Go for a Winter Hike in Pemberton!

The winter time is a great time to head outside and enjoy the great outdoors. One of the best ways to enjoy the spectacular views of Pemberton and see new sights is to take a wintertime hike. Listed below are three hiking trails that are still accessible during the winter time and provide amazing views of the Pemberton area.

NAIRN FALLS HIKE

• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 1 hour
• Distance: 3km round trip
• Elevation Gain: minimal

Nairn Falls is located just 3 minutes outside of Pemberton. This trail is the easiest of the three hikes and only takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. The best part of the trail is it offers amazing views of the Nairn Water Falls at the conclusion of the hike. Once you arrive at the falls you have the chance to look out over the falls from the safety of a viewing deck.

Getting to the falls is as simple as driving 3 minutes out of town towards Whistler. Signs for the falls will be on the left-hand side (right hand if driving in from Whistler). Once you arrive at the falls there will be a number of signs pointing you in the direction of Nairn Falls. The trail follows the Green River and winds through a forested area. It takes about 15 - 20 minutes to reach the falls and the same time to hike back.

JOFFRE LAKES

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Time: 5 Hours
• Distance: 11km round trip
• Elevation Gain: 370m (1214ft)

The most popular hike in the area in no doubly Joffre Lake. This hike is the selfie capital of Pemberton thanks to its spectacular mountain views and crystal blue Joffre Lakes. Unfortunately at this time of the year the lakes won't be clear, so crystal blue lake selfies are out of the question. However the open areas and glacier views still provide amazing views, especially with all the snow coverage at this time of year. This is by far the longest hike on the list. To complete the entire hike it takes about 4 - 5 hours there and back. The views of the glacier at the end of the hike, however, are well worth the visit.

It takes about 35 minutes to get to the Joffre Lake turn off from Pemberton. Drive towards Mount Currie until you reach a T in the road for the Lillooet / Joffre Lake turn off. Turn right at the turn-off and continue for another 20 minutes until you reach the Joffre Lake parking lot.

PEMBERTON DIKE TRAIL

• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: Varies
• Distance: Varies

While not officially a hiking trail the Pemberton Dike is one of the best places in Pemberton to catch amazing views of Pemberton's iconic Mount Currie Mountain. This is the perfect place for those who don't want to stray too far from town and catch some amazing views. If you have your dog with you this is a great place to take the pooch for a walk.

The Pemberton dike runs throughout Pemberton and offers the best access via Vine Road or right behind the Pemberton Lodge. This trail is constantly maintained and run down by other walkers meaning you won't have to create your own trail in the snow. Once you're on the Pemberton Dike (behind the Pemberton Valley Lodge) you have a number of trails to continue on. The most practical way, however, may just be to walk the dike for as long as you wish and simply double back. The dike trail runs right alongside Mount Currie and offers un-obstructed views of our signature mountain.

Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2015