Hiking near Singing Pass provides magnificent views of the Fitzsimmons and Spearhead Mountain ranges and Cheakamus Glacier, especially in summertime when the slopes of the Pass are sprinkled with wild flowers. However, this popular trail near Whistler is difficult to access in summer since the old logging access road has been slumping since the 90s.
The Alpine Club of Canada (Vancouver and Whistler sections) and the FMCBC Southwest BC Recreation and Conservation Committee are working to resolve ongoing access and parking problems at Singing Pass trail near Whistler. The plan to improve access involves developing a new route on the north-side of Fitzsimmons Creek to rejoin the old Singing Pass trail on the south-side of the Creek.
Here’s the route for the new proposed trail:
1. Park at Lot 8 near the Whistler Sliding Center,
2. Take the marked trail just south of the Sliding Centre and head towards the Innergex IPP on Fitzsimmons Creek,
3. Cross a new 24-metre footbridge, and
4. Hike another 1 km to the old Singing Pass parking lot.
See the trail map for directions: Singing Pass map – enhanced trail and parking access.
If you’re looking for a shorter hike, a potential shuttle service is being assessed that would take hikers to the proposed new bridge and cut about an hour off your trip.
Special thanks to Jay MacArthur (ACC-Vancouver) and Bryce Leigh (ACC-Whistler) for spearheading this work and to Peter Taylor (ACC-Vancouver) for designing the new footbridge! Over the past several months, the team, including other members from the FMCBC Recreation and Conservation Committee have sought approval from: First Nations, Whistler/Blackcomb (use of Lot 8 for parking), Whistler Sliding Center (use of access road), Innergex (use of the right of way at the IPP) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (section 57 approval).
The project is currently awaiting approval and agreements with our partners are in the works. Once approved, we hope that construction can start in 2020, but we may need to delay the project until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although the group has made progress in improving summer access, they will also have further discussions to review options for winter overnight parking with Whistler/Blackcomb and the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
Would you like to support improved summer access at the Singing Pass?
Help fundraise for or provide a tax-deductible donation to this project. The estimated cost is between $50,000-$70,000. The FMCBC is currently seeking project funders as we make progress on improving Singing Pass access with our partners. Email fmcbc@mountainclubs.org to indicate how you can help.
Singing Pass map – enhanced trail and parking (click to view larger scale map)
