We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.

Alta Lake, British Columbia, Canada

Also known as:  Summit Lake

Surrounded by one of North America’s top ski resorts, Alta Lake is located in the community of Whistler, British Columbia. Reflected on the glistening surface of Alta Lake are Whistler and the Blackcomb Mountains, part of the Pacific Range in the Coast Mountains. With Vancouver only 75 miles to the south on the Sea to Sky Highway, these two sport-oriented communities co-hosted the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Alta Lake! Article topics include:

Looking for Alta Lake cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About Alta Lake, BC

    Lake Locations: Canada - British Columbia, Canada -

    Surrounded by one of North America’s top ski resorts, Alta Lake is located in the community of Whistler, British Columbia. Reflected on the glistening surface of Alta Lake are Whistler and the Blackcomb Mountains, part of the Pacific Range in the Coast Mountains. With Vancouver only 75 miles to the south on the Sea to Sky Highway, these two sport-oriented communities co-hosted the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

    Originally named Summit Lake, Alta Lake is part of the Vancouver Coast & Mountains tourism region in southwestern Canada. For centuries, Coast Salish First Nations occupied these majestic mountains and fertile valleys. In 1877, the land opened to settlement with the construction of a trail that brought prospectors and trappers from the Pacific to the village of Pemberton, north of Alta Lake. An adventurous couple, Alex and Myrtle Phillip were among the early settlers on the lake. In May of 1914, Myrtle and Alex opened Rainbow Lodge along the western shore of Summit Lake. For over 30 years, the lake’s superior fly fishing brought fishermen to isolated lodge and lake.

    As roadways and transportation improved, the potential for recreational development on Alta Lake and the surrounding mountains was recognized. On February 15, 1966, the first ski lift was opened. As visitor numbers increased, spring and summer attractions were added to the already popular fly fishing season. By September, 1975, development along Alta Lake had turned the valley into a year-round attraction and the community of Whistler became the first designated resort municipality in Canada.

    In addition to two small streams, Alta Lake has four inlets: Scotia Creek brings mountain water from the west and Rainbow Creek flows in from the northwest. From Alta Lake, water flows out via Alta Creek (named the River of Golden Dreams by Alex Phillip) into Green Lake and on to the Lillooet River. Today, the rivers, streams and Alta Lake’s 247-acre surface continue to attract fishermen.

    With an average depth of 31 feet and maximum depth of 80 feet, glacially carved Alta Lake is known for its rainbow trout and cutthroat trout fishing. The steeply sloped shoreline makes land fishing a challenge, so fishermen may want to try the 1,600-square foot Fairhurst fishing dock on the west side of the lake. Blueberry Park, located at the northeast end of Alta Lake, also provides docks. Boats may be launched from Lakeside Park or a public ramp about 200 yards north of the park. Boating and fishing regulations apply. The maximum boat speed is 7.5 mph and “catch and release, single barbless hooks and bait ban” apply. For those who would like to fish in a more relaxed and isolated setting, fishing guides are available to take you to coastal streams or back-country rivers.

    Nine well-planned parks are available in the village of Whistler. Rainbow, Lakeside, Wayside and Blueberry Parks provide access to Alta Lake. Rainbow Park is located on the site of the original Rainbow Lodge. This northwest-side attraction provides a swimming beach, volleyball courts, water fountains, restrooms and Barking Bay dog beach. Toward the south end of Alta Lake, Lakeside Park also provides a small beach, picnic tables, boat rentals and restrooms. Continue south to Wayside Park, where you will find additional picnic facilities, wheelchair-accessible walkways and restrooms along with canoe and kayak rentals. Blueberry Park is a small secluded park located on the eastern shore of Alta Lake. In addition to hiking trails, the park offers three small docks.

    At 536 acres, Lost Lake is Whistler’s largest park. North of Alta Lake, this park’s amenities include picnic and cook-out areas, concessions, restrooms and a variety of swimming areas from a family beach to Canine Cove, where dogs may swim without a leash, to the unmarked “clothing optional” dock.

    To preserve the tranquility of Alta Lake’s mountain retreat, Whistler Village is closed to motorized traffic. Transportation is provided by WAVE, Whistler’s public transit system. Walking is a pleasure when you stroll past charming village shops, enticing restaurants and beautifully landscaped walkways. Numerous scenic hiking trails cut through Whistler Valley, past such inviting sites as Emerald Forest and Rainbow Wetlands Conservation Area. Summit Lake’s popular hiking areas include Whistler Interpretive Forest, Valley Trail, Flank Trail and Lost Lake, where hiking trails become cross-country ski trails when the snow starts to fall.

    Additional sporting attractions surround Alta Lake. Facilities are available for golfing, tennis, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and horseback riding. For those who enjoy more extreme sports, be prepared for the challenge of heli-skiing, heli-hiking, ice climbing, paragliding and bungee jumping.

    Should visitors want to leave the posh development of Alta Lake and Whistler, Garibaldi Provincial Park lies only two miles to the east. This magnificent park stands in total contrast to the comfortable lifestyle provided at Alta Lake. With 481,000 acres of undeveloped mountain wilderness, high Alpine meadows, and 8,786-foot Garibaldi Mountain, this park provides a true backcountry experience. Outside of park roadways and parking lots, the park is closed to all motorized vehicles. Campgrounds, cabins and shelters are available. Hiking into the park comes with all the wildlife and hazard warnings one would expect in the wilderness.

    The glacier-capped mountains are a reminder that winter sports are the major attraction to Alta Lake and Whistler Village. Considered the largest ski area on the continent, Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort advertises “7,000 acres of ski and snowboard terrain, with over 200 marked trails, 12 massive Alpine bowls, 3 glaciers and 33 lifts.”

    Alta Lake’s beauty and stately mountains that guard the peaceful valley are magical. They draw over two million visitors a year. With a growing population of 9,500 people, new vacation rentals and real estate properties are readily available. You can make your own magic happen during your short visit or, if you can’t get enough, a forever vacation. Find a home where you can stroll along pristine Alta Lake, ski among the majesty of snow-capped mountains, and test your limits at world-class sporting facilities. Come to Alta Lake and live the spirit of adventure.

    Things to Do at Alta Lake

    These are some activities in the Alta Lake, BC area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Whitewater Rafting
    • Golf
    • Tennis
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Ice Climbing
    • Biking
    • Horseback Riding
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Provincial Park

    What Kind of Fish Are in Alta Lake?

    Alta Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Cutthroat Trout
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Trout
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at Alta Lake

    If you’re considering a Alta Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Alta Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Alta Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    Alta Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 247 acres

    Shoreline Length: 3 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 2,085 feet

    Average Depth: 31 feet

    Maximum Depth: 80 feet

    Water Volume: 7,732 acre-feet

    Drainage Area: 3 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic

    Alta Lake Map

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop Alta Lake Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Captain / First Mate Custom 20 oz Tumbler

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    On Lake Time Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    SHOP NOW
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More Alta Lake news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The Alta Lake forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New Alta Lake photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this Alta Lake article with your fellow LakeLubbers: