Explore the best hikes from Vancouver to Whistler on this 7-day guided tour
What’s the Sea to Sky? Well, it’s a stunning stretch of highway running between Vancouver and Whistler, and it’s packed with breathtaking hiking routes and waterfalls. On this 7-day tour, you’ll visit spectacular spots like Joffre Lakes and the Stawamus Chief, and you’ll also get to see some hidden gems and secret spots with your local, savvy guide. This tour includes luxurious accommodation so you can rest well each night and be fully energized for each hiking day.
In addition to hiking epic trails through alpine meadows to blue glacial lakes, you’ll get to embrace your inner foodie with visits to local craft breweries and restaurants in the charming towns of Squamish and Whistler. When the group stops in Whistler, you’ll have a free day to customize your activity—go for another hike, or try out mountain biking or ziplining! And, to top it all off, you’ll spend the last full day whitewater rafting down the mighty Thompson River. All this adventure packed into 7 days? Don’t miss it!
Highlights of the Vancouver to Whistler Hiking Tour
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Vancouver to Whistler hiking tour Itinerary
Day 1 Meet in Vancouver and Head to Squamish
Your adventure starts in Vancouver! You will be picked up from your hotel in the afternoon then the group will head north of the city. Get acquainted with your hiking buddies on the ride! On the way, gaze out the window at the iconic coastal scenery with the ocean to the west and mountains to the east as you climb up the Sea to Sky highway.
Landing in Squamish, you’ll check into the hotel, then head out as a group to grab some delicious eats in this little town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Squamish
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Hike the Stawamus Chief in Squamish
Wake up and enjoy a yummy breakfast and prepare to hike the area’s local favourite mountain: the Chief. It’s an impressive rock face, popular with climbers and hikers alike, with three incredible viewpoints at the top overlooking Howe Sound. Enjoy a charcuterie picnic at the summit before descending this beautiful trail.
Before hitting the hotel again, you’ll stop to visit Shannon Falls, the third-highest in BC. That waterfall mist will be welcome on a hot day. Return to Squamish for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Squamish
Distance: 2.5–4 hours, 6.3 km, 494m of ascent/descent
Meals: Lunch
Day 3 Glacier Lake Hike
This morning you’ll say goodbye to Squamish and move on to Whistler. Before you arrive in this famous mountain town, you’ll sneak in an iconic hike to either Elfin Lakes or Garibaldi Lake (your guide will decide which one suits the group). Either way, you’ll be trekking among alpine meadows popping with flowers and dense, fragrant forests before reaching a jaw-droppingly beautiful lake scene. Keep your eyes out for the glaciers around you, and if you need a little extra pep in your step, why not jump into the lake?
Later in the afternoon, stop by Brandywine Falls for a few pictures, then continue to Whistler to check into the hotel. Feel free to explore the charming town and find some delectable eats before bed.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Whistler
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Lunch
Day 4 Free Day to Explore Whistler
Get a rest day and wander the adorable town of Whistler. If you’re up for more adventure, you can customize your day by adding ziplining, mountain biking, or go on another hike with your guide or on your own. If you choose to follow your guide, you’ll reach a fantastic spot unknown to most who visit, Wedgemount Lake. Return to Whistler for dinner and then get some rest for a big day tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Whistler
Distance: Optional hike: 6–8 hours, 15.6 km, 1375m of ascent/descent
Meals: Lunch
Day 5 Hike to Joffre Lakes
Yes, that’s right: Joffre Lakes—the hike that went viral on Instagram. You’re going to hike there today and find out exactly why it’s so special. On the way to the hike, you’ll first stop at another impressive waterfall and take a quick break in charming Pemberton.
Then, get ready for an adventure full of the bluest lakes and most breathtaking landscapes. After taking too many photos, the group will indulge in a wine tasting at Fort Berens Winery, then settle into an unforgettable glamping resort.
Overnight Location: Glamping in Lytton
Distance: 3.5–6 hours, 11.8 km, 393m of ascent/descent
Meals: Lunch
Day 6 Rafting on the Thompson River
After breakfast, set out with guides from the Kumsheen Rafting Resort to get your adrenaline pumping down the Thompson River in a raft.
When you stop for lunch, your guides will regale you with historical facts of the fur traders and prospectors who flocked to this area during the Cariboo Gold Rush. When the rafting adventure ends, you’ll return to the glamping resort for a final campfire and stay up to watch the stars.
Overnight Location: Glamping in Lytton
Distance: None
Meals: Lunch
Day 7 Through Hell’s Gate to Vancouver
After breakfast, it’s time to pack up and return to Vancouver. During the ride, you’ll stop at a few viewpoints for some final photo ops, including Hell’s Gate, one of the most treacherous rapids in Canada.
Get a drop-off at your hotel, high fives all around, and head off to the next part of your journey.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: None
Vancouver to Whistler hiking tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in British Columbia is run as a fixed departure tour where you’d be joining a group. However, if you are willing to have a tour for your group only, custom tours can also be organized (please enquire for more information).
The prices below are per person:
Book NowAccommodation on the Vancouver to Whistler hiking tour
This tour is based in 3-star hotels and a luxury glamping resort. Each accommodation offers pleasant rooms and great amenities. Rooms are double occupancy, however, there are no single traveller supplements (you will be matched with another solo traveller for a double room, unless you want a single room – in this case, single room supplement applies).
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $925 USD to have a private room.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Squamish
Enjoy the exciting town of Squamish with a lovely local hotel as your base.
Hotel in Whistler
This world-class destination awaits outside of your local digs. Enjoy exploring Whistler and then kicking back in your comfy bed.
Glamping Resort in Lytton
It’s like camping, but far more luxurious. Enjoy your elevated camping experience at this fantastic resort!
What’s Included in the Vancouver to Whistler hiking tour?
Meals
6 lunches and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 6 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is included in the tour. You will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in downtown Vancouver at the start and end of the tour.
Also Included
- Local guides for the entire tour
- Park passes
- Whitewater rafting excursion
- Hot springs entry fees
Not included
- Personal alcohol and meals not mentioned
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not mentioned as “included”
- GST (5%)
Optional Extras
- Extra nights in Vancouver before or after the tour
- Optional activities in Whistler: ziplining, mountain biking, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vancouver to Whistler Hiking Tour
Fresh Adventures is an outdoor tour company that navigates explorations through the rugged, stunning terrain spanning western Canada. With an emphasis on customer care, Fresh Adventures promises to depart on an expedition, with a highly skilled guide, no matter how many people have signed up, while also ensuring tour participants have top-notch equipment.
Learn MoreVancouver to Whistler Hiking Tour Map
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