High Note Trail
A challenging 11km alpine loop with breathtaking panoramic views of peaks, meadows, and Cheakamus Lake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air & fewer crowds
High Note Trail
Best Time
Crisp air & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging 11km alpine loop with breathtaking panoramic views of peaks, meadows, and Cheakamus Lake.
"Incredible views, just amazing. Still absolutely worth it for your effort and a ride ticket!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
Rocky terrain and creek crossings demand good hiking boots. Poles can help with downhill sections.
💧 Hydrate & Protect
Bring ample water, sunscreen, and a hat. There's little shade on the trail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alpine Meadows & Peaks
Upper sections of the trail
Breathtaking panoramic views of alpine mountains and vibrant meadows. A true feast for the eyes.
Cheakamus Lake Views
Along the ridge
Stunning perspectives of the turquoise Cheakamus Lake, offering unique photo opportunities.
Flute Summit Vista
Flute Summit
Enjoy even more spectacular angles of the surrounding landscape from this elevated viewpoint.
Symphony & Harmony Lakes
End of the trail
Charming small lakes that offer a peaceful contrast to the rugged alpine scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gondola Access is Key
Trail Difficulty & Preparation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
Rocky terrain and creek crossings demand good hiking boots. Poles can help with downhill sections.
💧 Hydrate & Protect
Bring ample water, sunscreen, and a hat. There's little shade on the trail.
⏰ Allow Extra Time
The 11km loop can take 3-5 hours with stops for photos and breaks.
🦟 Fly Swatters Handy
Be prepared for flies, especially on certain sections of the trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
Rocky terrain and creek crossings demand good hiking boots. Poles can help with downhill sections.
💧 Hydrate & Protect
Bring ample water, sunscreen, and a hat. There's little shade on the trail.
⏰ Allow Extra Time
The 11km loop can take 3-5 hours with stops for photos and breaks.
🦟 Fly Swatters Handy
Be prepared for flies, especially on certain sections of the trail.
⬆️ Gondola Ride Essential
The gondola is the primary way to access the trailhead. Book tickets ahead!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the High Note Trail's absolutely stunning alpine scenery and panoramic views, calling it a must-do in Whistler. However, many caution that it's a challenging hike with steep, rocky terrain and little shade, not suitable for casual walkers or young children. The cost of the gondola is also a consideration for some.
"Do NOT hike high note trail unless you’re an avid hiker. We brought our parents and it was a struggle, though we did make it all the way through. There were some very technical parts, steep areas, climbing rocks, crossing creeks, thoughtful footwork etc. Not recommended for elderly or small children. Expect to go down, up multiple peaks several times
Should be a 4 hour hike but it took us around 5 because of the frequent breaks we needed to take after the first half. If you’re looking for family friendly hiking, just go around harmony lake and look at the vista after taking the small gondola. Or just do half note.
Otherwise is a pretty good hike to breathe crisp fresh alpine air and it wasn’t busy at all on a Thursday. Quite dusty trail. Not much shade, recommend wearing a hat. But it didn’t get too hot since there was always a cool breeze. We went counterclockwise, which imo was a good. Bathroom at the starting point/lodge. Need to get day pass to go on gondalas. A lot of flights to swat away while hiking
I only have nice photos since I was too focused on the ground during the difficult parts 😛"
Anita Leung
"High note trail is a must if hiking in Whistler! It is one of the busiest trails for a reason….so many beautiful view points!
From the gondola station, you will take a chairlift to the cloudraker sky bridge and enjoy the view. Walk down the high note trail for about 2k till you start seeing amazing view of Cheakamus lake. You can enjoy different angles of the lake along the ridge. The view is even nicer at the Flute summit.
You will enjoy beautiful alpine mountains/ meadows on the latter part of the trail. There are also two little lakes, symphony and harmony at the end.
It is a long trail (11k a loop, took us 3 hrs) and there are lots of ups and downs. The terrain is rocky and almost no shade. Still absolutely worth it for your effort and a ride ticket!"
Kanako Sakurada
"Great walk/ hike. Incredible views, just amazing. Just under 10kms but takes 5 hours if you stop and take in the views along the way, so pack some snacks and water for your journey. Nothing too hard but trail does include some rocks and water crossings (nothing to get wet feet).
Do need to get the gondola up to the start of track."
Shane Withers (Shano)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach the High Note Trail is by taking the Whistler Mountain Gondola from the village. From the gondola's upper station, you'll typically take a chairlift to the Cloudraker Skybridge, and the High Note Trailhead is nearby. Some adventurous hikers opt to hike up from the base, but this is a strenuous undertaking.
Yes, there is paid parking available at the Whistler Village base, close to the gondola. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, as parking can fill up quickly.
Technically, yes, but it's a very challenging and time-consuming option. You would need to hike up the mountain from the base, adding significant elevation gain and distance to your hike. Most visitors use the gondola for access.
Whistler Village is accessible by car via the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) from Vancouver. There are also shuttle services and public transportation options available from Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
No, a specific park pass is not required for the High Note Trail itself. However, you will need to purchase a day pass for the gondola and chairlift access to reach the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Gondola and chairlift tickets for access to the High Note Trail can vary in price depending on the season and any available packages. It's best to check the official Whistler Blackcomb website for current pricing and to book in advance.
Discounts may be available for certain groups, such as children, seniors, or those with multi-day passes. Look for seasonal promotions or package deals on the Whistler Blackcomb website.
Operating hours for the gondola and chairlifts vary by season. It's crucial to check the Whistler Blackcomb website for the most up-to-date operating schedule before your visit to ensure you have enough time for your hike.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets on the day of your visit, but buying in advance online is highly recommended to secure your spot and potentially get better pricing, especially during busy periods.
The High Note Trail is part of the Garibaldi Provincial Park system, but access from the Whistler Mountain gondola does not require a separate park entry fee beyond the cost of the gondola and chairlift tickets.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The High Note Trail is generally considered a moderate to difficult hike. It features significant elevation changes, rocky terrain, steep ascents and descents, and some creek crossings. It's not recommended for casual walkers or those with young children.
The High Note Trail loop is approximately 11 kilometers (about 6.8 miles). While some sources suggest around 3 hours, many visitors report taking 4-5 hours to complete it due to the challenging terrain and frequent stops for photos.
It is generally not recommended for families with very young children due to the technical nature of the trail, steep drops, and rocky sections. Shorter, flatter trails like the Harmony Lake loop are more suitable for families.
You can expect spectacular panoramic views of alpine meadows, rugged peaks, and the stunning turquoise waters of Cheakamus Lake. The trail also passes by the beautiful Symphony and Harmony Lakes.
There is very little shade on the High Note Trail, as much of it is above the treeline. It's essential to wear sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen, and stay hydrated.
📸 📸 Photography
Key photo spots include the viewpoints overlooking Cheakamus Lake, the vistas from Flute Summit, the alpine meadows, and the serene Symphony and Harmony Lakes. The Cloudraker Skybridge also offers incredible panoramic shots.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. However, the expansive views are impressive throughout the day.
While a good camera will capture the stunning scenery, a smartphone with a decent camera is usually sufficient for most visitors. The key is to be prepared to capture the moment, so ensure your device is charged.
Standard park regulations regarding drones typically apply. Always check for any specific signage or rules posted at the trailhead or by the park authority regarding photography and drone usage.
Wear comfortable hiking attire that allows for movement. For memorable photos, consider bringing a colorful jacket or scarf to stand out against the natural landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
For families looking for a more accessible alpine experience, consider the Harmony Lake loop or simply enjoying the views from the gondola and chairlift stations. These options offer stunning scenery without the demanding physical exertion of the High Note Trail, ensuring a more enjoyable outing for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're extremely budget-conscious and physically prepared for a significant challenge, you could hike up to the trailhead from the mountain base, thus avoiding the gondola cost. However, this adds considerable time and effort, and most visitors find the gondola a worthwhile investment for accessing the alpine beauty.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the iconic shots of Cheakamus Lake from above, the expansive views from Flute Summit, and the serene beauty of Symphony and Harmony Lakes. The Cloudraker Skybridge also provides a unique vantage point for dramatic photos. Consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the High Note Trail
The trail is known for its lack of shade, so sun protection is paramount. Visitors often report a constant cool breeze, which helps mitigate the heat, but the sun's intensity can still be significant. Be prepared for a dusty trail, especially during drier periods.
While the official description might suggest a shorter hike time, most people take between 3 to 5 hours to complete the loop, factoring in breaks for water, snacks, and, of course, soaking in the incredible views. Going counterclockwise is often recommended by hikers as a good way to tackle the ascents and descents.
Gondola and Chairlift Access
It's highly advisable to book your gondola and chairlift tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer months. This not only secures your spot but can also save you time waiting in line. The cost of these tickets is a significant part of the overall expense for this hike, and it's important to factor this into your budget.
While it's technically possible to hike up to the High Note Trail from the mountain base without using the gondola, this is an extremely strenuous undertaking and not recommended for most visitors. The gondola and chairlift system are designed to make this incredible alpine experience accessible to a wider range of visitors.
Flora, Fauna, and Scenery
Keep an eye out for local wildlife. While sightings are not guaranteed, you might encounter marmots, pikas, or various bird species. The trail also passes by two picturesque small lakes, Symphony Lake and Harmony Lake, which offer serene spots to rest and admire the natural beauty.
The trail's name, 'High Note,' perfectly encapsulates the experience – a peak sensory delight. The combination of expansive vistas, vibrant alpine flora, and the crisp mountain air creates a truly memorable and uplifting hiking adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit