How to drive the steep unpaved road to the summit of Whistler Mountain in BC?
Whistler Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,175m (7,135ft) above sea level, located in British Columbia, Canada. The dirt and gravel track climbing to the summit features extreme gradients and ranks as one of the highest driveable routes in the country.
| Road facts: Whistler Mountain | |
|---|---|
| Location | Squamish-Lillooet, BC (Canada) |
| Elevation | 2,175 m (7,135 ft) |
| Road Type | Unpaved Mountain Track (4x4 Only) |
| Max Gradient | Over 20% |
Where is Whistler Mountain?
The peak is located about 120km (75 miles) north of Vancouver, near the village of Whistler, in the southwestern part of the country, within the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District. It sits inside the Fitzsimmons Range of the Garibaldi Ranges, climbing right next to the brutal track up to Blackcomb Mountain and ranking among the highest mountain roads of Canada.
Why is it called Whistler Mountain?
Originally mapped by British surveyors as London Mountain due to the heavy fog and low clouds that constantly cover the peak, the name was officially changed in the 1960s. The current name comes from the distinct, high-pitched whistling sound made by the hoary marmots that live in the rock fields near the summit.
Is the road to Whistler Mountain unpaved?
The road to the summit is totally unpaved, with loose shale, raw dirt, and heavy gravel. It functions as a chairlift service and utility track, meaning standard cars will bottom out immediately. Low-range 4x4 vehicles with high ground clearance are required due to the sustained steepness, where gradients regularly exceed 20% on the inside of the tight switchbacks. This shelf road features very narrow sections, blind corners, and dangerous drop-offs with no guardrails along the ridge line.
Is the road to Whistler Mountain open in winter?
The track is completely impassable to wheeled vehicles from October until June. Throughout the winter, the entire road is buried under deep snow packs and becomes part of the active ski runs. Trucks and 4x4 vehicles can only drive up the steep mountain face during the short summer window after the complete snowmelt.
Pic: 藤の家紋