Strike a High Note on this amazing trail in Whistler – wildfire smoke aside. On this particular September day, smoke from the devastating wildfires emanating from parts of B.C. lingered in the valley below.

Somewhat smokey view out to a Cheakamus Lake

While this affected visibility up top, it still didn’t detract from some great scenic views of Cheakamus Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park, the odd Marmot sighting, and gondola ride from Whistler village.

Spot the marmot!

This intermediate trail requires that you take the Whistler Gondola and Peak Chairlift to the trailhead, which begins at the top of Whistler Mountain.

At the top of the first chairlift

About to board the Peak Express

The views were breathtaking as soon as you board the gondola for the High Note Trail. The Peak Express chairlift opens at 11am, although it can open earlier in peak season and you can ride both ways (i.e. you can hike the loop clockwise).

Peak Express Gondola ride

Snowy and rocky views from the gondola

The trail starts from the top of Whistler Mountain and wraps around, offering up incredible, mountaintop views before descending through the alpine area back to the Whistler Gondola.

The track winds through forested areas

The track also crosses rocky alpine areas

One of the recommendations was to undertake the High Note Trail in an anti-clockwise direction. The views were better plus the terrain easier to navigate around with clear sign post markings along the trail. There were a couple of tricky sections to clamber over with a rope chain which provided for sturdier footings.

The trail circles back towards the top of Whistler Chairlift

Scenic lakes along the way

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Insights

Whistler Village (base) is situated at 650m (2,100 ft).

Take the Peak Express Gondola.

A variety of views awaits you around the circuit trail

The High Note Trail takes around 3 1/2 – 4 hours to complete, 9.5km with an elevation gain of around 300m – start at the base of Whistler Village.

The Peak Express chairlift has a height restriction and does not allow riders under 1m (40″), including any small children in carriers.

Are you over 100cm?

Beware that there are some tricky parts of the trail, but if you take it slow and watch your footing you should be fine.

Check the weather forecast before heading up. A useful app to download is the official Whistler Blackcomb Live App, which provides you with updated information on hiking trails, weather and lift status.

For more stories on Canada read our posts on Banff National Park and the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Mountains.

Views from the trail