TAKE A HIKE
One of the most convenient and appealing aspects about Whistler is that you can set out on wilderness hiking trails in as little as ten minutes’ drive or a twenty minute gondola ride from the village. Don’t let the trails’ proximity to civilization lull you into complacency though. If you’re going on a hike, do some planning beforehand to ensure your outing is enjoyable and safe. Start by assessing your group and choosing an appropriate trail. How fit are you and your hiking companions? Do you have young children, parents packing babies, or members with mobility or health issues? If so, you’ll want to avoid a steep rise in elevation, technical terrain and considerable distances. Once you’ve chosen a trail, get yourself set up with the right gear. Start with a well-fitting backpack to carry all your essentials. Choose sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes or boots with ankle and arch support. If you’re prone to blisters, slap on a moleskin pad before you start. Be sure to bring extra layers of moisture-wicking clothing and a waterproof shell. Hikers have been caught out when dressed for a hot day in the valley that transforms into a windy snowsquall in the alpine. Carry more water than you think you’ll need. If you do get a headache you’re probably dehydrated, and need to sip more. Pack nutritious, well-balanced food for your hike, and ensure you have enough protein and carbs to fuel a long journey. Bring a map and compass, and hike with a friend or a group. It’s more fun to share the experience, and if one person is injured, the other can go for help. Other essential items to take along include: a whistle, head lamp, toilet paper, sunscreen, bug spray and waterproof matches. Finally, tell someone reliable where you’re going, and when you expect to return. That way, if you have a mishap or become lost, Search and Rescue will have a much easier time finding you! To access high alpine trails quickly (and to save your knees), head up the Whistler gondola or the Blackcomb lifts. Then cross to the opposite mountain on the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola to view the village, valley and Fitzsimmons Creek. Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains offer more than 50 km of spectacularly scenic trails—for a variety of abilities—from the green-circle Spearhead Walk to the black-diamond High Note Trail. All the trails have incredible vistas of alpine meadows, glacial lakes and mountain peaks. Visit whistlerblackcomb.com for more information and a complete list of alpine trails. The Rainbow Lake Trail is a gorgeous, steady climb through evergreen forests, with several bridge crossings and waterfalls on the way up to the postcard-pretty lake. This trail takes about four to five hours round trip but can be extended from the lake on branching trails. Trailhead access is at the trail’s parking lot on Alta Lake Road, with a large sign, “Rainbow Trail”. whistler.ca/sites/default/files/rainbow_ madley_trail_map.pdf. For a serious sense of accomplishment, tackle the Wedgemount Lake Trail for a steep, thighburning hike that takes between five to eight hours to complete round trip. The workout is well worth the views of the icy turquoise lake,
Armchair glacier and jagged peaks of Wedge Mountain, Mt. Cook, Mt. Weart, the Owls and Parkhurst Mountain. To get there, set your odometer at Village Gate Boulevard, and then drive north for 11.3 km, turn right at the sign directing you to “Wedgemount (Garibaldi)”. Cross the train tracks and bridge and turn immediately left onto the Wedge Creek Forest Service Road. At 11.7 km turn right on the pot-holed but drivable road to the parking lot at 13.2 km. For more information on these and other recommended hiking trails in the Whistler area, visit whistler.com/resources/pdf/maps/ whistler_hiking_trail_%20map_2013.pdf. For all your picnic supplies and a great selection of freshly prepared sandwiches and wraps, drop by Nesters Market. Visit nestersmarket.com/whistler, 604-932-3545.