As summer crowds diminish and the hottest days of the season slip away, outdoor recreation in Whistler powers on. For those who know September and October in Whistler, it can be one of the best times of the year to enjoy the many hiking trails hidden within the old-growth rainforest.
Unlike spring, the mountains are as snow-free as it gets and with cooler temperatures, you can break into the alpine without worrying about overheating. Another great reason to visit Whistler in autumn is the steep discounts you'll find with overnight accommodation in Whistler.
High Note Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10 km round-trip
Hike Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 258 m
Parking: Day Lots 1-5 (pay parking)
Camping: No
The High Note Trail is a stunning alpine hike on top of Whistler Mountain and is part of the Summer Experience at Whistler Blackcomb. What makes this so enticing is the lift access to the trailhead. Watch 1,500 m of elevation disappear as you ride Whistler (or Blackcomb / Peak 2 Peak) Gondola to the summit at 2,180 m. Heads up, a sightseeing pass will cost $100 per person.
This above treeline trail is dotted with mountain wildflowers, views of mountain peaks, old volcanos, glacier-fed lakes and wide open meadows making you feel on top of the world. This is a relatively easy trail in terms of elevation gain. What makes it moderately difficult is some rather rocky and punchy sections which will test your balance and endurance.
Several other trails up here can take you further into the backcountry where camping is permitted. Russet Lake and Kee and Claire Hut are two very popular overnight adventures.
Rainbow Lake
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 18 km round-trip
Time: 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 850 m
Parking: Rainbow Falls
Camping: No
This hike starts quite steep while passing along lower sections of Rainbow Falls. It’s worth a stop here and even a swim as you aren’t permitted to swim in Rainbow Lake. It’s Whistler’s municipal drinking water source.
The majority of Rainbow Lake hike lies deep in the forest. You’ll encounter several scenic bridge crossings and tall old-growth trees in the first two-thirds. The trail is consistently uphill, quiet and rather peaceful. As you break out of the tall old growth, Rainbow Mountain appears along with Whistler and Blackcomb mountain at your six. Reaching the lake and the lush alpine meadows is your reward. There are a few wooden benches where you can rest your legs and have lunch. If you’ve brought a water filter, a fast-moving stream flows out of the lake where you can fill up.
From here, you can either turn around or continue around to the otherside of the lake where additional trails open up to several more alpine lakes and summits. In late summer / early fall, the wildflowers may have disappeared but the bushes have turned shades of red, yellow and orange. With the backdrop of Rainbow Lake and mountain peaks in the background, it’s one of the most unique times to explore this zone.
Garibaldi Lake
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 18 km
Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 820 m
Parking: Rubble Creek (Free Day Pass)
Camping: Yes
Garibaldi Lake is one of Whistler’s most popular hikes. Because of this, hiking it in September / October is quiet and usually means you can get a day pass and parking without issue.
The first few kilometres of this hike is a gradual climb full of switchbacks through dense forest. You can’t see much. Around the 6 km mark, you can view a massive barrier that was formed as a result of lava making contact with the Cordilleran ice sheet during that last ice age.
Around this mark, you can also shoot up to the Taylor Meadows as an added detour through colourful alpine meadows. The final few kilometres are not steep and offer views of two smaller lakes and finally Garibaldi. Its colour is intense and glacier-capped peaks around Panorama Ridge offer an excellent backdrop. I’d recommend spending some time up here soaking up the views and going for a cold plunge. Camping pads are located near the trail end for those backpacking.
Wedgemount Lake
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 13 km round-trip
Hike Time: 6-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 1300 m
Parking: 2 km up Wedge Creek FSR
Camping: Yes
One of Whistler’s hardest hikes and undoubtedly the steepest is Wedgemount Lake. Although this hike is only 13 km round-trip, you’ll face a staggering 1,300 m of elevation gain on your way up. What that means is for every 5 m of horizontal movement, you’ll average 1 m of elevation gain.
This hike is strenuous, gruelling and does not let up. It is not recommended for beginner hikers. The hike starts out from a parking lot 2 km up an FSR. It quickly gets steep as you make progress up the mountainside. Luckily, you’re shaded by forest for the majority of the way. It’s a quiet and peaceful journey with the occasional stream flowing by you where you can refill your water if you have a filter.
The final two kilometres take you above the treeline and welcomes you to views of the valley, Wedgemount Falls and an impressive boulderfield hikers must scramble as a final challenge. As you crest over the final boulderfield, you’re met with the reward of a bright turquoise alpine lake with a stunning backdrop of rugged mountains and jagged cliff bands.
There are several camping platforms which backpackers can reserve through BC Parks. Day-trippers are encouraged to head to the water's edge, take off your boots and enjoy a rejuvenating dip in this pristine alpine lake. Enjoy a well-earned meal and recharge for the hike down. Due to the steep descent, hiking poles are a good idea.
Ready to Visit?
Grab your hiking boots, some poles and a waterproof layer to prepare for hiking during this time of year. Although the weather can be unpredictable, getting into the mountains while witnessing the change of seasons is beautiful. It’s also a great way to signify winter excitement is just around the corner.