Rainbow Park sits on the west side of Alta Lake, with a sandy beach, swim docks and some of the best mountain views in Whistler. It reopened in 2024 after a big refresh, so the beach is larger and the washrooms, shade and picnic spots are new. With a toddler and a bucket, you can spend hours here.
Why Rainbow Park is great for families
Sandy beach: lots of room to dig, and the shallow edge is easy for little ones to splash in.
Real washrooms: not just porta-potties, which matters when you’re mid-potty-training.
Food on site: a summer concession and food trucks mean you don’t have to pack every meal.
Big views: Whistler and Blackcomb mountains right across the lake.
Getting there
Valley Trail: the paved, mostly flat Valley Trail runs from the Village right to the park, and it’s perfect for biking with kids. A Thule Chariot does both: hitch it to your bike as a trailer, or switch it to stroller mode and walk there. Prefer to go on foot? A jogging stroller handles the trail easily too. See our Valley Trail guide for routes. There’s a secure bike valet at the park on summer weekends and holidays.
Shuttle: in summer, a weekend and holiday shuttle runs from the Village (Olympic Plaza and the Gondola Transit Exchange) to the park, from late June through Labour Day weekend. It’s the easiest way to skip the parking scramble.
Driving: there’s a small lot at the park. Pay parking runs daily from May 15 to September 15, 10 am to 6 pm, at $2.50 an hour (2026 rates), and the lot fills early on sunny weekends. There are four free accessible stalls.
Washrooms and facilities
Washrooms: there are gendered washrooms plus a universal washroom with an automatic door opener.
Outdoor shower: good for rinsing sand off little feet before the car seat.
Shade structure: a large covered area near the lawn, plus newly planted trees (still small).
Picnic spots: picnic tables, covered picnic areas and accessible tables.
Barbecue stands: bring your own barbecue. Briquette barbecues aren’t allowed when the fire danger rating is high.
Beach volleyball: four sand courts, if the older kids want to burn energy.
Accessibility: accessible paths to the lake, an accessible floating dock and a water lift.
The picnic lawn at Rainbow Park.
Food and drinks
Beach concession: open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, weather permitting, from late June to Labour Day. Handy for drinks, ice cream and a quick lunch.
Food trucks: Rainbow Park is one of Whistler’s Park Eats spots, with food trucks from mid-May through Labour Day.
Bring backups: lines get long on hot afternoons, so pack snacks and water for little ones who can’t wait.
No alcohol: alcohol and smoking aren’t allowed in the park.
Swimming at Rainbow Park
Docks: there are swim docks and an accessible floating dock.
No lifeguards: stay within arm’s reach of little swimmers.
Puddle Jumper for toddlers: a Puddle Jumper (13 to 30 lbs) gives toddlers a confidence boost for splashing in the shallows. It’s not a substitute for supervision, so stay close.
Cold water: Alta Lake is chilly, even in August. Keep dips short and have a warm towel ready.
Swimmer’s itch: check the signs. Swim from the dock rather than shallow, weedy water, then shower and towel off well.
Paddleboard, canoe and kayak rentals
In summer, private operators rent canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at the park, so you can get out on Alta Lake without hauling your own boat. A canoe is the easiest option with a toddler: they can sit in the middle and you stay dry.
Life jackets: they’re required for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Ask the operator if they have infant or toddler sizes, or bring your own that fits properly.
Go early: the lake is calmest in the morning, and wind often picks up after lunch.
Bonus paddle: Alta Lake drains into the River of Golden Dreams, a popular paddle for older kids and confident adults.
Dog beach: Barking Bay
Bringing the family dog? Rainbow Park has its own off-leash dog park with a dock, called Barking Bay, so the dog gets a swim too. Dogs must be leashed everywhere else in the park.
Setting up with a baby
Shade: the shade structure fills up fast, and there’s little shade by the water. A pop-up sun shelter gives you your own shady base for naps. Tents aren’t allowed (tent pegs are banned), so a pop-up shelter is the way to go.
Sand play: a sand toys set with buckets and shovels keeps toddlers busy for hours.
Sand + snacks: bring a blanket, wipes and a towel for sandy little feet.
Afternoon wind: it often picks up after lunch. Arrive in the morning for calmer water and an easier parking spot.
Sun hats, sunscreen, swim diapers and a warm layer
Kids’ life jacket if you plan to paddle
Picnic blanket, snacks and refillable water bottles
Towels and wipes for sandy feet
Park rules to know
No alcohol or smoking
No tents, camping or campfires
Dogs on leash except in Barking Bay
Pack out what you bring, or use the waste, recycling and compost bins
FAQ
Is Rainbow Park good for kids? Yes: there’s a sandy beach, swim docks, washrooms, food in summer and easy access from the Valley Trail.
Are there bathrooms at Rainbow Park? Yes. There are gendered washrooms, a universal washroom and an outdoor shower.
Is there food at Rainbow Park? Yes. A beach concession runs daily from late June to Labour Day, and food trucks visit from mid-May through Labour Day.
Can you rent paddleboards at Rainbow Park? Yes, in summer private operators rent stand-up paddleboards, canoes and kayaks at the park.
Are dogs allowed at Rainbow Park? Yes, on leash. Barking Bay is a separate off-leash dog area with its own dock.
Is there a lifeguard at Rainbow Park? No. Keep little ones within reach.
How much is parking at Rainbow Park? $2.50 an hour, 10 am to 6 pm, from May 15 to September 15 (2026 rates). The summer weekend shuttle or the Valley Trail are easier on busy days.
Can you bike to Rainbow Park with a baby? Yes. The paved Valley Trail goes right to the park, and a Thule Chariot bike trailer is an easy way to bring a baby or toddler along.
Lost Lake or Rainbow Park? Lost Lake is closer to the Village. Rainbow Park has more sand, bigger mountain views and more facilities. Both are worth a visit. See our Lost Lake guide.
