Green Lake, Whistler: Easy Lakeside Walk, Parking, Trails & Tips (With Kids)

Green Lake is one of the easiest scenic stops in Whistler. Period. It looks dramatic with its brilliant turquoise color (yes, glacier-fed waters), and it delivers postcard views of Wedge Mountain, Blackcomb, and Whistler Mountain. Best of all? You don’t need a long hike to enjoy it.

Located right along the Sea to Sky Highway just north of Whistler Village, it’s an ideal stop if you’re driving up from Vancouver and exploring the scenic highlights along the way (you can find more recommended stops in my Sea to Sky Highway road trip guide).

Unlike many of Whistler’s alpine lakes, Green Lake sits at just 633 meters and is accessible year‑round. You can admire it from a roadside lookout, stroll a short paved lakeside section of the Valley Trail, paddle across it by canoe, or hike to nearby Parkhurst Ghost Town.

It’s one of the easiest scenic walks in Whistler — perfect for:

• Families with kids (even toddlers — yes, we tried)
• Visitors stopping along the Sea to Sky Highway
• Beginner winter hikers
• And anyone who wants big mountain views with minimal effort.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Green Lake in Whistler, including parking, the best walks, winter tips, and what to expect with kids.

Green Lake at a glance

• Elevation: 633 m
• Walk length: 1.3 km lakeside section (mostly flat)
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Stroller-friendly: In summer
• Swimming: Very cold (1–5°C)
• Frozen: Usually November–April
• Best for: Easy walks, photography, canoeing, winter scenery
• Best season: Late spring to fall for colors
• Estimated time needed: 1–2 hours stop
• Parking: Limited (details below)

Why Green Lake is one of the easiest scenic walks in Whistler

If you’re looking for maximum views with minimal effort, Green Lake is hard to beat. The lakeside section of the Valley Trail runs along the southern shore for about 1.3 km. It’s paved, mostly flat, and requires almost no elevation gain.

That makes it:

• One of the easiest scenic walks in Whistler
• Ideal for beginner hikers
• Perfect for families with young kids
• Great for balance bikes and scooters
• A good beginner winter trail (with packed snow in winter)

You don’t need hiking boots, and long hours. You can park nearby, walk for 20–40 minutes, enjoy incredible mountain views — and be back at your car with very little effort.

In a destination known for steep alpine hikes, Green Lake is refreshingly accessible.

Where to stay near Green Lake, Whistler

Green Lake is just a few minutes north of Whistler Village, so staying in the village gives you easy access to the lake as well as restaurants, shops, and gondolas.

If you’re planning to explore both Whistler Village and nearby highlights like Green Lake, staying in the Village is the most convenient base.

Looking for a bigger challenge?

If Green Lake feels too easy, Whistler and Garibaldi Provincial Park offer some of the most iconic hikes in British Columbia.

For bigger elevation gains and alpine scenery, here are our favorite alpine lake hikes in the Whistler area:

• Garibaldi Lake: A classic turquoise alpine lake hike
• Panorama Ridge: One of the most famous viewpoints in BC, an extension of the Garibaldi Lake hike
• Iceberg Lake: A tough but rewarding climb (and icebergs do float on the lake)
• Wedgemount Lake: Steep, challenging, and incredibly dramatic
• Rainbow Lake: Longer hike with beautiful backcountry views

These hikes require more time, fitness, and preparation — but if you’re up for the challenge, they’re unforgettable.

Why is Green Lake so green? Is it so all year?

Unlike the alpine lakes at high elevations, Green Lake at 633 meters is accessible (and easily so) all year, though you can’t see its color when it’s frozen over (roughly from November to May). It’s fed by Fitzsimmons Creek and The River of Golden Dreams (this is a real name, yes), and you can probably tell by its color that it’s a glacial lake.

The River of Golden Dreams is a slow river coming from Alta Lake. Fitzsimmons Creek on the other hand is fast and powerful, coming from Fitzsimmons Glacier. So Fitzsimmons Creek carries rock flour to the lake from the glacier, and the tiny particles remain suspended in the water, reflecting light and causing those dazzling blue colors.

Best things to do at Green Lake in Whistler

Stop at the Green Lake Lookout (Sea to Sky Highway Viewpoint)

Green Lake appears along the road on your right as you drive past the village of Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway. There’s a paved pull-out viewpoint, the Green Lake Lookout, where you can enjoy the view of the lake, with Wedge Mountain, Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler Mountain in the background.

There are better Green Lake parking options if you plan to do hiking, fishing or boating, but this roadside stop is excellent for a quick stopover.

Short on time? Stop at the Green Lake Lookout along the Sea to Sky Highway. It’s the easiest way to see the lake without walking at all.

Walk the Valley Trail along Green Lake (easy 1.3 km lakeside walk)

The Valley Trail is one of the coolest outdoor attractions in Whistler all year. It’s a car-free, paved trail that connects Whistler’s neighborhoods, lakes and viewpoints, and you can choose to walk, bike, run, skate or rollerblade the 46 km network of trails. Certain sections of it are maintained for walking, cross country skiing and fat biking in the winter months. And our favorite section of the Valley Trail is the Green Lake walk, a piece that runs along the southern shore of Green Lake.

It’s only 1.3 km long, and the Valley Trail leaves Green Lake after the seaplane port, heading towards Lost Lake. However, you can continue walking to the sandy beach where Fitzsimmons Creek flows into Green Lake. Don’t let the word “beach” misguide you though, it’s a glacial lake, hence very cold! Green Lake Beach is not equal to “a swimming beach”, but it’s nice to walk there. You can see the walking route we recommend on this map. This is a walk we’ve done and loved in every season, and we can’t decide which is the best: the colorful summer version or the magical snowy winter version of it.

We recommend this walk instead of the official Green Lake loop trail, which is a much longer loop south of Green Lake. Unlike its name suggests, it doesn’t run along the lakeshore or around the lake, and you won’t get much lake views along the way either. Its southern trailhead is near the Fitzsimmons River Lost Lake Bridge, and the northern trailhead is near Wedge Creek bridge – both access points are hard to find and not marked. The Green Lake Trail runs parallel with the Parkhurst Trail for a while though, and that section is fun to do – read on to learn more about it.

Best parking for walking: Golden Bear Place parking lot (10–15 spaces). Quiet residential area — please park respectfully.

The Green Lake walk is doable in any season

Summer brings out the brilliant turquoise hues of Green Lake. Fall comes with frosty days and a decorative blanket of snow on the surrounding mountain peaks. In winter the lake is frozen and covered by snow, and it doesn’t fully thaw until mid-spring or late spring. The lakeshore is walkable in any season, you share it with bikers in summer and cross country skiers in winter.

Even though you can’t see the color of the lake in the cold months, early sunsets bring magical colors instead:

Winter tip: The lakeside Valley Trail is usually packed down and easy to walk.
Microspikes are helpful after fresh snowfall or icy conditions.

You need to wait until late for summer sunsets though. Sunset is around 9:30 in July.

To access this walking route directly, you can park in the small parking lot at Golden Bear Place. It has room for about 10-15 cars, but we’ve never found it too busy.

Arrive to Green Lake by seaplane (summer experience)

There’s a small seaplane harbor on Green Lake, and seaplanes land there regularly in the summer months. If you want to take a unique route to Whistler, book a seaplane ride from Vancouver. Longer tours give you time to look around the lake or even go for a hike (there are many, as you might have already guessed).

Fly to Whistler by seaplane from Vancouver

This 45‑minute scenic flight from Vancouver offers incredible aerial views of the Coast Mountains before landing directly on Green Lake. You’ll then have time to explore Whistler Village (with a complimentary shuttle included) before flying back to Vancouver.

It’s one of the most unique (and effortless) ways to experience Whistler in a single day.

👉 Check availability and prices for the Whistler seaplane day trip here.

Paddle Green Lake (canoe & kayak launch info)

One of the small Whistler neighborhoods lies on the shore of Green Lake near the highway. Cute little houses line the lakeshore, and a small park is tucked between them: Green Lake Park. It’s a waterfront park, with boat access to Green Lake, but it’s easy to miss if you’re not actively looking for it.

Green Lake Park doesn’t have much: a washroom building, a tiny forest with picnic tables and the rocky lakeshore with the views. The views – they are the best! If you bring a canoe, you can paddle around Green Lake from here.

Parking is limited at the Green Lake boat launch, but there’s room for a few cars just off Lakeshore Drive.

Hike to Parkhurst Ghost Town (easy 3.7 km trail)

A worthwhile, short and relatively easy Green Lake hike is the Parkhurst Trail. Parkhurst Ghost Town is directly across Green Lake Park. It was an old logging town between the 1920s and 1950s (before Whistler existed), then it was abandoned.

It’s a popular, quirky attraction these days. You can access it either from the water or on several hiking trails, which can get confusing without a map. But the good news is that any of these trails are great any time of the year. We found it especially magical in winter, with the lake, the collapsed houses and abandoned, wrecked trucks under a pretty white blanket of snow.

How to access Parkhurst Ghost Town from the water?

Just look for the small pier right across Green Lake Park, dock your canoe and walk around to explore the abandoned structures.

How to access Parkhurst Ghost Town on hiking trails?

There are quite a few trails around Parkhurst, and it can be confusing, because you rarely see trail signs, and some trails overlap. On the bright side: you’ll likely end up in Parkhurst. 🙂 But you want to do so on the most scenic trail.

So what are the choices? The Parkhurst Ghost Town Trail (also called Parkhurst Ridge Trail) has pretty good views, and the Parkhurst Loop at the end is the most special. The Green Lake Loop has some nice sections, and part of the Sea to Sky Trail also takes you there, but it doesn’t offer much scenery (uhm… it’s a gravel road mostly, with power lines above you; not exactly a nice hike). The old road once ran along the southern lakeshore, this is how Parkhurst could have been accessed, but these days the road was turned into a trail.

We did the Parkhurst Ghost Town Trail, and we did it in winter, with microspikes.

It’s a well-beaten track, because it’s one of the easiest winter hiking trails in Whistler, and it was quite obvious to follow for the same reason. (Following others’ footsteps sometimes works. Not always though.)

Parkhurst Ghost Town hiking essentials:

• Trailhead: bridge over Green River, just off the Sea to Sky Highway (Wedgemount Lake turnoff)
• Parking: before or after the bridge leading to Riverside Drive (you probably won’t be able to cross the bridge in winter)
• Length: 3.7 km one-way
• Difficulty: easy
• See the trail map here!

Visiting Green Lake with kids

Green Lake is one of the most family-friendly scenic spots in Whistler.

Here’s what to know:

Is Green Lake stroller-friendly?

Yes — in summer. The 1.3 km lakeside section of the Valley Trail is paved and mostly flat, suitable for strollers, balance bikes and scooters. It was one of the first walks where my son started to explore independently.

In winter, snow covers the trail, so a stroller won’t work. A sled (so much fun!) or a child carrier is better.

Is Green Lake safe with toddlers?

Generally yes, we truly enjoyed this area with my two-year-old. But keep in mind:

• There are no railings along the lakeshore
• The water is extremely cold
• Seaplanes operate in summer

It’s a calm, quiet area, but active supervision is essential near the water.

How long should you plan with kids?

For most families 30–60 minutes is perfect. But you know, toddlers can enjoy throwing pebbles into the water for long hours.

Allow time for snacks (another favourite toddler activity) or photos.

You can combine with Lost Lake or a walk through Whistler Village for a longer outing. It’s an ideal low‑effort outdoor activity if your toddler still naps or you’re between bigger adventures.

What NOT to expect at Green Lake:

• No playground
• No sandy swimming beach
• Very limited facilities
• No full loop around the lake

Green Lake Parking Guide (best places to park)

For a quick stopover, you can park at the Green Lake Lookout along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. 

Parking at Green Lake so that you can join the Valley Trail and stroll along the lakeshore is possible in the small parking lot at Golden Bear Place. This Green Lake parking lot has room for about 10-15 cars, and it’s located in a quiet residential neighborhood – please respect that when you visit.

Green Lake Park parking is very limited, it means a few car spaces just off Lakeshore Drive.

Whistler Green Lake FAQ

Is Green Lake worth visiting?

Yes — Green Lake is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you want spectacular mountain views without a long hike.

It’s one of the most accessible lakes in Whistler, with a short, mostly flat lakeside walk, roadside viewpoints, and year‑round access. In summer, the glacier-fed water turns a vivid turquoise color. In winter, the frozen lake and snowy peaks create a dramatic alpine scene.

Green Lake is ideal for:

• Families with kids
• Visitors short on time
• Beginner hikers
• Photographers
• Anyone driving the Sea to Sky Highway

If you’re looking for an easy scenic stop in Whistler, Green Lake is one of the best options.

How to get to Green Lake, Whistler?

Green Lake directions from Vancouver are very simple: head north and drive on British Columbia 99, the highway which serves the Squamish–Lillooet corridor. It’s a paved road, but winter tires are required from October 1 to March 31. It means either having the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the M + S (mud and snow) symbol on the tires. Also, check road conditions in the winter, because heavy snowstorms might mean road closures or challenging driving conditions.

Can you swim in Green Lake in the summer?

Green Lake is glacier-fed and extremely cold — often around 1-5°C. Most visitors prefer swimming at Alta or Lost Lake.

Green Lake beach

So it’s not forbidden to swim, but I doubt you really want it. It’s a large lake, so it doesn’t warm up much in the summer. If you want to swim, visit any of the other Whistler lakes which are much more suitable as swimming lakes: Lost Lake, Alta Lake, Alpha Lake and Nita Lake. Alta Lake is known to be the warmest.

How cold is Green Lake?

Green Lake is fed by glacial streams running straight from the high alpine. I couldn’t find exact numbers, but it’s the coldest body of water in Whistler, and that number likely lingers around 1-5°C.

Can you walk around Green Lake?

There’s no loop trail around Green Lake. There’s tiny Green Lake Park, and there’s a short section of the Valley Trail that runs on the lakeshore – they both offer stunning views, but they are not hikes, not even long walks.

There’s Green Lake Loop which might sound like a loop around the lake, but it’s not. It’s a loop south of the lake, and it offers some lake views, but it’s not a lakeshore trail. Part of the Parkhurst Ghost Town Trail also has views of Green Lake and access to the shore.

But there’s no hiking trail all around Green Lake. You can paddle around it. 🙂