Editor’s Note: This post was originally written in 2013, which means the cedars have added a few more rings but the information is still correct, we’ve just updated some new imagery and links.

The old saying is “respect your elders” so why not head into the hills north of Whistler and give a little love to some of the oldest living things in the entire Sea to Sky corridor, the 900+-year-old trees of Whistler’s Ancient Cedars Trail.

Hiking in the fall takes a bit more dedication than in the summer months but it’s actually the best time of year for the trek up the Ancient Cedars Trail because the mossy forest floor comes alive with mushrooms of every size, shape and colour. The hike also offers a couple of stunning snowy mountain views, a hidden waterfall and ends in an inspiring cluster of yellow cedar trees that have been growing since the middle ages (and nearly a half-millennium before Columbus sailed the ocean blue).

INSIDER TIP: Have you heard of forest bathing? This is the perfect place to do it. If you’re intrigued, read more about it in our guide.
A couple walk amongst ancient cedars in a forest in Whistler.
Walk among giants on the Ancient Cedars Trail. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

One of Whistler’s most underrated hikes the Ancient Cedars Trail is easy to find and accessible to almost any skill level – an instant classic.

And it’s easy to find: drive about ten kilometers north of Whistler, just past Green Lake, and turn left on Cougar Mountain Road. Drive past the base of TAG Whistler and Superfly Ziplines and continue up the bumpy-but-not-too-gnarly logging road for another four kilometres or so. A 4×4 vehicle is not required (but the road is rough and bumpy so we’d recommend one) and the parking area and trailhead signs are easy to spot.

INSIDER TIP: If you don’t have your own vehicle, consider going with a guide. On a guided hiking tour not only will you get a ride, but you’ll gain insight into the local flora and fauna with a local who’s passionate about this trail.

The hike itself is well-marked with signs and navigational posts, and while the terrain can be rocky in parts it is fairly easy going overall. It can get muddy in places but for the most part, drainage is excellent.

Allow three hours for the five-kilometre round trip (although autumn hikers will most likely be stopping frequently to check out all the various mushrooms) and be sure to roam from the main trail at the viewpoint post for an excellent look at Showh Lake and the Soo Valley.

A woman reaches out to touch the bark of an ancient cedar tree in Whistler.
Forest bathe with the giants. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

With only about 150 meters of elevation gain to the grove, Ancient Cedars is good for hikers of all ages. There is also a beautiful waterfall just below the wooden footbridge (you’ll hear the rushing waters) and meadows of lush green skunk cabbage and devils club along the final stretches of the trail.

The ancient cedar grove is spectacular, with towering trees and excellent photo opportunities alongside informative signs explaining the difficulties in knowing exactly how old these giants actually are. The trail through the grove is a loop that ends up back at the waterfall footbridge so follow the path right through the main area for more big trees including hemlock and amabilis fir.

Looking up to the tree canopy in a Whistler forest.
Don’t forget to look up. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Established in the early 1990s, the Ancient Cedars Trail was always amazing but is now even better and more accessible perfect for hikers looking to sneak one last trip out into the wilderness before winter and skiing arrive.

The hike is both an awe-inspiring destination and a perfectly meandering journey and the relatively short distance and easy grade make it perfect for grandparents, kids and anyone else who wants to hug a 900-year-old tree. Respect your elders, but love them too.

Dress in layers and wear decent footwear (runners or hiking boots), chuck in the bug spray and pack out what you pack in. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but make sure to clean up after them. Bring a camera and a macro lens for the mushrooms but don’t eat any of them – liver failure is a rough way to go!

Whistler mushrooms

Get some early festive feels and a deal! Book 3+ nights between November 21 and December 20, 2024, to receive a free $100 CAD Whistler Shopping Voucher, with rooms starting from $175 CAD per night. If you're coming this winter, the time to book is now with Whistler Blackcomb Day Passes starting from $99 CAD per day, 30% off lodging and 40% off rentals (free kids' rentals). Epic Coverage is included for free so you can plan ahead with peace of mind.

Come experience Whistler Blackcomb’s extensive terrain and adventure at every turn to see why we're known as one of the best resorts on the planet. Secure your mountain getaway with Whistler.com for personalized service and the local knowledge of our Whistler-based team

Author

Feet Banks moved to Whistler at age 12 so his parents could live the dream and ski as much as possible. He ended up living it too. After leaving home Feet did a few good stints in warmer climates and 4 years of writing school before returning to the mountains to make ski movies, hammer out a journalism career and avoid the 9-5 lifestyle as long as possible. He’s been a hay farmer, a hole digger, a magazine editor and has a jump named after him on Blackcomb Mountain, Feet’s Air. It’s tiny.