The nearest hiking location may be only steps away from your Whistler condo rental. There are a variety of Whistler hiking options which depend upon the weather. Whistler hiking opens in mid-May or early June, but hikes in the higher elevations do not open until later in the summer.
Consult trail maps for information about the hike's elevation gain and level of difficulty. Those unaccustomed to the higher elevations may find themselves short of breath, even during an easy or beginner's hike.
Lake Hikes
Visitors looking for less altitude and seasonally less fog may find the area's lakes appealing. The lakes might even be close to your Whistler condo.
Lost Lake, just outside of the Upper Village, has a three-mile, circular trail without a lot of elevation gain. Other trails also connect to the lake. Cheakamus Lake, in Garibaldi Provincial Park, has a nearly four-mile trail and is popular among families.
Blackcomb Hikes
Hiking trails on Blackcomb Mountain are reached from the Rendezvous Lounge or Peak 2 Peak Gondola areas. Hikes include the only "easy" option, the Alpine Trail, a mile-long (roundtrip) and relatively flat trail overlooking Fitzsimmons Valley. Continuing up the mountain is the Overlord Trail, which is 2.27 miles one way and overlooks the Overlord Glacier. Although still relatively flat, it crosses into Garibaldi Provincial Park and connects with several other hiking trails.
The Marmot Trail is a steep hike down the mountain and less than a mile each way. It is accessed from the Overlord Trail and returns to the Rendezvous Lodge. Another option from the Overlord Trail is the Lakeside Loop. It is less than a mile one way and overlooks Blackcomb Lake.
The Decker Loop continues from the Overlord Trail and is recommended only for advanced hikers.
Whistler Hikes
Hikes up Whistler Mountain exist south and north of the gondola areas. There are more trails with more range of difficulty.
Easier hikes include the Paleface Trail, a half-hour hike each way which highlights alpine trees and plants. There are sitting areas along the way, making it a good beginner or family hike. Continue up the Peak Chair Traverse, a ten-minute walk to the Peak chairlift, which will take you to the Whistler Peak and to the Peak Interpretive Walk, a one-hour loop with minimal elevation gain.
While at the Peak, those feeling adventurous may try the Half Note Trail, a one-hour trail each way into the Garibaldi Provincial Park. Views include glaciers and Cheakamus Lake. This connects with the High Note Trail in what can eventually be a large and very challenging loop back to the Peak chairlift.
Back near the Whistler and Peak 2 Peak gondola areas are several other routes. These include two hikes of moderate difficulty, Ridge Lookout and Harmony Lake Loop. Ridge Lookout is a steep, half-hour, one-way hike which provides excellent views, while Harmony Lake is a 90-minute forested loop to Harmony Lake and back to Roundhouse Lodge.
Several other, more advanced, hikes continue from Harmony Lake and proceed to Symphony Lake and, ultimately, Flute Summit.
A rental condo will undoubtedly be near one or more of these Whistler hiking areas. Be sure to check the property descriptions on Vamoose for their locations.