View Iceberg Lake Description | Add Comment
AliceH from Vancouver writes:
We hiked this trail on a hot partially smoky day. This is a very well and lovingly maintained trail - benches near the waterfalls, very clean outhouse - a big thank you to the trail peeps who keep it in such great shape. The trail is interesting passing through lush forest, ferns huge old growth tree etc beautiful waterfalls and meandering creek. The alpine meadows were in full bloom. The Boulder field was a bit challenging on the descent given how dry everything was. While the icebergs were struggling in this heat, the rewarding views of the lake and surrounding mountains can’t be beat. Note parking at the trail head is extremely limited. Everyone please do your best to leave no trace and keep our trails beautiful.
Posted: August 14, 2021 08:18:47 AM PST
Kevin from surrey writes:
It's stupid how cold it is on there. The routes are super confusing.
Posted: August 31, 2020 11:59:01 PM PST
Mike from North Vancouver writes:
Great hike, but no longer dog friendly past the Flank Trail, so you can't get into the meadows with a dog.
Posted: July 27, 2020 11:08:31 AM PST
Tracy Bolton from UK writes:
Loved this hike it was so beautiful loved the waterfalls, meadows and of course iceberg lake.
I don't hike much so I did find it challenging but I made it and was so pleased that I did it.
We got anilated by mosquito's even with bug spray they are so bad.
Also we went the wrong way and added another 1hour onto the hike by accident so make sure you go the right way.
Trail muddy in parts but not bad
Posted: July 26, 2020 10:39:23 PM PST
Niha from Vancouver writes:
We did iceberg today for 1st time, signs are little confusing careful with the signs, we got confused with signs and follow other trail because there are many paths and no board tells you which way you have to go,take bug spray and bear bell,i can say it was worth it at last when you see meadows and lake view..amazing wild flower view was there..
Posted: August 25, 2019 11:02:20 PM PST
Peter from Burnaby writes:
Terrific hike and flowers were out yesterday. Note that you will be ticketed for parking in the wrong area. I got a warning. If you are facing the end of the cul de sac, park on the left side of the street. I didn't see any parking signs, but that's what my ticket said. Kudos to Whistler traffic folks for only issuing a warning. There were probably 10+ ticketed cars on Sunday.
Posted: September 3, 2018 02:59:14 PM PST
Oliver Mann from Vancouver writes:
I did this hike on August 26th, 2018, as part of the larger Skywalk North trail. Iceberg Lake and the ascent through the meadows is stunningly picturesque. As described, this hike can be quite confusing as there are many intersecting trails and forks. I suggest that you download the new Vancouver Trails app and follow the map with your GPS, confirming at each intersection the correct route. On our way back along lower 19 Mile Creek Trail, we ran into an adolescent black BEAR. We were able to easily frighten it away but it seems (from earlier comments) that bear encounters are pretty frequent on this trail. If you intend on doing this hike (or any hike in the Whistler/Garibaldi area), please be prepared and know what to do in a bear encounter.
Posted: August 27, 2018 06:08:00 PM PST
Elaine from Surrey writes:
Went with a friend on August 9th and it was really beautiful. Took us around 6-7 hours to complete. I was freaking out a bit while following the trail directions on here, but there are blue signs for the lower trail at the junctions so trust those and follow the trail all the way to the upper trail.
About 1km from the big alpine meadow, you will pass through a small clearing with a small bridge, so that's a good indicator of how much trail you have left. Most of the upper trail follows the water, giving you some great cool air from the rush of the water in some spots. Also, the outhouse in the meadow was in beautiful condition! It looked newly built, did not stink, and even had toilet paper.
After climbing the boulder field to the lake, make note of where you came up from so you can easily find the quickest (and safest) way down once you have enjoyed the lake.
We didn't run into any bears, but we had a bear bell. After reading some of the trail comments, I would not attempt this without a bell and some knowledge about bear safety. Overall, lovely hike with a great variety of terrain!
Posted: August 12, 2018 10:16:58 PM PST
SF trail runner from Vancouver writes:
This is honestly a stunning hike, but one of the most terrifying experiences I have ever had. A grizzly charged at us when we were in the meadows because a group of hikers started screaming at it.
I dont recommend the hike for anyone who does not know proper bear behaviour. Or for anyone who isnt looking for a close encounter.
Posted: July 22, 2018 09:14:34 PM PST
Shelley from Vancouver writes:
We went July 19. Excellent trail condition with just some snow at the end--nothing that can't be overcome with hiking boots and hiking poles. Phenomenal view: the granite really reminds me of the Sierra Nevada (think Yosemite) but IT'S TOPPED BY A FRIGGIN' GLACIER.
Recommendations:
1) Bring bug spray and make sure your boots have good ankle support (for the scree and boulders that you have to overcome to reach the Iceberg Lake).
2) Take a 300m detour up Skywalk South (junction is well-marked, about 1km before Iceberg Lake, and situated right by an outhouse) and follow the trail up to the top of a few granite monoliths. The view back at Rainbow Mountain and the Iceberg Lake is perfect.
Posted: July 19, 2018 08:28:04 PM PST
Mel from North Vancouver writes:
Beautiful, well maintained hike! Follow along on AllTrails or go with the description above as it’s confusing at times. Took us 4 hours to complete (2.5 hours up and 1.5 down) so we added Rainbow Lake to extend our day. It’s mostly through the forest which is a bit boring but once it opens up it’s really pretty and the lake is gorgeous. Returning end of August for a quick dip, hopefully some of the snow on the lake will have melted by then.
Posted: July 17, 2018 06:02:20 PM PST
LauraS345 from Vancouver writes:
Beautiful, well-maintained trail! Hard to find a trail in SW BC that is so smooth, without the typical gnarly roots/overgrown bushes/muddy sink holes/ fallen deadfall to negotiate. That said, this is definitely a steep hike, not for the un-conditioned but doable with a moderate fitness level, allowing 8 or 9 hours (rather than 7 hrs. per the hike description) for a round trip with time to enjoy the views and the lake.
The directions on this site are accurate but it is necessary to pay attention to them closely as there are quite a few junctions. The only thing that is not mentioned is the brand new outhouse in the alpine, beautifully constructed with a great pine smell (not your typical outhouse - not yet anyway).
Hiking poles recommended as this trail feels steeper on the way down and can be a real knee burner! The lake was still half frozen on July 14, but hardly any snow to navigate, just a few patches, well packed down for regular hiking boots.
Recommend this hike for a hot day, to enjoy the coolness of the creek and waterfalls on the way up, and the air conditioned breeze off the glacier and melting lake (a comfortable 10 degrees cooler in the alpine than in Whistler).
The alpine breeze blew the bugs away as well, they were only bothersome on the lower one third of the the hike where the temp. was much warmer and less breezy. Bring bug spray, and lots of sun protection for the alpine area.
Really appreciate the trail builders and maintainers - beautiful trail, thank you :)
Posted: July 15, 2018 09:55:01 PM PST
Paige C from Vancouver writes:
This is one of my favorite hikes but the the signage at the the lower section is barely legible now, so it’s best to follow the instructions here. We hiked this on July 14th and there is still heaps of snow at the top covering up trial markers and cairns and it can get a bit confusing if you’re not familiar with the trails and area.
Posted: July 15, 2018 07:04:26 AM PST
Wasif from Surrey writes:
It was a beautiful hike. We went 23rd Jun. The top portion of the hike and the path to the lake was entirely covered in at least 7 ft+ snow. I'd recommend trying it in late august when snow has melted. Otherwise it an awesome hike. Moderate difficulty but you're rewarded with a great view.
Posted: June 23, 2018 08:57:57 PM PST
Amy from Surrey writes:
Snowshoe with a friend today. Breaking trail with all the fresh snow fallen. Snow was about over my knees about 60cm. We made it close to the 3km mark. Decided to turn around and call it a day. Wish there were more hikers with us breaking trail. What a work out with so much snow!!! More snow on the way. Think our tracks will be cover again. For sure wanted to go back with a brunch of hikers to break trail again!
Posted: November 20, 2017 08:33:33 PM PST
Kim from Burnaby writes:
Hi there! We just came down from TRYING to reach the lake but it was not possible. The previous 3 groups also did not make it past the meadow. We left some fresh tracks following the orange markers, but don't follow our tracks because we never made it to the lake, instead having to stop after an hour of wandering through waist-deep snow. There is a lot of snow and ice, be prepared and wear crampons if you are heading up there ! Good luck trying ;)
Posted: October 27, 2017 09:30:22 AM PST
Eva from Vancouver writes:
Hi guys! We were planning on doing this hike October 28 or 29 as it will be really sunny then. How are the conditions for the hike? Is it still doable? We will be with 5 people so can help each other out but have no special equipment. Also, how long would it take?
Posted: October 26, 2017 12:19:17 PM PST
Rolf G. Kirst from Nussdorf - Bavaria Germany writes:
The tour is great and easy to find. Only follow the signs to 19 miles creek. In the first section it us the lower trail and later the upper trail. When you enter the alpin meadow you will see why you drudged so much to come there. From the meadows its another 1 km to iceberg lake but it is worthwhile to hike and climb through rough rocks. When you arrive you enjoy - the wonderful view, the lake filled with ice water and the cliffs from rainbow mountain.
I saw many trails in the Rockies but this one was a highlight.
Posted: October 2, 2017 07:33:58 PM PST
Shelby from Delta writes:
Such a great hike! Easy to follow and accurately rated. Beautiful views at the top however the mosquitos were annoying while enjoying the lake. BE BEAR aware, we came within 15ft of HUGE mama bear on lower part of the trail about 20 mins from the cars (we were rounding a corner so didn't see her right away). We backed up, started making noise and saw her cub scurry away up the mountain and mama followed a few minutes later. Went with my boyfriend and our Aussie Shepard, 6hrs roundtrip including an hour at the top. Highly recommend!
Posted: September 6, 2017 10:17:25 PM PST
Jordan (Yodan) Karyanto from Vancouver writes:
One of the best mountain I have hiked in BC!
We went just 2 days ago taking advantage of the labor day long weekend. This year we have a very warm summer, which makes the hike even better.
The view is astonishing goes without saying. The best part of all is the variety of the terrain, there were some quite intense steep slopes, nice forest shade, waterfall, river, rocky path to large grassy field. The hike never get bored, but get really tough! Although it is a intermediate trail because of relatively nice paced path, but the 15 km range can be really difficult in term of endurance. I hike Chef at least once every year for the past 5 years, and I think is fair to say if this is level 10, Chef is only level 7, so be prepared and have tons of fun.
Posted: September 5, 2017 11:13:50 PM PST
Cheryl s from Squamish writes:
This is one of my favourite hikes we've been up ther 3 times in the last 2 years. Just did it last week once more and did the Kevin's home run loop. 20 km and took us 8 and a half hours the wildflowers are out and absolutely amazing right now dipped our feet in iceberg lake coldest lake ever there are so many choices of trails that you will need to go back thanks to the alpine club of Canada whistler branch for all their tireless work on the trail truly exceptional
Posted: August 21, 2017 03:52:58 PM PST
Have you hiked Iceberg Lake? Share your experience with us:
Comments that gratuitously attack or demean individuals or organizations are not acceptable. We reserve the right to remove comments or any other content we deem unacceptable in our sole discretion, including removing user names and profile pictures. For our full website terms and conditions including our legal guidelines for user postings and comments on www.vancouvertrails.com, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Lauren from Vancouver writes:
FYI the description mentions both a wooden sign board at the top of Mountain View Dr, as well as a trail sign for Lower 19 Mile Creek right at the beginning, but I didn't see either when I hiked this yesterday. Other than that, the rest of the description is accurate!
Posted: September 5, 2022 01:51:51 PM PST