The resort may have received an early taste of winter over the weekend with the brief appearance of snow in the alpine, but there are still several weeks left to take in Whistler’s fall hiking and sightseeing adventures before old man winter moves in.
Whether it’s along the Valley Trail or in the high alpine, there are many areas – at varying elevations – where Whistler’s fall scenery is on display. For a breathtaking experience high above the valley floor, the PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience provides a 360-degree view of the alpine: from the mountain peaks to the sprawling valley bottom, postcard-perfect images encapsulate the ideal autumn experience in Whistler.
Eighteen hiking trails, stretching approximately 50 kilometres, await guests at the top of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The trails are accessed via the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola – linking both mountains with a world-record breaking span of 4.4 kilometres – and range in difficulty from beginner to expert. Whether it’s an interpretive beginner trail that introduces you to the mountain landscape, or the more challenging Highnote or Overlord trails, there are choices for every ability level. The PEAK 2 PEAK is open daily until September 25 and then on weekends until October 10. For the most up-to-date trails status visit whistlerblackcomb.com/todo/summer/hiking
At whistler.com, guests can book a guided tour or access the mountain and valley hiking maps for a self-guided journey. Some signature Whistler hikes to consider:
- Via Ferrata is a unique climbing excursion along an engineered vertical pathway with permanently fixed cables and metal rung ladders that leads to the summit of Whistler Peak.
- Scrambling Hike is an adventurous trek combining the use of hand and foot holds along the mountain ridge to the top of Whistler Mountain.
- Glacier Hike teaches visitors about glaciology and how to ascend the glacier like a mountaineer.
- Musical Bumps is a classic hike and a summer must-do. Ride the Gondola to the high alpine and venture beyond the ski area boundary along Piccolo, Flute and Oboe summits.
- Nature Walk around Lost Lake is for those who like to keep their feet planted firmly along the valley floor. Easily accessible right from your hotel, this hike is guided by an experienced naturalist.
- Waterfall Explorer takes guests to Nairn Falls or Brandywine Falls – both Provincial Parks along the Sea to Sky route. Each tour offers breathtaking waterfall views.
- Rainforest Walk in Cheakamus Lake Provincial Park takes guests into prime bear and deer habitat under a canopy of ancient Cedar and Douglas Fir.
From the ground-level to 10,000 feet, Whistler provides unparalleled sightseeing options. For those seeking a self-guided valley experience, the 40-kilometre Valley Trail is the perfect answer, providing a paved trail system connecting all of Whistler’s neighbourhoods, lakes and parks. Whether it’s by bicycle, inline skates or foot, the Valley Trail is a scenic route through Whistler, appropriate for all ability levels. And for visitors with their heart set on the skies, Whistler also offers a number of flightseeing and helicopter sightseeing tours.
With and abundance of activity options and special accommodation offers plus value-added options including free parking, free night’s stay and pets stay free, there’s never been a better time to visit Whistler and explore all that fall has to offer.
Whistler travel consultants are available to help you book your Whistler vacation at whistler.com or 1.800.WHISTLER.