|
- Alpha Lake: modern amenities and
Whistler tradition
The irregular shape of Alpha Lake is probably the first thing you'll notice. At first
impression, it looks relatively small. But a paddle in a rented canoe around Alpha Lake
and through the narrows, created by a private island in the middle of the lake, opens up
another side to this tranquil body of water.
Located in Whistler Creekside close to Highway 99, Alpha Lake is surrounded by both modern
improvements and Whistler tradition. The lake itself has a cozy beach on its north side,
which has about a dozen picnic tables with elevated barbecues on a grass lawn. A
Hobbit-style playground constructed from yellow cedar is placed on the grass well back
from the beach, letting the little ones play while not getting too close to the lakeside.
A picturesque yellow cedar bridge crosses Jordan Creek south from the Valley Trail leads
almost right on to the beach. A tennis court is just on the other side of the bushes
separating the trail from the small park where the beach is located.
Accessed by Lake Placid Road, west off Highway 99, Alpha Lake is in Whistler's oldest
neighborhood: Whistler Creekside. Here is where you'll also find Whistler's passenger
train station. Shaded by black cotton woods, the station is almost exactly between Alpha
and Nita Lake and continues to be a popular pick-up and drop-off spot for travelers to
Whistler from Vancouver. The stroll between the lakes is extremely relaxing, and evokes a
feeling of the way Whistler used to be before the major development of Whistler Village.
The lower Dave Murray Downhill race course on Whistler Mountain is visible from here once
you're out of the shadows, and the lake is a five-minute walk to the base of the mountain.
Now surrounded by upscale log homes and expensive vacation condos on its east side, Alpha
Lake is really where the Valley Trail begins, just off Highway 99 before the Baseline
neighborhood. If you're feeling energetic, you can park your car in the small parking lot
near the park at Alpha Lake, walk around the lake to where the Valley Trail begins, and
take the hour-long hike back to Whistler Village along the paved trail. The scenic stroll
is worth it. Soon you'll be passing Whistler Golf Club and before you know it, you're in
Whistler Village, ready for a hearty meal at one of the many patio restaurants. Either
walk back to your car from the village or take the bus to Whistler Creekside for your
return trip. The trail can also be travelled on mountain bikes. However, on a sunny day in
Whistler,
there's nothing like being set-up for the day and pampering yourself in the sun at one of
Whistler's lakes.
|
