Walk amongst the giants or chase frozen waterfalls during your next winter trip to Whistler. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, why not try snowshoeing? Here is a list of my favorite snowshoe trails in Whistler and some of them are even dog-friendly!
The Callaghan Valley
Located about 20 minutes south of Whistler Village is the magical Callaghan Valley. Home to the 2010 Winter Olympics’ ski jumping and biathlon, this park has a lot to offer in the winter.
There is a total of 35km of snowshoe trails and there is also a surprising amount of cross-country ski trails. Snowshoeing to the frozen Alexander Falls is by far my favorite adventure! If you are not sure about discovering new trails on your own, guided tours are available through the Whistler Olympic Park.
Make sure you are prepared for this winter adventure e by dressing according to the weather, bring water & extra snacks (always), check the maps & trail conditions before you go and let a friend know where you are going.
The snowshoe trail to Alexander Falls is rated intermediate because of some steeper sections. But as every great adventurer would say, “Great things never came from comfort zones”. Don't have snowshoes? Rentals are available at the Whistler Olympic Park, book in advance as they are quite busy especially on the weekends.
The Whistler Train Wreck
It’s one of Whistler’s most famous hikes in the summer; the Whistler Train Wreck trail is great for snowshoeing in the winter. Walk through the snow-covered pine forest and across a glacier-fed river on beautiful suspension bridge. This trail is a really a winter wonderland dream.
The trail runs alongside the busy Cheakamus River and it will take you about 30 minutes to get to the suspension bridge from the trailhead. Once across the bridge, you will easily see the colorful wagons shattered across the old-growth forest. This trail is better explored with snowshoes or crampons in the winter and remember to always prepare for the weather conditions.
Lost Lake Park
It's where the locals go! Lost Lake Park is located in Whistler’s Upper Village and this winter wonderland is home to many snowshoe and cross-country ski trails.
This area is mostly known for its cross-country skiing trails, but I recently discovered that there is also a 13km network of snowshoe trails. The trails are open from 8am to 8pm in the winter and snowshoe rentals are available at the Lost Lake Passive House.
Getting there from Whistler Village is easy. If you enter Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in your Google Maps, you will find the trail to Lost Lake Passive House right across from the Lorimer road entrance. There is no parking available at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) but it is easy to walk to from anywhere in the village.
Make sure you check the trail conditions before you go!
Other snowshoe trails in Whistler
Snowshoeing can be a great way to get away from the crowds and embrace all that Whistler has to offer, without the line ups. The above snowshoe adventure suggestions are only a small portion of all the winter trails that you can find in Whistler.
On the right you will find more suggestions of snowshoe trails to explore - you can bring you dog on some of the trails!
And I can't stress this enough: the weather in the mountains can change quickly so make you are prepared for the weather forecasted for the day! It is best to check the weather forecast the morning of to make sure you get the most accurate predictions
If you are not sure what to pack or how to dress for snowshoeing or any other winter adventuring check our the BC Adventure Smart website, it's full of useful tips on how to explore safely in the winter!
Happy adventuring! And if you have any specific questions contact me here.