10 Best Kid Friendly Hikes Near Whistler

As we near spring, easy hikes are a great way to get young kids and the whole family outside after a winter being cooped up. There are so many great trails near Whistler however not all of them are kid friendly hikes. Things to consider when planning the best hikes for young children this summer are picnic areas, skill levels required, and interests like a nature center or suspension bridge.

There are miles of trails around Whistler that have countless great hikes however these are the best kid-friendly hikes that I recommend.

10 Best Kid Friendly Hikes Near Whistler:

1) Train Wreck Hike

Train Wreck Hike is one of the better known easy hikes around Whistler. It’s a great place to take the entire family as it’s really more of an easy stroll on a nature trail than a hike. There’s a suspension bridge that crosses a stunning river and an old train derailment that’s now covered in graffiti art. Older kids will enjoy climbing on and around the train cars.

• Difficulty: Easy ⁣ 
• Time: 1 hour 
• Distance: 2km Round-Trip⁣ 
• When: Year round (just ensure you have appropriate footwear in the winter)⁣ 
• Pet-friendly: Yes, just keep your dogs on a leash⁣ 
• Parking: Yes but its a small parking lot. Google Map directions to Whistler Train Wreck parking lot can be found HERE.⁣ 

2) Shannon Falls Lookout

Shannon Falls makes for a great opportunity to stop and stretch your legs when traveling up to Whistler for your family vacation. It’s a flat trail that easily accommodates a stroller. Be sure to bring lots of water and snacks, and enjoy some time in the sun around the picnic tables. In the early spring, the area is in bloom with cherry blossoms! I would not recommend taking your young kids to the upper falls as the hike is longer and more challenging.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 20 minutes
• Distance: 1 km loop
• When: Year round
• Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs must be leashed
• Parking: Yes, ample parking but fills quickly

3) Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls is an easy hike near Whistler and Squamish. If you love waterfall hikes, this one is for you. It’s short (although you can walk further if you’d like) and accessible to all ages and abilities making it a perfect hike for families. There are scenic views from the platform overlooking the falls. However, if you continue along the beautiful trail you’ll find yourself at another popular spot: Whistler Bungee! The entire family will be entertained watching people jump from the bridge. There are picnic areas and outhouses at the trailhead.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 30 minutes
• Distance: 1 km Round-trip
• When: Spring through Fall
• Pet-friendly: Yes, on leash
• Parking: Yes, but small parking lot that fills quickly

4) Brohm Lake

This is a favorite family hike of mine to do in the fall. It can be a little bit more of an advanced hike than the others due to steep inclines in some sections but it’s one my whole family has enjoyed for years. It’s not particularly long – about a 2 mile loop – but when you get to the top of the hill, there’s a lovely scenic overlook back towards Brohm Lake. And a bonus in the summer months, Brohm Lake is a popular spot as a local swimming hole.

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Time: 50-60 minutes
• Distance: 3.5 km loop
• When: Year round
• Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs must be kept on leash
• Parking: there is a small parking area but it fills up quickly. Get there early or be prepared to wait for a spot.

5) Cheakamus Lake Hike

Cheakamus Lake is a lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park on the outskirts of Whistler. This is a family-friendly hike that can be done with young children but be advised that there are some steep inclines. If you’re doing this hike with really young kids, I’d recommend bringing a baby carrier. This is hands-down one of my favourite early season hikes and when you get to the shore of the beautiful lake, you’ll know why. The spectacular views with the mountain reflection on the lake still takes my breath away regardless of how many times I do this hike.

• Difficulty: Easy ⁣ 
• Time: 2.5 hours 
• Distance: 14 km Round-trip⁣ 
• When: Spring to late Fall, the best time being between June and September 
• Pet-friendly: No
• Parking: Yes⁣

It’s a good idea to be prepared when heading out for a hike. Even if you’re doing easy hikes, you should still have a first aid kit with you. Check out my free checklist of things to bring on a hike.

6) Lost Lake Loop

Lost Lake Loop is a popular hiking trail given its proximity to Whistler village. It is definitely one of the easier trails. Enjoy the lakeside picnic areas after your hike or go for a swim to one of the floating docks. Pets are welcome while leashed and there is also an off-leash dog beach at Lost Lake for your furry friends to enjoy a swim. If you want to venture further than Lost Lake Loop, there are plenty of great trails that are offshoots from the loop and they also make for great hikes for young children. Watch out for bikers though as the trails can get busy. And if you want to take a refreshing dip in the lake, read about the beach at Lost Lake and all the other beaches in Whistler.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 1 hour
• Distance: 4 km loop
• When: Spring through Fall. Note: the trail is often closed mid-summer due to the toad migration. Cross-country skis are required in winter.
• Pet-friendly: Yes, must be kept on leash.
• Parking: There are limited parking spots. Your best option is to park in the Whistler Day Lots and take the free shuttle or to walk from the village.

Kid Friendly Hikes up the Sea to Sky Gondola

The visitor center at the base of the Sea to Sky Gondola has ample information on their family-friendly hikes.Two easy hikes for young kids are the Panorama Trail and the Spirit Trail. On a clear day, you can see spectacular views of Howe Sound, Sky Pilot, and Goat Ridge from the top. This is the perfect place to get a birds eye view of the entire Sea to Sky corridor, and enjoy the incredible sights mother nature gave us.

There is a gift shop at the base of the gondola as well as the summit in case you want a keepsake from this great place. You can also feed your little guys at one of the restaurants at the summit or enjoy your lunch at one of the many picnic tables.

Please note, there is an extra cost to take the gondola. Book online for the best rates.

7) Panorama Trail, Sea to Sky Gondola

An easier trail, this loop takes you through coastal forest, Alaskan blueberry bushes, and granite rock formations. Halfway around is the Chief Overlook Viewing Platform: a cantilevered deck jutting out over a sheer drop. The views of the ocean and surrounding mountains will make this one of your favorite hikes.

• Difficulty: Easy ⁣
• Time: 30-60 minutes
• Distance: 1.3 km loop
• When: Year round however snowshoes are recommended for winter
• Pet-friendly: No
• Parking: Yes, the parking area is very large

8) Spirit Trail, Sea to Sky Gondola

This will be one of your favorite trails for little legs. It’s a short, easy trail with minimal elevation change. The Spirit Trail can be accessed from either the Backyard Plaza or the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. Interpretive signage along the trail provides information on history, wildlife, and alpine vegetation. It is accessible with a stroller.

• Difficulty: Easy ⁣
• Time: 20 minutes
• Distance: 400 meters
• When: Year round
• Pet-friendly: No
• Parking: Yes, the parking area is very large

Kid Friendly Hikes at Alice Lake Provincial Park

This one is a bit of a cheat as there are numerous kid friendly hikes on the beautiful trails around Alice Lake Provincial Park. There are four lakes: Stump Lake, Fawn Lake, Edith Lake and Alice Lake. If you do these easy hikes all together, it’s aptly known as the Four Lakes Trail.

There are several picnic areas throughout the park, with a nature centre with large trail map, concession booth, and activity centre in the summer months. Mountain bikes are allowed in the winter months. Alice Lake Provincial Park has easy access off highway 99 with ample parking spots.

9) Four Lakes Trail

Four Lakes Trail winds through an old growth forest and past a small stream, and is relatively flat and soft packed making it one of the perfect hikes for young kids. It’s also a great Squamish hike to do with dogs. There are beautiful views along the way (keep watch for my fave Diamond Head peak) and one of my favorite kid-friendly hikes for good reason. However if your little hikers get tired early, you can find a back trail at various points along the way to bring you back to the parking area.

• Difficulty: Easy ⁣
• Time: 2 hours
• Distance: 6 km Round-trip⁣
• When: Year round
• Pet-friendly: Yes, on leash
• Parking: Yes

10) Stump Lake

Despite the name, Stump is a beautiful lake. There is no elevation gain so one of the better short hikes for little kids. This was the first hike I took my newborn on with our baby carrier. There’s a well beaten path around the lake that offers surprisingly pretty views. If you’re short on time but are looking for a great place to stretch your legs and get some fresh air, this is the perfect place.

• Difficulty: Easy ⁣
• Time: 30 minutes
• Distance: 2 km loop
• When: Year-round
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Parking: Yes, along Alice Lake Road at the trail head for Stump Lake

There are so many great trails near Whistler however not all of them are kid friendly hikes. I hope you try these out with your young kids and tell me what you think!

10 Best Kid Friendly Hikes Near Whistler