Mount Weart

Mount Weart above Whistler is one of those routes that quickly separates “likes hiking” from “lives for sufferfests.” This 17.9 km out-and-back from the Wedgemount Lake trailhead climbs about 2114 m to roughly 2780 m, and even strong hikers can expect a 10–14 hour day. It’s rated extreme for a reason: long, steep, loose, and very committing once you’re past the lake.

The day starts with a ruthless grind through forest to Wedgemount Lake, then shifts into a mix of boulder fields, scree, and broken rock as you work past Tupper Lake and the upper tarns toward the summit ridge. Views ramp up fast: turquoise lakes stacked below, glaciers hanging off Wedge Mountain, and a full ring of Coast Range peaks. Past the third and fourth lakes the terrain feels harsh but not overly exposed for most, though the Armchair Traverse via Mount Cook to Mount Weart is full-on class 4 scrambling with serious, awkward moves that many locals call intimidating even with experience.

Current reports from Mount Weart stress loose rock, vague route-finding past Wedgemount, and long days that often push into darkness if you start late. A helmet is strongly recommended for rockfall, and you’ll want solid scrambling skills, plenty of water and electrolytes, and a clear weather window; ice gear may be needed earlier or later in the season. Many parties break it into two days by camping at Wedgemount Lake, and turning around before the summit is common and smart if conditions, visibility, or time aren’t lining up. This is one of the most rewarding glacier-view hikes near Whistler, but it absolutely should not be underestimated.