Fitzsimmons Creek
Originating in Garibaldi Provincial Park, this glacier-fed creek courses through the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, where it’s visible from the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The creek then flows between Whistler Village and Upper Village, tumbling alongside Rebagliati Park before emptying into the aquamarine-hued Green Lake.
The basics
Many visitors to Whistler see Fitzsimmons Creek from far, far above while riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Spanning 2.7 miles (4.4 kilometers), the gondola connects Whistler’s Roundhouse Lodge to Blackcomb’s Rendezvous Restaurant. From the gondola, you’ll get panoramic views of the surrounding mountains as well as a bird’s-eye perspective of Fitzsimmons Creek and Fitzsimmons Creek Hydroelectric Project, a run-of-the-river hydroelectricity plant. Ziplines also run across the valley, offering aerial vistas of the creek.
In Whistler Village you can stroll by the creek along the Valley Trail, a traffic-free path network suitable for cyclists, walkers, skateboarders, and joggers. The trail runs for more than 25 miles (40 kilometers) and connects different parts of Whistler, including Whistler Village, Upper Village, and Creekside.
Things to know before you go
- The portion of the Valley Trail near Fitzsimmons Creek is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
- During winter, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is free to use for those who hold a lift ticket for the Whistler Blackcomb Resort.
- The glacier-fed waters of Fitzsimmons Creek are too cold for swimming.
How to get there
Whistler is accessible on a day tour from Vancouver via a 2-hour drive along the Sea to Sky Highway or a short flight. The Peak 2 Peak terminals can be accessed from Whistler Village via the Whistler Village Gondola. If you’re coming from the base of Blackcomb (the Upper Village), use the Blackcomb Gondola to reach Rendezvous Restaurant.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Go in winter to see the frozen creek or in summer to hear the gurgle of rushing water. The best time to avoid the crowds is the shoulder seasons, between September and November, and April and June.
What to See Near Fitzsimmons Creek
If you’re exploring the creek from the village, look for the picturesque covered wooden bridge that crosses the creek; the shadows created by sunlight streaming through the slats make for excellent photo opportunities. Wander through nearby Rebagliati Park, which borders the creek, and you’ll encounter Jeri, a bronze sculpture of a man sitting in a squat position—the work of BC artist James Stewart.
- Green Lake
- Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center (SLCC)
- Audain Art Museum
- Whistler Village
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler
- Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola
- Whistler Mountain Bike Park
- FireRock Lounge
- Alexander Falls
- Cheakamus River
- Whistler Olympic Park
- Callaghan Valley
- Brandywine Falls
- Callaghan Lake Provincial Park