Ancient Cedars Trail

Located just north of Whistler, the Ancient Cedars Trail follows a scenic, forested route that ends in a grove of massive old-growth cedar trees. The trailhead begins 4.5km up the Cougar Mountain forest service road, a gravel road that is accessible in the summer and most cars should be drive.

From the parking area, walk past the Ancient Cedars Trail sign and up the gravel path as it gently ascends for the first section before climbing steadily. The grade of the trail isn't too difficult but on a hot summer's day, it can be challenging. Continue uphill until the trail flattens and you pass a 1km marker on a tree. Pass through a flat section and follow the trail as it goes down a short hill and exits onto a wider, rocky trail.

At this junction, go right and uphill, carefully watching your step on the loose rocks. At the top, go left and follow the trail back into the forest. The trail weaves its way through the forest before passing a large rock and reaching a junction just beyond. It's worth the short walk down this side trail for a quick view of Cougar Lake and the surrounding forest.

Back on the trail, continue your hike until you reach a bridge. This is the start and end point of the loop as you will return from the trail on your right. Go straight across the bridge and, almost immediately after, look for a small waterfall from the creek to your left. Continue your hike through the forest and only a few minutes later, you arrive at the forest of several massive cedar trees. This small grove of trees was one of the few areas around Whistler not logged and some of these trails are estimated to be hundreds of years old.

Continue through the grove, taking your time to enjoy the forest. Cross the small wooden bridge and down the trail, returning to the start of the loop next to the initial bridge. Go left and retrace your footsteps back through the forest, down the steep gravel trail, making sure to go left at the junction. Up the short hill and back into the forest before descending back downhill to the parking lot area where you began.