It has become a tradition for my family to visit Whistler over my mom’s birthday weekend. This time we booked an AirBnB for all 5 of us in the heart of the village (see our AirBnB here) and were able to simply relax in the mountains. Truthfully, we didn’t do much other than that. Our time consisted of classic Canadian views with canoes, glacier topped mountains, local beer and wildlife. We were able to see so much of the mountain town in one day as we always make it a prerogative to bike Whistler. If you didn’t catch my Snapchat featuring our epic ride around all 3 Whistler lakes then you can check the video out on my Facebook page.

In the meantime here’s a bit of what you missed in Whistler as well as a handy map to show you how to bike Whistler and avoid the wrong hills ;).

Start Point: The Westin

There are so many spots to rent any kind of bike you could imagine in Whistler but you can easily reach The Westin from the village. It is my preferred spot to begin the bike ride. From there head towards the village on Whistler Way and cross the Sea to Sky Highway. There you’ll find the Valley Trail for an easy coast down to Alta Lake.

Tip: Bring a bike lock. You’ll never know when you’ll want to refuel at an unexpected café or hop on a canoe!

Alta Lake: Canoes, SUP & Beaches

Alta lake offers a lovely placed to relax before you get serious about biking. Bring your bathing suit on hot days to take advantage of the sun and SUP/Canoe/Kayak rentals on offer at the beach. If you’re not into biking this is one of the best locations for a picnic and it is a short walk from the village centre. Since it is all downhill from the village I would not recommend biking back to the village the way you came unless you are up for a challenge!

Note: One you follow the trail to the other side of the lake you’ll find a long straight stretch of trail that is perpendicular to the train tracks. Keep your eye out on the forest to your right as there are hidden decaying cars that make for great photos!

Rainbow Park

Do not miss your turn off to Rainbow Park! I am speaking from experience. It is all uphill if you keep on the road but a bonus is you might make it far enough to reach the Whistler Cemetery but the down side is you’ll be too tired to find out how far deep it goes. So turn at Rainbow Park and enjoy a little water refuel station, bathrooms and the view above.

Green Lake: Refuel with a View

Green Lake is aptly named for its pale emerald glow in the water. You’ll find canoes, float planes and fly fishermen dotting the surface. It borders a golf course boasting the “best patio view” in Whistler. Park your bikes and head on inside to refuel if you want to make it to Lost Lake. It’s a climb! But if I can make it you can too.

Lost Lake Trail

Follow the signs to Lost Lake Trail and make sure you keep an eye out because last time I was in Whistler I completely missed the turn off. Now I know you might start cursing my name when you start to make your way up the hills. I was too! In fact, I maintain that there is no shame in walking your bike up the hill to the top. You’ll know you’re at the top when you reach the maps and gorgeous view of the lakes you just visited flanked by rocks.

Sometimes you might find the lake with food trucks stationed at the beach depending on the weather. I was more amazed that I made it and there were so many blue jays! From here it is a breezy ride back down to the valley. And voila! 2.5 hours done. Beer earned. So much of Whistler seen!

Follow my tips and the map below together to discover the Bike Whistler trail I paved.