Green Lake

Just north of Whistler Village, Green Lake—named for its vibrant emerald hue—is a popular recreation area for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The glacier-fed lake, surrounded by mountains, makes for a great picnic spot too. It’s also a landing zone for seaplanes, which connect Whistler to Vancouver and Victoria.

The Basics
From the public docks, you can rent watercraft, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore Green Lake, the largest lake in the Whistler area. For an airborne adventure, floatplane tours take off from Green Lake and fly over the surrounding Coast Range, glaciers, and lush valleys, as well as to harbors farther afield such as Vancouver or Victoria. You can also explore Whistler Valley by bike via the trail tracing the lake’s western shore. To simply relax and enjoy the views, opt for a picnic or visit Table Nineteen at the Nicklaus North Golf Course, with its patio overlooking the lake.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Green Lake is a popular destination for photography enthusiasts, outdoor-oriented travelers, and families.
• The lake is best visited in summer, when the water isn’t covered in ice and snow.
• Green Lake is a popular destination on weekends, so visit during the week to avoid crowds.
• Dress for your activity and in layers, as it can be breezy and cool on the water, even in summer.

How to Get There
Green Lake is located along the Sea to Sky Highway, just north of Whistler Village between the Alpine Meadows and Emerald Estates residential areas. It’s easily accessible by car or local bus lines 1 and 3.

When to Get There
Green Lake is best visited from late spring through early fall, when the climate is comfortable and the snow has melted. In winter, the icy lake is often inhospitable if not inaccessible.

Green Lake Boat Rentals
Many visitors to Green Lake opt to rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards to get out on the water and take in more of the views. Rentals are available at the boat launch. You can take a trip around the lake or paddle to Alta Lake, which connects to Green Lake via the River of Golden Dreams.