Looking for a quick and fun activity close to Whistler and the Village? Whistler is filled with fast walking paths of various difficulties, all with beautiful scenic routes and landmarks to discover. These short trails are perfect for going on before heading to lunch, dinner, or other activities! Check out these prime hiking and walking trails in Whistler:
1. Brandywine Falls: 30 minutes
Just before Whistler right off the highway, lies a short hike to the beautiful 70-metre Brandywine Falls! The waterfall is only 1km away, making it a great place to stop on the way to Whistler or Squamish. The trail leads you to the top of the waterfall and the view is stunning, there is a small deck that perches on the cliffside, which is perfect for taking photos! Explore the trails for more sights to see at Brandywine Falls!
2. Train Wreck: 1 hour
A local favourite, the hike to Train Wreck is easy and fast with a suspension bridge leading to the beautiful remnants of a historical train wreck. Head down to Cheakamus to find the trailhead to the Train Wreck, and enjoy a lovely scenic hike to the bridge, across the Cheakamus River and onward! Old trains crashed here a long time ago and are now canvased in colourful spray paint!
3. Village Valley Trail: 3 hours
The Valley Trail is a paved, car-free, dog-friendly path that connects all of Whistler’s lakes, neighbourhoods, viewpoints, and more! In the Village alone, the valley trail connects to various sweet spots in and around the area. Follow the trail to places like the Audain Art Museum, the Skate and BMX Park, Fitzimmons Creek and Rebagliati Park. You can even go all the way to Lost Lake Loop! There’s so much to explore near the Village, and transit is free all the way into Upper Village. The valley trail is open year-round and maintained for walking, cross country skiing and fat biking.
4. Lost Lake Loop: 1.5 hours
To access the Lost Lake Loop, follow the valley trail from the Main Village to the Lost Lake Passivhaus. Alternatively, take the free Lost Lake shuttle departing from the Base Loop and get dropped off right at the Lost Lake parking lot. During the summer season, there might be a food van and concession. So, you can either stay at the main beach and relax or go for a wander on the Lost Lake trails! The trail is wide and mild in elevation, with more complicated trails branching off in all directions. This is a great place to take the dog for a nice long walk, followed by a stop by at the dog beach and dock for a refreshing swim!
5. Ancient Cedars Trail: 2 hours
Just north of Whistler, the Ancient Cedars Trail is a stunning scenic route that ends in a grove of massive old-growth cedar trees. The trailhead begins 4.5km up the Cougar Mountain forest service road, a gravel road that most cars can drive on. The trail is about 2 hours at a good pace and ends with a peaceful walk through the ancient cedar grove.