Panoramic views from the Cheakamus Lake hike in Whistler, British Columbia
Panoramic views from the Cheakamus Lake hike in Whistler, British Columbia

Cheakamus Lake hike

Whistler
View Photos
Bridge at Cheakamus Lake Hike in WhistlerTrees at Cheakamus Lake Hike in WhistlerBeautiful blue water on Cheakamus Lake Hike in WhistlerReflections on the lake on Cheakamus Lake Hike in WhistlerBeautiful blue lake on Cheakamus Lake Hike in Whistler, British ColumbiaLake at Cheakamus Lake Hike in Whistler (BC)

Cheakamus Lake hike

Distance: 10.3mi
Elevation: 1,640ft
Time: 4.5-6h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.5 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

The trail up to Cheakamus Lake is one of the best in the Whistler Region. A relatively flat approach brings you to a massive and secluded mountain lined lake with stunning views. This hike is perfect for a picnic, kids, or an easy backpack.

Cheakamus Lake Hike Map

Getting there

From Function Junction (signed and marked on most maps as such), enter the Whistler Olympic Village. After driving for a couple hundred meters, just as the speed limit drops, turn left on a dirt road leading up to the Cheakamus Lake trailhead. If you enter the Olympic Village you have gone too far.

I’ve done this 43 people have done this
I want to do this 38 want to do this route

About

When to do

June through September

Backcountry Campsites

Cheakamus Lake Helm Lake

Toilets

Trailhead & Backcountry campgrounds

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Out and back


Cheakamus Lake
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Cheakamus Lake

This dirt road is not that rocky, though it has several potholes, and is definitely drivable in almost all two-wheel-drive cars. You will drive up the dirt road through second growth forests for 4.3mi until you arrive at the Cheakamus Lake parking lot. There is a map and an outhouse here.

Before starting, be aware that this route can also be done on mountain bikes, so watch out for bikers as you hike!

This hike can be as short or as long as you like. The start of the lake and the first campground is only 1.9mi from the trailhead, and from there you can walk up to 4.3mi one-way along the lake.

The trail starts out with an initial climb, however this is most of the elevation you will gain for the entire hike. After 0.9mi you’ll come to a junction that turns off towards Garibaldi Lake.

Descending down this path for 2 minutes will bring you to a cool bridge going over the Cheakamus River. Return to the junction and follow the signs towards Cheakamus Lake. Don’t try walking this route to Garibaldi Lake – it’s a long journey!

The next 0.9mi of walking leads you up to the initial approach to the lake. This is a stunning, secluded nature walk that meanders through old growth forests, ending at mouth of Cheakamus Lake, and the first of two backcountry campsites. These sites are beautiful, as you can camp right on the lake. Additionally, they are fantastic for a first-time backpack, as the hike in is nice and easy.

The trail past the first campsite narrows and some small hills exist as you hike beside the lake. You will continue to get fantastic views into Garibaldi Park, with Corrie Peak across the lake to the right, and Mount Davidson and the Cheakamus Glacier visible at the far end of the lake.

Continue along the trail as far as you want to go, then return the way you came towards your vehicle.

Want to find more amazing hikes around Whistler? Check out the Garibaldi Lake hike, Panorama Ridge hike or the Black Tusk hike.

Insider Hints

  • Bring a picnic to enjoy on the rocky beach at either of the two campgrounds.

  • Be aware that this route can also be done by bike, and thus be cautious of bikers while on the trail.

  • This is a great hike for young kids as there is minimal elevation gain.

Comments

Meighan 4 years ago

A fantastic trail to hike that is not far from Whistler. Walking along the Cheakamus River and Lake was a joy. Trail is not strenuous and there are many rewards - river, lake, forest and snow capped mountains.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Heidon 4 years ago

Relatively easy and recommended for beginners. It's well marked and very popular. The lake is gorgeous with plenty of nice access points to have a snack.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Rowan Sanders 4 years ago

A fantastic trail to hike that is not far from Whistler. Trail is not strenuous and there are many rewards - river, lake, forest and snow capped mountains.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
matsuomako 4 years ago

Bewildering views! I'm glad I have my camera when I went here!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
HIllaryPNW 4 years ago

Well today was so enjoyable. I'd recommend this to anyone. Trail is easy and well groomed

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Lukas Saville 4 years ago

A wonderful hike, really glad I found this trail

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Tara Green 4 years ago

It is just so beautiful, all the different colors of the trees and the lake are very scenic

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
5h 00m Time Taken
Tara Green 4 years ago

It is just so beautiful, all the different colors of the trees and the lake are very scenic.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
5h 00m Time Taken
Tara Green 4 years ago

It was just so beautiful, all the different colors of the trees and the lake were very scenic.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
5h 00m Time Taken
ottobismark 5 years ago

Don't be put off by the distance, this is long but not too steep. It's a fabulous hike. Wish I could portage my canoe up here, but I'm not quite that fit.

25 Comments Show all

Similar hikes to the Cheakamus Lake hike

Jane Lakes Trail

Jane Lakes Trail

Difficulty:
6.2mi
2001ft
3.5-5h

The Jane Lakes Trail is a lightly trafficked 6.2mi out-and-back hiking route through the Whistler Interpretive forest that…

Comfortably Numb Trail

Comfortably Numb Trail

Difficulty:
13.6mi
2500ft
6-8.5h

The Comfortably Numb Trail is a multi-use route near Whistler that starts to the northeast of Green Lake and travels…

Half Note Trail to High Note

Half Note Trail to High Note

Difficulty:
5.7mi
2198ft
3.5-5h

The Half Note Trail to High Note is a moderate hiking loop that utilizes the network of trails atop Whistler…