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Hiking to Wedgemount Lake

Whistler, British Columbia

5.0/5
based on 9 reviews

Details

Distance

8.7 miles

Elevation Gain

1160 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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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Features

Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Forest
Lake
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hiking to Wedgemount Lake Reviews

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.

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!

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!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Mountain Bike "Out There" on Wedge Mountain

Paddle on Whistler's Green Lake

Visit the Ancient Cedars

Camp at Whistler's Riverside Campground

Mt. Currie Trail

Snowshoe Lost Lake Whistler