Summer Hiking
Price
Availability
Hello, Happy Hikers
Summer access to Whistler Olympic Park is free (yep, you read that right). Explore trails of different difficulty levels and bike or hike to breathtaking viewpoints. Challenge yourself with the signature hike, the “Ski Jump Scramble,” and climb to the top of the Olympic ski jumps. Ride your mountain bike through wide multi-use trails and discover the summer version of our world-renowned cross-country ski trails.
Try them all (ok 4/5 will do) show us your photos and/or tag us @whistlerolympicpark. Once you’re done, stop by guest services to get a prize!
- Hiking is free within operating hours.
- Closed-toe shoes are recommended (no flip-flops/sandals)
Hiking Vistas at Whistler Olympic Park
1. Olympic Stadium • 2.5km - 6km • Bike & Hike
Don’t forget your camera on the way to our world-renowned biathlon stadium. Exit the top of the Day Lodge and turn left for this out-and-back adventure, mostly on pavement. See the Olympic rings and share a photo with friends and family. Proceed to follow the paved path to the biathlon range.
Try to find your country’s flag! This loop is part of an 8km circuit used by high-performance athletes to train on roller skis. Keep an eye out for “Athlete’s Training” caution signs and avoid venturing onto the upper.
To visit the base of the ski jumps, continue straight past the Day Lodge and down the mini gravel hill. Return back to the Day Lodge for a little shopping and to try one of the board games.
2. Ski Jump Scramble • 3 km loop • Hike
Hike up the landing hill stairs all the way to the very top of the Olympic ski jump! Take the stairs to the Start House to see the athletes’ perspective before they jump and learn about the Park and ski jumping. From the ski jump trailhead, walk straight up the stairs to the landing hill.
Catch your breath, then continue up to the Start House by following a meandering trail through the forest. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Callaghan Valley from the viewing platform of the Start House, and find out more about the sport of ski jumping before heading back down on the designated forest trail. (Stairs are for hiking up only.)
Follow the switchbacks to the Day Lodge to celebrate completing the Ski Jump Scramble with a picnic on the patio and souvenir shopping at the retail shop.
3. Top of the World • 4 km loop • Bike & Hike
Mountain bike or hike to one of our most impressive mountain viewpoints and bring a picnic to enjoy in the Carving Hut Shelter! From the lodge or the Ski Jumps, take the footpath towards the RV sites and exit the pedestrian gate into Parking Lot 1. Go slightly left to connect back to the footpath and walk under the bridge to access the trail head.
Take the “Lookout Explorer” trail for an adventure through the forest. Alternatively, follow the dirt road called “Inside Passage” all the way to “Top of the World.” Both routes will lead you to the Carving Hut, offering spectacular views of Black Tusk and Brandywine mountains.
As always, keep an eye out for the local wildlife.
4. Madeley Creek Loop • 5 km return • Bike & Hike
Cruise through the forest as you enjoy one of Whistler Olympic Park’s most popular cross-country ski trails. This wide trail explores the wetlands and forest as it meanders alongside the creek that flows from the glacier-fed Madeley Lake. From the lodge or the Ski Jumps, take the footpath towards the RV sites and exit the pedestrian gate into Parking Lot Go slightly left to connect back to the footpath and walk under the bridge to access the trail head.
Turn right to follow “Olympic Connector” to the Madeley Creek Loop. Start the loop counterclockwise by taking a slight right at the fork. Just before the fourth bridge, you can turn right on “Zoey’s Saunter to reach the Top of the World Lookout or continue straight back to the campground.
5. Norwegian Woods to the Rainbow Madeley / Hanging Lake Trailhead • 17 km return
Work out your cardio and take spectacular photos, all the way up to Rainbow Madeley trail head. This route incorporates the first part of Madeley Creek Loop. Halfway around the loop, take the turnoff onto Norwegian Woods / Lunch Lake.
At this point, the trail becomes more demanding with steeper uphill and downhill sections, and around 200m (about 656.17 ft) of elevation gain. Keep an eye for waterfalls as you head to the top! This trail will lead you to Madeley Road, a 4 x 4 vehicle access road. Walk up 300 meters to the road gate and a parking spot for vehicles. You will find the trailhead with information about the renowned Rainbow Madeley/ Hanging Lake Backcountry Trail on the right.
* Although not technical, this is a long hike on a wide trail with a lot of elevation gain. As always when heading to the mountains, follow Adventure Smart Guidelines. This is an ideal trail for e-bikes. 4x4 vehicles can connect to the top of Norwegian Woods by taking the Madeley Creek road from the Evo Callaghan bridge access.
To find out more about the Rainbow Madeley, Hanging Lake backountry trail, we suggest visiting the following websites:
ALLTrails
Rainbow Lake Trail Map
Resort Municipality Of Whistler Alpine Trail Network
Madeley Lake Access - Summer 2024 UPDATE
Our tenure includes the beautiful Madeley Lake. To keep the site pristine we have made the decision to make it a walk-in access only. There is a turn-around / parking spot with a gate on Madeley Road, about 400m before a little boat launch and 2 km to the end of the lake.
***** Access to Madeley Lake will be closed from mid July to mid September 2024. This closure does NOT affect access to the Rainbow Madeley/Hanging Lake Backcountry Trail. **** Please revisit this page in September for the latest updates.
After Your Hike
- Play a round of Disc Golf (bonus: it's also free)
- Book a round of Summer Biathlon.
- Visit our Day Lodge for drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and more information about the park.
Wildlife/Bear Aware & Safety:
Do not disturb wildlife, stay away if you encounter a Bear & never feed Wildlife! Read more important information on wildlife/bear interactions at Whistler Olympic Park and general safety advice here.
