The drive between Vancouver and Whistler on the Sea to Sky highway is renowned for it's beauty. As stunning as it is, it gets better when you get out of your car.
As a veteran Vancouver/Whistler business traveler (seriously I was really working at least some of the time), I advise outdoor enthusiasts to allow a full day for the drive. When you see the signs for Brandywine Falls or Shannon Falls don't blow past them. Pull over and spend a few minutes to view two stunning waterfalls, especially during spring and summer months when the snowmelt brings out the splendor in the falls.
One of the true dayhiking gems in the Whistler area is the Lake Giribaldi trail.
http://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/garibaldi-lake/
While You are hiking on this trail, don't forget your Kindle
Lake Giribaldi itself is every bit as awe-inspiring as Lake Louise. I say this about a lot of lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Lake O'hara, Bow Lake, Lake Oesa, to name a few. There is only one reason these lakes are not household names and not featured in American Airlines flight magazines. They are not as accessible, which is exactly why you should target these lakes for a visit, perhaps even ahead of Lake Louise. If you wanna fight tour buses full or camera-wielding Asians and old people for parking spots so you can weave through city-like pedestrian traffic, just so you can go back to the office and brag about seeing Lake Louise alongside 2000 other people, then I think you should go to Lake Louise. In high season, there will be more visitors at Lake Louise during the one hour you are there, than Lake Giribaldi will see in a year.
The hike in is a strenuous climb. You'll do switchbacks as you gain elevation.
If you're bringing your dog on this hike, make your pouch carry his own food and water:
