Hiking to Wedgemount Lake
Details
Distance
8.7 miles
Elevation Gain
1160 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Emily Haggar
Hike to amazing views of this turquoise lake. The hike is approximately 14km roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1160 meters. Hike to waterfalls, ice caves, and mini icebergs. Duration: Full day.
Just a little ways past Whistler BC Canada, you'll find a steep mountain trail leading to one of the true gems of Garibaldi Provincial Park and the Sea to Sky area: Wedgemount Lake. This is the stuff dreams are made of.
The route ascends 7km through beautiful old growth forest, and as you crest the top of the trail, a feast for the eyes of epic proportions awaits you there. Wedgemount Lake is such a deep turquoise it's hard to believe it's actually real. The lake is surrounded by rugged peaks, and you can hike over to the toe of the glacier, where you'll find an ice cave, waterfalls, and mini icebergs.
The highlight of this trip is the scenery. It's a steep challenging hike, but well worth the reward. Just follow HWY 99 north past Whistler to the Wedgemount Lake sign (Provincial Parks) on your right, head up the dirt road 3km to the parking area, and follow the trail.
There is a fantastic camping area at the lake. This is also ski touring destination (expert), and playground for climbers and mountaineers.
Enjoy!
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Reviews
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Superb challenging hike in the Whistler area
Very though but rewarding hike - it took us 2.5 hrs without stops and with relatively light backpacks, however consider between 3 and 4 hrs if you`re planning to camp on the top in front of the glacier and the unbelievably light blue lake, waking up to the marmots calls and the magical mountain views. It then took us 1hr return to reach the glacier - take your time to enjoy the close-up views of its majestic ice walls and crevices.
5.0
Awesome hike! but tough
This is NOT a hike for the faint of heart, it's a steep and at times gruelling 1200m (not feet as mentioned in the summary) gain from the parking lot with no flat sections. Bring a lot of water on hot days or a way to replenish at streams along the way. Scenery at the top is majestic but BE PREPARED!
5.0
Incredible!!!
Ive hiked a lot in Canada and this hike is easily one of my favourite hikes. The fact you can camp up the top (which we did) and check out a sweet glacier is so damn cool! Don’t be fooled though, it is super steep and a lot of elevation gain over 7kms. This hike kicked my butt but it was so worth it!
5.0
Rewarding but tough
This was a great hike and the view at the top is so nice. This is definitely a difficult hike though, there are really no switchbacks, its mostly just an uphill battle the entire time and the last stretch is scrambling over loose rocks. I highly recommend if you are in the area, but be prepared for a 3-4 hour hike up to the lake.
5.0
Epic
Natural dam containing gorgeous coloured glacial water. Serious up and some magical pockets of glory along the way. Just the right distance for a day hike. About 5 or 6C in the daytime on October 9th 2017.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
