High Note Trail, Whistler
Trail Key: M~2~SW~R~TR~BF~CC~H~PT
Length: 9.5 Km’s
Elevation: 300 meters
Toilets: Yes-beginning
Dogs: No
I would have to say that this hike is on my favorites list. There is a summer season pass you can buy, as a BC resident you get a special discount. If you go hiking twice it is worth every penny. There are also other benefits such as 25% off for up to 4 of your guests. Make sure you bring proof of your BC residency. You must buy your season pass on-line as at the ticket booth you will only be able to get a day's pass. Check to see if there is a BBQ (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) at the top. It’s a good price and very delicious. After you buy your ticket (check times as the Gondola does not start early in the morning and may not be open late.) You will need to line up but the line does move fast. After you ride the gondola up, you will need to walk to the chairlift. It is very well explained. After the chairlift ride up, it’s easy to step off the lift. I liked taking the Gondola & Peak to Peak chair lift up to the top; beginning the hike from this side.
This hike offers views of the Black Tusk and Cheakamus Lake. As you ride up the views alone are stunning. Start the trail on a rocky outcrop; descending down a slippery path. Be careful with your footing on the loose dirt. On some parts there are some chain assists to help you along.
After crossing a road you are back on the trail with views of The Black Tusk & other mountain peaks.
After walking for a bit there’s a lookout of Cheakamus Lake. Its milky turquoise waters bring delight to your eyes. Keep going along. There’s a half Note trail that you can take back to the Gondola but try to keep going as there’s more to see.
There is one section that I did not like but I made it through. You will come to a big rock on your left side and a tree on your right side...it is steep here. There is a rope around the rock to hold onto. You will need to put your foot on a rock and step onto a metal grate decline. There is a gap from the rock to the grate, it’s a bit tricky if you are not flexible or lack confidence and balance but totally doable.
There are some steep sections to come. I wouldn't want to do this hike when it had been raining. You will come to two little lakes. We soaked our aching feet in one. It would be a nice place for lunch. Keep going; this side of the trail is not as stunning. You can go up to Singing Pass (we did not do that so I can't say what it is like). Continue on and soon you will come to the last big grunt up and you make your way back to the Gondola. You can have a beverage or something to eat. You only have to take the Gondola down and you will be back in Whistler Village. Happy & safe trails!
Trail Key: M~2~SW~R~TR~BF~CC~H~PT
Length: 9.5 Km’s
Elevation: 300 meters
Toilets: Yes-beginning
Dogs: No
I would have to say that this hike is on my favorites list. There is a summer season pass you can buy, as a BC resident you get a special discount. If you go hiking twice it is worth every penny. There are also other benefits such as 25% off for up to 4 of your guests. Make sure you bring proof of your BC residency. You must buy your season pass on-line as at the ticket booth you will only be able to get a day's pass. Check to see if there is a BBQ (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) at the top. It’s a good price and very delicious. After you buy your ticket (check times as the Gondola does not start early in the morning and may not be open late.) You will need to line up but the line does move fast. After you ride the gondola up, you will need to walk to the chairlift. It is very well explained. After the chairlift ride up, it’s easy to step off the lift. I liked taking the Gondola & Peak to Peak chair lift up to the top; beginning the hike from this side.
This hike offers views of the Black Tusk and Cheakamus Lake. As you ride up the views alone are stunning. Start the trail on a rocky outcrop; descending down a slippery path. Be careful with your footing on the loose dirt. On some parts there are some chain assists to help you along.
After crossing a road you are back on the trail with views of The Black Tusk & other mountain peaks.
After walking for a bit there’s a lookout of Cheakamus Lake. Its milky turquoise waters bring delight to your eyes. Keep going along. There’s a half Note trail that you can take back to the Gondola but try to keep going as there’s more to see.
There is one section that I did not like but I made it through. You will come to a big rock on your left side and a tree on your right side...it is steep here. There is a rope around the rock to hold onto. You will need to put your foot on a rock and step onto a metal grate decline. There is a gap from the rock to the grate, it’s a bit tricky if you are not flexible or lack confidence and balance but totally doable.
There are some steep sections to come. I wouldn't want to do this hike when it had been raining. You will come to two little lakes. We soaked our aching feet in one. It would be a nice place for lunch. Keep going; this side of the trail is not as stunning. You can go up to Singing Pass (we did not do that so I can't say what it is like). Continue on and soon you will come to the last big grunt up and you make your way back to the Gondola. You can have a beverage or something to eat. You only have to take the Gondola down and you will be back in Whistler Village. Happy & safe trails!