Without question, my favourite hike to do every summer is the Hike Note Trail on Whistler Blackcomb. The views are extraordinary, with vast mountain vistas and the most stunning view of Cheakamus Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park. If you go in August, you’ll be rewarded with a bounty of alpine flowers. If you want all the details of how to do High Note Trail like how long it takes and how to get there, read on!
Getting There
Wondering how to get to High Note Trail hike? It’s easy! Just take the Village Gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain (or if you’re starting in the Upper Village, take the Blackcomb Gondola up and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola across), then walk the short distance to the Peak Express Chair, an open air chairlift, and take this to the Peak.
Before you officially start the hike, be sure to take a few minutes to enjoy the new Whistler Cloudraker Skybridge suspension bridge.
How To Do High Note Trail Hike
The trailhead starts behind the Inukshuk at the peak of Whistler Mountain. The trail will descend from here and you’ll need to carefully pick your way down as it’s quite steep and often dry and dusty with lots of loose rock. Not to worry, the breathtaking views of Black Tusk will keep you distracted. As the trail flattens out and sweeps around the back into the alpine meadows, you’ll follow the Cheakamus River from high above.
You will soon get to my favourite part and the part that makes the entire High Note Trail hike worth it – the Cheakamus Lake Lookout. I’ve been doing this hike every summer for over a decade and I still love looking out at that extraordinary vibrant blue water.
(If you’re short on time, watch for the cut to take the Half Note Trail back to the Roundhouse.)
Continue on the rolling trail and you’ll eventually loop back around toward Symphony Bowl and Symphony Lake. There will be one more big ascent before you get to the Roundhouse Lodge so I recommend stopping to enjoy the super pretty Harmony Meadows and the boardwalks around Harmony Lake.
High Note Trail Hike Details
Length: 9.4 km (5.8 mi) point to point
Time Required: 3-4 hours (loop from the Peak of Whistler to the Roundhouse Lodge). Be sure to factor in additional time for the gondola upload and download.
Elevation Change: 258 m (846 ft)
What to Bring
Mountain weather can be unpredictable so always ensure you’re well prepared. Even if it’s a warm day in the village it’s often cooler in the alpine. Bring breathable layers, lots of snacks and water, sunscreen and a first aid kit. And of course, make sure your phone is charged and people know your travel plans for the day. Remember: if you pack it in, pack it out. Be sure to get my FREE CHECKLIST of items to bring on a hike.
Have you hiked High Note Trail or Half Note Trail on Whistler mountain yet or is it still on your summer bucket list?
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