With teal blue waters fed by a receding glacier and views of towering mountains in the background, the Wedgemount Lake hike is easily one of the best in British Columbia. Whether you want to go camping at Wedgemount Lake or tackle this beast of a hike in one day, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to plan your visit.
Article Contents
- Wedgemount Lake Hike overview
- Wegemount Lake Hike FAQs
- Wedgemount Lake Hike guide
- Other Useful Resources
Wedgemount Lake Hike overview
- Distance | 7.4 miles (11.9 km)
- Elevation | 4,196 feet (1,279 meters)
- Difficulty | Strenuous
- Estimated time | 6 – 8 hours
- Epicness rating | 8
- Why you’ll love it | The brightest teal alpine lake you’ve ever seen is worth the challenge to get there!
Find this hike on AllTrails | Wedgemount Lake & Tupper Lake
Located just outside the popular tourist destination of Whistler, British Columbia, the hike up to Wedgemount Lake is steep but well worth the effort for unmatched alpine views.
After a week filled with epic hikes through southwestern British Columbia and the North Cascades in Washington, we debated skipping our overnight trip to Wedgemount Lake.
After days of hiking and backpacking, we were tired and had already seen tons of amazing things (like Panorama Ridge and Maple Pass!) and the thought of hiking more than 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) over less than 4 miles felt exhausting. But, we decided to go for it and are glad we did!
Hiking up to Wedgemount Lake is by no means an easy endeavor but we can’t recommend it enough. Keep on reading to learn everything you need to tackle this Whistler classic.
Highlights
- Wedgemount Lake is easily one of the most beautiful alpine lakes we’ve ever seen.
- Fantastic spot to spend an afternoon, lounging by the shoreline with epic views of the mountains.
- Epic campsites on the shore of Wedgemount Lake.
- Chance to see a glacier at Tupper Lake.
Lowlights
- Trail is extremely steep and unrelenting.
- Trailhead parking location is confusing and difficult to find.
- Road conditions to the trailhead are moderately rough.
Key things to know before you hike
- High clearance vehicle recommended | The gravel road to the trailhead is a bit rough, with a few steep sections and large potholes. You will need a high-clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead. 4WD is typically not necessary.
- Leave your dogs at home | Dogs are not allowed in Garibaldi Provincial Park.
- Toilet facilities are primitive | There are pit toilets at the trailhead and at Wedgemount Lake, but you will need to bring your own toilet paper.
- Overnight permits required | Overnight camping reservations are required to camp at Wedgemount Lake. No permits or entrance passes are required to day-hike.
- Be bear aware | The area is home primarily to black bears (grizzlies are rare but possible). It’s best to be prepared by carrying bear spray and storing your food appropriately.
Wegemount Lake Hike FAQs
In this section, we’ll cover a few important frequently asked questions about hiking to Wedgemount Lake.
Where is the Wedgemount lake hike?
Wedgemount Lake is located in Garibaldi Provincial Park, which encompasses the Garibaldi Range of the Coast Mountains in British Columbia, Canada.
The trailhead is about 2 hours north of Vancouver, 15 minutes north of Whistler, and 25 minutes south of Pemberton, just off the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Garibaldi Provincial Park is best known as a hub for outdoor adventures with seemingly endless hiking trails, mountains, lakes, and stunning forests.
Wedgemount Lake is fed by glacial runoff from Wedge Glacier, which sits along Wedge Mountain, the tallest point in Garibaldi Provincial Park (9,485 feet/2,891 meters). One of the coolest parts of the hike to Wedgemount Lake is that it gets you up close to both Wedge Mountain and Wedge Glacier.
- Note | This map is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be relied on a s means of navigation.
When is the best time to hike to Wedgemount Lake?
- Peak | July through September
- Shoulder | June, October
- Avoid | November through May
The best time to hike to Wedgemount Lake is in late July through September when the trail is most likely to be snow-free.
Hiking any earlier or later in the season increases the chances of snow and ice on the trail. Given how extremely steep the trail is, we would not recommend attempting to hike to Wedgemount Lake in snowy conditions. If you do decide to hike in shoulder season, be prepared with the appropriate snow gear, such as an ice axe, microspikes, or crampons.
We hiked to Wedgemount Lake on August 3-August 4th and the weather couldn’t have been better. The trail was snow free and temperatures were just right.
How difficult is the Wedgemount Lake Hike?
Have you ever been on a hike with tons of switchbacks and thought to yourself, “Wouldn’t it have just been easier for the trail to go straight up the mountain?”
Well, the Wedgemount Lake hike answers that question. Climbing more than 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) over 3.7 miles (6 km), the trail to Wedgemount Lake is brutally and relentlessly steep.
It took us about 4 hours to reach the lake, more than double our normal hiking pace, as the elevation gain was absolutely killer. This was definitely one of the steepest hikes we’ve ever done!
Don’t be fooled by the mild distance of this hike! From the trailhead, the trail goes straight up to the lake, with no switchbacks, declines, or even flat sections to give your legs a rest. The elevation gain makes it a strenuous hike.
How crowded is the Wedgemount Lake hike?
The hike to Wedgemount Lake is fairly popular, especially given how challenging it is. We hiked in and camped on a Friday night and the campsites were full. The trail was definitely busier on the way our Saturday morning.
That being said, the lake is so big that its quite possible to find some solitude along the shore or from the ridge overlooking it.
What should i bring?
The Wedgemount Lake hike is a challenging adventure! Make sure you’re prepared with appropriate gear before you hike:
Essentials for everyone
- Bear Spray (Counter Assault)| Black bears are common in Garibaldi Provincial Park (while Grizzly bears are very rare), so carrying bear spray with you is always a good idea.
- GPS Device (Garmin InReach Mini) | The Panorama Ridge hike is pretty easy to follow, so you shouldn’t have trouble staying on the trail. That being said, we always carry our Garmin for peace of mind just in case of an emergency.
- Bug Spray | The horse flies here are brutal! You don’t want to forget bug spray.
- Microspikes | If you’re hiking Wedgemount Lake earlier in the summer, you’re likely to encounter snow on the trail near the top. Since the trail gets pretty steep, we recommend packing microspikes to stay safe in possible snowy or icy conditions. Always check recent trail conditions before you set out.
His & Hers
- Hiking poles (Hers: Black Diamond Distance Z poles, His: Black Diamond Distance FLZ poles ) | We both hike with Black Diamond poles and can’t imagine hiking without them! This hike is so steep that hiking poles really are essential.
- Backpack with bladder (Hers: CamelBak Helena 20L, His: Camelback Rim Runner 22L) | We both use a similar Camelback backpack for day hiking (Sarah has the women’s version, Matt’s is unisex) – they’re comfortable, lightweight and just big enough to hold the essentials without weighing you down. Plus they both come with a 2L bladder.
- Hiking boots (Hers: Danner Mountain 600s, His: Salomon Ultra 4 Mid GTX) | The trail to Wedgemount Lake is steep and unrelenting. We’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots for better traction and foot support.
- Hiking pants (Hers: Athleta Headlands pants, His: PrAna Stretch Zion Pants) | These Athleta pants are Sarah’s absolute favorite! They’re comfortable and durable for hiking, and all the pockets make them more stylish, so they can double as normal pants.
- Pullovers (Hers: Smartwool Merino Quarter Zip, His: Smartwool Merino Quarter Zip) | These Smartwool quarter zips are so warm and comfortable – perfect to help you stay warm on the windy summit of Panorama Ridge.
- Down Jacket (Hers: Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody Women’s Down Hoodie, His: Cotopaxi Fuego) | If you hate being cold (like me), the Arc’teryx Down Hoodie is the jacket for you! With 850 fill down, it’s incredibly lightweight, high quality and totally worth the extra warmth. The Cotopaxi Fuego is also a great option – at 800 fill down, it’s not quite as warm but comes in at a lower price point.
Where can I stay before the Wedgemount lake Hike?
The trailhead for Wedgemount Lake is located just outside the popular mountain town of Whistler, British Columbia, which features plenty of lodging options. Here are a few that we’d recommend:
Located in the heart of Whistler, the Crystal Lodge is perfect for folks looking for something more a bit on the fancier side.
Another Whistler gem, the Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel has a great location and rooms starting at $189 per night.
Nairn Falls Campground features 94 campsites for $22 per night. The campground is a bit rustic and does not have showers or running water.
Can I camp at wedgemount lake?
Yes! Backcountry camping is permitted at Wedgemount Lake, but overnight permits are required.
We can’t think of a better way to spend the night than sleeping under the stars at Wedgemount Lake and watching the surrounding mountains light up in shades of orange, pink, and purple with the setting sun!
Reservations are released 3 months in advance of your trip on a rolling basis. Wedgemount Lake is a popular spot to camp, especially on the weekends, and reservations book up quickly, so make sure you plan ahead.
Each reservation for an adult will cost you $10, while each child (under age 16) is $5.
Reserve your permit | Make your backcountry camping reservation for Wedgemount Lake on the BC Parks website.
How do I Find a campsite at Wedgemount Lake?
There are 20 tent sites at the Wedgemount Lake campground: 10 sites at the “upper” campground near the Wedge Hut and 10 sites at the “lower” campground, located right along the banks of the lake.
Both the upper and lower camping areas have their advantages. At the upper camping area, you have a stunning view looking down over Wedgemount Lake. However, you can’t beat the location of the lower campsites, just steps from the shore of Wedgemount Lake.
The truth is that you really can’t go wrong no matter where you end up camping at Wedgemount Lake!
The tent pads are quite the luxury in the backcountry, providing a flat, solid area for each tent, even though they are a bit close together (you will have neighbors!).
How do I store my food while camping at Wedgemount Lake?
There are bear hangs for food at both campgrounds at Wedgemount Lake. The bear hangs operate with a built-in pulley system, so all you need to bring is a bag to store all of your attractants (no bear can required!)
There are no garbage facilities and you must pack out whatever you pack in.
Important Note | The hang at the lower campground was broken during the summer of 2023. You’ll have to carry your food to the upper camping area to store it properly.
Wedgemount lake Hike guide
Without further ado, let’s get into the details about the Wedgemount Lake hike!
starting the climb
From the trailhead, the elevation gain up to Wedgemount Lake begins immediately. Like a never-ending Stairmaster, the trail cuts straight up the side of the mountain, forgoing the traditional zig-zagging of switchbacks for the unrelenting pain of a direct vertical incline.
We thought we were mentally prepared for the over 4,000 feet of elevation gain, but it was way tougher than we had imagined, especially with heavy packs.
The difficulty isn’t just the persistent incline, but the trail also clambers up exposed roots, around large rocks, and over downed trees. It isn’t exactly smooth sailing!
With so many obstacles and the steep elevation gain, expect to progress up the trail much slower than usual, with each step feeling like a small achievement in and of itself.
These first 2.5 miles of the hike to Wedgemount Lake travel through thick, green forest with limited views. There is a large boulder field about half way up, that serves as a nice spot to take a break.
boulder scramble
After 2.5 miles of hiking through the woods, the last push up to Wedgemount Lake is an even steeper scramble up a drainage shoot littered with large boulders and exposed tree roots. It’s one final challenge in case you didn’t already have enough elevation gain over the last 2.5 miles!
The footing in the drainage shoot can be a bit precarious and, while it isn’t exposed in the sense that you could fall off the mountain, you’ll definitely find yourself with your hands on the ground or holding roots to make sure you maintain your stability.
It’s steep, but thankfully only lasts for under half a mile, before the trail starts to crest as Wedgemount Lake finally comes into view.
arriving at Wedgemount Lake
As soon as you reach the crest of the trail, you’ll be able to see the icy blue waters of Wedgemount Lake and the towering Wedge Mountain in the background. Stop for a second and savor your accomplishment! – you made it!
You’ll see the Wedge Hut a maybe a hundred yards or so in front of you. The hut is there purely for emergency situations, so please do not try to enter it unless there is an emergency and you need shelter.
The trail will continue past the hut, where you can also find the first pit toilet and the upper campground.
Wedgemount Lake camping | upper section
There are 10 campsites located at the upper camping area, where you first arrive at the lake. The campsites here are more spaced out so you may have to hunt around a little to find one.
Wedgemount Lake camping | lower section
From the Hut, the trail continues for a few hundred yards down the lakeshore, where you’ll find the lower campground tent pads and plenty of flat shoreline to rest and enjoy the views.
Continue to Tupper Lake
After soaking up the views from the banks of Wedgemount Lake, if you still have the energy, you can continue on to Tupper Lake, which sits at the foot of the Wedgemount Glacier, about a quarter mile past Wedgemount Lake.
Tupper Lake is much smaller than Wedgemount Lake, but it’s still really cool to see Wedge Mountain and its glacier feeding the lake up close. You can also continue around Tupper Lake and scramble up to the edge of the glacier itself if you’re up for even more adventure!
return to the trailhead
The trail to Wedgemount Lake is an out-and-back hike, meaning that you will return to the trail head the same way you climbed up.
At first, we were elated to finally be going downhill but that joy soon turned to knee pain with each step down. But soon enough, you’ll be back at the car and ready for that post-hike meal!
Sunrise and sunset at Wedgemount Lake
The sunset at Wedgemount Lake was quite spectacular. We hiked back to the upper camping area to enjoy the view overlooking Wedgemount Lake with the mountains behind lit up in bright shades of orange and pink!
I (Sarah) also woke up for sunrise because I just can’t resist a calm morning at an alpine lake. The sunrise was less impressive compared to the sunset, in my opinion, but the colors may have been muted by the smoke that blew in overnight.
It takes a while for the sun to actually come up over the mountains, so the best part of the morning was probably about 30 minutes to an hour after the official sunrise time. If you’re into photography, the reflection of the mountains over the lake during the calm of the morning is pretty amazing and definitely worth waking up for.
Other Useful Resources
Looking for more to do in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest?! We’ve got lots of resources to help you plan your trip!
British Columbia
Washington
- Hiking Summerland Trail in Mount Rainier
- Backpacking the Enchanted Valley in Olympic National Park
- Rialto Beach to Hole in the Wall
- Hoh River Trail Hike Guide
- Maple Pass Loop Hike Guide
Alberta
- Best Hikes in Banff National Park
- 4-Day Banff Itinerary
- Iceline Trail Hike Guide
- Cirque Peak & Helen Lake Hike Guide
- Big Beehive Hike Guide
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