February Hiking & Snowshoeing in Whistler
February consistently has great snowshoeing conditions in and around Whistler. The days slowly get longer, but the temperatures stay consistently cold and wintery Expect several days of -12c and of course much colder in the mountains. February is a great month for trying some overnight snowshoeing trips. There are even several huts that are available to use. Most are free and some have a small cost to cover maintenance. The Elfin Lakes hut is one of the nicest around, boasting solar powered lights The Blueberry Trail is a relatively unknown, though amazing trail that ascends up to a marvellous cliff viewpoint, high
Parkhurst Ghost Town in Whistler
Parkhurst is an easy adventure into a wonderful ghost town
What makes Parkhurst Ghost Town such a great snowshoeing trail and destination is where it is located and the trail to get to it. One route, one of several ways to get to it, runs along the scenic Green River and next to the still active train tracks that run through Whistler. There always seems to be something to see. From the beautiful, snowy meadow along the train tracks, to the snowy forest where you have to play a game of finding the next, pink tree marker or risk The trail markers are numerous, and though getting lost is inevitable, you can only stray a few metres before, the river or steep terrain push you back onto the marked trail. Once up on the ridge above Green Lake where Parkhurst is located, the forest takes on a spooky feel. Trees are all far apart and with branches only high up give the forest a unnaturally lifeless look. Decades ago, logging instead of tourism was the town-supporting industry. Eventually the logging industry slowed down and in the 50's, Parkhurst was abandoned. As recent as the late 90's a few houses remained standing, but the merciless winters with crushing snow has collapsed all but one house. There are a couple half collapsed relics, but for the most part the town has disintegrated.
Just steps from the impressive tractor, if you are lucky and persistent, you can find another piece of abandoned tractor. This huge and solid piece of steel, left so long ago, has had trees grow in and around it. A large tree, over 50 years old now grows in a triangle shape through this ancient machinery. Squeezing into the only shape it could, but bewildering to see.
Of the many ways to get to Parkhurst in the winter, this one is the nicest. You can also reach the town via the new Sea to Sky Trail. Either from an alternate route from the Wedgemount turnoff or from the Whistler Village side at Lost Lake. It can be tricky to find the town however as the trails are unmarked and to access the Lost Lake entrance to the Sea to Sky Trail requires paying a trail use fee for Lost Lake. Another possibility is to walk across the frozen, Green Lake from the opposite, highway side. If the ice is thick enough and safe to walk on, you can walk from your car to Parkhurst in just 5 minutes. Just look for the giant tractor, it is easily visible from across the lake.
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