Whistler has some of the best glacier fed, freshwater lakes in the world.
What and where are the lakes in Whistler?
- Alta Lake: Alta Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Alta Vista neighbourhood in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. It is a popular recreational destination and is surrounded by scenic mountains and forests, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also several beaches, parks, and campgrounds around the lake, as well as several resorts. Additionally, the lake is located near the Whistler Village, which is a popular ski resort and tourist destination. In the summer months, Alta Lake attracts tourists and locals alike who enjoy water activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. The lake's calm waters make it a great place for beginners and families to try these activities. In addition, the nearby Whistler Valley Trail provides a scenic route for cyclists, runners and walkers to enjoy the surrounding beauty.In the winter, Alta Lake freezes over and becomes a popular destination for cross-country skiing, skating, ice fishing and snowshoeing. The lake's location at the base of Whistler Mountain provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and forests.Alta Lake is also a significant wildlife habitat, and visitors may see a variety of birds and other wildlife in the area, including beavers, deer, and black bears.
- Lost Lake: Lost Lake is a popular destination for both locals and tourists and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the Village. Located in the Benchlands neighbourhood. There are several trails that lead to the lake, some of which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Mountain bikers, hikers and nature enthusiasts can explore the surrounding area and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the lake. The lake is also a popular spot for birdwatching, as a variety of waterfowl and other birds can be seen in the area.In the summer months, the lake is a popular spot for swimming and paddling, with a beach area and a designated swim area available for visitors. Lifeguards are on duty during the peak season to ensure the safety of swimmers. There are also kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available for rent, allowing visitors to explore the lake and its surroundings.Lost Lake also offers picnic areas and BBQ pits, making it a great destination for families and groups of friends who want to spend a day enjoying the outdoors. There are also food trucks and several restaurants and cafes nearby, offering a variety of food options for those who want to enjoy a meal in the beautiful surroundings of the lake.
- Alpha Lake: Alpha Lake is located in Whistler Creekside. Easily accessed from Tamarisk and Twin Lakes. It is a popular recreational area for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking. The lake is surrounded by parks, hiking and biking trails, and a campground, offering many opportunities for outdoor activities. Alpha Lake Park is a hub of summer activity in Whistler, known for its sunny beaches, calm waters and stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains. Alpha Lake is situated in a picturesque setting and is a great destination for families, tourists, and locals alike. In the summer months, the lake is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The calm and shallow waters of Alpha Lake make it ideal for swimming and paddling, and there are several designated swim areas with buoy lines and lifeguards on duty. For those who like to fish, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout, making it a great place to try your luck.In addition to swimming and fishing, Alpha Lake Park offers a variety of outdoor recreation options, including hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a campground. The park is also home to several sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic shelters, making it a great place for families to spend a day outdoors.In the winter months, Alpha Lake Park transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered trails, ice skating on the lake, and cross-country skiing opportunities. The lake and its surroundings are a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, and visitors can enjoy the stunning mountain scenery while taking part in a range of outdoor activities.Overall, Alpha Lake is a must-visit destination for those looking for outdoor recreation and natural beauty in Whistler, British Columbia.
- Green Lake: Green Lake is a freshwater lake located near the Emerald Estates and Nicklaus North/Green Lake neighbourhoods in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. It is known for its clear, emerald green water and scenic surroundings, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, offering a peaceful and serene environment for visitors to enjoy. There are several parks and beaches around the lake, providing ample opportunities for picnicking, sunbathing, and hiking. In winter, the area is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In addition to its natural beauty, Green Lake also offers a variety of recreational facilities and amenities, including picnic areas, camping grounds, biking and walking trails. The lake is also a hub for water sports and attracts a variety of visitors, including families, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Green Lake is home to the Harbour Air water taxi. Green Lake is the only lake in Whistler that permits motorboats and personal watercraft.
- Nita Lake: Nita Lake is a picturesque lake located in Creekside in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. It's situated just a few minutes away from the main village and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and majestic mountains, making it a perfect place for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.Nita Lake Lodge, a luxurious lakeside hotel, is located on the shores of Nita Lake and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The hotel features a spa, a restaurant, and various outdoor recreational activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.For those interested in hiking, the scenic Nita Lake Loop is a popular trail that encircles the lake and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The trail is suitable for all skill levels and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area.In the winter, Whistler is a popular ski resort destination and Nita Lake is just a short drive away from the slopes. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding on the nearby mountains, and then come back to the warmth and comfort of Nita Lake Lodge to relax and unwind.Overall, Nita Lake is a beautiful and peaceful destination in Whistler, offering visitors a chance to escape into nature and enjoy all the outdoor activities the area has to offer.
- Cheakamus Lake: Cheakamus Lake is a stunning glacial lake located in the Cheakamus neighbourhood in Whistler, Canada. It's situated in the heart of Garibaldi Provincial Park, surrounded by dense forests, rugged peaks, and snow-capped mountains. The lake is popular for its turquoise blue waters and stunning scenery, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.The lake is accessible via a scenic hike along the Cheakamus Lake Trail, which winds through the lush forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels, making it a great option for families and those new to hiking.
- Rainbow Lake: Rainbow Lake is a beautiful lake located in Alpine Meadows in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. It's surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty, and is a great place to escape from the busy town of Whistler.The Rainbow Lake Trail is a popular hiking trail that winds through the forest and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the lake itself. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels, making it a great option for families and those new to hiking.Rainbow Lake is also a popular fishing destination, with a variety of fish species including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout. Fishing is best during the summer months, when the water is warm and the fish are more active.In the winter, Rainbow Lake is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trail is maintained and provides a peaceful escape into nature, surrounded by snow-covered forests and mountains.Overall, Rainbow Lake is a beautiful and peaceful destination in Whistler, offering visitors a chance to escape into nature and enjoy all the outdoor activities the area has to offer.
- Callaghan Lake: Callaghan Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake located in the Callaghan Valley in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. It is surrounded by dense forests and scenic mountain ranges, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.The lake is fed by the Callaghan Creek and is home to a variety of wildlife, including fish species such as rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. It is also a popular spot for hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking. There are several hiking trails in the area that offer breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings.In the winter months, Callaghan Lake is transformed into a winter wonderland and becomes a popular destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports. The nearby Callaghan Valley is a popular location for the Nordic events at the 2010 Winter Olympics.Overall, Callaghan Lake is a stunning natural landmark that offers a variety of recreational opportunities throughout the year, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts visiting Whistler.
- Madeley Lake: Madeley Lake is a lake located in the Whistler area of British Columbia, Canada. It is situated in a remote and pristine wilderness setting, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests. The lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a range of recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, hiking, and camping.The lake is known for its clear, turquoise waters, which are home to a diverse range of fish species, including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon. The surrounding wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, deer, and moose.Madeley Lake is accessible via a hiking trail that starts at the Callaghan Valley Road, a logging road that runs between Whistler and Pemberton. The trail is approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) long, with an elevation gain of around 600 meters (1,970 feet). The trail takes you through dense forests, along the banks of creeks, and across alpine meadows before finally reaching the lake.Camping is allowed at Madeley Lake, and there are several designated campsites along the shore of the lake. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, to protect the natural environment and ensure that the lake remains pristine for future generations.Overall, Madeley Lake is a beautiful and serene destination that offers a unique and unforgettable wilderness experience for those who visit.
- Wedgemount Lake: Wedgemount Lake is a popular tourist destination located near Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. It is situated at the foot of Wedge Mountain, which rises up dramatically from the valley below. The lake is known for its stunning scenery and turquoise blue waters, which are surrounded by dense forests, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks.Wedgemount Lake is a popular destination for hiking, and the trail to the lake is considered to be one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the Whistler area. The trail starts at the parking lot near the Wedgemount Lake campground, and it is approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long with an elevation gain of 1,100 meters (3,609 feet). Along the way, you'll pass by several waterfalls and cross bridges over rushing streams before reaching the lake. The hike to the lake can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on your pace.Once you reach the lake, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. There are several designated campsites along the shore of the lake, and camping is allowed for those who wish to spend the night. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on the natural environment.Wedgemount Lake is also popular for backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter months. The lake is surrounded by steep, rugged peaks, and the backcountry terrain is considered to be some of the best in the Whistler area.Overall, Wedgemount Lake is a beautiful and serene destination that offers a unique and unforgettable wilderness experience for those who visit.
- Garibaldi Lake: Garibaldi Lake is a stunning glacial lake located in Garibaldi Provincial Park, near Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks, forests and alpine meadows, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.The lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, campers, and climbers. The most popular trail to the lake is the Garibaldi Lake Trail, a challenging but rewarding hike that takes about 5-7 hours round trip and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.In the summer, visitors can swim in the lake, fish for rainbow trout, or rent a canoe and explore its shoreline. In the winter, cross-country skiers and snowshoers can enjoy the serene beauty of the frozen lake and surrounding mountains.Garibaldi Lake is also an important source of drinking water for Whistler and the surrounding area, so visitors are asked to follow strict guidelines to protect the water quality, including not using soap or shampoo in the lake and properly disposing of waste.Overall, Garibaldi Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the Whistler area, offering stunning natural beauty and a range of recreational opportunities.
