There are many reasons to visit Whistler Ski Resort north of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. Without a doubt, Whistler is one of the most popular destinations in the world and is known for treating it's guests like royalty as opposed to some resorts with less than stellar reviews. Perhaps this also has to do with the number of natural attractions in the area such as Lost Lake.
Whistler Ski Resort and Lost Lake, as well as its village and surrounding mountains, are visited by some of the biggest stars in the world like David Beckham and Jason Momoa as well as world-class skiers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. But you don't need to be hardcore to enjoy Lost Lake in both the summer and winter.
Without further ado, here's how to find Whistler's Lost Lake in British Columbia, Canada, and what to expect.
10 Finding Lost Lake Really Isn't As Hard As It Sounds
Some of the world's best lakes such as the stunning lakes like O'Hara and Annette in the Canadian Rockies, take hours to hike to, but this isn't the case for Lost Lake. While the name makes it seem like it exists somewhere completely remote on Whistler or Blackcomb mountains, it's actually totally accessible from the village. If you hike the Cross Country Connection trail from the heart of Whistler Village, you'll be there in 25 minutes. By car, it'll only take a few minutes to find Lot 4 or 5, park, and walk onto the beach.
9 Summer Swimming On A Beach With An Easy Way To Reduce Tan Lines
Lost Lake is a stunning peaceful park a short walking distance from Whistler Village that provides an awesome swimming spot, biking roots, and multiple hiking trails. Lost Lake is truly beautiful in the wintertime, but the summer offers so much more to do in the lake and in the surrounding park. However, tourists who venture to parts of the lake are in for a surprise... it's clothing optional. At least, areas are and some people are adamant about reducing tan lines. If that's not your bag, don't worry, there are multiple areas around the lake including one for kids, one for dogs, multiple spots with docs, and a picnic zone.
8 In The Winter, You Can Snowshoe And Cross-Country Ski Around The Lake... If You Have A Pass
Tourists may get to swim in Lost Lake during the summer months, but the area is best-known in the winter. Whistler is a ski resort town, after all. So, it's no surprise that the Lost Lake Park features over 30km of snowshoeing and cross-country ski roots on its Nordic trails. If you don't have your own equipment, gear can be rented through TourismWhistler and PassivHaus but an access pass MUST be purchased from them. The experience is entirely peaceful both in the day and especially at night.
7 Traveling From Dock To Dock Is A Great Summer Pass-Time
As you can see from the photo on the left, absurdly beautiful Canadian Olympic athlete Maia Schwinghammer is a fan of dock-hopping in Lost Lake. This tends to be a favorite pastime for many young beach-goers. Lost Lake has a total of six docks that can be reached by land or water. From the main dock, you go right to the doggie dock at Canine Cove. Continuing counter-clockwise around the circular lake you'll next hit the nudie dock (clothing is optional), then two docks at the end of the lake and a final one that's upside down.
6 The Trail System Around The Lake Varies In Difficulty And Offers Truly Spectacular Views
Parts of the trail around Lost Lake are entirely wooded while others provide superb views for hikers and bikers, according to Lodging Ovation. The main gravel path that runs throughout the park provides little elevation and therefore can be enjoyed by anyone. Another trail, which is about 1.5 meters wide is a step up from that, and finally, there's a very narrow track trail that's great for bikers as it contains considerable elevation changes and an assortment of roots and bridges to traverse.
5 There's A Totally Free 27-Hole Disc Golf Course Right Behind Lost Lake
Right behind Lost Lake, there is a totally free 27-hole Disc Golf Course that's open to everyone if they bring their own disc. The first 9 holes are easy, the second is moderate, and the third set of 9 is decidedly tough. According to Whistler Tourism, this course is a favorite activity for people of all ages and can be located at the north end of Lost Lake Park and accessed through Spruce Grove Park behind the field house. It's open from April to November (roughly) from dusk until dawn.
4 Boating In Lost Lake Is Allowed But Most People Choose Simpler Ways To Get Out On The Water
Even though Lost Lake isn't very big, boating is allowed. However, according to TourismWhistler, only electric motors are allowed on the lake as well as on the other lakes in the Whistler/Blackcomb area providing that they are equipped with life jackets, bailers, a whistle, and flashlight. However, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and blow-up boats are far more popular on Lost Lake as it's mostly a place of leisure. Watercraft rentals are available through various places like Backroads Whistler and Whistler Eco Tours.
3 Biking The Trails Around Lost Lake Isn't Physically Demanding But It Is Fun
There are over 200-kilometers of absolutely stunning biking trails around Whistler Ski Resort that vary in intensity. For the most part, the trails found around Lost Lake outside of Whistler Village are anything but demanding but they are beautiful due to the lush, verdant scenery, the lake, and the towering mountains that frame almost every bend in the road. While riders can reach higher speeds on the less populated trails, they should be aware of the toad migration that happens in late July and early August as the cute little amphibians cross right over the trails.
2 You Can Ice Fish On The Frozen Lake During The Winter
According to Whistler.ca, Lost Lake tends to freeze over completely in the wintertime providing tons of ice fishing Opportunites for those inclined. However, the Resort Municipality has certain restrictions and regulations in place due to conservation and safety. Most important to know is the fact that fishers, including commercial ones, will be doing so at their own risk. User agreements must be signed at the Ski Patrol Hut before you even think about carving a hole in the ice. And, yes, you need a freshwater ice fishing license.
1 Lost Lake Is Far From The Only Spectacular Lake In Whistler
According to FirstTracksLodge, Lost Lake is far from the only stunning body of water around Whistler Ski Resort. Alpha is the first lake you'll see when driving up from to Whistler from Vancouver. Nita Lake is a hidden gem that's ideal for canoeing. Wayside Park Lake is charming and perfect for picnics. Green Lake is the largest of the lakes and also the deepest which allows it to be a landing for seaplanes. It also has a boardwalk that's beloved by bikers. Then there's Dream River Park and Blueberry Docks, which is a favorite among locals. In short, there's no end to the stunning Whistler lakes you can enjoy in both the summer and winter months.