The beautiful thing about Whistler is how easy it is to get about. The Whistler Valley Trail network is made up of more than 40km of paved walkways ideal for walking, running and cycling. It takes in views of Whistler’s lakes, mountains and golf courses, and you may even spot some local wildlife too!
Stretching from Rainbow Estate in the north right down to Function Junction in the south, the Whistler Valley Trail is the ideal way of getting from A to B. Here’s our guide to navigating it (and some spots to see along the way)…
Heading North on the Whistler Valley Trail
Heading north on the Whistler Valley Trail will ultimately lead you to one of three places: Rainbow Park, Green Lake and Lost Lake. Here’s why these are 3 of our faves:
Rainbow Park
Located on the shore of Alta Lake and with expansive views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, Rainbow Park is a favourite local hang out. The lawn is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, and the docks are great for diving into the lake and enjoying a swim. There are volleyball courts in place here, too, and the occasional food truck to satisfy those hunger pangs.
Green Lake
We love to take a wander along the Whistler Valley Trail at Green Lake. The views to the north are mesmerizing taking in Wedge and Armchair Mountains. In the summer, Green Lake is home to Whistler Airport and it’s fun to watch the float planes arriving and departing. Call in to Table Nineteen for a drink en route. They’re part of Nicklaus North Golf Club and have a nice patio with views of the golf course and lake.
Lost Lake Park
Easily accessed from the Upper Village, Lost Lake Park is home to a large network of biking and hiking trails. These transition into cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in the winter. The area is primarily forest with the exception of Lost Lake itself, which features a great beach area, lawn, and amenities. To fuel your adventure, we recommend grabbing a coffee and a treat at The PassivHaus.
Staying Central
Staying central in Whistler also means plenty of opportunity to explore. The Valley Trail covers Whistler’s stores, cafés and restaurants, as well as the lush, peaceful greens of Whistler Golf Course.
Village Stroll
The heart of Whistler is Whistler Village Stroll and it meanders its way from the Marketplace and Olympic Plaza right through to Skiers Plaza and the Upper Village. It’s where you’ll find clothing, gear, and souvenirs as well as amenities such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and hair salons. This area is all pedestrianized making it ideal for little legs to explore too!
Upper Village
Whistler’s Upper Village is home to the new Blackcomb Gondola, The Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre, and Whistler Farmer’s Market (summer only). It’s slightly more subdued than the main Village area and a great place to grab a quiet lunch. Check out Portobello at Fairmont Chateau Whistler. They have an incredible selection of food and drink and a lovely outdoor patio.
Whistler Golf Course Loop
The golf course itself is exclusively for players, but the Whistler Valley Trail actually creates a nice loop around the perimeter, which offers a pleasant walk with great views. It can be easily accessed thanks to an underpass which cuts beneath the highway behind Whistler Conference Centre. The loop is just over 4km and makes a great option for a quick morning run.
Exploring South on the Whistler Valley Trail
Whistler Creekside
As the Whistler Valley Trail heads south it reaches Creekside Village – the original base for the resort of Whistler. This charming area is much more mellow than the main Village and offers access to the mountain for bikers and skiers thanks to the Creekside Gondola. If you find yourself in Creekside, we recommend checking out Ed’s Bred for great coffee and, well, bread. We’d also recommend calling in to Get The Goods for some vital souvenir purchases.
Nita Lake
On the west side of the highway, the Whistler Valley Trail happens upon the serene Nita Lake. This is a bit of a hidden gem of Whistler providing beauty and tranquility off the “beaten path”. We love nothing more than calling into Fix Café (at Nita Lake Lodge) for a coffee, and then relaxing with a book or a magazine on the dock. Fancy something a bit stronger? Cure Lounge & lakeside Patio is the place for local beer and craft cocktails.
Function Junction
Identifiable as Whistler’s commercial zone, Function Junction is home to the headquarters of some of Whistler’s most popular brands including Nonna Pia’s Balsamic Reductions, The Green Moustache health food bar, and Purebread bakery. But there’s plenty for visitors to discover too! Follow the Valley Trail to Function Junction to check out some of our favourite places, including: The Velvet Underground vintage store, Coast Mountain brewery, and Camp Life coffee.
Exploring Further Afield
Whistler is synonymous with the outdoors – from hikes and biking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter – the mountains are calling! We thought we’d provide some insight into our favourite hikes in the Whistler area. Pack your camera and your SPF and join us in exploring these incredible trails.