Whistler's High Note Trail
10km of pure bliss. This is the most breathtaking hike I have ever been on. It took us about 2-3 hours and It’s definitely my #1 recommendation when looking for hikes around B.C and Whistler. I encourage all hikers of all levels to challenge themselves to this hike as the views are to die for.
The hike requires you to take the Whistler Gondola and Peak chairlift to the trail. The hike starts at the top of Whistler mountain and wraps around the backside of the mountain. It starts off incredibly steep – where I saw a lot of people change their minds and turn around. Again, I stress about wearing appropriate footwear (runners or hiking boots) as you’ll need it while going down the loose gravel and steep paths. The next section follows a mainly flat trail along the mountain side, offering amazing views of Black Tusk and the Cheakamus River.
I highly recommend going between July and August as colours while be bright and glowing from wild flowers around you. This goes for about 20 minutes until you reach the Cheakamus River peak. We stopped here for a snack and took in the gorgeous views.
After continuing along the trail, you come up to a junction with two different ways. The Half Note Trail or the High Note Trail. Choose right and continue along the High Note Trail as it passes through a rocky section alongside the mountains. Please be aware of all items around this section as my Canon Camera’s strap broke off from my neck and tumbled down the hill hitting rock to rock to rock… It came to a stop and I was able to climb down and grab it. It wasn’t even cracked. Luckiest day ever? I think so. Next, we came up to a section where you have to pull yourself up a rope onto a metal barrier. This shouldn’t be difficult for most hikers, but if you’ve got someone young or clumsy, I would help guide them through this part.
You then come to a second junction where you turn left to continue your hike. The route begins to follow a rocky trail, opening up to a open meadow and a small lake (Symphony Lake). Many hikers were seen taking a break and taking in more Alpine mountain views around this section. Next comes a more difficult part of the hike. You begin climbing up a large rock slide which is steep and will bring on a sweat. Once coming up to Harmony Lake, it takes you down alongside the lake along boardwalks before tackling one last uphill push. Your legs will probably be ready to quit by now but it’s a relatively short final push and then you’ll be heading back towards the Gondola. I recommend going to sit at the viewpoint restaurant, hydrating yourself, and taking in the final views around Whistler mountain.
