The best city hikes and walks in Showh Lakes-Ancient Cedars Trail Recreation Site
4.6
(386)
3,148
hikers
Urban hiking trails in Showh Lakes-Ancient Cedars Trail Recreation Site traverse a landscape characterized by rocky dry forests and three small lakes, including Showh Lakes and Newt Lake. The area is known for its Ancient Cedars Grove, featuring old-growth red and yellow cedars, some over 750 years old. Hikers can also find a small waterfall and viewpoints offering vistas of the valley and distant peaks like Rethel Mountain. The terrain provides a mix of forest paths and lakeside routes.
Best…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
3.0
(1)
88
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.4
(7)
114
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The 2007 mural by Chili Thom & Stan Matwychuk covers both sides of the Lorimer Bridge underpass. It depicts the sun shining through the clouds in Whistler during all four seasons. The mural is part of Whistler's public art collection, established in 1996. Source: https://www.whistler.ca/parks-recreation-culture/arts-and-culture/public-art/collection/lorimer-bridge-mural/
2
0
The Whistler Cenotaph honors the soldiers of both World Wars and the Korean War. The memorial has stood at Whistler Olympic Plaza since 2017. The memorial was created in 1985 and originally stood in front of the Whistler Fire Hall. “We honour you who served. We remember you who died. You sacrificed your lives for our liberty to allow us to look to the future for peace and harmony.” https://heritagebc.ca/war-monuments-memorials/whistler-cenotaph/
2
0
During the 21st Winter Olympic Games in 2010, the Olympic cauldron stood at Whistler Olympic Plaza. The Whistler cauldron was one of two cauldrons used during the 2010 Games. The main cauldron was located at BC Place Stadium during the opening and closing ceremonies. The Whistler cauldron was lit by Wayne Gretzky after the opening ceremony. Today, this cauldron still stands at Whistler Olympic Plaza and, according to the Vancouver Convention Centre, serves as a memory of the city's Olympic experience.
2
0
The 2012 carving by Tawx'sin Yexwulla and Poolxtun Aaron Nelson-Moody, Squamish Nation, depicts the Squamish Nation and Lil'wat Nation. Whistler Village lies in their shared territory. The artwork showcases the spirit of their collaboration. The Welcome Figure is part of Whistler's public art collection, established in 1996. Source: https://www.whistler.ca/parks-recreation-culture/arts-and-culture/public-art/collection/welcome-figure/
2
0
Sightlines, the 1998 bronze sculptures and stainless-steel handrails by Kip Jones and Jennifer Macklem, are located on the bridge in Village Park at the Village Stroll. The sculptures are part of Whistler's public art collection, established in 1996. Sources: https://www.whistler.ca/parks-recreation-culture/arts-and-culture/public-art/collection/sightlines/ https://depts.washington.edu/canada/cca/coll.htm
2
0
The 2009 sculpture by Sesiyám Ray Natraoro, Squamish Nation & Bansht Delmar Williams, Squamish and Lil’wat Nation, pays homage to the cultural exchange that took place during the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The sculpture is part of Whistler's public art collection, established in 1996. Source: https://www.whistler.ca/parks-recreation-culture/arts-and-culture/public-art/collection/olympic-lightning-figure/
3
0
Florence Petersen Park is located in the heart of Whistler Village. The park is named after Whistler's longest-serving resident and founder of the Whistler Museum and Archives. Source: https://www.whistler.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks/florence-petersen-park/
2
0
The Village Stroll is a pedestrian-only area that runs through Whistler Village, connecting shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the cable cars that travel up to Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Peak. The development planning for Whistler Village dates to the 1970s; the implementation and construction of the village took place in the 1980s. Details of the events at that time can be found on the Whistler Museum website: https://whistlermuseum.org/tag/village-stroll/
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many urban hiking trails are available in Showh Lakes-Ancient Cedars Trail Recreation Site?
There are 3 urban hiking routes available in the Showh Lakes-Ancient Cedars Trail Recreation Site, all of which are rated as easy.
Are the urban hiking trails in Showh Lakes-Ancient Cedars Trail Recreation Site suitable for families?
Yes, the urban hiking trails in this area are generally considered family-friendly. The routes listed, such as the Welcome Figure (2012) – Whistler Olympic Plaza loop from Whistler, are easy with minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for various ages and fitness levels. The Ancient Cedars Trail itself is a moderate hike that can be enjoyed by families.
Can I bring my dog on the urban hiking trails?
Yes, the Showh Lakes-Ancient Cedars Trail Recreation Site is a dog-friendly location. Many hikers appreciate being able to explore the trails with their canine companions.
What natural features can I expect to see along the trails?
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can marvel at the magnificent old-growth red and yellow cedars in the Ancient Cedars Grove, some over 750 years old. There's also a picturesque small waterfall along the trail, and you can enjoy vistas of the valley below with peaks like Rethel Mountain, Mr. Moe, and Wedge Mountain visible in the distance. The tranquil Showh Lakes and Newt Lake also offer serene natural settings.
What is the best time of year to visit Showh Lakes-Ancient Cedars Trail Recreation Site for urban hiking?
The area offers diverse experiences throughout the year. While the Ancient Cedars Trail is popular in warmer months, the site also supports snowshoeing and snowmobiling in winter, suggesting year-round accessibility for different activities. For urban hiking, spring to autumn generally offers the most comfortable conditions.
What is the typical duration for an urban hike in this area?
The urban routes in this guide are relatively short. For example, the Whistler Olympic Plaza – Whistler Village Stroll loop from Whistler can be completed in approximately 40 minutes. The main Ancient Cedars Trail, which is a moderate hike, typically takes about 45 minutes one way to reach the ancient grove.
Are there any easy walking routes around the lakes?
Yes, beyond the main Ancient Cedars Trail, there are branching paths that lead to the tranquil Showh Lakes and the more remote Newt Lake. Easy hiking trails are available around these lakes, offering a serene experience.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Showh Lakes-Ancient Cedars Trail Recreation Site?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the remote feeling and the awe-inspiring experience of the Ancient Cedars Grove, as well as the dog-friendly nature of the trails.
Is parking available at the trailheads?
Access to the Ancient Cedars trailhead is possible with 2WD vehicles. However, if you plan to reach the more remote Showh Lakes, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to rough logging roads.
Are there any specific landmarks or points of interest along the urban trails?
While the urban trails listed are primarily focused on the Whistler Olympic area, the broader Showh Lakes-Ancient Cedars Trail Recreation Site features notable landmarks such as the Ancient Cedars Grove itself, an abandoned cabin near Showh Lakes, and various viewpoints offering expansive valley vistas.
What is the difficulty level of the urban hiking trails?
All three urban hiking routes featured in this guide, including the Whistler Olympic Cauldron – Whistler Village Stroll loop from Whistler, are rated as easy. They have minimal elevation gain and are suitable for casual walkers.
Most popular routes in Showh Lakes-Ancient Cedars Trail Recreation Site
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
