Walking in Whistler’s Winter Wonderland

Want to get to know Whistler beyond the hustle-bustle of the village? Set off on foot into a winter wonderland, no car necessary. Thanks to the sustainability-minded Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) we have the snow-cleared Valley Trail system, over 40 km of paved trail and boardwalks free or motorized vehicles which connect the major hubs, neighbourhoods, lakes and parks. An alternative to the Valley Trail is the non-winter maintained, off the beaten path Sea to Sky Trail which starts at Bayly Park and goes south to Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. As John Muir (probably one of history’s biggest fans of walking) reminds us:

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

Not only is spending time outdoors good for us but the pace and peaceful nature of walking is sure to put you in vacation mode ASAP. It’s also a great activity if you’re from a different time zone, need daylight to adjust to the time change and don’t have the energy for something more strenuous.

Try walking to get this unique perspective of Whistler Mountain. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

The RMOW clears snow from most sections of the Valley Trail over winter, with the exception of areas that are groomed for multi-use activities like cross country skiing. You can check how frequently each section is cleared here – keep in mind that with multiple kilometers of trail to clear it may not happen immediately each morning, particularly after a heavy snowfall. The Sea to Sky Trail is not winter maintained.

Your best bet is to be prepared for any conditions from snow to ice – see our list below for recommended outerwear and boots. With plenty of helpful way-finding signs and maps you really can’t go wrong but we do have a few favourite routes which we’ve shared with you, below.

Distance: 4.1km + choose your own adventure (one way)

This one is for the craft beer lovers who think a little adventure makes the beer taste all the bitter (sorry, I had to).

Directions:

• Start in Creekside (1 Valley Connector South will get you there from the village)
• Enter the Valley Trail from Alpha Lake Park or Lake Placid Road
• Head south, keep going past Rocky Knoll Park
• Follow signs to Whistler Interpretive Forest
• Once you reach Cheakamus Lake Rd either cross the highway into Function Junction or follow the Sea to Sky Trail along the Cheakamus River, see if you can find the waterfall or head to the Train Wreck hike (then retrace steps back to Cheakamus Lake Rd).
• View in Google Maps

When you’ve reached Function Junction the Whistler Brewing Company and Coast Mountain Brewing will be waiting for you with their iconic beverages on tap! The first is on Millar Creek Rd and the second on Alpha Lake Rd with about a blocks distance between them. If you partake in a little too much of their delicious brews or simply want to get back faster you can take the 1 Valley Connector North bus back to Creekside or Whistler Village.

Whistory: The Cheakamus River’s name comes from the Squamish Nation word Ch’iyáḵmesh meaning fish weir place.

 

Distance: 2.7 km (one way)

This dog-friendly route lets you explore the scenic nooks and crannies tucked away along lake shores.

Directions:

• Start out in Creekside at Alpha Lake Park (1 Valley Connector South will get you to Creekside from Whistler Village)
• Walk north towards Nita Lake, where you might catch a game of pond hockey
• Keep going past the leaning tree, listen for pikas in the rocks on a warm spring day
• Follow the signs to Wayside Park, take in the view of Sproatt and Rainbow Mountains
• Turn around here for a shorter walk or stay northbound and follow signs for Lakeside Park
• Just south of Lakeside Park there is an unmaintained route along the lake shore to the tucked away Stone Circle, should you be on a romantic trip this is a great spot to pop a certain question (especially at sunset). Heavy snow may obscure the entrance to this trail.
• View in Google Maps

If your destination is the village you can keep going another 2 km or turn around and head back to Creekside for a hot drink at the Fix or fireside glass of wine at Cure (both in Nita Lake Lodge).

Whistory: In the summer of ’69 two Whistler residents decided to build and live on a raft near where Wayside Park is today, they even had a toilet.

 

Distance: 8.9 km (return)

The longest of the bunch, this loop is for people who aren’t fussed about the destination and enjoy the quiet magic of walking for the sake of it.

Directions:

• Start in the village and head to the Whistler Golf Club, enter the Valley Trail on the right (north) side of the course
• After a couple of kilometers you will enter a section of trail flanked by giant cedars – worth the walk themselves. Just past the cedars you can choose to go left for a shorter loop of the golf course (approximately 4.6 km).
• If you choose the longer option, go straight ahead at the junction and follow signs for Rainbow Lake Park. You’ll be directed to turn left and follow the River of Golden Dreams
• Take a break at Rainbow Lake park and enjoy the views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains
• Walk along Alta Lake Road south. Eventually you will come across beautiful east views of the mountains and Alta Lake when you pick up the Valley Trail again, by the train tracks. Look for the yellow gate for the Valley Trail entrance.
• Turn left at the giant pinecone sculpture, following signs for Wayside and Lakeside Parks. See if you can find the tucked away Stone Circle past Lakeside Park (note the trail that leads here in not maintained in winter, and may be covered by heavy snow)
• Continue north and follow signs for Whistler Village
• When you reach the golf course, keep right on the Valley Trail following alongside it until you’re back where you started!
• View in Google Maps

As you enter back into the village we recommend a stop at Stonesedge Kitchen Whistler to warm up around the fire and enjoy some wholesome comfort food.

Whistory:  Alta Lake is the home of Whistler’s original accommodation offering – the Rainbow Lodge – run by Myrtle Phillip, one of the town’s pioneers. They used to harvest ice from the lake, cutting out and hauling big blocks of ice to keep the guest’s food from spoiling. Talk about customer service!

 

Distance: 2km (one way)

A quick trip, this walk will take you away from the crowds and treats you to some of Whistler’s most memorable but often missed sights.

Directions:

• Start behind the Meadow Park Sports Centre the Alpine Meadows subdivision (1 Valley Connector North from the village) and walk along the banks of the River of Golden Dreams
• Follow the Valley Trail to Cypress Place Road, cross the highway at the traffic lights. The Valley trail on the west side of the highway is not snow cleared, but it is snow groomed. Go through the underpass, continue through to the Dream River Park
• Stroll alongside Green Lake and cross the wooden bridge, passing the float plane airport
• Take the side path to Fitzsimmons Fan Park. From here you can cut up to Mons Rd past Table Nineteen (turns into Glen Abbey Ln) and take the path at the end of the road, you’ll be greeted by more breathtaking mountain views
• View in Google Maps

When you’re ready, retrace your steps to Table Nineteen at Nicklaus North Golf Course for a fondue. From here you can reach the village by following the Valley Trail south or take the 1 Valley Connector South).

Whistory:  Overlooking the opposite shores of Green Lake lays the Parkhurst ghost town, an abandoned forestry camp from 1926.

Winter Walking Checklist

Feet – warm socks, winter boots with a good tread, slip on ice-traction devices over your boots if it’s icy

Hands – ski gloves; take along some hand-warmers just in case

Layers – A couple removable underlayers in case you warm up, plus a good winter jacket

Noggin – toque, a Whistler staple

Head torch – Depending on the time of year and weather the light can fade quickly at the end of the day, and not all sections of trail have lights. Be prepared with a lamp or phone flashlight.

For your confidence – take walking or ski poles out with you if you’re worried about your balance

For your safety – It’s cold out there! Always let someone know where you are going and approximate time you’ll be back, and make sure you check in when you return.

Whistler is a great place to discover the beauty of winter, with plenty of options for those who don’t ski. Whistler.com is a top spot for discovering all the activities on offer.

Article source: https://www.whistler.com/blog/post/2017/02/23/whistler-winter-valley-trail-walks/