Whistler’s Valley Trail with a Stroller or Bike Trailer

Whistler’s Valley Trail is more than 50 km of paved, car-free trail. It links the Village to lakes, parks and neighbourhoods, which makes it a great way to explore Whistler with little ones. Bring the right wheels and you can spend a whole day on it.

Is the Valley Trail stroller-friendly?

Yes. Most of it is paved and wide, with a few boardwalk sections. It’s shared with bikes, runners, dog walkers and skateboarders, so keep right and stay alert on busy summer weekends near the Village. Around Lost Lake, some side trails are unpaved. They’re gentle but bumpier, so air tires help.

Best family sections

Some sections have gaps. Check the official Valley Trail map before you head out.

Routes by distance

Pick a route that fits between naps:

• Whistler Golf Club loop (about 4.3 km): the shortest easy loop from the Village. Start off Whistler Way near the Conference Centre and take the underpass under the highway.
• Village to Rainbow Park (about 6.4 km return): roughly 20 minutes each way by bike. Ends at a sandy beach with picnic tables and a floating dock.
• Creekside to the lakes (about 6.4 km return): passes Alpha Lake Park (play area and beach), Nita Lake and Lakeside Park on Alta Lake.
• Village, Lost Lake, Green Lake and Meadow Park loop (about 8.7 km): the longest of the four. A good Chariot day, with a playground and pool at Meadow Park for a lunch stop.

Where to park and find washrooms

For the Village and Lost Lake, park in the Day Lots off Blackcomb Way and roll from there. The Lost Lake lot is pick-up and drop-off only from May 15 to September 15, and closed in winter. Lost Lake has accessible washrooms year-round. Meadow Park Sports Centre and the bigger beach parks are the other easy stops. To shorten the day, you can also link sections with the local bus.

Thule Chariot or stroller?

• Thule Chariot (stroller that converts to a bike trailer): best for covering distance. Hitch it to your bike and ride out to Green Lake or Rainbow Park with the kids tucked in behind you, or use it in stroller mode for a long walking day. It’s fully enclosed, and the mesh cover and rain cover both come with the rental.
• Jogging stroller (BOB Revolution): best for walking days with lots of stops, and the best pick in winter. Air tires handle the odd gravel connector with ease.

Both are available from our stroller rentals, with free porch pickup in Squamish on your drive up. Not sure which? See Thule Chariot vs. jogging stroller vs. travel stroller.

The Valley Trail in winter

About 38 km is maintained in winter, and several sections are lit, including Village to Meadow Park. Village routes are cleared first. A jogging stroller is the best choice for walking the cleared paths, though clearing can lag after a big snowfall. The 3.8 km stretch from Meadow Park to Rainbow Park is groomed for cross-country skiing (dogs welcome), which is where the Chariot ski kit comes in. Check the winter Valley Trail map to see what’s cleared.

Tips

• Ring your bell or call out when passing. The trail is shared with bikes.
• Pack a warm layer, and a rain cover if you’re taking the BOB.
• Plan stops at beaches and playgrounds every 30 to 45 minutes.
• Bears sometimes cross the trail, mostly early morning and evening. Keep kids close and make noise.

Valley Trail FAQ

Can you bike the Valley Trail with a kid trailer?

Yes. Bikes, including standard and light e-bikes, are allowed. There’s no posted speed limit, but everyone has to ride at a safe speed, and unsafe riding can be fined.

Is the Valley Trail open in winter?

Yes, it’s open year-round. About 38 km is cleared for walking and biking, and some sections are groomed for cross-country skiing. A jogging stroller is the best way to walk it with little ones.

Is it good for toddlers on balance bikes?

The paved, car-free surface works well. Stick to quieter stretches, such as the Golf Club loop or Creekside to the lakes, and keep little riders on the right.

Can I bring the dog?

Yes, on a leash. A short, fixed leash is easier for cyclists to see than a retractable one.

Rent a Thule Chariot or Jogging Stroller →

Staying in Whistler? See baby gear rentals for Whistler.