Brew Lake

Brew Lake near Whistler is one of those hikes that makes you earn every view. This 17.1 km out-and-back route climbs about 1,048 m to around 1,424 m, and that “challenging” rating is no joke. Expect a long day out, with most hikers taking close to 7 hours, and far fewer crowds than the classic Whistler favorites.

The trail starts in the forest, then quickly turns into a grind with rough sections of rock, roots, and a notorious stretch of rock scrambling and light bushwhacking. Once you push past the boulder fields and hit the higher meadows, things open up with big backcountry views toward Brew Lake and the surrounding peaks, especially if you wander up toward the ridge near the hut. It feels remote, wild, and much more rugged than the well-groomed resort-side trails closer to town.

Recent hikers report that route-finding can be tricky, especially when there’s lingering snow, and the flagging is minimal in spots, so a GPS track is strongly recommended. The rock scramble is rough, the brush can be grabby, and this is not ideal terrain for most dogs. Aim for a July to October window for Brew Lake, check snow levels before you go, bring solid footwear and layers, and plan for a full-day effort with some hands-on scrambling and navigation rather than a casual Whistler stroll.