Ancient Cedars Trail

Ancient Cedars Trail in Whistler is one of those short hikes that sticks with you. It’s a 4.7 km out-and-back with about 300 m of gain, usually taking just under 2 hours, and it trades crowds for old-growth atmosphere. The drive in is the hardest part, but once you’re on foot it feels like you’ve stepped into a quiet, green pocket away from the resort buzz.

The hike climbs steadily from the start, with a few steeper, rocky sections that make the “moderate” rating feel fair, but nothing technical. You’re in forest almost the whole way, under tall conifers, mossy ground, fungi, and the odd viewpoint looking out over the valley and nearby lakes. The payoff is the upper loop through the Ancient Cedars grove, where massive red cedars, some close to a thousand years old, tower over you with good signage explaining what you’re walking through.

Reaching the Ancient Cedars Trail trailhead means bumping along a rough gravel road past where Google Maps says to stop; plan on going slow, watching for potholes, and ignoring misleading “no parking” vibes until you see the actual sign. Recent hikers report wet sections, some creek overflow in the final loop, and a few muddy patches, but normal hiking boots handle it fine. Expect bugs around the top loop in warmer months, bring long sleeves, and keep an eye out for bears and Devil’s Club near the trail edge; late spring to fall is best, with snow and snowmobiles taking over once winter really hits.