Whistler Lakes
Five glacier-fed lakes, seven waterfront parks, all within a short ride of the Village
The Valley’s Best-Kept Season
Whistler is famous for its mountains, but the valley floor is threaded with lakes: warm swimming holes, quiet paddling docks and sandy family beaches, all linked by the paved Valley Trail. Whether you want a post-hike plunge, a sunset paddle or a full beach day with the kids and the dog, there is a lake within fifteen minutes of your door. Here is where to find each one and what to expect when you arrive.
| Park | From the Village | Known For | Dog Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Lake Park | 15 min walk, or free summer shuttle | Warm water and floating docks | Canine Cove |
| Nita Lake Park | 5 km south, 15 to 20 min by bike | Quiet dockside paddling | · |
| Alpha Lake Park | 5 km south, in Creekside | Family beach, courts and playground | Off-leash dog park |
| Rainbow Park | 15 to 20 min by bike | Mountain views and beach volleyball | Barking Bay |
| Lakeside Park | 3 km, in Alta Vista | Family swims and boat rentals | · |
| Wayside Park | 3.5 km, off Highway 99 | Quiet beach with rentals on site | · |
| Green Lake | 4 km north | Boardwalk rides and motorized water sports | · |
All lakes except Green Lake are non-motorized. Distances are from Whistler Village along the Valley Trail.
Lost Lake Park
Lost Lake sits right on the edge of Whistler Village: a fifteen minute stroll, or a ride on the free shuttle that runs all summer. It is the warmest swim in the valley, with a sandy beach and several floating docks to paddle out to. Dogs are not allowed on the main beach, but a short walk around the shoreline brings you to Canine Cove, a dedicated dog-friendly beach.
Nita Lake Park
Nita Lake sits in Creekside, about five kilometres south of the Village and an easy fifteen to twenty minute ride along the Valley Trail. You will not find expansive lawns or swimming beaches here. Instead, this quaint lake offers a quiet dock where you can launch a canoe or stand up paddle board and set out on a relaxing, picture-perfect paddle.
Alpha Lake Park
Just around the corner from Nita Lake in Creekside, Alpha Lake Park is one of the best-equipped parks in the valley. There is a sandy beach and dock for swimmers, a children’s play structure, volleyball and tennis courts, plus picnic tables and barbecue stands for a full afternoon out. Four-legged family members get their own off-leash dog park too.
Rainbow Park
Set on the far side of Alta Lake, Rainbow Park is best reached by bike or on foot, roughly a fifteen to twenty minute ride from the Village. The reward is the finest view in the valley: Whistler and Blackcomb rising straight across the water. Spread out on the massive grassy area, swim from the beach, join a game of beach volleyball or settle in at the picnic area. At the south end, Barking Bay gives dogs their own off-leash grass and dock.
Lakeside Park
An easy three kilometre ride from the Village, Lakeside Park in Alta Vista is the family favourite on Alta Lake. A children’s play structure, a large grass lawn, picnic tables, barbecue stands and a concession stand cover every base, and the swimming is superb. Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and paddle boards are all available to rent on site, so you can be out on the water in minutes.
Wayside Park
Tucked just off Highway 99 about three and a half kilometres from the Village, Wayside Park is a little tricky to find, which is exactly what keeps it quiet. This charming pocket of Alta Lake still delivers a grassy lawn, a dock, a beach and swimming area, picnic tables and a concession stand. Whistler Eco Tours operates on site with canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals as well as guided trips.
Green Lake
Four kilometres north of the Village by bike or a short hike, Green Lake is Whistler’s largest and deepest lake, which keeps it noticeably colder and makes it the local runway for float planes. A boardwalk wraps part way around the shore and makes a fantastic riding route: pause at Dream River Park for the views, carry on to Fitzsimmons Fan Park for a fresh perspective, and stop for a bracing dip along the way. It is also the only motorized lake in Whistler, so if waterskiing or wakeboarding are your thing, this is the spot.