Archie MontroseForget the concrete jungle of downtown Vancouver – the call of the wild is louder than ever in these modern times!
Hiking Panorama Ridge offers breathtaking vistas and an unforgettable adventure for those looking to escape the city bustle. From planning the perfect trip to navigating the trails, we’ve got everything you need to know to make your trek spectacular.
Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite hiking spot… or at least get some stunning photos to share on your social media.
- Best Time to Go to Panorama Ridge
- Panorama Ridge Hike Overview
- How long does it take to climb Panorama Ridge?
- Can a beginner do Panorama Ridge?
- Can you get to Panorama Ridge on public transport?
- How to Get to Panorama Ridge Trailhead
- Where to Stay near Panorama Ridge
- Where to Eat near Panorama Ridge
- What to Do in Panorama Ridge
- Apps to Download for a Trip to Panorama Ridge
Best Time to Go to Panorama Ridge
The best time to hike Panorama Ridge is during the summer and early fall. Snow often covers the mountain tops in late spring and late fall, so it’s best to go when the trail is snow-free.
For the clearest trails, we recommend waiting until mid-July. Temperatures are mostly pleasant and there should be very little snow.
Panorama Ridge Hike Overview
- Location: Garibaldi Provincial Park
- Trailhead: Rubble Creek or Cheakamus Lake
- Distance: 30 km/ 20 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,575 m/ 5,170 ft
- Day-Use Pass: Required from June 14 to October 9, 2023
- Dogs: Not allowed on any trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park
- Toilets: At the parking lot, Taylor Meadows, Black Tusk Junction, and Garibaldi Lake
How long does it take to climb Panorama Ridge?
Panorama Ridge offers unparalleled panoramic views of Garibaldi Lake and the surrounding mountain landscape. Its accessibility, diverse terrain, and breathtaking vistas make it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts, tourists, and locals
The hike to Panorama Ridge and back takes around 9-12 hours. The hike covers about 30 km in tota, which adds an extra 6 kilometers from Garibaldi Lake, making it a full-day journey. But hey, if you’re not in a hurry, there are campgrounds along the route to break up the hike.
Can a beginner do Panorama Ridge?
Yes, beginners can definitely do the Panorama Ridge hike. Despite the distance and elevation gain, don’t be intimidated – Panorama Ridge is surprisingly accessible.
It’s a straightforward hike with clear paths and minimal technical challenges, suitable for hikers of varying experience levels.
Can you get to Panorama Ridge on public transport?
Yes, you can get to Panorama Ridge on public transport. ParkBus offers a convenient route from Vancouver to Rubble Creek Trailhead on weekends, departing Downtown Vancouver at 7:30 am and arriving at the trailhead by 9:00 am.
The return trip leaves the trailhead at 6:30 pm. A round-trip ticket costs $95 for adults and $86 for students. It’s ideal for overnight campers, granting two full days.
How to Get to Panorama Ridge Trailhead
Garibaldi Provincial Park is just 70 km north of Vancouver, nestled in the Coast Mountains. Driving from Downtown Vancouver will take you about 1.5 hours. If you’re coming from Whistler, it’s even closer – just 30 km south of Whistler Village, a quick 30-minute drive.
For hiking Panorama Ridge, there are two main trailheads: Rubble Creek and Cheakamus Lake. This guide focuses on starting from Rubble Creek, the more popular and scenic option. Plus, you can detour to Garibaldi Lake on your way to or from Panorama Ridge.
If you prefer a quieter route, consider starting at Cheakamus Lake. This trailhead takes you past Helm Creek campground, where you can camp overnight to split the hike into two days.
Where to Stay near Panorama Ridge
HI Whistler
Address: 1035 Legacy Way, Whistler, BC V8E 0J6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-962-0025
Pricing: $
HI Whistler is a modern hostel situated in the peaceful Cheakamus Crossing residential neighborhood, with a local transit bus stop just steps away.
It offers all the amenities you’d expect and more: a communal lounge, game room, library, pool table, and a BBQ deck with stunning mountain views!
Whistler Lodge Hostel
Address: 1035 Legacy Way, Whistler, BC V8E 0J6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-962-0025
Pricing: $
Designed and built by UBC’s Athletic Varsity Club in the ’60s, the Whistler Lodge Hostel has been a hub for mountain adventures for decades.
Nestled among pine trees, this relaxed rustic hostel, dating back to 1965, offers airy dorms and private rooms with wood floors and simple decor. Inside, you’ll find a sauna, a seasonal hot tub, a ski/board waxing area, and a coin-operated laundry.
Nita Lake Lodge
Address: 2131 Lake Placid Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0B2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-966-5700
Pricing: $$
Situated in Whistler Creekside, this luxurious boutique hotel and spa offers serene views of the lake, mountains, or valley. The elegant suites feature bathrooms with slate floors and rainfall showers.
The hotel boasts a fine-dining restaurant, a casual lounge, and a cafe, along with a full-service spa that includes a steam room and rooftop hot tubs.
Tantalus Resort Lodge
Address: 4200 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-932-4146
Pricing: $
Established in 1980, Tantalus Lodge is one of Whistler’s original hotels. The lodge exudes rustic charm with its weathered leather couches, crackling fire, and incredibly cozy seating.
Other amenities include a heated outdoor pool, two hot tubs, a sauna, and a kids’ playground. Seasonal amenities at Tantalus Lodge include tennis and beach volleyball courts, along with a picnic area featuring BBQs.
Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa
Address: 4050 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V8E 1H9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-932-1982
Pricing: $$
Ideally situated in the heart of Whistler Village, this hotel offers suites with flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, coffee makers, and fully equipped kitchenettes.
Amenities include a bar, an on-site West Coast restaurant, a spa, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and a fitness center.
Where to Eat near Panorama Ridge
Wild Wood Cafe & Catering Co
Address: 1085 Millar Creek Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-905-5066
Pricing: $$
Since 2002, Wild Wood Cafe & Catering Co. has been a charming breakfast spot serving all the classics like eggs bennies, omelets, and French toast.
Locals flock here not only for the delicious food but also because it’s more affordable than other breakfast restaurants in Whistler. Tip: Try the Banana-Bread French toast! If you’re in Whistler and have a car, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Camp Lifestyle and Coffee Co.
Address: 1066 Millar Creek Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0S8, Canada
Phone: +1 604-932-0123
Pricing: $$
Camp Lifestyle & Coffee Co. is a stunning mountain store and espresso bar nestled in Whistler. Situated in the heart of the magnificent Coast Mountain Range, it’s a destination that honors a profound passion for the outdoors.
In addition to a wide array of coffee options, they also boast a selection of freshly baked goods, artisanal chocolates, caramels, and marshmallows.
Functional Pie Pizzeria
Address: 1085 Millar Creek Rd #111, Whistler, BC V0N 1B1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-962-3141
Pricing: $$
Functional Pie Pizzeria offers a unique blend of classic NY-inspired slices with a Detroit crust twist. If you’re on the hunt for the best pizza near Whistler, this pizzeria is a must-try.
Their crust is perfectly crispy, the cheese is wonderfully gooey, and the toppings are fresh and delicious.
We opted for half Greek veggie and half sausage, and it was absolutely amazing. Plus, the 90’s hip-hop music added to the ambiance.
Purebread
Address: 1040 Millar Creek Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-938-3013
Pricing: $$
Purebread is a delectable handmade bakery renowned for its fresh breads and a delightful array of sweet and savory treats! Every item sold at the bakery is meticulously handcrafted on a small scale.
Their recipes are truly imaginative; some of our personal favorites include the adult’s own cookie, featuring a unique rosemary-infused chocolate flavor, and the buckwheat sour cherry pecan bread.
Delish Cafe
Address: 1380 Alpha Lake Rd #1, Whistler, BC V8E 1H4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-932-5513
Pricing: $
Delish Cafe is a haven for scratch-made sweet treats, pies, and freshly baked muffins served fresh every morning. They also offer a selection of candy bars, coffee, and assorted drinks.
Their grilled cheese for breakfast was simply divine! We appreciate how they don’t over-sweeten the London Fog like some other places do. And let’s not forget about the breakfast sandwich – it hit the spot perfectly!
What to Do in Panorama Ridge
Hike to Taylor Meadow
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Address: British Columbia 99, Brackendale, BC V0N 1H0, Canada
Phone: +1 800-689-9025
The initial stretch of the hike kicks off at Rubble Creek parking lot, with plenty of steep switchbacks to tackle. It’s a demanding ascent, so take it slow and steady, pausing as needed.
Markers along the way help track your progress. Despite the uphill battle, the trail is well-kept and spacious, allowing for easy passing and breaks.
While not overly thrilling, the tree cover provides welcomed shade until you transition to the next leg. This segment spans roughly 7/7.5 km, so pacing is key.
After passing the 6 km mark, you’ll encounter a junction with a map. Opt for the left path leading to Taylor Meadows, where the landscape opens up into serene meadows.
Check out the Beautiful Garibaldi Lake
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Address: Garibaldi Lake, Squamish-Lillooet, BC, Canada
Phone: +1 800-689-9025
Garibaldi Lake, situated south of Whistler, boasts stunning glacier-fed waters and serves as a picturesque camping spot. The trail maintains excellent condition throughout.
En route, you can pass by Barrier Lake and Lesser Garibaldi Lake, providing a pleasant interlude before reaching the main lake. The initial 5 kilometers entail navigating switchbacks.
Head to the Black Tusk Junction
Media credit: alicia_haque
Address: British Columbia 99, Brackendale, BC V0N 1H0, Canada
Phone: +1 800-689-9025
The trail leading to Black Tusk in Garibaldi Provincial Park offers a breathtaking mountain adventure. The 2-kilometer stretch between this junction and the Black Tusk junction treats hikers to stunning vistas.
The path winds through lush green meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers, creating a picturesque scene at every turn.
Along the way, you’ll traverse several boardwalks, passing by the tranquil Taylor Meadows campground – an ideal spot to pause for a leisurely lunch before pressing on toward Panorama Ridge to savor more majestic mountain panoramas.
Climb up the Panorama Ridge
Media credit: erinphippstravels
Address: British Columbia 99, Brackendale, BC V0N 1H0, Canada
Phone: +1 800-689-9025
Ascending Panorama Ridge isn’t an overly lengthy trek, but it does entail some rock climbing to reach the summit.
This section involves a steep incline, navigating a blend of rock trails and potential scrambling, the difficulty of which varies with the season and rockfall activity.
Exercise caution and proceed at your own pace. Upon reaching the peak, your efforts will be richly rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas of Garibaldi Lake and the encircling mountain ranges.
Venture Down to Rubble Creek
Media credit: gravitytrope
Address: British Columbia 99, Brackendale, BC V0N 1H0, Canada
Phone: +1 800-689-9025
When it’s time to depart, simply retrace your steps along the same route. The return journey is mostly flat or downhill, making for a relatively easy descent.
Here’s a fun fact: the name Rubble Creek seems fitting when you reach the parking lot and spot the remnants of a significant rock slide that occurred not too long ago, serving as a reminder of the valley’s geological dynamics.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Panorama Ridge
AllTrails: custom route planning app with fitness activity tracker and reviews from fellow hikers to help you plan your outdoor adventures.
Gaia GPS: paid hiking navigation app, road trip planner, and backcountry navigator
Relive.cc: a free tracking app that records a video of your route and waypoints, as well as showing the elevation profile and stats.
Maps.me: detailed, offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation for driving, hiking, or biking to a selected location.
