| Wedgemount Lake is a gem set in spectacular | | | | We came to a beautiful meadow with colorful wild |
| rugged mountains and fed by a huge glacier. Not | | | | flowers strutting their full colors to the rest of the |
| for the light-hearted, you must be in good physical | | | | world. Irma loved the aroma. Not far ahead we |
| condition to tackle this hike. The elevation gain is | | | | came across boulder fields. Off in the distance we |
| 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) and since the distance | | | | could occasionally catch a glimpse of the falls but |
| from the trailhead to the lake is 7km (4.2 miles) | | | | we would leave that for serious climbers. Shortly |
| the trail is going to be steep. Better to heed our | | | | we emerged into another nice meadow and after |
| advice and take easier trails. | | | | crossing a creek the trail gods decided to get this |
| Trail access | | | | climb into serious climbing. So steep we needed to |
| Turn right off Hwy 99, 13 km north of Whistler. | | | | switchback a couple of times before emerging |
| You must cross the BC Rail train track to access | | | | into the open with an amazing vista of mountains, |
| the road. Use must use extreme caution as this is | | | | glaciers and down below, the emerald green |
| an uncontrolled railway crossing. The parking lot is | | | | waters of Wedgemount Lake. |
| located 2 km from Hwy 99 along a deactivated | | | | The hut was off in the distance and we met up |
| Forest Service road. This road is recommended | | | | with two couples who had stayed the night. We |
| for 4x4 vehicles only. If you are in an auto you | | | | could see three other tents down at the lake. We |
| should park near the highway and walk in. | | | | quickly made some tea and had a great lunch. As |
| There are no garbage facilities on this trail, so | | | | is the norm in these remote sites, the Canada |
| always pack out what you pack in! | | | | Jays (Whisky Jacks) soon came up for their part |
| There is a small, basic hut which can sleep 6 | | | | of the lunch, trustingly eating crumbs from our |
| people. Camping is permitted at designated | | | | open hands. We enjoyed the company of the |
| campsites on the ridge near the hut and at | | | | other couples but decided against hiking down to |
| Wedgemount Lake near the inlet from the | | | | the lake and around to the other end to view the |
| Armchair Glacier. There are 10 camping platforms | | | | glacier up close. We were satisfied to just take it |
| at each location with overflow camping available | | | | all in from up high. |
| on the delta near the lake sites. A year-round pit | | | | After about an hour and a half we parted |
| toilet is located near the hut and another is set up | | | | company and headed home. The trail can be wet |
| near the lake sites for the summer season. No | | | | at times and of course that means slippery so |
| other amenities are provided. | | | | you must be careful on the rocky areas. Reaching |
| Irma and I were camping at Duffy Lake one | | | | the crossing we had our last tea and lunch and |
| week in July. The forecast was perfect for the | | | | arrived back at our van just eight hours after |
| next day so, rising early we enjoyed a hearty | | | | setting out. Wedgemount Lake is a good hike, not |
| breakfast and were under way. In less than an | | | | as tough as you may think, but a good workout |
| hour we were parked (yes the road in from | | | | never the less. The views are the greatest |
| highway 99 was rough) and on the trail. | | | | rewards for getting off the couch. |
| The trail is heavily forested and in good shape. | | | | Joe and Irma Mac Millan have enjoyed the |
| Plenty of birds greeted us as we made our way | | | | Whistler Mountain and valley area of British |
| along a not too steep trail. Before long we could | | | | Columbia for many years. They have camped, |
| hear the sound of running water and soon arrived | | | | hiked and skied the mountains and fished and |
| at a very narrow wood foot bridge to cross | | | | kayaked the rivers and lakes. Their website One |
| Wedgemount Creek. After that harrowing | | | | couples guide to the exciting Whistler-outdoors is |
| experience we soon were into some serious | | | | a must for anyone considering a trip to Whistler |
| elevation gain. The creek was far down into the | | | | as well as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. They |
| canyon so we were happy we had carried water | | | | invite one and all to take a look. |
| with us. | | | | |