The best family-friendly hikes and walks in the Coast Mountains

Tucked in the forest just outside Whistler Village, Lost Lake is a beautiful, quiet spot surrounded by tall evergreens and mountain views. It’s a popular spot for swimming and paddleboarding in summer, with trails around its perimeter perfect for hiking and biking. In winter, the area transforms into a snowy network of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, offering a quiet escape just minutes from town.

The path to the waterfall is well-maintained and well-signposted. You can't miss it.

Mendenhall Waterfall, also known as "Nugget Falls," is located on beautiful Mendenhall Lake. From there, you also have a good view of the Mendenhall Glacier. You can easily get to the starting point from Juneau by bus or car. However, Juneau itself can only be reached by plane or boat.

The 2007 mural by Chili Thom & Stan Matwychuk covers both sides of the Lorimer Bridge underpass. It depicts the sun shining through the clouds in Whistler during all four seasons. The mural is part of Whistler's public art collection, established in 1996. Source: https://www.whistler.ca/parks-recreation-culture/arts-and-culture/public-art/collection/lorimer-bridge-mural/

The Lost Lake PassivHaus is the first passive house in Canada. It is located at the main entrance of Lost Lake Park. The building was initially used as accommodation for the Austrian Olympic Committee and Austrian Broadcasting, which broadcasted live to Austrian audiences during the 2010 Winter Olympics. After the Games, the Austrian Passive House Group donated it to the Municipality of Whistler. The building now serves as a day lodge, office and meeting space for the Whistler Off-road Cycling Association (WORCA) and Whistler Nordics, as well as a cross-country ski and mountain bike rental shop and a café. Source: https://www.passivehousecanada.com/projects/lost-lake-passive-house/

Lost Lake was formed when glaciers retreated from the valley, leaving behind a buried block of ice. After the ice melted, a circular depression was created that filled with water, forming a so-called kettle lake. https://fireandicegeoregion.ca/geosite/lost-lake/ https://www.legendswhistler.com/whistler/news/2019/4/11/lost-lake-whistler/

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center near Juneau brings you up close to the rugged beauty of Alaska. Here you can not only admire the impressive glacier and the turquoise glacial water, but also gain exciting insights into the geology and ecosystem of this region. The center itself offers exhibitions that illustrate the history and development of the glacier and a fascinating view of the retreating ice. The area around the center is criss-crossed by easily accessible trails such as the Photo Point Trail and the popular Nugget Falls Trail, which takes you to the roaring Nugget Falls. For nature lovers, the Steep Creek Trail is a highlight - especially during salmon season, when bears gather at the stream. From elevated walkways you can observe the animals without disturbing their peace. In winter, a completely different scene awaits you, when nature freezes in silent beauty. Take the time to explore the short Trail of Time, which tells the history of the glacier on information boards and lets you delve deep into the formation of this unique landscape. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is more than just a visitor center - it is an experience that shows you the power and fragility of nature first hand.

In summer, Lost Lake is great for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. There are well-maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and running, offering panoramic views of the lake and wooded surroundings. In winter, the trails become cross-country ski and snowshoe routes. Lost Lake also has picnic areas and beaches for relaxing. Facilities include bathrooms and designated swimming areas. The best time to visit Lost Lake is during the summer months for water activities and hiking, and in the winter to enjoy snow sports.