Recommended Whistler Hiking Trails for all Levels
Whistler Blackcomb’s newly completed Peak to Peak Gondola has made both mountains more accessible to travelers during the winter and summer season. Summertime hikers can now enjoy speedy, more convenient access to their favourite trails. If you’re new to hiking the Whistler area, read on to learn about some of the more popular trails in the area and which ones are suited to your hiking ability.
Cheakamus Lake – Easy
The Cheakamus Lake trail is 16 kilometres long and is located between Squamish and Whistler Village in Garibaldi Park. As this trail is relatively flat, most hikers find the terrain quite manageable but be warned that it may take up to 5 hours to complete. As the name implies this trail circles much of Cheakamus Lake giving hikers countless opportunities to catch a glimpse of the beautiful scenery. Hikers should note, there are two campgrounds along the trail. Both campgrounds offer easy access to the lake and provide a sense of seclusion as there is no direct vehicle access to the campsites.
Overlord Trail – Intermediate
After riding the new Peak to Peak Gondola, hikers arriving atop Blackcomb Mountain will have access to the Overlord trail. This trail takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete and serves as a transfer point to many of the other Blackcomb trials. The Overlord trail is 7.4 kilometres in length and is recommended for intermediate hikers.
Ridge Lookout Trail – Intermediate
Although this trail comes in the shortest on our list, the reward at the end makes this trail more than worthy of recommendation. Hikers will be treated to stunning cross mountain views at the end of this 0.8 kilometre trail. To make this trail even better, it is accessible from the newly opened Peak to Peak Gondola. This trail starts off just above Whistler’s Roundhouse Lodge at the helipad and finishes at the Ridge Lookout.
Black Tusk – Difficult
The Black Tusk is the hardest trail on our list as hikers must climb up an elevation of 1740 meters. Black Tusk is doable in a day; just make sure you start out early enough and allocate enough time to return to ground zero before nightfall. This trail is 29 kilometres in length and is located inside Garibaldi Park. Prospective hikers should note, B.C. parks do not maintain the final parts of Black Tusk. As a result, hikers are not recommended to pass the border signs. This trial should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
Devon O? Malley is a staff writer for alluraDirect, a website featuring Whistler accommodations close to the trails & gondola. Research, review, & instantly book vacation rentals direct from the owner, through a trusted and secure website that offers credit card payment options.
