How to Visit: Whistler and Squamish
How to Visit: Whistler and Squamish
Ani Danelz | National Park Guide
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This budget-friendly guide will walk you through Whistler and Squamish in British Columbia, Canada.
Total trip time: 4-7 days
Nearest major city: Vancouver
Updated ago
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Whistler
Whistler
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Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, is a world-renowned resort town located approximately 121 kilometers (75 miles) north of Vancouver.
Whistler is internationally recognized as a premier destination for winter sports, particularly skiing and snowboarding. But beyond winter sports, Whistler is a year-round destination with a plethora of outdoor activities. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, golfing, zip-lining, and more.
The surrounding landscape is characterized by stunning mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and lush forests. The natural beauty of the area contributes to its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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Trails
Easy/Moderate
Train Wreck
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Whistler Train Wreck: 1.6 miles (easy)
This is a well-marked, easy, and interesting trail just off the Sea to Sky Highway and approximately 10-15 minutes from Whistler Village. The suspension bridge, river, and trains are all very pretty and worth seeing. Kids especially love this place.
This trail is extremely crowded, so expect to share the trail.
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Lost Lake
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Lost Lake: 2.5 miles (easy)
Lost Lake (which is not so lost anymore) is an excellent route for hiking, bird watching, running, and biking.
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Cheakamus Lake
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Cheakamus Lake Trail: 4.8 miles (moderate)
The forest-covered trail features moderate changes in elevation. It follows the Cheakamus River up to the lake and the first campground (would be an awesome place to camp!).
Once the trail reaches the lake’s clearing, several access points lead to the shore. These are great spots to picnic or enjoy views of Cheakamus Lake, the ridges, and glimpses of glaciers behind them.
The dirt road to the trailhead is pretty gnarly, so take it slow.
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Crater Rim and Logger’s Lake Loop Trailhead
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Crater Rim and Farside Loop Trail: 5.4 miles (moderate)
The Crater Rim and Farside Loop Trail are located in the Whistler Interpretive Forest, just outside the Whistler Olympic Village. The trail loops around Loggers Lake, a beautiful body of water situated right inside a 10,000-year-old extinct volcanic crater.
For the best experience, recommend going counter clockwise.
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Hard
Wedgemount Lake
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Wedgemount Lake and Tupper Lake: 7.4 miles (hard)
The Wedgemount Lake Trail is absolutely stunning. There are some steep sections, but also a lot of flat parts. In most of the steep areas, there are plenty of roots and rocks to act as steps. The scramble is also fun for folks who enjoy a good mountain scramble. Most of the trail is under forest-cover, so it is easier stay cool for the most part if attempting in summer.
There are plenty of snow-capped mountains behind when finishing the scramble right before seeing the majestic Wedgemount Lake. The lake is beautiful on a sunny day and it’s large enough that it can be enjoyed even when there are a lot of people.
I recommend that you visit either early or later in the day to avoid crowds, due to how relentlessly steep and difficult the trail can be. The last 45 minutes to the top can get slippery as the trail gets much steeper and the terrain is quite loose.
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Iceberg Lake
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19 Mile Creek Trail - Iceberg Lake: 8.8 miles (hard)
This route is a gradual climb up to Iceberg Lake with stunning views. The start of the trail is steep, then levels out as you walk through the forest, which eventually opens up to an alpine meadow. To reach Iceberg Lake, you have a steep scramble over loose rocks.
There is street parking available near the trailhead, but it is limited. Be careful where you park, a lot of side streets will fine.
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Things to Do
Whistler Farmers' Market
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The Whistler Farmers’ Market is a registered non-profit society dedicated to the promotion of regionally produced foods, crafts and services.
The market today hosts an average of 60 vendors per market, and 100 vendors throughout the season.
The market showcases a wide variety of products including fruit, produce, meat, seafood and honey, as well as hot and artisan foods, cold drinks, liquor and a wide range of artistic creators.
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Check out the Whistler tourism website for upcoming festivals/events
Places to Stay
Hotel Options
Luxury
Fairmont Château Whistler
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Offering hot tubs, saunas, and Eucalyptus steam rooms, this luxury hotel offers convenient ski-in/ski-out access at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. A flat-screen TV is featured in all rooms. Free WiFi is available.
A seating area and a work desk are offered in all rooms at this hotel. Tea and coffee-making facilities are included. Mountain or village views can be enjoyed.
Guests of Fairmont Chateau Whistler can choose from casual fare to fine dining in the hotel's various restaurants. After dinner, guests can enjoy live entertainment and a classic cocktail in the Mallard Lounge and Terrace.
A heated lap pool with underwater music is on site. After working out at the health club or enjoying a game of tennis, guests can enjoy a massage at Vida Spa. Scheduled yoga and aqua fit classes are offered. Year-round village shuttles are available.
Whistler Village is just 1969 ft away. Enjoy summer swimming at Lost Lake, 4 minutes’ drive away from Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
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Nita Lake Lodge
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Boasting an on-site spa, this lakeside Whistler hotel is just 1640 ft from Whistler Mountain and Creekside Gondola. A gas fireplace is featured in all units. A free shuttle service to Whistler Village is provided.
A 2 person soaker bath tub and a rain shower feature in every unit at Nita Lake Lodge. Free WiFi and a flat-screen satellite TV are provided. Nita Lake or mountain views can be enjoyed. Studios include a kitchenette.
Featuring West Coast cuisine, The Den and Cure Lounge offer fresh menu items. Ingredients are sourced daily from local farms, foragers, fisheries, and Nita Lake Lodge’s own rooftop garden. Home-made pastries, sandwiches and ice cream are offered at Fix Café. Packed lunches are also available.
Personal training is available at Nita Lake Lodge. An outdoor heated pool and a hot tub are featured on site. Free kayak, bike, paddleboard and canoe rental are offered during the summer season. Heated underground parking is provided at extra cost.
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Comfort
Blackcomb Springs Suites - True Ski-in, Ski-out Resort
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Located in Whistler, 5 mi from Alpha Lake Park, Blackcomb Springs Suites by CLIQUE features accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness center and ski-to-door access. 18 mi from Whistler Olympic Park and 1.7 mi from Whistler Mountain, the property offers a ski storage space. The accommodations provides a hot tub, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi.
The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area, a HD TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, a shower and free toiletries. All rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle.
The area is popular for skiing, and ski equipment hire is available at the accommodations.
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Budget
The Listel Hotel Whistler
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Featuring a shared indoor hot tub, this Whistler hotel is 2 minutes' walk to shopping and dining in the Village. Free WiFi is included. Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola is 7 minutes' walk away.
A flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and coffee maker is also provided in the rooms at The Listel Hotel Whistler. Select rooms offer air-conditioning.
Guests can have dinner at the Bearfoot Bistro Restaurant or a drink at the Champagne Lounge.
The Whistler Listel Hotel offers a business center and meeting rooms. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available.
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Campgrounds
Whistler RV Park and Campgrounds
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Whistler RV Park offers full hook ups for all our back-in and pull-through RV sites, including sewer, water, and electricity. These sites have ample room for all your pullouts and will fit any sized RV. All sites are also equipped with a picnic table and fire-pit.
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Backcountry
Garibaldi Park
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Total backcountry sites: 236
Reservations are required for all overnight stays year-round.
Backcountry camping is allowed in the following areas:
Diamond Head
Elfin Lakes, Rampart Ponds, Red Heather (winter camping only)
Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake
Garibaldi Lake, Taylor Meadows
Cheakamus Lake
Cheakamus Lake, Singing Creek, Helm Creek
Singing Pass
Russet Lake
Wedgemount Lake
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Squamish
Squamish
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Squamish is a charming town situated at the northern end of Howe Sound, between the city of Vancouver and the resort town of Whistler. Nestled against the Coast Mountain range, Squamish is known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a vibrant community.
Squamish is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding mountains offer hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. The famous rock-climbing area, the Stawamus Chief, attracts climbers from around the world.
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Trails
Easy/Moderate
Shannon Falls
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Shannon Falls is a super quick walk on a well-maintained trail with two astounding viewpoints.
This route is perfect for a quick scenic stop on the way to Squamish or Whistler.
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Hard
Stawamus Chief
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Stawamus Chief First Peak: 2.3 miles (hard)
First and Second Peak: 3.1 miles (hard)
Stawamus Chief is one of the most prominent features of Squamish. It is a massive granite monolith that is popular for rock climbing and hiking. The Chief provides breathtaking views of the town, Howe Sound, and the surrounding mountains.
All I have to say is, STAIRS.
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Sea to Summit Trail
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Sea to Summit Trail: 6.9 miles (hard)
via Upper Shannon Falls Trail: 11.0 miles (hard)
Challenging, but fun hike that offers rewarding views at the summit.
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Things to Do
Sea-to-Sky Highway
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Squamish is located along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal mountains, and forests. The drive from Vancouver to Squamish and onward to Whistler is renowned for its beauty.
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Squamish Farmers' Market
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Over the years, this market has grown from just a handful of vendors to a venue that supports up to 60 vendors per market, with over 100 different vendors throughout the year.
You will find local musicians, kids crafts, bountiful produce, and community tables from the beginning of February to December.
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Alice Lake Provincial Park
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Great park for families to go for a stroll, rent a kayak, or have a picnic. Campsites also available.
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Places to Stay
Hotel Options
Luxury
Executive Suites Hotel & Resort, Squamish
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This all-suite hotel in Squamish, British Columbia offers access to an indoor and outdoor pool as well as a gym. Spacious studio and one-bedroom suites include full kitchens. Sea to Sky Gondola is 5.6 mi away, while Stawamus Chief is 5 mi away.
Executive Suites Hotel and Resort provides studios and suites with spacious closets and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. The kitchens provide a dishwasher, stove and oven along with a refrigerator and a microwave.
Guests can use the hot tub.
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Comfort
Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish
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This pet-friendly hotel is located off the Sea & Sky Highway and is 2 miles from downtown Squamish. The hotel offers a gym and rooms with a flat-screen TV.
Sandman Hotel and Suites Squamish rooms include a microwave and refrigerator, for late night snacks or light meals. The rooms also have a work desk and free Wi-Fi.
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Budget
August Jack Motor Inn
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This Squamish, British Columbia hotel is just 2.2 mi from Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. It features rooms with free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, and a sofa.
The warmly decorated guest rooms at August Jack Motor Inn also boast a dining area, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
August Jack Motor Inn has a 24-hour front desk, as well as coin laundry facilities. The hotel is completely nonsmoking.
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Squamish Adventure Inn & Hostel
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The Squamish Adventure Inn hostel places guests only moments away from Squamish’s activities, adventure, and excitement. It is located directly off the Sea-to-Sky Highway, only 8 minutes walk away from the shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars of Squamish city center.
Select private rooms offer private bathrooms, satellite TVs, and have private entrances. There are also basic private rooms and dorms with shared bathrooms. Guests can make use of available laundry facilities.
The property features a shared self-catered kitchen, indoor lounges, and outdoor patios that boast mountain and water views. A surrounding garden and patios offer ample space to relax outdoors. Free on-site parking is available. A daily shuttle service offers access to nearby attractions in the summer and to Whistler in the winter.
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Campgrounds
Paradise Valley Campground
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sites: 94 (unserviced and serviced sites available)
There are potable water sources and clean washrooms with pay showers. Each site has its own fire pit and there are bear proof cans which are emptied several times per day to avoid bear problems. There is no wifi but there is a shop on-site where you can pick up basic supplies, firewood, and ice cream.
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Mamquam River Campground
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This quiet, natural, budget campground was built by a non-profit association to provide an affordable option, the closest thing to free camping in Squamish. Open all year-round, it boasts a fantastic location close to the Mamquam River. It is quite basic but offers a backcountry experience despite being very close to downtown Squamish.
Some of the walk-in tent sites have picnic tables and firepits and all sites have access to outhouses, garbage bins and bear caches. There is no potable water but you can purchase firewood on-site.
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Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
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Home to the most famous hike in the Squamish area, Stawamus Chief Provincial Park also offers camping (47 walk-in sites, 15 sites with car access).
Set in gorgeous old-growth forest right at the base of the Chief, these relatively small sites are all first come, first served via a self-pay booth at the entrance. However, the campground is not suitable for large RVs and there are no fires allowed in the park.
This campground is very popular, so grab a site early.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ani Danelz | National Park Guide
Available for hire
Welcome to my (and hopefully our) adventures! I have lived all over the United States, and I have a passion for the outdoors and budget-travel. My style of travel is easy-going, yet filled with adventure and excitement. I focus on connecting with people and community, as well as immersing myself in the outdoors as much as possible. Finding a balance between these two have led to some amazing memories, and I cannot wait to share them with you.
Most recently, I lived in my car for over seven months, while I visited every National Park in the lower 48. I hiked, camped, met amazing people, and hiked some more. I got to experience the parks like a local, because I had no timetable, no flights to catch, no rental car to return, etc. Some parks I stayed only for a few hours, and others for over a week. I chatted with park rangers, stayed with people that lived nearby, and camped with others at some amazing campsites. The travel guides I share give you an "insider" look at the national park, with tips for the best hikes, tricks for finding campsites (but I always include hotel options too), as well as information about the various aspects of the parks. I hope that you will use these guides as tools to fuel your next national park adventure!
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