Alpha, Nita & Alta Lake

About the Alpha Lake, Nita Lake and Alta Lake Trail

Length: 3.7km
Traffic: Moderate to High
Route Type: Out & Back

Nestled in the wonder of Whistler, British Columbia, lie three enchanting lakes: Alpha Lake, Nita Lake and Alta Lake. While many enjoy their time at either one of the three lakes, today we follow a picturesque trail that connects these three serene bodies of water, offering a delightful experience for nature lovers. We embark on a leisurely stroll along this trail, immersing ourselves in the stunning views and activities that each lake has to offer.

We started by parking at one of the lots at Alpha Lake and a trail winds its way from Alpha Lake to Nita Lake and Alta Lake. Is a true three-in-one treat for those who enjoy lakeside walks. With wide paths designed for both bikers and pedestrians, the journey is comfortable and enjoyable. The trail is thoughtfully marked with signs, providing clear directions.

Alpha Lake

Begin your journey at Alpha Lake, a bustling hub of activity. There was plenty of parking available here for us although it will likely get busy, especially in the summer. Here, you'll find a vibrant scene with people swimming in the lake, sunbathers and picnickers enjoying their time. Take a leisurely stroll along the shores and embrace the lively atmosphere that characterizes this picturesque lake. Once you're done at Alpha Lake, following the trail north towards Nita Lake.

Nita Lake

Continuing along the path, you'll arrive at Nita Lake, a haven of tranquility. This serene body of water offers a more peaceful ambiance, allowing you to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature's embrace. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the hotel situated by the lake, with its inviting dock that extends into the crystal-clear waters. Nita Lake is smaller than the other two lakes and the path will take you past one side of it.

Alta Lake

Finally, your journey culminates at Alta Lake, where the trail leads you to the edge of its beauty. We didn't wander too far down the lake as we found respite on a cozy bench right by the edge of the lake, relishing in the views of paddle boarders and kayakers in the lake before us. Let the calmness of Alta Lake captivate your senses and take a moment to pause and have a drink of water before heading back on the path that you came.

Our Recommendation for Reactive Dogs

One of the highlights of this trail is its pet-friendly nature. While dogs are welcome, there are signs along the way reminding pet owners to keep their dogs leashed, which is always appreciated. In fact, it's probably one of the best signs I've seen for reactive dogs! This thoughtful approach creates a harmonious environment for all trail users, allowing ample space to pass by other dogs and ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone. During our walk, we didn't have problems with other dogs as the paths were wide enough for them to pass by.

Markus’ favourite sign about keeping leashes on for reactive dogs near Whistler

The downside of this path for us was that it was fairly busy with a lot of other pedestrians, although we went during the summer. This path is also shared with cyclists and there were a lot, which takes a bit of the leisure out because we're always keeping our head on a swivel and having to make sure Markus wasn't stepping out onto a cyclist's path.

What we liked about the trail

Three lakes on one trail is hard to beat
The signs about keeping your dog leashed for reactive dogs is simply amazing and so very much appreciated

What we didn't like about the trail

It could get fairly busy with traffic, especially cyclists.