With the changing seasons, one of the best things to do in Whistler – and it’s free – during the autumn season is to enjoy an outdoor hiking trail in the Whistler region. The autumn colors in Whistler give the resort a new look that most travelers miss during the peak seasons of winter and summer travel. With 75% of British Columbia being surrounded by mountains, the 50km’s of hiking trails on Whistler Blackcomb present a new way to explore the dips and valleys behind the resorts famous ski hills.
While the Whistler Bike Park may be closed now, some of the prestigious trails are not. Not only does Whistler Blackcomb have great trails, but the Whistler and Squamish region are known for some of the best trails and views in North America giving photographers the ultimate backcountry photos of B.C’s West Coast.
9 Hiking Trails in Whistler, BC…
Whistler Summit Interpretive Walk.
- Skill: Green
- Length: 1.6km (60 Minute Loop)
- Elevation Change: 30m
Looping twice around a single track trail at the apex of the Peak Express allows hikers to wind themselves around the summit of Whistler Mountain. Hikers are privileged to enjoy incredible views of the Whistler Valley and glacier.
A particular point of interest for travelers is the inukshuk at the lookout point near Peak Express and the iconic views of Black Tusk and Garibaldi Provincial Park.
Peak Express Traverse.
- Skill: Green
- Length: 0.6km (10 Minutes Each Way)
- Elevation Change: 55m
A short 10 minute hike along a wide two-way access path from the Whistler’s Peak-to-Peak to Peak Express.
Harmony Lake Trail & Loop.
- Skill: Blue
- Length: 2.5km (60-90 Minutes Loop)
- Elevation Change: 130m
Starting at the Peak-to-Peak gondola and meandering through the alpine forests, this trail gives hikers a view or inside look into one of the two snowmaking reservoirs on Whistler Mountain.
Harmony Meadows.
- Skill: Black Diamond
- Length: 1.1km (30-60 Minutes Each Way)
- Elevation Change: 80m
First of several longer hikes, Harmony Meadows connects hikers with the High Note Trail and Harmony Lake Trail to provide spectacular views of the Fitzsimmons Valley and Harmony Lake. It is a rather steep descent into the Roundhouse Lodge next to the Whistler Village Gondola.
High Note Trail.
- Skill: Black Diamond
- Length: 9.4km (3-4 Hour Loop)
- Elevation Change: 258m
For those wanting to enjoy a day hike over the Whistler Blackcomb ranges, the High Note Trail provides amazing views of Black Tusk and Cheakamus Lake. Hikers tackle a descent that changes from rugged terrain to rolling hills as you pivot at the trail junction and loop away from Flute Summit and Singing Pass. Starting at the Peak Express chairlift, hikers will finish at the Whistler’s Peak-to-Peak (next to the Roundhouse Lodge) after connecting with the Harmony Trail and Loop path. Over the three to four hour hike, you will climb as much as 258m (902ft).
Half Note Trail.
- Skill: Black Diamond
- Length: 1.2km (30-60 Minutes Each Way)
- Elevation Change: 220m
A short hike on this trail will provide a steep incline of 220m in just over one kilometer breaking away from High Note Trail and connecting hikers with Pika’s Traverse.
Pika’s Traverse Road.
- Skill: Black Diamond
- Length: 2.3km (1.5-2.0 Hours One Way)
- Elevation Change: 270m
Tackling some steep sections, this mountain road path connects hikers to Harmony Hut where you can refuel with snacks and cold drinks.
Burnt Stew Road.
- Skill: Black Diamond
- Length: 1.7km (40 Minutes)
- Elevation Change: 130m
As alternative road path, hikers can access this trail at The Saddle as a go between the Peak-to-Peak and High Note Trail.
Matthew’s Traverse Road.
- Skill: Black Diamond
- Length: 0.9km (45 Minutes Each Way)
- Elevation Change: 80m
The last of the three alternate mountain road paths, the Traverse Road provides scenic views from the Whistler Mountain summit to the Harmony Hut. Make sure you have your camera ready and available!
6 Hiking Trails on Blackcomb Mountain…
Alpine Walk.
- Skill: Green
- Length: 1.6km (60 Minute Loop)
- Elevation Change: 65m
This narrow but scenic path provides amazing views of the Fitzsimmons Valley, along with crafted storyboards to inform hikers more about the area. Local residents in Whistler rank this particular hiking trail as their favourite.
Overlord Trail.
- Skill: Blue
- Length: 3.7km (60-90 Minutes Each Way)
- Elevation Change: 62m
A popular hike amongst most hikers in Whistler because it connects to other Blackcomb trails, Overload Trail stretches into Garibaldi Provincial Park meandering through a variety of wildflowers. With a minimal elevation climb, hikers can enjoy beautiful views of Overload Glacier, several other alpine lakes and glacier runoffs.
Tree Line Trail.
- Skill: Blue / Black Diamond
- Length: 1.1km (15-30 Minutes Each Way)
- Elevation Change: 235m
An extension of the Overload Trail, this particular path allows hikers to enjoy a variety of wildlife while leading you down to the bottom of the 7th Heaven Express chair lift. Here, hikers can catch a free shuttle bus back into the Rendezvous Lodge.
Marmot Trail.
- Skill: Blue / Black Diamond
- Length: 1.1km (30-60 Minutes Each Way)
- Elevation Change: 174m
Looking for a more difficult uphill incline? The Marmot trail takes hikers on a thigh burning adventure up 174m into the high alpine. Hikers can take the Overload Trail halfway before connecting with the Marmot Trail and returning to the Rendezvous Lodge via 7th Heaven Road.
Lakeside Loop.
- Skill: Blue
- Length: 1.3km (30-60 Minutes Each Way)
- Elevation Change: 62m
A short looping hike that locals recommend to walk clockwise takes hikers into a dense rich area of alpine wildflowers. Local’s love hiking this route for its view of Blackcomb Lake located below the peak of Blackcomb. To descend, hikers can complete the looping trail by going back down Overlord Trail.
Decker Loop.
- Skill: Black Diamond
- Length: 1.8km (45-75 Minutes Each Way)
- Elevation Change: 134m
Do you consider yourself a more experienced hiker? This 45 to 75 minute hike extends into Garibaldi Provincial Park providing spectacular views of glacier mountain peaks hundreds of years old, plus a perfect view of Overlord Glacier. Locals, who are either advanced or expert hikers, highly recommend this hike to those travelers at an equal skill or fitness level.
Have a Secret Trail You Love?
Whistler-Blackcomb’s diverse and ranging hiking network of trails gives hikers of all ages a chance to embrace the local lifestyle that many relish around British Columbia. What are your favorite hikes in Whistler?