Sight guide · Whistler · Canada
Visiting Valley Trail
More than 40 km of paved, car-free paths link Whistler's neighbourhoods, lakes and parks, from Function Junction in the south to Green Lake in the north.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Clarisse Baudot, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Valley Trail is a nature spot in Whistler Valley, Whistler. Allow 1–3 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Whistler Valley
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, active, outdoors and kids
- Best months
- July–September
About Valley Trail
More than 40 km of paved, car-free paths link Whistler's neighbourhoods, lakes and parks, from Function Junction in the south to Green Lake in the north. In summer it is used by walkers, cyclists and inline skaters; parts are groomed for cross-country skiing in winter.
Tip: Rent a cruiser bike and ride a lake loop — Alta Lake to Rainbow Park and back is about an hour.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–3 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Whistler Valley, whistler's original 1960s base area, with its own gondola and a quieter village.
Best time to visit Valley Trail
Valley Trail is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- August: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- July: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- September: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Whistler has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Valley Trail is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Whistler Blackcomb ski resort and Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
- No. 10 of the 16 sights in our Whistler things-to-do list.
- Day 5 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Whistler.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Whistler.
- A family favourite in Whistler with kids.
If you like Valley Trail
- Whistler Blackcomb ski resort — Whistler Village, Full day
- Whistler Mountain Bike Park — Whistler Village, Half or full day
- Cloudraker Skybridge and summer alpine trails — Whistler Blackcomb, Half a day
- Village Stroll and Olympic Plaza — Whistler Village, 1–2 hours
Staying near Valley Trail
Stay in Creekside ($$$) to walk here: whistler's original 1960s base area, with its own gondola and a quieter village. All areas to stay in Whistler.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Valley Trail?
Plan 1–3 hours.
+Is Valley Trail free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Valley Trail?
July–September for the most comfortable weather. Rent a cruiser bike and ride a lake loop — Alta Lake to Rainbow Park and back is about an hour.
+Do I need to book Valley Trail in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Valley Trail good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Whistler. Whistler is very family-friendly: ski schools for children from toddler age, car-free streets, lakes with beaches and docks in summer, and easy walks and bike paths.