There are numerous easy hiking trails in and around Whistler. (Just remember -- never hike alone, and bring plenty of water with you.) You can take lifts up to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains' trails during summer, but you have a number of other choices as well. The Lost Lake Trail starts at the northern end of the Day Skier Parking Lot at Blackcomb. The 30km (19 miles) of marked trails that wind around creeks, beaver dams, blueberry patches, and lush cedar groves are ideal for biking, cross-country skiing, or just strolling and picnicking.
The Valley Trail System is a well-marked paved trail connecting parts of Whistler. The trail starts on the west side of Highway 99 adjacent to the Whistler Golf Course and winds through quiet residential areas, as well as golf courses and parks. Garibaldi Provincial Park's Singing Pass Trail is a 4-hour hike of moderate difficulty. The fun way to experience this trail is to take the Whistler Mountain gondola to the top and walk down the well-marked path that ends in the village.
Beginning in 2006, Whistler Mountain's premier chairlift -- the Peak Chair -- will remain open in summer for transport to the mountain's 2,182m (7,160-ft.) summit for alpine sightseeing and hiking. Called the Peak Adventure (tel. 866/218-9690 or 604/932-3434; www.whistlerblackcomb.com), tickets are C$35 (US$28) adult, C$27 (US$22) seniors and youths 13 to 18, and C$15 (US$12) children 7 to 12. After the exhilarating open-air chairlift ride, take your pick from over 48km (30 miles) of alpine hiking trails including the Peak Interpretive Walk; guided hikes are available.
Nairn Falls Provincial Park is about 33km (20 miles) north of Whistler on Highway 99. It features a 1.5km (1-mile) long trail leading you to a stupendous view of the icy-cold Green River as it plunges 60m (196 ft.) over a rocky cliff into a narrow gorge on its way downstream. On Highway 99 north of Mount Currie, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is an intermediate-level hike leading past several brilliant-blue glacial lakes up to the very foot of a glacier. The Ancient Cedars area of Cougar Mountain is an awe-inspiring grove of towering cedars and Douglas firs. Some of the trees are over 1,000 years old and measure 2.5m (9 ft.) in diameter.
