Hiking
Flora and fauna stats
Bears
Forty to sixty black bears, from approximately eight resident families, call Whistler Blackcomb home. Their diet consists primarily of berries that are usually plentiful in the ski runs and forested areas on Whistler Blackcomb. Spot them from the chairlifts and gondolas or take a guided bear tour from the comfort and safety of a 4X4 vehicle.
Marmots
One of Whistler Blackcomb’s most famous residents is the Whistling Marmot. Found in high alpine areas, this giant squirrel-like character feeds on grass, berries, lichens, mosses, flowers and roots. While it hibernates in winter, its shrill summer-time whistle was the inspiration for Whistler’s name.
Black Tailed Deer
These majestic 100-200lb (45-90kg) animals take shelter in the old growth forests throughout summer and winter, but can be spotted at the treeline and in open spaces that offer grassy areas for grazing. The larger males have small fork-like antlers.
Wildflowers
Whistler and Blackcomb’s wildflower season provides a spectacular palette of colour from a huge variety of flowers and shrubs. Prime viewing months are July and August (dependent upon snow melt) and are best experienced from alpine hiking trails. Mountain Arnica, Partridge Foot, Mountain Buttercup, Western Pasque Flower, Sitka Valerain, Arctic Lupine, Pink Mountain Heather, Indian Paintbrush, White Flowered Rhododendron are all on show during the summer months.
Peak 2 peak Alpine Experience Stats
| Top Elevation | 2,284m/7,494 ft |
| Lift Access | Wizard Express, Solar Coaster, 7th Heaven, PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Whistler Village Gondola, Peak Chair |
| Hiking Trails | Whistler Mountain: 40km+ Blackcomb Mountain: 10km+ |
| Longest Trail | Whistler Mountain: High Note Trail - 3-4 hr loop (5.1km/3.2mi) Blackcomb Mountain: Overloard Trail 4-6 hr loop (3.7 km/2.27 mi) |
| Trail Difficulty | Ranging from easy (Green) to challenging (Black Diamond) |
Whistler Trail Descriptions
Whistler Summit Interpretive Walk – West Loop
Length: 1.6km (1mi); 60 minutes (loop)
Elevation Change: 30m (98ft)
Two loops of single track trail at the top of the Peak Express wind their way around the summit of Whistler Mountain.
Peak Express Traverse
Length: 0.6km (0.37mi); 10 minutes one-way
Elevation change: 55m (180ft)
A wide, easy trail providing two-way access from the Foundhouse Lodge to the Peak Express.
Harmony Lake Trail and Loop
Length 2.5km (1.55mk) to Harmony Lake; 60-90 minutes return
Elevation change: 130m (426ft)
This trail descends through alpine forests while travelling away from the Roundhouse Lodge.
Harmony Meadows
Length 1.1km (0,68mi); 30-60 minutes one-way
Elevation change: 80m (262ft)
Views of Fitzsimmons Valley and Harmony Lake. A steep descent connects hikers to the Roundhouse Lodge from the High Note Trail and Harmony Lake Trails.
High Note Trail
Length: 5.1km (3.2mi) to junction of Musical Bumps Trail – 3-4 hours (loop)
Elevation change: 258m (902 ft)
This hike starts behind the Inukshuk at the top of the Peak Express Chairlift. Hikers enjoy stunning views of Black Tusk and Cheakamus Lake as they descend through rugged terrain that mellows into rolling slopes.
Half Note Trail
Length: 1.2km (0.75mi); 30-60 minutes one-way
Elevation change: 220m (722 ft) at High Note Junction
The Half Note Trails offers a shortended route from the High Note Trail which connects with Pika’s Traverse back to the Roundhouse Lodge
Pika’s Travers
Length: 2.3km (1.43mi); 1.5 – 2 hours (one-way)
Elevation change: 270m (885 ft)
This mountain road leads hikers to the Harmony Tea Hut and is used to return from the Half Note Trail to Roundhouse Lodge. There are some steep sections.
Burnt Stew
Length: 1.7km (1.05mi); 40 minutes
Elevation change: 130m (427ft)
This mountain road starts at the Saddle and is used as an alternate route between Roundhouse Lodge and High Note Trail.
Matthew’s Traverse Road
Length: .9km (0.6mi); 45 minutes
Elevation change: 80m (262ft)
Enjoy panoramic views along this mountain road from the summit of Whistler to the Harmony Tea Hut.
Blackcomb Trail Descriptions
Alpine Walk
Length: 1.6km (0.96mi); 60 minutes round loop
Elevation change: 65m (213ft)
A gentle walking loop leading away from the Rendevous Lodge with spectacular views of Fitzsimmon’s Valley through sub-alpine forest.
Overlord Trail
Length: 3.7km (2,27mi); 60-90 minutes one way
Elevation change: 62m (203ft)
Stretching into Garibaldi Provincial Park, this two-way trail is used as the main connecting route to all of Blackcomb’s hiking trails. Wildflowers, amazing views of Overlord Glacier and many alpine lakes with glacier run offs can be enjoyed.
Treeline Trail
Length: 1.1km (0.7mi); 30 to 60 minutes (one way)
Elevation change: 235m (771ft)
Hike through sub-alpine, old growth forest with potential wildlife sightings. Note since this trail leads to 7th Heaven Express, this trail is only open during summer glacier skiing and riding, no return hiking trail is available.
Marmot Trail
Length: 1.1km (0.7mi); 30-60 minutes (one way)
Elevation change: 174m (571ft)
This trail is recommended for uphill hiking and takes hikers from below the tree line up to the high alpine.
Lakeside Loop
Length: 1.3km (0.81mi); 30-60 minutes (one way)
Elevation change: 43m (141ft)
It is recommended to hike this loop clock-wise. A short climb takes hikers to a rich area of wildflowers with Blackcomb Lake nestled below the peak of Blackcomb Mountain.
Decker Loop
Length: 1.8km (1.09mi); 45-75 minutes (one way)
Elevation change: 134m (440ft)
Hikers begin by hiking clockwise up and into Garibaldi Provincial Park. Incredible views of mountain peak and Overlord Glacier.
Introduction
Whistler Blackcomb’s terrain is just as awe-inspiring in the summer as it is in the winter when it’s covered with a fresh layer of powder waiting to be skiied. In the summer, two gondolas and three chairlifts make easy work of most of the mountains’ vertical, allowing hikers to spend their time, and their energy, exploring the vast high alpine.
Ultimate Alpine Experience Via PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola
The PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience is a “choose your own adventure” journey of epic proportions. Soaring between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains provides a 360-degree perspective on Whistler Blackcomb’s alpine environment, its surrounding peaks, the changing seasons and flourishing wildlife habitat. From Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain, the hiking options are endless. Hikers can access 50+ kilometres of hiking trails spread over 19 trails.
Trails located at the top of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains range in difficulty from beginner to expert. Hikers of all physical abilities can get active in the fresh alpine air by heading out for a mellow ramble along an interpretive walk or by making a day of it and experiencing Whistler Blackcomb’s signature High Note Trail hike along the Musical Bumps. Views of glacier upon glacier and the sweet scent of wildflowers blanketing alpine meadows make a trip to the top of Whistler Blackcomb a richly unforgettable experience. From easy to epic, every hike on Whistler Blackcomb begins with a reconnaissance mission on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.
High Note Trail: Whistler Blackcomb’s Signature Hiking Trail
A truly top-of-the-world experience awaits hikers on Whistler’s summit. Upon disembarking the iconic Peak Express chairlift some familiar Whistler icons are ready to greet hikers and their cameras – a giant stone Inukshuk figure and the famed Black Tusk, the enormous lava core of an ancient volcano located across the valley from Whistler Mountain.
After taking in the views, hikers can access the High Note Trail and journey along a true alpine hiking trail stretching out through rugged terrain and alpine meadows into Garibaldi Provincial Park. The 9.4 kilometre loop provides stunning views of Cheakamus Lake and the Coast Mountain Range, lush carpets of wildflowers, mountain streams and pristine forest.