Trail Map
Note: This AllTrails is a great one to use for navigation (or just constantly checking how much elevation gain is left). But this route takes you all the way past Wedge Lake and up to Tupper Lake. The view looking down at Wedge Lake is stunning, but a lot of people just call it quits once they reach the camping area. If you're staying the night, I recommend lounging by Wedge Lake the day you arrive and hiking up to Tupper Lake in the morning.
To Wedge Lake
| Distance | Elevation | Time | Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.2 km | 1155 m | 6 h | out and back | hard |
If You Add On Tupper Lake
| Distance | Elevation | Time | Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.7 km | 1301 m | 8 h | out and back | hard |
Trail Summary
Wedgemount Lake is a massive, striking alpine lake that sits at the base of the tallest peak in Garibaldi Provincial Park: Wedge Mountain. It is an entirely different view in each direction, with towering cliffs, receding glaciers, and (on a clear day) distant mountain ranges.
The trailhead is just 10 minutes from Whistler village. A permit is required for overnight use only; anyone can hike up as a day hike.
You can expect 3 to 4 hours up and 2 to 3 coming down. The trail is a 10.2 km out-and-back with 1,155 meters gained vertically. It's hard to get lost on this trail since there are no other trails branching off from it, and it's well-marked and straightforward.
You can swim at the lake at the top or keep going to the base of the glacier. When I did this as a day hike, I just took a dip in the lake and hung out for a bit, but when I did my overnight trip, I went up to Tupper Lake and the base of the glacier the next morning.
Where to Stay (Before It’s Fully Booked)
Key Tips For Hiking to Wedgemount Lake
- No cell service: Some networks lose service past the turnoff onto the dirt road. Download your maps beforehand. I had in-and-out service throughout the hike and even at camp, but other providers didn't.
- No garbage bins anywhere, so pack out what you pack in.
- Be aware of bears. Hang or secure your food overnight. There are bear hangs near the hut, and there are bear safes down by the lakefront tent pads.
- It's not glamping. This is comfortable backcountry camping. Bearsafe infrastructure, outhouses, and maintained trails. Some tent pads are wooden decks, and others are cleared areas on flat gravel.
- Hiking poles help on the descent. It is a killer on the knees coming down. It's steep constantly, and the terrain is uneven and slippery in parts. I didn’t use poles, but I found a great hiking stick, and I don’t think I could have done it without it.
)
Why Hike to Wedgemount Lake
For a lot of my hiking guides, I use the selling point of the effort-to-reward ratio being good, but that's more of a stretch for this one. I hope to do this hike again this year, but I honestly don't think it's for everyone. The payoff is huge with amazing views, an incredible alpine lake, and a great campsite, but the work you need to put in for the payoff is a pretty steep price.
If you want a challenge, this is perfect, and the trailhead is just a short drive from Whistler. While the hike is steep, it’s not a full-day commitment if you pack light. But, if you're looking to get a taste of BC's alpine lakes with a bit less knee pain, consider Joffre Lakes instead. It's a considerably easier hike with triple the lakes! That also means you could just head up to Middle Lake and call it a day. We have a full guide for that as well, which is worth a read, since you will need to plan your permit ahead of time, even for a day hike.
Do I Need A Permit to Hike to Wedgemount Lake
- Camping: Yes. You will need to book a backcountry camping permit here. It is around $15 CAD and they are almost always sold out. There are limited spaces and an issue with no-shows. People book these months in advance, but there are cancellations all the time. We check back in on the website every few days and see what has become available.
- Day Hike: No. Day hikers can spend the day at the lake or go to the base of the glacier and head back down no problem. If you’re a good hiker it isn’t a time consuming hike.
How to Get to the Wedgemount Lake Trailhead
Where is the Trailhead
The hike is accessed via the Wedgemount Lake Trailhead Parking Lot which is just off Highway 99, about 10 minutes north of Whistler Village and just past Green Lake.
There is a large supermarket just a short drive from the trailhead. Good spot to load up on any last minute snacks or water and it's the last real washroom for awhile.
Also, if you pull into this roadside view point along Green Lake, you can see a clear view of Weart and Wedge Mountain. Wedge lake is in the alpine just below those 2 peaks. Fun foreshadowing stop. Just a bit past Green Lake, turn onto Wedge Creek Forest Service Road and drive about 2 km up.
Road Conditions
The road is gravel but isn’t so bad. There are some big pothole sections to take slow and a few bits with an 18% grade. I saw lots of old rusted vans that made it up, but there is always a small risk with these unpaved roads.
Parking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead. No fees, no reservations, and no designated overflow lot. There is quite a bit of space and it's not too busy of a trail so parking’s not usually an issue. The trailhead is a short flat walk from the parking lot. But savor it. There won't be flat ground again until you reach the lake.
Hiking to Wedgemount Lake
Time
3 to 4 hours up and 2 to 3 down. The parking lot to the campsite by the lake was only 5 KM, but 1,170M of vertical gain. I went up with a full bag of food and camp gear and it took me 4 hours to get to the top (3 hours and 20 minutes of that was moving time and 40 minutes was breaks and photos). Day trippers do the round trip much faster without bags.
Terrain & Difficulty
Terrible. The hike itself isn’t great unless you enjoy the fitness aspect of hiking. It is steep, then steeper, then steepest. It's loose rocks and root city the whole time.
For most of it, you will be climbing in the shade through the forest, which is perfect. It is a beautiful forest, but you won't see much of it because you will need to be watching your step the whole time. At just about the halfway point, the forest opens up to a massive rockslide. The trail crosses the rocks and turns back into the forest.
The second half begins with more of the same, but when the shade stops, the incline really begins. The final stretch of the hike is a straight shot up an old rockslide. Big steps and you will be roasted by the sun. This is the hardest bit, but you’re almost there.
Once you can see the western Garibaldi Range on the horizon behind you, you’re close. A wide, exposed trail leads you over the last ridge. From there, you will see the iconic Wedge Lake Hut, and if you walk a little further, you will get the first glimpse of the lake.
Views
Hope you have nice-looking hiking boots. That's what you will be watching most of the hike as you climb up roots and rockslides. There are a few notable stops, though:
- Halfway point rockslide. You will know it when you see it. When you cross the first rockslide, you're about halfway up. It's a really amazing open area that shows the power of a rock slide.
- Waterfall Peekaboo. Towards the end of the forested section, there is a peekaboo view of a massive waterfall. There is only a small section where you can see this, and it's easy to miss if you’re busy watching your step. The view is from a rare short flat section about ¾ the way to the top.
- Western Garibaldi. Once the rocks on the final rockside climb give way to dusty switchbacks, turn around. If you have clear visibility, from here you can see the western portion of the Garibaldi mountain range.
- Triple Threat. Continue the hike past the campsite towards Tupper Lake. Take the trail alongside the second lake and follow it all the way up the rockslide and towards the base of the glacier. Once you’re high enough, you will be able to see Tupper Lake, Wedgemount Lake, and the Western Garibaldi Range all in one perfect frame.
Camping at Wedgemount Lake
The campsite is well equipped and maintained. There are great outhouses, bear hangs, and wooden tent pads.
Booking a Tent Pad
For camping you will need to book a backcountry camping permit here. It is around $15 CAD and they are almost always sold out. There are limited spaces and an issue with no-shows. People book these months in advance, but there are cancellations all the time. We check back in on the website every few days and see what has become available.
Once you’re up there the designated areas are clearly marked and first come first serve. Checkout is at noon so please don’t rush people along if you get up there early.
Camping Infrastructure
- Wooden tent pads and gravel lots. First come first serve to those with a permit. There are 3 areas for tents.
- The highest spot: There are around 10 pads that give you views of the lake, glacier, and the western Garibaldi Range. But it's a bit of a walk down to the bathrooms and bear hang. And then even further down to the lake.
- The medium spot: There are about 4 or 5 spots right near the hut. These are the closest to the bear hang and washrooms. But still a long walk to the lake
- Down by the lake: There are about 10 pads right on the lake. You won't see them right away. You need to walk through the campsite and past the hut. The main trail through the campsite leads down a rocky section down to the far end of the lake towards the glacier.
- Bear-proof storage lockers and/or bear hangs. There is a bear hang near the hut and a bear safe near the lake.
- Outhouse close to camp. There is 1 decent outhouse near the main camp. No outhouses down by the lakeside spots.
- No fires allowed.
What to Do At The Wedgemount Lake Campsite
Whether you’re just up for the day or killing time at camp, there is tons to do.
- Go For a Swim: On a nice day in late July the water isn’t warm, but it's less icy than most alpine lakes. You won't stay in for long, but you can swim around a bit and it wont take your breath away. Outside of peak summer conditions be careful and only take a dip if you’re comfortable with ice baths.
- Go For a Walk: There are several trails leading from the camping area down to the lake and then along the lake towards the glacier. It's a nice flat reprieve walking by the lake and the cold air blowing off the glacier meeting the hot alpine sun on your skin is a peak Canadian summer feeling.
- Hike to Tupper Lake: If your legs aren’t shot yet (or do this the next morning if you’re camping) you can head past Wedgemount lake to the smaller lake that feeds the first. Follow the trail along Wedgemount lake and then continue on towards the glacier after the lake ends. The trail is hard to follow with no vegetation, but there is a clear-ish path through the rocks that winds up to Tupper Lake. Halfway up there is a path that leads to the right and goes up to a massive boulder that looks out and down onto Wedgemount lake (awesome view). The main trail continues up to Tupper Lake. It's honestly a smaller, and less impressive version of Wedgemount Lake.
- Hike to the glacier: The trail to Tupper Lake continues along the shore and then up into another rockslide that leads to the glacier. The glacier has been shrinking for a few decades and also recedes seasonally. Earlier in the year it's much easier to reach the base of the glacier. Later in the year you will need to hike up rockslides and then cross over a small stream to get to the base. Near the flatish part where you cross the stream there is a great view behind you. Looking down at the lakes you can see the glacier, both lakes, and the western Garibaldi range all at once. Be careful getting too close to the glacier. The path ends at some point and you’re just climbing over loose rocks that have all been recently displaced by the receding glacier.
Campsite Vibes
The tent pads up high are pretty spread out so you will have lots of privacy. The ones down by the lake are lined up on the shore with no cover so it's a bit less private. Because of the difficulty of the trail and how far in advance you need to book your permits, you get a generally quieter, more outdoorsy crowd. It's not the easiest place to bring a speaker and a case of beer.
What to Pack
- Standard backpacking checklist.
- Warm layers. The alpine nights get chilly even in July.
- Bug spray. Mosquitoes are around but not unbearable.
- Water filter or Tabs. There is a small stream near the waterfront camp spots or you can treat the lake water.
- Bear spray. The lake is in bear country and they've been known to pass through the campground.
When to Visit Wedgemount Lake
- Summer (July to Sept): Best time. Snow is mostly melted, and the trail is passable. Lakes are cold but swimmable.
- Fall (Oct): Stunning colours but chilly. The trail may start to ice over depending on temps. Not ideal unless you’re prepared.
- Winter/Spring: Snowshoeing only. Avalanche risk is real. Not recommended unless you’re trained and geared up.
Where to Stay Near Wedgemount Lake
If you’re not camping at the lake, base yourself in Whistler. Here are some budget friendly options near Whistler:
- Whistler HI Hostel: This isn't in the village but it is connected by bus. Or it's a quick drive if you have your own car.
- Pangea Pod Hotel: Pod style rooms right on the village stroll.
The Pan Pacific is our favourite hotel if you want to up the budget a bit from the hostel. It has great suites and amenities like the sauna, pool, and hot tubs. But there are tons of hotels in Whistler ranging from basic budget rooms to luxury stays. You can compare all the major hotels in the area here.
Final Thoughts
The main decision here is whether to camp or take it as a day trip. On one hand the heavy pack made the already challenging hike just absolutely miserable. On the other hand, it was one of my favourite camping experiences in BC. The lake and the campsite are pristine. Mount Weart lights up in crazy alpenglow most nights. The sunrise on the glacier with the lake sparkling looks like a scene from a fantasy novel. If you can stomach the extra weight and a slower climb, camping here turns a tough hike into an unforgettable overnight experience.
Our Trusted Travel Partners
We only recommend products and services we personally use and trust.
SafetyWing
Travel medical insurance for nomads and remote workers
Booking.com
Find the best deals on hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals
AllTrails
Discover hiking trails with detailed maps and reviews
Surfshark
Secure VPN for safe browsing and accessing content worldwide
Get Your Guide
Find the best deals on tours and experiences
Airalo
Prepaid SIM cards for travelers
Trusted Housesitters
Find free accommodation by house and pet sitting worldwide
Wise
Send and receive money internationally with low fees* We may earn a commission when you make a purchase through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. We appreciate this support, which helps sustain our blog and allows us to create more content and help more great trips get planned!