details in my guide to the best hikes in Squamish.

Locals love to swing into the water from the rope swing or jump off the short cliffs. The parking lot is small so go early on summer weekends to get a spot.

Getting There: Turn left off the Sea to Sky highway at the sign for Brohm Lake. There’s a small left-hand turn lane. It’s just past the turn off for Cat Lake. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: My guide to Brohm Lake trails

Tantalus Lookout

The snow-capped mountains on the west side of the Squamish River are called the Tantalus Range. There are no roads and just a few trails that access the jagged peaks. But you can get a great view just by pulling off the road. 

Getting There: Turn right off the highway at the viewpoint sign. It’s about 2.5km past the Brohm Lake turnoff. Follow the road uphill for a few meters to a parking lot on the left. Click here for Google Maps driving directions. (Use these if you are going northbound.)

There’s actually an even better view, but you can only access it when you are driving southbound from Whistler to Vancouver. Look for it on the west side of the highway. (You can’t turn left going northbound so save it for the drive home.) Click here for Google Maps driving directions. (Use these if you are going southbound.)

Garibaldi Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer 2023. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

The hike to Garibaldi Lake is one of the most popular (and most beautiful) hikes in BC. It’s a long hike so allow a full day to get there. It is 18km return with 800m of elevation gain and will take at least 5 hours. Make sure to leave enough time at the top to take photos or even go for a dip in the freezing cold glacial lake.

If you’re really keen, you can add on the hike to Panorama Ridge. The views are great but it will add another 12km, 700m and 6 hours to your hike. You can also camp overnight.

(FYI: Garibaldi Lake is on my list of the 10 best hikes near Vancouver, so if you’re a hiker, you shouldn’t miss it.)

Getting there: Watch for the sign for Garibaldi Provincial Park, then turn right on Daisy Lake Road just after going over a bridge. The trailhead is 2.5km down the road from the Sea to Sky Highway. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park

Brandywine Falls

The 70m tall Brandywine Falls are pretty spectacular since they have carved a huge canyon into lava columns. The waterfall is one of the Sea to Sky Highway’s best known attractions. It’s a short half-kilometre hike to the viewing platforms.

There’s a steep and dangerous trail down to the bottom of the falls, but it’s officially out of bounds so I don’t recommend it.

If you visit in the winter, the trails around Brandywine Falls are also one of the best places near Squamish to go snowshoeing.

Getting there: Turn right off the highway at the sign for Brandywine Falls. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: My Brandywine Falls hiking guide

Alexander Falls

It’s a bit off the beaten track, so Alexander Falls doesn’t get as much buzz as Brandywine Falls or Shannon Falls. But I’d argue that it is equally impressive. It’s 43m tall and drops down over several tiers. You can drive right up to the viewing platform.

Getting there: Watch for the sign for Whistler Olympic Park, and turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Callaghan Road. Follow the road for about 10 minutes. Look for the Alexander Falls Recreation Site sign on the left and turn into the gravel parking lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Whistler Olympic Park

During the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics, the nordic skiing, biathlon and ski jump events were held at Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Valley. In the winter you can cross country ski or snowshoe here. (Checkout my guide to snowshoe trails.)

The trails are open in the summer too, including hiking up the ski jump. You can also sign up for biathlon lessons and shoot on the same course as the Olympians! There’s a small fee to get in.

It’s also worth a drive up this road as its one of the best places in the Sea to Sky corridor to see bears. If you see a bear, stay in your car and take photos from a distance. Never, ever feed a bear! Read more about bear safety. 

Getting there: 5 Callaghan Rd, Whistler, BC. Watch for the sign for Whistler Olympic Park, and turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Callaghan Road. Follow the road for about 15 minutes to the lodge, passing Alexander Falls along the way. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Whistler Olympic Park

Whistler Bungee

I’m a chicken and have never bungee jumped. (And I likely never will unless someone is paying me to do it!)  But if bungee jumping is on your bucket list, you can do it in Whistler.

You’ll plummet 50 metres (160 feet) off a narrow bridge into the Cheakamus River canyon. The river is glacially fed so it’s a beautiful bright blue colour. Even if you don’t jump, it’s worth a detour to see the canyon. If you’re up for a slightly longer hike, you can also get to Brandywine Falls from here.

Getting there: Calcheak Forest Service Rd, Whistler, BC. Just after the turn-off to Whistler Olympic Park, turn right off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Cal-Cheak Forest Service Road. You’ll cross train tracks right away and then the road turns to gravel. Follow the road for about 7 minutes to the bungee bridge. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

More info: Whistler Bungee

Whistler

From skiing to mountain biking, to hiking, to food, Whistler has something for everyone. I’ve got a huge list of the best things to do in Whistler.

Best Places to Eat and Drink on the Sea to Sky Highway

As a Squamish local, I’ve eaten at pretty much every restaurant along the Sea to Sky Highway. Here are my favourites.

Taka Ramen & Sushi

The BEST Japanese food in the Sea to Sky area. Top notch sushi, delicious ramen, and great staff. The only downside is that they don’t take reservations, so you often have to wait for a table.

Getting There: 38065 Cleveland Avenue, Squamish. From Highway 99, turn left onto Cleveland Avenue and follow it for a few blocks. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Fox & Oak

This is my favourite spot in Squamish for coffee and a sweet treat. The interior is gorgeous with sleek wood, tile, and lots of plants They have under cover outdoor seating too. Their coffee is great, but the real reason to visit is their artisanal doughnuts.

They have cake doughnuts, brioche doughnuts, and vegan doughnuts in classic flavours like chocolate glaze and more experimental flavours like Earl Grey tea. I always get the mango passion fruit.

Getting there: 1396 Main Street, Squamish. From Highway 99, turn left on Cleveland and follow it for a few blocks to the intersection with Main Street. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Zephyr Cafe

Want a healthy meal in Squamish? Head to Zephyr Cafe downtown. They serve breakfast and lunch, including lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. I usually get the qunioa bowl with their delicious sesame dressing.

Getting there: 8084 Cleveland Ave, Squamish. Turn left off Highway 99 onto Cleveland Avenue. Zephyr Cafe is on the left hand side about half a block past Winnipeg Street. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Luz Tacos at Geo Cider

Squamish has several great places to get Mexican food, but I think Luz tacos is by far the best. Their burritos are huge and oh so good. They are located inside Geo Cider, so you can get your food to go or enjoy it along with their tasty cider.

Getting there: 1201 Commercial Way, Squamish. From Highway 99, turn left on Industrial Way. Go right at the T-junction on to Queens’s Way, then turn right at the first driveway into the parking lot. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Watershed Grill

The Watershed Grill in Brackendale is one of my favourite places to eat in Squamish. It’s right on the banks of the river, so the patio has a great view. They have tasty pub-style food. It’s a locals hangout so expect crowds on nights when there’s hockey on TV.

Getting There: 41101 Government Rd, Brackendale. Turn left off the Sea to Sky Highway onto Garibaldi Way. Turn right at Government Road and follow it as it approaches the river. Look for a gravel parking lot on the right just after a cross walk. Park here and cross the road. The restaurant is just ahead behind the trees. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Fergie’s Cafe

Fergie’s Cafe has some of the best food in Squamish. In fact, I think they have the best eggs Benedict I’ve ever had! This small restaurant is attached to the Sunwolf resort. They moved into a new building a few years ago with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. They’re just open for breakfast and brunch. Go early (especially on wekends) to get a table as they don’t take reservations.

Getting There: 70002 Squamish Valley Rd, Brackendale. Turn left off the highway at the flashing yellow light onto Squamish Valley Road. Look for the entrance to Fergie’s on the right hand side just before going over a bridge. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

Where to Stay Along the Sea to Sky Highway

If you really want to make the most out of your Sea to Sky Highway road trip, you should break it up over a few days and stay overnight.

The easiest place to base yourself is in Squamish where there are lots of options from cabins to hotels to hostels. (In fact, Squamish made my list of the best weekend getaways from Vancouver.)

I’ve got a whole guide to the best hotels in Squamish that you should check out. It’s got details on the best places for families, groups, those on a budget, and more.

Camping

For a complete list of campgrounds on the Sea to Sky Highway, check out my guides to camping in Squamish and camping in Whistler.

Some campgrounds require advance reservations while others are first-come, first served. Plan ahead on summer weekends as it can get REALLY busy.

Boutique Hotel: Howe Sound Inn

The Howe Sound Brewing Company also has their own boutique hotel, the Howe Sound Inn. It’s right in the heart of Squamish so you can walk to shops and cafes. And if it’s raining, you don’t even have to go outside – just go downstairs to the brew pub! Check rates. 

Hotel Suites: Executive Suites Hotel

Every room at the condo-style Executive Suites Hotel has a kitchen, which is great if you want more space or prefer to cook for yourself. It’s also one of the more upscale hotels in town. It’s located north of downtown Squamish, but there is a restaurant on site and lots of hiking trails nearby. Check rates.

Cabins: Sunwolf

I stayed at the Sunwolf cabins a few years ago. It’s an old fishing lodge right next to the Cheakamus River in Brackendale. The cozy wooden cabins have river views and fireplaces, but no TVs – just what you need for a wilderness getaway. Plus its on the same property as Fergie’s! Check rates.

(Want even more cabin options? Check out my list of the best cozy cabins near Vancouver.)

Hostel: Squamish Adventure Inn & Hostel

The Squamish Adventure Inn has both dorms and private rooms, a kitchen, and patios. It’s located just off the highway next to the river. If you’ve had enough driving, it’s within walking distance to bike trails, hiking, rock climbing, restaurants and groceries. My sister stayed here for the weekend and says it’s a great place to meet other travellers to go hiking or exploring. Check rates. 

Sea to Sky Highway FAQ

With all that info, you should be ready to head out on your own Sea to Sky Highway road trip. What’s your favourite spot to stop between Vancouver and Whistler? Do you have questions about driving the Sea to Sky highway? Let me know in the comments.

More Whistler posts:

• The Best Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)
• 42 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer (By a Local)
• 44 Best Things to Do in Whistler in Winter
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• Camping in Whistler
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler

More Squamish posts:

• 70+ Things to do in Squamish (By a Local)
• 10 Best Hotels in Squamish
• Camping in Squamish
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish

More Vancouver posts:

• 20+ Beautiful Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• Cozy Cabins near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway
• Camping Near Vancouver, BC: 40+ Best Campgrounds

The post Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Between hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and dirt bike trails, there are literally hundreds of hiking trails in Squamish. But in this post, I’ve got my local’s picks for just the best hikes in Squamish. The list includes over 20 hikes from easy to very challenging and from 1 km to 30 km.

Psst! Looking for more Squamish activities? Check out my list of the best things to do in Squamish – It has over 70 ideas!

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Squamish Hiking Basics

Getting to Squamish

Squamish is located in British Columbia, Canada, about an hour north of Vancouver. It’s an easy drive on Highway 99 (a.ka. the Sea to Sky Highway). You can drive yourself or take a shuttle bus.

READ NEXT: Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

Backroad Driving in Squamish

To get to some Squamish trails, you will need to drive on unpaved backroads, also called logging roads. Some of these roads can be very steep, bumpy, and loose. But you can get to almost all of these Squamish hikes in a regular 2WD car. I’ve included access road notes for each hike about what kind of vehicle you will need.

Hiking Season in Squamish

Squamish sits on the ocean, surrounded by mountains. That means that valley bottom trails can be snow-free most of the year, while the high mountain trails are only accessible between June and September. I’ve included the “best months to go” for each hike below. (If you’re visiting in winter, use my guide to snowshoeing in Squamish.)

What to Bring Hiking in Squamish

Even if you are just going for a short hike, you need to be prepared for the weather and conditions. Don’t forget the 10 essentials. Rain gear and warm clothing are especially important since the weather can change quickly.

READ NEXT: 16 Things to do Before a Hike

Bear Safety

Squamish is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Carry bear spray and make noise while you hike to reduce your risk of a negative bear encounter. Read my guide to bear safety for more tips.

Leave No Trace

The area around Squamish is sensitive wilderness. It’s also home for 20,000 residents of this small town. In recent years, locals have become concerned about increased garbage, human waste, and illegal camping. Be respectful. Learn about Leave No Trace principles to help keep the wilderness wild.

Indigenous Context

Squamish is located in the traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) Nation. To learn more about the Indigenous context of the area, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. Online resources include the Squamish Nation website and the Squamish Atlas.

Squamish Trail Maps

Some hikes in Squamish are easy to find and have good trail markers. But some can be confusing to follow. I recommend using the Gaia GPS app. The premium version has detailed maps of this area that make it really easy to stay on track.

You can also buy a paper map of Squamish Trails at the Squamish Adventure Centre.

I made a custom Google map for you that shows all of the Squamish hiking trails on this list with the exact location of the trailhead. But don’t use Google maps once you are on the trails – they don’t have all of the trails and in some places, there is no cell service.

Murrin Loop and Jurassic Ridge

The granite outcroppings above Browning Lake at Murrin Provincial Park are popular with rock climbers. Steep trails loop through the rugged terrain to several gorgeous viewpoints. I recommend following the Loop trail and Jurassic Ridge trails to make a loop that passes the Quercus Lookout, Jurassic Peak (Watt’s Point), and Brian’s Lookout.

Choose a dry day for this hike as it traverses steep granite slabs that can be very slippery. And use caution: this hike involves steep terrain and a little bit of scrambling.

Getting there: Murrin Provincial Park is on the west side of Highway 99 9 km south of Squamish. The small parking lot fills fast on summer weekends. Click here for driving directions.

Shannon Falls

Spectacular Shannon Falls is the third highest waterfall in British Columbia at 335-meters-tall and one of the best waterfall hikes near Vancouver. A short trail leads uphill from the parking to several different viewing platforms.

Getting there: The parking lot is located on the east side of Highway 99 4 km south of Squamish. Click here for driving directions.

READ NEXT: 40+ Waterfall Hikes Near Vancouver

Sea to Summit Trail

This steep trail climbs from the valley floor to the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola – it’s reminiscent of Vancouver’s Grouse Grind. Along the way, it passes the rushing waters of Upper Shannon Falls and several spectacular viewpoints. In several places, you will need to scramble upwards over steep rocks with the help of ropes.

Note: This is typically completed as a one-way trail as most hikers take the gondola down for $20. Dogs are allowed on the gondola for download only. Check gondola hours before you go.

Getting there: The trail starts at the Sea to Sky Gondola parking lot on the east side of Highway 99 just south of the town of Squamish. Click here for driving directions.

Panorama Trail

There are several short and easy trails at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, but the Panorama Trail is the most scenic. It’s an easy loop with several spur trails that lead to viewpoints. You can hike it all year, but expect snow between November and April. (The snow is usually packed down enough that you won’t need snowshoes but you may want microspikes.)

Note: This trail starts at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola. You can get there by hiking the Sea to Summit Trail (above) or by paying to ride the gondola.

Getting there: The trail starts at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola. Find the parking lot on the east side of Highway 99 just south of the town of Squamish. Click here for driving directions.

Al’s Habrich Ridge Trail

This is the best backcountry trail at the Sea to Sky Gondola and one of my favourite hikes in Squamish. It follows an open granite ridge uphill with great views. After a steep climb in the forest, you emerge on an outcrop with an even better view. If you continue along the trail, you’ll travel through subalpine terrain past small ponds to a waterfall.

Note: This trail starts at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola. You can get there by hiking the Sea to Summit Trail (above) or by paying to ride the gondola. Dogs are allowed on the gondola for download only.

Snowshoeing: Al’s Habrich Ridge Trail is one of the best places to go snowshoeing in Squamish.

Getting there: The trail starts at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola. Find the parking lot on the east side of Highway 99 just south of the town of Squamish. Click here for driving directions.

Stawamus Chief

The imposing granite face of the Stawamus Chief towers over Squamish making the trail to the top a must-do hike in Squamish. The trails include lots of stairs and some have ladders and chains to help negotiate the terrain. In some spots, you’ll be close to precipitous cliffs. It’s even steeper than the Grouse Grind.

The main trail splits off into separate trails for the three peaks. You can hike to just one peak or take in all three. First Peak is the most popular, but I like Second and Third Peaks because they are quieter and you can get photos with First Peak in the foreground.

Getting there: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park is located on the east side of Highway 99 just south of the town of Squamish. The parking lots can fill up on sunny weekends. Click here for driving directions.

READ NEXT: Alternatives to the Grouse Grind: Steep Workout Hikes Near Vancouver

Slhanay

Slhanay Peak is often overlooked because it sits behind the Stawamus Chief and doesn’t have the same spectacular cliffs. However, the real reason to visit Slhanay is for the incredible views of the Chief. The best viewpoint is part-way up, but the summit is also worth visiting.

The trail is very steep and since it is an informal trail, it is very rough. Trail markings are sparse and there is a huge trail network near the summit that can be confusing. Use a GPS app like Gaia to stay on track.

Getting there: The trailhead is located on the Mamquam Forest Service Road. The road is gravel and can be bumpy but is fine for 2WD vehicles. Click here for driving directions.

Mamquam Falls

This short hike leads to a spectacular waterfall in a granite canyon on the Mamquam River. While the falls are next to a power station and near roads, it’s still a spectacular spot. The easy loop hike is mostly on gated gravel roads, but the middle section travels on a rough trail next to the river that leads to a viewing platform.

Getting there: The trailhead is located on Powerhouse Springs Road, which is accessed from Mamquam Forest Service Road. The roads are gravel and can be bumpy but are fine for 2WD vehicles. Click here for driving directions.

Watersprite Lake

Watersprite Lake is a gorgeous turquoise blue sub-alpine lake deep in the mountains and is one of the most popular hikes in Squamish. The lake is dotted with rocky islands and backed by a crumbling tower of granite, which makes it especially photogenic. The hike to the lake is mostly on old roads, but it does have great views of the surrounding peaks.

Backcountry camping: There is a backcountry campsite at the lake along with a hut. You can book a stay at either through the BCMC. For details on camping, see my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Getting there: The trailhead is located on Skookum Forest Service Road, which is accessed from Mamquam Forest Service Road. The roads are gravel, bumpy, loose, and very steep. You will need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to reach the trailhead. Click here for driving directions.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Mount Crumpit

The hike to the summit of Mount Crumpit is one of my favourite trails in Squamish. It has a great view of the Stawamus Chief and Slhanay from the top. There are a few steep sections, but overall, it’s a pleasant walk in the forest. And it’s never too busy.

However, the route travels through a confusing network of mountain bike, dirt bike, and hiking trails. Be sure to follow the turn-by-turn directions in my Mount Crumpit hiking guide. I also recommend using a GPS app like Gaia to stay on track.

Getting there: The trailhead is located in Squamish’s Valleycliffe neighbourhood at the intersection of Westway Avenue and Cherry Drive. Click here for driving directions.

READ NEXT: Hike to Mount Crumpit in Squamish

Estuary Trail

The hike through the Squamish River estuary is one of my favourite places to take visitors to Squamish. The flat and easy trail makes a loop next to a tidal channel in the estuary and then loops back along the Town Dyke trail. The views of Howe Sound, Shannon Falls, and the Stawamus Chief from the estuary are great.

Getting there: There are several places to start this hike. The easiest place to park is just before the gate on Bailey Street in downtown Squamish. Click here for driving directions.

Smoke Bluffs Loop

The Smoke Bluffs is one of Squamish’s most popular rock climbing areas. But it’s also a great place to go for a hike since the granite outcroppings have great views of downtown Squamish, Howe Sound, and the Stawamus Chief. Even though the hike is short, it is steep with several staircases.

There is a maze of climbers’ access trails, but as long as you stay on the main Loop Trail, it’s easy to follow. You may want to use a GPS app like Gaia if you’re worried about getting lost.

Getting there: The trail begins at Smoke Bluffs Park parking lot on Loggers Lane near the Squamish Adventure Centre. Click here for driving directions.

Elfin Lakes

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

The hike to Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park is mostly along an old road. But you won’t mind because, after the first hour, you will get above the treeline onto a ridgeline where you will enjoy incredible mountain views. On hot days, you can swim in the larger Elfin Lake. (The smaller one is the water source.)

Backcountry camping: There is a backcountry campsite at Elfin Lake along with a hut. You can book a stay at either through BC Parks. For details see my Elfin Lakes hiking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Snowshoeing: The Elfin Lakes trail is one of the best places to go snowshoeing in Squamish.

Getting there: The trailhead is on Garibaldi Park Road, which is accessed from the Garibaldi Highlands neighbourhood. It is a gravel road and can be bumpy, but is fine for 2WD vehicles. Click here for driving directions.

READ NEXT: Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies

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Four Lakes Trail

This easy trail passes four lakes and travels through a gorgeous mossy forest. Since it’s close to my house, I hike this trail often and I think it’s one of the best easy hikes in Squamish. In the summer, cool off with a dip in Alice Lake.

Getting there: The trail starts at the Stump Lake parking area in Alice Lake Provincial Park, located east of Highway 99 just north of Squamish. Click here for driving directions.

Debeck’s Hill

The route to the top of Debeck’s Hill uses a steep old gravel road. It’s also known as the Debeck’s Grind, a reference to Vancouver’s Grouse Grind. Along the way, it passes an old steam engine leftover from the logging days. The view from the top is spectacular. You can see the Squamish River Valley and the Tantalus Mountains.

Getting there: The trail starts at the South Beach parking area in Alice Lake Provincial Park, located east of Highway 99 just north of Squamish. Click here for driving directions.

Crooked Falls

Crooked Falls is a beautiful waterfall on Sigurd Creek that cascades onto a rock bluff, then makes a sharp 90-degree turn, giving it a “crooked” appearance. The hike to get there takes you up through a steep forest on a rough trail.

Getting there: The trailhead is on the Ashlu Forest Service Road. To get there, take Squamish Valley Road west from Highway 99. It is bumpy but fine for 2WD vehicles. Click here for driving directions.

High Falls Creek

High Falls Creek is a rugged hike that follows granite bluffs beside a deep canyon. The route is steep and at times you will haul yourself up with ropes. There are several good viewpoints of waterfalls.

The terrain is too steep for easy downhill travel, so the return half of the loop is on a gravel logging road with great views of the Squamish River Valley.

Getting there: The trailhead is on the Squamish River Forest Service Road. To get there, take Squamish Valley Road west from Highway 99. It is bumpy but fine for 2WD vehicles. Click here for driving directions.

READ NEXT: 40+ Waterfall Hikes Near Vancouver

Cheakamus Canyon and Starvation Lake

This trail follows a section of the Sea to Sky Trail from the end of Paradise Valley past Starvation Lake to the side of the Cheakamus River Canyon. There are great views of the river and on a warm day, you can finish with a swim in the lake. This trail is a bit of a hidden gem compared to better-known hikes in Squamish.

Getting there: The trailhead is located at the end of Paradise Valley Road. After the road turns to gravel, it is bumpy but fine for 2WD vehicles. Continue on gravel for another 3 km to a parking area. Click here for driving directions.

Brohm Lake

From the highway, Brohm Lake looks marshy. But if you take the trail around the shoreline, you’ll find lots of rock outcroppings that are perfect for swimming on hot days. You can extend your hike by taking steeper trails up to viewpoints on the Cheakamus Loop, High Trail, and Powerline Trail.

Getting there: The main parking lot for Brohm Lake is located on the west side of Highway 99 15 km north of Squamish. It fills up on sunny weekends. Click here for driving directions.

READ NEXT: Brohm Lake Hike in Squamish (By a Local)

Garibaldi Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer 2023. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

The hike to Garibaldi Lake is a classic, and I think it’s one of the best hikes near Vancouver. The trail climbs up through the forest past a great viewpoint and several small lakes. Garibaldi Lake is glacially fed, giving the water an unreal blue tinge and there are incredible views of the glaciers across the lake. 

Backcountry camping: There is a backcountry campsite at Garibaldi Lake and nearby Taylor Meadows. You can book a stay at either through BC Parks. For details on camping and day hikes you can do from the campground, see my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Snowshoeing: Garibaldi Lake is one of the best places to go snowshoeing in Squamish.

Getting there: The trailhead is located on Daisy Lake Road, accessed from the east side of Highway 99 33 km north of Squamish. Click here for driving directions.

READ NEXT: Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish

Black Tusk

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer 2023. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Black Tusk is made of hardened lava from an extinct volcano. You can hike to the base of the Tusk, but only experienced rock climbers should make the final sketchy scramble to the summit. Your route starts on the Garibaldi Lake Trail to Taylor Meadows, then ascends a rocky slope to the base of the Tusk where you get great views of Garibaldi Lake.

Backcountry camping: There are backcountry campsites at Garibaldi Lake and Taylor Meadows, which you will pass on the way. You can book a stay at either through BC Parks. For details on camping and day hikes you can do from the campground, see my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Getting there: The trailhead is located on Daisy Lake Road, accessed from the east side of Highway 99 33 km north of Squamish. Click here for driving directions.

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Panorama Ridge

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer 2023. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Panorama Ridge is one of my favourite trails and one of my picks for the best hikes near Vancouver. It’s a long day on the trails, but the views from the summit are truly incredible. Your hike starts on the Garibaldi Lake Trail, then goes through Taylor Meadows and past the turnoff to Black Tusk. Ascend the slopes of Panorama Ridge for mind-blowing 360-degree views.

Backcountry camping: There are backcountry campsites at Garibaldi Lake and Taylor Meadows, which you will pass on the way. You can book a stay at either through BC Parks. For details on camping and day hikes you can do from the campground, see my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Getting there: The trailhead is located on Daisy Lake Road, accessed from the east side of Highway 99 33 km north of Squamish. Click here for driving directions.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
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• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Brandywine Falls

This short and easy hike heads to one of the area’s most spectacular waterfalls: Brandywine Falls. It plummets 70 meters down volcanic basalt cliffs into the canyon far below. You can get a great view of the falls from a viewing platform and it’s one of the best easy hikes in Squamish. It’s also part of the much longer Sea to Sky Trail.

Getting there: The parking lot is located on the east side of Highway 99 about 40 km north of Squamish. Click here for driving directions.

Cheakamus Bungee Bridge Loop

Many people don’t realize there are lots of trails at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. You can connect the Sea to Sky Trail and Lava Lake Trail to make a big loop that visits the bungee bridge, a suspension bridge, and lots of little lakes.

Getting there: The parking lot is located on the east side of Highway 99 about 40 km north of Squamish. Click here for driving directions.

With over 20 trails to choose from, I’m sure you’ll find a Squamish hike on this list that you will love. Do you have other suggestions for the best hikes in Squamish? Tell me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• BC Parks Day Passes 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails
• Camping in Squamish, BC: 22 Places to Camp Near Squamish
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish
• 70+ Things to Do in Squamish
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler
• Sea to Sky Trail from Squamish to Pemberton

The post The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

There is a Whistler hike for everyone on this list from short and easy hikes to all-day epic climbs. There are waterfalls, river canyons, historical ruins, lakes, viewpoints, and mountain tops.

These Whistler trails are all easy to navigate and don’t require tedious 4×4 driving to reach. Use this list of the best hikes in Whistler to plan your next adventure. 

Psst: Looking for a full list of Whistler activities? Check out my list of the best things to do in Whistler. It includes over 80 ideas!

Whistler Hiking Basics

Getting to Whistler: Whistler is located in British Columbia, Canada. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver via the Sea to Sky Highway a.k.a. Highway 99. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can take a shuttle bus. The drive to Whistler is gorgeous! For a complete list of things to see between Vancouver and Whistler, check out my Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide.

Hiking season in Whistler: Whistler sits high up in the Coast Mountains. That means it has a short summer hiking season from June to September. Generally, the valley bottom trails start to be snow-free in April or May with higher elevation trails staying snowy into July. By mid October, it has started to snow again in the mountains. No matter what time of year you hike, check the weather forecast before you head out. Checking the weather is just one of the things you should do before every hike. (And if you’re visiting in the winter, check out this list of places to snowshoe in Whistler.)

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

What to bring hiking in Whistler: Even if you are just going for a short hike, you need to be prepared for the weather and conditions. Don’t forget the 10 essentials. (Rain gear and warm clothing are especially important.)

Bear Safety: Whistler is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Carry bear spray and make noise while you hike to reduce your risk of a negative bear encounter. For more info about hiking in bear country, read my post about bear safety for hikers.

Leave No Trace: The area around Whistler is sensitive wilderness. Learn about Leave No Trace principles to help keep the wilderness wild.

Whistler Trails Map

I made a custom Google map for you that shows all of the trails on this list, plus the exact location of the trailhead and parking.

Hikes in Whistler Village

Lost Lake

The Lost Lake Trail is almost in the heart of Whistler Village. It is an easy hike through the forest to the lake. The trail is fairly flat and smooth enough for strollers. Follow the trail around the lake, then retrace your steps on the main trail back to the trailhead. On hot summer days, take a break at the lake for a swim.

If you want to add on some additional distance, a huge network of multi-use trails wind their way around the area, including the Sea to Sky Trail that stretches from Squamish to Pemberton. A few of them also go to viewpoints. Just watch out for mountain bikes. (In the winter the trail network is a great place to cross country ski or go snowshoeing in Whistler.)

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 5km loop Elevation gain: 50m Time Needed: 1.25 hours Best Time to Go: March to October Trail Info: My Lost Lake Park guide How to get there: The trailhead is located in Whistler on Lorimer Road near the intersection with Blackcomb Way. It’s a 10-minute walk from the village.

Blackcomb Ascent Trails

The steep Blackcomb Ascent trail is one of the hardest hikes in Whistler. Challenge yourself by hiking directly up the side of Blackcomb Mountain. But your knees won’t have to suffer because you can take the gondola back down. Known collectively as the Burn trails, the Blackcomb Ascent hike starts with Little Burn, which is the mellowest gaining just 74m over 0.8km. In the middle is Big Burn, which is steep and challenging – it’s 2.2km long with 494m of elevation gain. At the end of Big Burn, you can load onto the gondola at the Blackcomb Midstation or continue climbing upwards to the Rendezvous Lodge gondola station on the Heartburn Trail for another 3.1km, gaining 607m. Be sure to look up the gondola schedule before you go!

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 6.1km one-way Elevation gain: 1175m Time Needed: 3.5 hours Best Time to Go: mid-June to September Trail Info: Whistler Blackcomb How to get there: The trail starts at Blackcomb Base on Blackcomb Way in Whistler. It’s an easy 10-minute walk from Whistler Village.  To take the gondola back down, you’ll need to buy a ticket on the mountain.

Blackcomb Alpine Trails

You’ll need to buy a gondola ticket to get the Blackcomb Alpine Trails, but the views are worth the price. You’ll ascend to 1850m above sea level in the gondola, emerging into an alpine landscape of rocks, glaciers, and wildflowers. Follow the Alpine Loop trail to the Fitzsimmons Viewpoint, then continue onwards on the Overlord Trail to Decker Tarn and Blackcomb Lake via loop trails. Your high point is Overlord Glacier Viewpoint at an elevation of 2050m.

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: Up t0 10km loop Elevation gain: 200m Time Needed: 3 hours Best Time to Go: mid-July to September Trail Info: My Blackcomb Trails guide How to get there: Take the Blackcomb gondola from Blackcomb Base up to Rendezvous Lodge at the top of Blackcomb. You can also get there via the Whistler Gondola and Peak to Peak Gondola directly from Whistler Village. 

Singing Pass to Russet Lake

This trail is long and not particularly scenic, but it provides free access into the gorgeous alpine between Whistler and Blackcomb Peaks in Garibaldi Provincial Park. I’ve got a complete description for this trail in my Russet Lake hiking and backpacking guide.

The trail climbs first on an old road, then on a forested trail up the Fitzsimmons Creek valley. The trail has several washouts and unbridged creeks, so use caution during snow melt or after heavy rain. But at Singing Pass, you emerge into the alpine. The trail ends at Russet Lake, surrounded by glaciated peaks. You can also use this trail to connect with the Musical Bumps or High Note Trails to Whistler Peak.

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 31km round trip Elevation gain: 1280m Time Needed: 10-11 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: My Russet Lake hiking guide, Garibaldi Provincial Park  How to get there: The trailhead is next to the Whistler Gondola bus loop on Blackcomb Way.

Musical Bumps

The Musical Bumps is one of the most beautiful hikes in Whistler. It travels along the top of a ridge, passing Harmony Lake, Symphony Lake, Piccolo Summit, Flute Summit, and Oboe Summit. Now do you understand why it’s called the Musical Bumps Trail?

To get there, pay for the gondola and take it all the way up to Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. The trail ends at Singing Pass. From there, you can retrace your steps back to the Roundhouse, continue upward to Russet Lake, make a loop by using the High Note Trail, or walk all the way back down to Whistler Village on the Singing Pass Trail. Time your visit for mid-summer to see the wildflowers. 

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: 19km round trip Elevation gain: 305m Time Needed: 8-9 hours  Best Time to Go: July-September Trail Info: Whistler Blackcomb, Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: Ride the gondola from Whistler Village to the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain.

High Note Trail

The High Note Trail is one of the newest trails in Whistler, and also one of the most spectacular. (It made my list of the top 10 hikes near Vancouver.) You ascend to the very top of Whistler Peak, then make a descending loop. Along the way, there are gorgeous views of Cheakamus Lake below and Black Tusk across the valley. You can also connect this trail to the Musical Bumps. And if the entire High Note Trail is too long for you, there’s a shortcut halfway along called the Half Note. 

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 9.6km one-way Elevation gain: 430m Time Needed: 3-4.5 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: My High Note Trail Guide How to get there: Ride the gondola from Whistler Village to the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain, then take the Peak Chair up to the peak.

Hikes on the West Side of Whistler

Rainbow Lake

The trail to Rainbow Lake climbs through the forest on the west side of the Whistler Valley, passing Rainbow Falls along the way. It emerges into the alpine on the shores of beautiful Rainbow Lake, nestled beneath the rocky bulk of Rainbow Mountain. The entire hike is within the Whistler watershed that supplies drinking water to the town so swimming isn’t allowed and you should use the three toilets along the trail. 

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: 16km round trip Elevation gain: 850m Time Needed: 6-7 hours Best Time to Go: July-September Trail Info: Rainbow Mountain Trail Map, Vancouver Trails How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99, then turn right on Alta Lake Road. Follow it for 6km to the trailhead and parking area on the left side of the road. You can also take a taxi. 

Rainbow Falls

If the hike to Rainbow Lake is too long, just head a short distance up the trail to visit Rainbow Falls. The falls aren’t visible from the main trail, but you can take a side trail to visit them. The best time to see the falls is during the spring runoff, but they are beautiful at any time of year. You can also snowshoe to Rainbow Falls in the winter. Use my Rainbow Falls trail guide to find your way.

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 2.3 km loop Elevation gain: 130 m Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours Best Time to Go: May-October Trail Info: My Rainbow Falls trail guide. How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99, then turn right on Alta Lake Road. Follow it for 6km to the trailhead and parking area on the left side of the road. You can also take a taxi. 

Skywalk Trail

The Skywalk Trails are part of Whistler’s new alpine trail network on the northeast face of Rainbow Mountain. There are actually three trails: Skywalk South, 19 Mile Creek, and Skywalk North that connect to make several loop trips possible. All three trails top out in the alpine near the frozen waters of Iceberg Lake. A popular loop option is to combine the 19 Mile Creek and Skywalk North trails. 

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: Up to 20km Elevation gain: 1025m Time Needed: 9 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: Rainbow Mountain Trail Map, Vancouver Trails How to get there: The Skywalk North and 19 Mile Creek trails start at the end of Mountain View Drive in the Alpine Meadows neighbourhood. To get there from Whistler Village, drive Highway 99 north and turn left on Meadow Lane into Alpine Meadows. Immediately turn right onto Parkwood Drive, then go left on Mountain View Drive and follow it up the hill to its end. Bus route 30 stops at the intersection of Mountain View Drive and Valley drive a few minutes from the trailhead. You can also take a taxi.

Hikes in Cheakamus Crossing

Riverside and Farside Trails

This easy loop hike follows the Riverside and Farside Trails (also known as the Cheakamus River Trail) along the banks of the Cheakamus River through the Whistler Interpretive Forest. It is located just south of Whistler in the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood, which was the site of the Whistler Olympic Village. Halfway through the hike, cross the Cheakamus River on a suspension bridge, then follow the opposite bank back to the trailhead. (The Riverside Trail is also a great snowshoe trail in the winter.)

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 6km loop Elevation gain: 90m Time Needed: 2 hours Best Time to Go: March to October Trail Info: Whistler Interpretive Forest Map How to get there: The trailhead and parking lot are on Cheakamus Lake Road immediately after you turn off Highway 99. You can also take bus route 10 or 20 from Whistler Village. The bus stop is at the trailhead. 

READ NEXT: 40+ Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler

Crater Rim Trail

The Crater Rim trail makes a loop through the Whistler Interpretive Forest high above Loggers Lake. The lake is actually an extinct volcanic crater. As the trail passes above the lake, it visits several great viewpoints. If you want a longer hike, you could combine the Crater Rim Trail with the Riverside Trail or other trails in the Interpretive Forest. 

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 4.5km loop Elevation gain: 230m Time Needed: 2 hours Best Time to Go: May to October Trail Info: Whistler Interpretive Forest Map, Vancouver Trails How to get there: Turn off Highway 99 onto Cheakamus Lake Road. Less than 1km later, go left on a gravel road, then make your first right and follow the road across a bridge. Park at the Logger’s Lake trailhead on the side of the road about 2km after you left the pavement. If you don’t have a car, take bus route 10 or 20 to Cheakamus Lake Road, then walk the gravel road to the trailhead. You can also take a taxi.

Cheakamus Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Cheakamus Lake in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

This is one of the best easy hikes in Whistler. It heads through old-growth forest to the shores of Cheakamus Lake. The lake has beautiful turquoise blue water thanks to glacial runoff. You can take a shorter 7km round trip hike to the west end of the lake, or continue along the trail until it ends at Singing Creek, for a 14km round trip hike. While the water looks beautiful, it’s bitterly cold so swim at your own risk. 

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 7-14km round trip Elevation gain: 50m Time Needed: 2-4 hours Best Time to Go: May to November Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: Turn off Highway 99 onto Cheakamus Lake Road. Stay on the road for 7.5km, avoiding all branches, until it ends at a parking lot and trailhead. The road is bumpy, but fine for all for all vehicles. Some Whistler taxi companies will also drive you to the trailhead. 

Helm Pass

Heads up: Day passes are required at the Cheakamus Lake trailehad in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

This challenging trail starts from the same trailhead as Cheakamus Lake. It crosses a bridge over the Cheakamus River then ascends forested slopes into the heart of Garibaldi Provincial Park. After passing the Helm Creek campground, you’ll arrive at the surreal volcanic landscape of Helm Pass. The pass has several beautiful light blue alpine lakes as well as a fascinating flat plain covered in lava rocks called the Cinder Flats. If you have the energy to continue onwards, you can connect to the Panorama Ridge, Garibaldi Lake and Black Tusk trails from Helm Pass.

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: 25km round trip Elevation gain: 930m Time Needed: 8-9 hours Best Time to Go: July-September Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: Turn off Highway 99 onto Cheakamus Lake Road. Stay on the road for 7.5km, avoiding all branches, until it ends at a parking lot and trailhead. The road is bumpy, but fine for all for all vehicles. Some Whistler taxi companies will also drive you to the trailhead. 

Whistler Train Wreck

The Whistler Train Wreck trail is one of the most unique trails in Whistler. A train derailed in the area in the 1950s. Today, the cars still lay where they landed in the forest, covered in graffiti, and surrounded by mountain bike trails. It’s an easy and flat hike to the wreck, which includes a suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River. The Whistler Train Wreck Trail is also a great place to snowshoe in the winter. 

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 3km round trip Elevation gain: Minimal Time Needed: 1 hour  Best Time to Go: March to October Trail Info: My Whistler Train Wreck hiking guide. How to get there: From Whislter Village, go south on Highway 99, then turn left onto Cheakamus Lake Road, which becomes Legacy Way. Turn right off Legacy Way onto Jane Lake Road. The trailhead is on your right 500m later. You can also take bus route 10 or 20 to the stop on Legacy Way and walk Jane Lakes Road to the trailhead. Whistler taxis will also take you to the trailhead.

Hikes South of Whistler

Brandywine Falls

This short and easy hike heads to one of the Whistler area’s most spectacular waterfalls: Brandywine Falls. It plummets 70 meters down volcanic basalt cliffs into the canyon far below. You can get a great view of the falls from a viewing platform. If you want a longer hike, there are other trails in the park. Snowshoeing at Brandywine Falls is also great in the winter. 

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 1km round trip Elevation gain: none Time Needed: 30 minutes  Best Time to Go: March to October Trail Info: My Brandywine Falls trail guide How to get there: Head south on Highway 99 from Whistler Village for 17km, then turn left into the parking lot for Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. 

Garibaldi Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibadi Lake in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

The hike to Garibaldi Lake is a classic, and I think it’s one of the ten best hikes near Vancouver. The trail climbs up through the forest, passes a great viewpoint and several small lakes before arriving at Garibaldi Lake. This massive lake is glacially fed, giving the water an unreal blue tinge. From the picnic area and campground there are incredible views of the glaciers across the lake. 

Difficulty: Challenging Distance: 18km round trip Elevation gain: 820m Time Needed: 6-7 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99 for 25km. Turn left onto Daisy Lake Road and follow it to its end at the Rubble Creek parking lot and trailhead. 

Black Tusk

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Lake in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Black Tusk is the prominent black peak you can see from many places in the Whistler area. It’s actually hardened lava from an extinct volcano. You can hike to the base of the Tusk, but only experienced rock climbers should make the final sketchy scramble to the summit. To get there, follow the Garibaldi Lake Trail uphill from the Rubble Creek trailhead to a junction. Go left through the wildflowers of Taylor Meadow, then turn left again to begin the tough slog up the rocky trail to the Tusk.

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 29km round trip Elevation gain: 1740m Time Needed: 11-12 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99 for 25km. Turn left onto Daisy Lake Road and follow it to its end at the Rubble Creek parking lot and trailhead. 

Panorama Ridge

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Lake in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Panorama Ridge is one of my favourite hikes, and on my list for the best hikes in the Vancouver area. It’s a long day on the trails, but the views from the summit are truly incredible. You start on the forested Garibaldi Lake Trail, go left through Taylor Meadows, pass the turnoff to Black Tusk, and arrive at the volcanic landscape of Helm Pass. From there you ascend the slopes of Panorama Ridge. At the top, you get mind-blowing 360-degree views. Garibaldi Lake is in front of you, Black Tusk is behind you and snow-capped mountains are all around. 

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 30km round trip Elevation gain: 1520m Time Needed: 11-12 hours Best Time to Go: July to September Trail Info: Garibaldi Park How to get there: From Whistler Village, head south on Highway 99 for 25km. Turn left onto Daisy Lake Road and follow it to its end at the Rubble Creek parking lot and trailhead. 

Hikes North of Whistler

Ancient Cedars Trail

The short Ancient Cedars Trail travels to a grove of huge old-growth cedar trees at the north end of Whistler. These massive trees are part of a small parcel that wasn’t logged. Some of the trees are over 900 years old! The trail was upgraded with new signage in 2013 and now it is much easier to find than it used to be.

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 5km round trip Elevation gain: 175m Time Needed: 2 hours Best Time to Go: June to October Trail Info: Cougar Mountain Trail Map, Vancouver Trails How to get there: Go north on Highway 99 from Whistler Village. Just past Green Lake, turn left onto the gravel Cougar Mountain Road about 8.5km from the village. The road is rough so you will need an AWD or 4WD vehicle. The trailhead is 4.5km up the road from the highway, past the ziplines and ATV rentals.

Parkhurst Ghost Town

Abandoned in the 1960s, Parkhurst was a logging settlement on the shores of Green Lake. Old buildings, machinery, and artefacts litter the site today, making it one of the area’s most unusual hikes. You can make a loop hike through the town to check it out. There are tons of mountain bike trails in the area that can be confusing and aren’t well marked, so bring a GPS. Parkhurst is also a great place to snowshoe in the winter. 

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 5km loop Elevation gain: Minimal Time Needed: 2 hours Best Time to Go: May to October Trail Info: Read my guide to the Parkhurst Ghost Town trail How to get there: Head north from Whistler Village on Highway 99 for 11.5km. Turn right across the train tracks onto Wedge Forest Service Road and cross a bridge. On the other side, go right at the junction and park just past Whistler Paintball. You can also take a taxi to the trailhead. 

Wedgemount Lake

The hike to Wedgemount Lake is the steepest and most challenging hike in Whistler. Your legs will certainly feel the effort. At the top you’ll arrive at a beautiful blue lake, surrounded by mountains. Follow the trail to the far end of the lake, then uphill through the rocks for a few minutes to the toe of a glacier. A few decades ago, this glacier ended at the lakeshore – it’s sad to see how far it has retreated in such a short time!

Difficulty: Very Challenging Distance: 14km round trip Elevation gain: 1200m Time Needed: 8-9 hours Best Time to Go: July-September Trail Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park How to get there: Head north from Whistler Village on Highway 99 for 11.5km. Turn right across the train tracks onto Wedge Forest Service Road and cross a bridge. On the other side, go left at the junction and follow signs for another 2km to the trailhead. The gravel road is rough but passable for all types of vehicles. You can also take a taxi to the trailhead. 

Nairn Falls

This easy hike follows the banks of the Green River to 60m-tall Nairn Falls. It’s one of many great waterfall hikes in the area.  The falls crash down through smooth granite rocks, worn away by thousands of years of flowing water. Two different platforms give you great views of the falls. If you visit in winter, snowshoeing to Nairn Falls is fun too. 

Difficulty: Easy Distance: 3km round trip Elevation gain: None Time Needed: 1 hour  Best Time to Go: May to October Trail Info: Nairn Falls Provincial Park How to get there: From Whistler Village, head north on Highway 99 for 29km, then turn right into the park. 

Joffre Lakes

Heads up: Day passes are required Joffre Lakes in summer. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

The popular hike to Joffre Lakes isn’t in Whistler – it’s actually closer to the towns of Pemberton and Mount Currie. But since many people do it as a day trip from Whistler, I’ve included Joffre Lakes on this list. The hike travels to three beautiful turquoise lakes and passes by a waterfall. At the third lake, there are amazing views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The Joffre Lakes trail near Whistler can get incredibly busy, so try to go on a weekday.

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 10km round trip Elevation gain: 400m Time Needed: 4 hours Best Time to Go: June to September Trail Info: My Joffre Lakes hiking guide How to get there: Go north on Highway 99 from Whistler Village for 61km, then turn right into the parking lot. If the lot is full, there are overflow lots on the other side of the highway.

With over 20 trails to choose from, I’m sure you’ll find a Whistler hike on this list that you love. Do you have other Whistler hikes to recommend? Tell me in the comments. 

More Whistler Area Posts:

• 80+ Things to Do in Whistler (By a Local)
• Visiting Whistler, BC in Summer (By a Local)
• 40+ Cheap and Free Things To Do in Whistler
• 44 Best Things to Do in Whistler in Winter
• Camping in Whistler, BC: The Best Campgrounds
• Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

More Whistler Hiking Posts:

• Joffre Lakes Hike (By a Local)
• High Note Trail in Whistler
• Whistler Train Wreck Hike
• Blackcomb Hiking Trails in Whistler (By a Season’s Pass Holder)
• Rainbow Falls Loop Trail in Whistler
• Brandywine Falls Provincial Park Hiking Guide
• Hike to Parkhurst Ghost Town in Whistler
• The Best Hikes in Squamish, BC (From a Local)
• Sea to Sky Trail from Squamish to Pemberton

More Whistler Outdoor Adventures:

• How to Paddle the River of Golden Dreams in Whistler, BC
• Lost Lake in Whistler: Hiking, Swimming, Biking and More
• Where to Go Snowshoeing in Whistler
• Cheakamus River Snowshoe Trail in Whistler
• Lost Lake Snowshoe Trails in Whistler

The post The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support! -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Waterfall Safety

A quick note on safety before we start. As with any other hike, you’ll need to carry the 10 essentials and leave a trip plan. Read more about the things you should do before every hike. But it’s also worth noting that waterfall hikes tend to be more dangerous than other hikes since they usually involve steep drop offs and slippery surfaces. Rocks, logs and ice can crash down without warning, so be careful when exploring the bottom of waterfalls. Several of the hikes on this list have claimed lives or seriously injured hikers. It can be really tempting to jump over railings, clamber down cliff faces or walk across wet rocks trying to get a better view of the falls. But please don’t. Stay on the trail. Your life could depend on it.

North Shore Waterfalls

Cypress Falls in West Vancouver

This loop hike travels around the canyon of Cypress Creek in West Vancouver, passing several spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints over the steep canyon walls.

Stats: 3km loop, 130m elevation gain, 1.5 hours, easy/moderate

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Twin Falls in Lynn Canyon

Many people head to Lynn Canyon to see the suspension bridge. But if you head downstream you can check out Twin Falls as well as several smaller falls in the canyon. The hike to Twin Falls is one of the best easy hikes in Vancouver for beginners and tourists.

Stats: 1.5km loop, 65m elevation gain, 1 hour, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails; Park Map

Cleveland Dam in Capilano Canyon

Ok, so the spillway from Cleveland Dam is a man-made waterfall, not a natural one. But it’s still pretty spectacular. Be sure to take in the views from both the top of the dam and the bottom.

Stats: 2.6km loop, 100m elevation gain, 1 hour, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails; Park Map

Norvan Falls in Lynn Headwaters

The hike to Norvan Falls follows Lynn Creek upstream along a long-abandoned logging road. After a few hours, the trail turns uphill along Norvan Creek to the falls.

Stats: 14km return, 200m elevation gain, 5 hours, moderate

More Info: 105 Hikes; Vancouver Trails; Lynn Headwaters Regional Park Map

Kennedy Falls in Lynn Headwaters

You can hike to Kennedy Falls via a rugged trail on the less-travelled west bank of Lynn Creek. Along the way you’ll pass by a massive old cedar tree.

Stats: 10km return, 150m elevation gain, 5 hours, moderate

More Info: My trail guide to Kennedy Falls

Crystal Falls in Lions Bay

Did you know there’s a hidden little trail network in Lions Bay? The low elevation trails have great views of Howe Sound. The highlight is pretty Crystal Falls.

Stats: 4.5km loop, 175m elevation gain, 2 hours, easy/moderate

More Info: Vancouver Trails; Community Trail Map

Phi Alpha Falls and Hannover Falls on the Howe Sound Crest Trail

If you complete the challenging Howe Sound Crest Trail that runs from Cypress Mountain to Porteau Cove, you’ll be treated to two waterfalls along the way. Both falls are in the northern section of the trail. You can find Phi Alpha Falls on the descent from Deeks Lake towards Porteau Cove. Hannover Falls is located between Brunswick and Hannover Lakes.

Stats: 29km one way, 1-2 days, 610m elevation gain, very difficult

More Info: Outdoor Vancouver

READ NEXT: Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver

Coquitlam Waterfalls

Crystal Falls in Coquitlam

Note: The trail to this waterfall is currently closed since it crosses private property.

Yes, there are two waterfalls near Vancouver called Crystal Falls! The Crystal Falls in Coquitlam is located along the Coquitlam River and is an easy and flattish hike.

Stats: 7km return, no elevation gain, 2 hours, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Sawblade and Woodland Falls on Burke Mountain

The Woodland Walk trail on Burke Mountain heads to two waterfalls: Sawblade Falls and Woodland Falls.  Woodland Falls is nice, but Sawblade Falls is definitely more spectacular. (It’s worth noting that this trail actually makes my list of the worst hikes in Vancouver. The falls are nice, but in my opinion, the trail is not.)

Stats: 8km return, 180m elevation gain, 3 hours, easy/moderate

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Swan Falls at Buntzen Lake

If you’ve hiked around Buntzen Lake, you might have spotted a waterfall tumbling down from the mountains on the east side of the lake. That’s Swan Falls and you can hike there via the powerline trail.

Stats: 10km return, 200m elevation gain, 3.5 hours, easy/moderate

More Info: Vancouver Trails; Trail Map

Maple Ridge Waterfalls

Kanaka Creek Cliff Falls in Maple Ridge

The easy trails in Maple Ridge’s Cliff Park are perfect for families or days when you want a shorter walk. There are a few places to view the falls and canyon, plus a big picnic area for snack breaks.

Stats: 4km return, no elevation gain, 2 hours, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Gold Creek Falls in Golden Ears

Heads up: Day passes are required at Golden Ears Provincial Park in summer 2023. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Also known as Lower Falls, the hike to Gold Creek Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Golden Ears Provincial Park. The well-travelled trail ends up at two viewpoints: one at the bottom of the falls and one at the top. The top viewpoint can have lots of spray in the spring, so bring a rain jacket, even on a sunny day.

Stats: 5.5km return, no elevation gain, 2 hours, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails, Golden Ears Park Map

Widgeon Falls at Pitt Lake

This hike is a bit different than the others on the list: To get to the trailhead, you have to paddle a canoe! Widgeon Falls are thunderously powerful in the spring. In the summer they dry up a bit, exposing some cool rock pools you can cool off in.

Stats: 6km return, no elevation gain, 5 hours, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails

READ NEXT: The 10 Best Hikes in Vancouver – A Local’s Guide

Mission Waterfalls

Rolley Falls at Rolley Lake Provincial Park

Many visitors to Rolley Lake don’t realize that there are actually two waterfalls at the lake. The official park trail goes to the smaller, upper falls. But if you continue downhill on a fainter trail, you’ll discover an even taller falls.

Stats: 5km loop, no elevation gain, 2 hours, easy/moderate

More Info: My trail guide to Fraser Valley waterfalls; Rolley Lake Provincial Park Map

Steelhead Falls at Hayward Lake

The trail to Steelhead Falls branches off the much longer trail around Hayward Lake in Mission. You could spend a full day walking around Hayward Lake, but the trip to Steelhead Falls takes less than hour. You’ll descend down wooden steps to a viewing platform.

Stats: 2km return, 75m elevation gain, 45 min, easy

More Info: My trail guide to Fraser Valley waterfalls

Cascade Falls in Mission

This easy trail is a worthwhile destination since it has an epic suspension bridge in front of the falls. The hike itself is really short, but you’ll definitely want to spend a while taking photos. (And maybe also getting blasted by the mist!)

Stats: 0.75km return, 40m elevation gain, 30 min, easy

More Info: My trail guide to Fraser Valley waterfalls; Trail Map

Davis Lake Falls in Mission

The Davis Lake area around Mission is popular with 4-wheel drive people, which means many hikers might not have heard of it. There’s a great little waterfall near the lake outlet that makes a great place to cool off on a hot day.

Stats: ~2km return, 75m elevation gain, 45 min, moderate

More Info: There’s not a lot of info online about these falls. Pick up the Backroad Mapbook: Vancouver, Coast and Mountains for help finding them.

Statlu Falls and Brotherhood Falls in the Chehalis Valley

It’s a long drive on logging roads to reach this off-the-beaten-track trail, but there are two huge waterfalls to enjoy. Statlu Falls is the first one, just below the outlet for beautiful Statlu Lake. Partway along the lake you’ll find Brotherhood falls, cascading through a canyon. Stay well back from the edge when exploring Statlu Falls as it has claimed several lives.

Stats: 13km return, 350m elevation gain, 6-8 hours, difficult

More Info: Hikes Near Vancouver

Chilliwack Waterfalls

Bridal Veil Falls in Bridal Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most well known waterfalls near Vancouver. It’s located right next to highway 1 and is a short and easy walk. That makes it a great place to stop and stretch your legs on a road trip.

Stats: 800m loop, 50m elevation gain, 15 min, easy

More Info: My trail guide to Fraser Valley waterfalls

Pierce Creek Falls in the Chillwack River Valley

If you take on the steep and tough hike to Mount MacFarlane in the Fraser Valley, you’ll pass by two sets of waterfalls along the way. If you don’t want to push all the way to the peak, stop at Upper Pierce Lake.

Stats: 21km return, 1765m elevation gain, 10 hours, very difficult

More Info: Pick up a copy of 103 Hikes in Southwestern BC for the best directions.

Bosumarne Falls in the Chilliwack River Valley

This waterfall along Chilliwack Lake Road is a bit hidden, but if you find the trailhead, you’re in for a treat. There are two viewpoints, but the upper falls are more spectacular. Be sure to scramble up the steep and slippery trail to see them.

Stats: 2.5km return, 75m elevation gain, 1 hour, easy/moderate

More Info: Vancouver Trails

READ NEXT: 15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver

Hope and Manning Park Waterfalls

Flood Falls in Hope

These spectacular falls are over 300m tall as they tumble down the cliff towards the valley. The short hike to Flood Falls is just off highway 1 outside of Hope, so it makes a great stop-over.

Stats: 1km return, 40m elevation gain, 45 min, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Nepopekum Falls, Shadow Falls and Derek Falls in Manning Park

These three waterfalls are located along the Three Falls trail in Manning Park. Shadow Falls is a bit difficult to see from the trail, but 70m Nepopekum Falls is spectacular. The trail ends at Derek Falls, deep in a rocky canyon. It’s pretty in the summer, but it’s also gorgeous in the winter as a snowshoe hike.

Stats: 9km return, 3 hours, 180m elevation gain, moderate

More Info: Manning Provincial Park; Trail Map

Sunshine Coast Waterfalls

Langdale Falls in Gibsons

This 40-foot waterfall is nestled deep in a moss and fern-covered canyon. It’s an easy hike to get there, and it’s one of the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast. There are two trails to get there: a shorter one that requires a car and a longer one that you can hike as a walk-on passenger from the ferry.

Stats: 3-8km return, 150-280m elevation gain, 1-3 hours, easy

More Info: My trail guide to Langdale Falls

Clack Creek Waterfalls, Roberts Creek

Clack Creek runs through Cliff Gilker Park in Roberts Creek. There are two waterfalls along the creek, along with numerous pretty cascades. Trails run on both sides of the creek, so you can see the falls from several vantage points. This one is also on my list of the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast.

Stats: 3km loop, 50m elevatin gain, 1 hour, easy

More Info: My trail guide to Cliff Gilker Park

Squamish Waterfalls

Shannon Falls in Squamish

At 335m tall, Shannon Falls is the 3rd highest waterfall in BC and one of the most well known waterfalls near Vancouver. It’s a really short walk to view the falls, so its a popular stop on the drive between Vancouver and Whistler.

Stats: 1km loop, 50m elevation gain, 30 minutes, easy

More Info: Shannon Falls Provincial Park

Shannon Falls is one of the best stops between Vancouver and Whistler. Read my complete guide to driving the Sea to Sky Highway for more info on this gorgeous road trip.

Upper Shannon Falls on the Sea to Summit Trail

There’s more to Shannon Falls than what you can see from near the parking lot. High up the slope you’ll find Upper Shannon Falls. This waterfall is located along the Sea to Summit Trail that heads up to the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola.

Stats: 8km return, 850m elevation gain, 4 hours, moderate

More Info: 105 Hikes; Sea to Sky Gondola

Neverland Falls at the Sea to Sky Gondola

The trail network above the Sea to Sky Gondola has some real gems, but my favourite is Al’s Habrich Trail. You’ll find the Neverland Loop branching off from that trail, which leads to gorgeous Neverland Falls.

Stats: 10km return, 500m elevation gain, 6 hours, moderate/difficult

More Info: Outdoor Vancouver; Sea to Sky Gondola

Monmouth Falls in Squamish

These falls along Monmouth Creek are sometimes called Echo Falls since the creek flows out of Echo Lake. This hike is right next to downtown Squamish, but since its across the Squamish River, you’ll need to boat across to get to the trailhead. The trail climbs VERY steeply next to the creek to Echo Lake. Along the way, you’ll get spectacular views of strange rock formations and waterfalls.

Stats: 7km return, 950m elevation gain, 5 hours, difficult

More Info: Squamish Hiking

Crooked Falls in the Squamish River Valley

This unique waterfall consists of two tiers offset from each other. That’s why it’s “crooked”. Try to visit in the spring at the height of the snowmelt to see the falls at full flow.

Stats: 7km return, 400m elevation gain, 3 hours, moderate

More Info: My trail guide to Crooked Falls

High Falls in the Squamish River Valley

This steep trail climbs along the side of a steep gorge with views to High Falls below. Be careful near the edge as people have slipped and died here. On the way back you get great views of the Squamish River Valley

Stats: 12km loop, 650m elevation gain, 5 hours, moderate

More Info: My High Falls Creek trail guide

READ NEXT: Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver: 100+ Year-round Trails

Whistler Waterfalls

Brandywine Falls on the Sea to Sky Highway

This 70 meter tall waterfall is one of BC’s most popular falls and one of the best hikes in Whistler. It’s an easy and flat walk from a parking lot next to the Sea to Sky Highway, so it’s a popular stop for tourists and roadtrippers. In the winter, you can snowshoe the trail.

Stats: 1km return, no elevation gain, 30 min, easy

More Info: My Brandywine Falls trail guide

Alexander Falls at Whistler Olympic Park

This gorgeous waterfalls requires next to no walking. You can pretty much see it from the parking lot. But it’s definitely worth getting out of the car and heading over to the viewing platform for a better look. In the winter, you can snowshoe to the base of Alexander Falls and see it covered in ice.

Stats: 0km, no elevation gain, 10 min, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Rainbow Falls in Whistler

Pretty little Rainbow Falls is located along the trail to Rainbow Lake in Whistler. It’s one of Whistler’s best easy hikes. You can just make the short trip to the falls if a full day outing to the lake is not your thing. It also makes a good winter snowshoe destination.

Stats: 2.3 km return, 130m elevation gain, 1-1.5 hours, easy

More Info: My Rainbow Falls Loop Trail guide

Pemberton Waterfalls

Nairn Falls in Pemberton

These short falls tumble through a granite gorge, carving out interesting curves in the rocks. There are two viewing platforms so you can see the falls from a few different angles. Nairn Falls is one of Whistler’s best hikes and also makes a great winter snowshoe hike.

Stats: 3km return, no elevation gain, 1.5 hours, easy

More Info: Vancouver Trails

Cool Creek Canyon Falls in Mount Currie

This off-the-beaten-track hike climbs up one side of Cool Creek canyon, then down the other. Along the way you’ll pass by rushing white water and several waterfalls.

Stats: 2km loop, 320m elevation gain, 2 hours, moderate

More Info: 105 Hikes

Bridal Veil Cascade on the Place Glacier Trail in Birken

This remote trail climbs very steeply up to the Place Glacier. The trail follows Place Creek which tumbles downhill, forming Bridal Veil Cascade in a deep chasm.

Stats: 12km return, 1335m elevation gain, 10 hours, very difficult

More Info: Pick up a copy of 103 Hikes in Southwestern BC for the best directions.

Holloway Falls at Joffre Lakes

Heads up: Day passes are required at Joffre Lakes in summer 2023. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

The trail to Joffre Lakes was re-routed a few years ago. The old trail between the 2nd and 3rd lakes was nothing too special. But the new trail passes by beautiful Holloway Falls that cascades downhill on a set of rock steps.

Stats: 10km return, 370m elevation gain, 4 hours, moderate

More Info: My Joffre Lakes hiking guide

How many of these waterfalls near Vancouver have you hiked to? Which was your favourite? Tell me in the comments.

MORE VANCOUVER HIKES:

• The Best Vancouver Hiking Books
• 35 Vancouver Hikes You Can Get to on Transit
• Most Instagrammed Hikes in Vancouver (Updated for 2020)
• The 10 Best Hikes in Vancouver
• The Worst Hikes in Vancouver (And Where to Hike Instead)
• 15 Unusual Hikes Near Vancouver
• 100+ Snow-Free Hikes in Vancouver: Trails You Can Hike Year Round
• The Best Hikes in Whistler: A Guide to All the Trails

The post 40+ Waterfall Hikes Near Vancouver appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.