Best Whistler BC Lakes.

There are such a lot of lovely lakes in Whistler to discover. From ones you need to hike to love Wedgemount and Garibaldi Lake to these lakes which are within the village boundaries the place you’ll be able to go swimming, paddleboarding or kayaking.

Understanding the place to seek out these lakes in Whistler although, will be difficult. You may need seen footage of the very best lakes Whistler has to supply on-line however not know precisely the place they’re, learn how to get to them or what they’re finest for.

Like belief me, you’re not going to wish to schlep a paddleboard up the steep trails to Wedgemount Lake, however Alta Lake? Certain, that’s good for it!

Under, I’ve shared all of my favorite lakes in Whistler together with each somewhat north and south of this widespread BC mountain city.

So, whether or not you’re searching for someplace to chill down when the solar is shining, wish to discover the surroundings from a brand new perspective on the water, or are searching for a hike with wonderful lake views, make sure to try this information to the very best lakes in Whistler

And, in order for you extra I’ve bought a fair greater information to the finest lakes in Vancouver BC and close by too.

The most effective Whistler Lakes

Map of the very best Whistler lakes

Click on on the picture under to entry an interactive Whistler lakes map so you will get your bearings as to the place these lovely lakes close to Whistler are.

Alta Lake Whistler BC

Alta Lake in Whistler Village is among the finest lakes within the city and the primary one I visited within the village.

It’s an awesome lake to spend a day stress-free at since there are a number of parks and among the best Whistler seashores areas round it in addition to amenities together with bogs, docks and showers.

Whistler’s Alat Lake stretches from the Creekside neighbourhood within the south to Whistler Village and has completely lovely mountain views. Alta Lake can also be the start line for the River of Golden Desires float which is a must-do exercise in Whistler.

Top-of-the-line parks for hanging out by Alta Lake in Whistler is Lakeside Park. Simply off Lakeside Street, this park has an awesome seashore space with a sandy seashore, swimming docks and rafts, a youngsters’s play space, picnic tables, barbecue stands and a concession stand providing meals and drinks throughout the summer time.

There are additionally some grassy areas, washrooms, and an out of doors bathe.

Rainbow Park is on the western facet of Whistler Valley so that you’ll be wanting in the direction of Whistler Blackcomb. This park has fairly a little bit of area in addition to a sandy seashore, picnic desk and seashore volleyball courts. There’s additionally an off-leash canine space right here generally known as Barking Bay the place canine can also run free and splash within the lake.

Word: Rainbow Park is closed till June 2024.

Wayside Park is another choice for having fun with Alta Lake. Right here you’ll discover a concession stand and a dock the place you’ll be able to launch boats (topic to a pace restrict of 12 kph) and kayaks, canoes and paddleboards and even hire one. It’s from right here that we rented a kayak throughout our first journey to Whistler again in 2017!

How one can get to Alta Lake Whistler:

Alta Lake parking is restricted in any respect areas. Stroll or bike or take the Whistler shuttle buses to get there.

• Lakeside Park: Take the #10, #20, or #25 BC Transit bus south to the Alta Vista cease and stroll roughly 5 minutes to the lake.
• Rainbow Park: Stroll or bike the valley path, there’s solely a drop-off zone at Rainbow Park.
• Wayside Park: Take the #20 or #21 BC Transit bus south to the Nordic Drive cease after which stroll over the overpass to the Valley Path south.

Alpha Lake

Alpha Lake is on the southern finish of the valley in Creekside Whistler and is among the prettiest lakes in Whistler.

You may get to Alpha Lake Park by utilizing the Valley Path system and there’s additionally a small car parking zone right here too.

As soon as at Alpha Lake Park, you’ll discover a canine park, volleyball court docket, youngsters’ playground, and a dock.

For the reason that park faces southwest you’ll get solar all through the day, so it’s the right spot for hanging out on a summer time’s day in Whistler with views of Whistler Mountain and Black Tusk within the distance.

Whereas boating on Alpha Lake is allowed, there are particular rules you will need to observe. Solely electrical motors are permitted, and you will need to have a life jacket, bailer, whistle, and flashlight.

How one can get to Alpha Lake Whistler: Take the #10, #20, or #21 BC Transit bus south to Creekside or Bayshores after which stroll for about 5-10 minutes alongside the Valley Path to achieve the lake.

Inexperienced Lake Whistler BC

Inexperienced Lake is the most important lake within the Whistler space and it truly is inexperienced! Inexperienced Lake is so inexperienced due to the sediment and minerals within the rocks which mix with the glacial water to provide the vivid color. It’s fairly cool to see.

Inexperienced Lake is on the north of Whistler Village and also you’ll have seemingly pushed previous it should you’ve taken the highway north out of Whistler.

You are able to do some Inexperienced Lake Whistler swimming should you’re courageous or it’s actually scorching, however the water itself is tremendous chilly because it’s fed by glacial mountain water. Nonetheless, it’s a pleasant refreshing chilly on a scorching day within the village.

At Inexperienced Lake, you’ll discover kayaks to hire and should you’re trying to boat or wakeboard in Whistler that is the lake to go to. There’s nonetheless a pace restrict in sure sections of the lake, and also you’ll should keep away from the runway for the seaplanes although!

One draw back to Inexperienced Lake is that it may be exhausting to discover a spot to hang around by it. Whereas there are a number of spots, the boat launch is the simplest to get to and there are some picnic tables round it too.

For those who keep right here some time, you would possibly even see a few of the seaplanes touchdown and taking off from Inexperienced Lake in Whistler!

• How one can get to Inexperienced Lake, Whistler: Take the #30 or #32 BC Transit bus north to Rainbow Estates or Emerald Estates stops. From there, it’s only a brief 5-minute stroll to achieve the lake. There may be restricted Inexperienced Lake Whistler parking. It’s finest to park within the village and take transit.

Nita Lake

Nita Lake, a small lake close to Creekside and the beautiful Nita Lake Lodge hotel which I extremely advocate staying at should you’re trying to deal with your self in Whistler.

Even should you don’t guide the Nita Lake Lodge Whistler lodge to your lodging, you’ll be able to guide a spa therapy after which get pleasure from their lovely out of doors/indoor spa space with mountain and lake views afterwards. It’s nicely price doing!

Nita Lake itself has a dock the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from some peace and quiet and even go fishing since this lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout for fishing fanatics.

There’s a small park subsequent to Nita Lake with some picnic tables and a pebble seashore the place (should you’re something like my husband) you would possibly skim stones!

Solely electrical motors are permitted on the lake to maintain it a pleasant peaceable space.

• How one can get to Nita Lake Whistler: Take the #10, #20, or #25 BC Transit bus south to the primary cease or third in Creekside, after which proceed to stroll roughly 5 minutes on the Valley Path. This may be achieved both by way of the underpass or previous Nita Lake Lodge.

Misplaced Lake

Misplaced Lake in Misplaced Lake Park in Whistler Village is the closest lake to the centre of the city and so it’s an awesome lake to go to should you’re solely in Whistler for a day, or don’t wish to should journey too far.

It’s one in all my favorite lakes in Whistler because you get wonderful views and it’s surprisingly peaceable for being so near the village.

Misplaced Lake has a big grassy space in addition to picnic tables, BBQ stands and washrooms. There’s a dock out on the lake in addition to a swimming pontoon, slackline posts and a disc golf course.

You’ll additionally discover some climbing trails round Misplaced Lake that are a few of the finest trails for straightforward hikes in Whistler, in addition to mountain biking trails.

On weekends and holidays, there may be additionally a motorcycle valet service the place you’ll be able to discover the park on two wheels in addition to a meals concession stand and meals vehicles throughout summer time.

Word: Throughout late July and early August there’s a western toad migration occasion the place some sections of the park are cornered off to assist the toads make it to the lake. It’s a fairly cool factor to see (and listen to) however do take care to not step on the toads and obey any signage, they’re so small!

You’ll additionally discover an off leash dog-friendly space at Misplaced Lake known as Canine Cove. Right here there’s a sandy seashore space the place canine can run free.

• How one can get to Misplaced Lake Whistler: You possibly can both stroll or bike the Valley Path from Parking Lot 4 in Whistler Village which fits by way of an old-growth forest and previous Misplaced Lake Lodge Whistler. Or you’ll be able to take the free Misplaced Lake Shuttle #8, which operates day by day from June 17 by way of Labour Day (September 4) between 11 AM and 6 PM.

AllTrails is my go-to climbing app for locating, planning and navigating whereas I’m out on the paths. With offline maps on AllTrails+, you will be assured you’re nonetheless heading in the right direction, even with out cell sign

Russet Lake

Up within the Alpine between Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain sits Russet Lake which is a good place to hike to should you’re searching for a climbing and tenting journey with a lake close to Whistler.

You possibly can select to both pay for the gondola after which hike the Musical Bump over to Russet Lake or hike up Singing Cross which implies you don’t should pay for the Whistler gondola summer time move.

Although I’ve unhealthy reminiscences of Singing Cross having come down it on the finish of my backcountry snowboarding journey on the Spearhead Traverse, I’m certain climbing is gorgeous!

You’ll stroll by way of the forest on a mild climb, up by way of the valley and beneath the Peak to Peak gondola. When you come out of the forest you’ll end up within the Alpine on the finish of the Musical Bumps Path.

You possibly can both head up and over The Musical Bumps Path and take the Gondola down. Or, if persevering with on to Russet Lake, take one closing climb up Cowboy Ridge then right down to the lake, campground and Kees and Claire hut.

Russet Lake is surrounded by completely beautiful mountain ranges together with Whirlwind Peak and Fissile Peak. You possibly can both camp by reserving by way of BC Parks or keep on the Kees and Claire Hut for a barely extra comfy keep.

Singing Cross & Russet Lake

• Distance: 31km
• Period: 1300m
• Elevation: 10-12 hours
• Problem: Laborious
• Trail map

Garibaldi Lake

Garibaldi Lake stands as among the best well-known lakes round Whistler and personally, it holds a particular place in my coronary heart for being the primary lengthy hike we did in Canada again in 2017 and for simply how fairly it’s!

It’s no shock it’s included in my finest hikes close to Vancouver put up!). Having hiked it a number of instances, I can confidently say that it by no means fails to depart me in awe.

The path to Garibaldi Lake begins with a sequence of switchbacks meandering by way of the enchanting forest. As you ascend, the path opens as much as a panoramic viewpoint, offering a glimpse of the ultimate stretch resulting in the majestic Garibaldi Lake itself. The lake is a fully lovely color however sure, it truly is chilly!

Garibaldi Lake will get busy, particularly throughout the summer time months. From June to October, a BC Parks Day Pass is required for entry, and park rangers will test for passes as you drive as much as the trailhead.

Although attending to this lake close to Whistler requires extra effort than these close to the Village, it’s nicely definitely worth the hike.

You possibly can hike to Garibaldi Lake as a day journey, or do it as an overnighter (you’ll have to guide a tenting spot upfront). Choosing an in a single day journey is especially beneficial should you intend to increase your hike to Panorama Ridge or Black Tusk which supplies you unimaginable views of Garibaldi Lake in addition to the encircling mountains.

Garibaldi Lake Path Stats:

• Distance: 18km
• Period: 5-7 hours
• Elevation: 820m
• Problem: Intermediate-Laborious
• BC Parks Day Pass or tenting reservation wanted
• Trail map

Cheakamus Lake

The Cheakamus Lake path in Whistler is one other lovely lake close to Whistler that you could get to by taking a simple climbing path. Although the hike is lengthy (about 14 km) it has minimal elevation and also you attain the lake itself pretty early on.

It’s also possible to bike the path to Cheakamus Lakes, one of many few trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park that permits this.

This lake, as with many on this space and Garibaldi Provincial Park, is beautiful!

Since Cheakamus Lake is fed with snowmelt it’s completely freezing chilly as I personally skilled after I dove in. Certain, I didn’t keep in for lengthy, but it surely was good and refreshing after biking into Cheakamus.

• Distance: 14 km spherical journey
• Period: 2-4 hours
• Elevation: Minimal
• BC Parks day pass or tenting reservation wanted
• Trail map

Wedgemount Lake

The path to Wedgemount Lake north of Whistler isn’t straightforward. The truth is, it’s extensively considered one of many hardest well-known trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park.

It’s a protracted hike and there’s a really steep scramble part earlier than you prime out on the lake. It’s, nonetheless, probably the most lovely lakes round Whistler.

The color is beautiful, very inexperienced, and there are glaciers and icebergs within the lake only a bit additional up from Wedgemount.

I like to recommend doing this path as an in a single day journey because it’s fairly a tough one as that’ll make it extra pleasing and also you get to get pleasure from the fantastic thing about the lake after different day hikers have gone house.

Wedgemount Lake path stats

• Distance: 14km
• Period: 6-8 hours
• Elevation: 1,375m
• Problem: Laborious
• A tenting reservation is required if doing an in a single day.
• Trail map

Loggers Lake Whistler

The Loggers Lake path in Whistler was a path I added to the top of my bike trip to Cheakamus Lake one summer time whereas exploring Whistler’s Interpretive Forest.

You entry this path system from the Whistler Interpretive Forest space and it’s a brief and straightforward Whistler hike with only one steep part to climb as much as the Lake.

The entry highway is a gravel highway so that you’ll wish to take your drive fairly gradual, and there’s restricted parking on the facet of the highway at mini-pullouts.

You’ll additionally cross over the Whistler Suspension Bridge over Cheakamus River which is fairly cool in itself. And, should you don’t wish to climb the hill as much as Loggers Lake then you’ll be able to simply wander by way of the forest and alongside the river.

The Lake itself is kind of small and there’s a path all the method round so you’ll be able to take a stroll round it, discover someplace to chill out and even take a refreshing swim earlier than heading again to your automobile.

It’s a pleasant peaceable spot to get pleasure from and one of many finest hikes in Whistler Canada.

Loggers Lake Path Stats

• Distance: Below 3km
• Period: 30 minutes – 1 hour
• Elevation: 108m
• Trail map

Rainbow Lake 

Rainbow Lake close to Whistler, is a wonderful lake surrounded by mountains that you just’ll have to hike to.

The hike begins close to Alta Lake Street and also you’ll undergo lovely forest earlier than popping out to alpine views and the lake itself.

When timed proper in August, the wildflowers across the lake are in full bloom and the views on a transparent day are spectacular, with Black Tusk seen within the distance.

You’ll additionally go previous the gorgeous Rainbow Falls close to the start earlier than you begin climbing progressively as much as this attractive Whistler Lake.

There aren’t any amenities right here because you’re within the backcountry so be sure to’ve packed your 10 necessities for climbing earlier than heading out on this journey.

It is a widespread lake in Whistler for climbing, tenting and snowshoeing or backcountry snowboarding within the winter. You’ll seemingly see different individuals round however bear in mind to be bear-aware and pack your bear spray as that is additionally bear nation.

Rainbow Lake path stats

• Distance: 15.5 km
• Period: 4-6 hours
• Elevation: 870 m
• Trail map

Iceberg Lake Whistler

Iceberg Lake close to Whistler is among the extra distant lakes within the space and entails a difficult hike to get to it.

The journey to Iceberg Lake takes hikers excessive into the alpine, following a scenic forested path alongside 19 Mile Creek earlier than passing by a picturesque meadow the place you’ll have the ability to see the Rainbow Glacier.

You’ll then should navigate your method over a boulder subject earlier than you get to Iceberg Lake itself. The lake is so known as because you’ll normally see chunks of ice from the glacier floating within the lake like little ice bergs!

For those who do that path by way of 19 Mile Creek, you’ll additionally get glimpses of Inexperienced Lake down under you which ones glints within the sunshine and turns into even prettier.

Whistler Ice Berg Lake path stats

• Distance: 21 km
• Period: 6-8 hours
• Elevation: 1 100 m
• Trail map

Lillooet Lake

Lillooet Lake outdoors of Pemberton about an hour north of Whistler is among the hottest lakes close to Whistler for tenting.

The lake is gorgeous flanked by forests and mountains and is the right spot for a weekend of tenting with pals (so long as you get there early because it will get very busy!).

One factor to notice although is that Lillooet will get extraordinarily unhealthy mosquitoes so make sure to pack loads of bug spray and no matter different gadgets you need to maintain them away. In any other case, put together to get out on the lake the place they each you numerous much less.

• How one can get to Lillooet Lake: Drive north on the Sea to Sky Freeway (Hwy 99) after which observe indicators to Lillooet Lake.

Joffre Lakes

Generally mistaken as being in Whistler, Joffre Lake is round an hour additional north of Whistler. Getting from Whistler to Jofre Lake is fairly straightforward as you simply observe freeway 99 north of Whistler.

Joffre Lake can also be really three lakes, Joffre Lakes, with the higher two being essentially the most spectacular however requiring a hike to get to. It’s also possible to go to Decrease Joffre Lakes should you’re simply searching for someplace to stretch your legs as you drive north of Whistler since that is a neater lake to get to (however you’ll nonetheless want a day move!).

Although many individuals describe this as a simple hike, there’s nonetheless some elevation and also you do nonetheless want correct climbing gear. Don’t go attempting this in sneakers that aren’t appropriate for hikes.

When climbing Joffre lakes in early November one 12 months, we noticed individuals in sneakers making an attempt to navigate over snow and ice and let’s simply say, it wasn’t going too nicely for them. You’ll have much more enjoyable if you understand what to pack for climbing and plan based on the circumstances.

Joffre Lake hike stats:

• Distance: 10 km
• Period: 3-4 hours
• Elevation: 37 0m
• Problem: Intermediate
• NOTE: You want a BC Parks day pass or tenting reservation wanted

Duffey Lake

Duffey Lake is one other lovely lake that lies north of Whister and is among the most beautiful lakes within the space.

To get to this lake, you’ll drive alongside Duffey Lake Street, ‘The Duffey’ because it’s recognized by locals. Although the lake is in what appears like fairly a distant space, it’s not too far off the freeway so it’s comparatively straightforward to get to from Whistler too.

You’ll not solely get views of a shocking lake however lovely mountain views, wildflowers and wildlife. If in case you have a fishing license you’ll be able to get pleasure from fishing in Duffey Lake, discover a spot alongside the lake to hang around with a guide or maybe launch your paddleboard or kayak to see the gorgeous environment from a distinct perspective.

• How one can get to Duffey Lake from Whistler: Drive north out of Whistler on Hwy 99 for about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

FAQS on the very best lakes in Whistler

Closing ideas on the very best Whistler BC lakes

There are such a lot of lovely lakes close to Whistler whether or not you’re searching for one the place you’ll be able to simply sit back for a day, or a lake to hike to in Whistler.

My favourites are Alta Lake and Misplaced Lake in Whistler Village and Wedgemount Lake and Garibaldi Lake as lakes close to Whistler to hike to.

And, in order for you extra lovely climbing and swimming lakes in BC, make sure to try my information to the very best lakes close to Vancouver.

For those who’re heading over to Alberta as a part of your journey to Canada, then these Banff, Alberta Lakes are arguably much more lovely than these in BC!