Rainbow Park

Rainbow Park is one of Whistler’s busiest parks in the summer. Situated on Alta Lake, the park is named after the historic Rainbow Lodge, built by Whistler pioneer Myrtle Phillips. During the summer of 2023 the main beach, lawn, parking lots and the Valley Trail section running through the park will be closed starting June 5. Pedestrian access between Alta Lake Road and the lake will be maintained with a temporary access route. This route may be closed for short periods, when construction requires.

Please note, most of the park will be closed from June 5, 2023 through June 2024. Rainbow Park is open from dawn until dusk daily in a regular summer.

Location

Address: 5778 Alta Lake Rd, Whistler BC.

The Valley Trail through Rainbow Park closes June 5, 2023: Cruise to Rainbow Park on two-wheels via the paved Valley Trail.  A Valley Trail map can be found at whistler.ca/ValleyTrail.  Don’t have a bike? Don’t worry! Visit Whistler’s bike rental shops.

Not available for 2023: Take advantage of secure bike (and gear) parking at Rainbow Park starting June 24, 2022, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays. For hours of operation and information on how the bike valet works, visit whistler.ca/BikeParking.

Drop-off zone only for 2023: typically, limited parking is available at Rainbow Park. From May 15 to Sep 15, pay parking is in effect daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at an hourly rate of $2, for a maximum of 6 hours. Accessible parking will be offered at no cost.  Parking can be purchased via meters and PayByPhone.

Park Eats: see other locations for 2023

Park Eats will run from May 19 to September 4, 2023. Offerings include tacos, crepes, gelato, pizza, smoothies and more! Visitors to the parks can experience this authentic Whistler food and beverage at lakeside locations, such as Alpha Lake Park, Lost Lake Park, and Meadow Park, from approximately 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more and to view the schedule and locations, visit whistler.ca/ParkEats.

Accessibility

Once reopened in summer 2024, Rainbow Park will have:

  • 2 Accessible parking stalls
  • 1 Accessible washroom
  • 1 Accessible floating dock
  • 3 Accessible picnic tables
  • There is an accessible washroom plus other washrooms in the same location
  • Private operators rent non-adaptive water sports equipment
  • Summer Programming
  • Outdoor Accessible Shower Facility

Park Hosts

Watch out for our helpful Park Hosts wearing red shirts who can provide you with resort information, wayfinding assistance, COVID-19 guidance and park amenity information during summer.  Our Park Hosts will be travelling by bike throughout our parks on weekends and statutory holidays.   Wave them down and say hello.

Park etiquette and rules

Reduce the waste: Pack in what you pack out, bring your own reusable plates, cutlery and cups, use the in-park waste, recycling, compost receptacles.  Not sure the best way to dispose of your waste?  No worries.  Visit AWARE’s Waste Educators station for some great information, including waste separation.

Share the space:  Be conscientious of the space you use – limit your items to the size of a blanket if possible.  Refrain from playing sports around lots people.  Do not erect tents (the use of pegs are against the Parks Bylaw) as it impedes line of sight, takes up a lot of space and can damage irrigation lines.

Know the fire danger:  When Whistler’s fire danger rating is high, the use briquette barbeques are prohibited at Whistler parks and open spaces.    This fire danger rating is also important to note when considering campfires. 

Bring a life jacket and whistle: Canadian law requires anyone paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking or using an inflatable boat to have the right safety gear. The only exception is if you are floating in a swimming area at one of the parks. The Conservation Officer Service is actively doing patrols. Non-compliance may result in a $230 fine for each missing item.  Learn more about Transport Canada’s Canada Shipping Act – Small Vessel Regulations: https://tc.canada.ca/sites/default/files/migrated/tp_511e.pdf

  • Dogs must be leashed at all times (except in designated off-leash areas). For more information on dog friendly areas visit whistler.ca/dogs.
  • Smoking and consumption of alcohol are not permitted.
  • Camping and campfires are not permitted.
  • Slacklining is not permitted using trees. Please use designated posts.
  • Please note, there are no lifeguards.
  • Beach volleyball courts
  • Swimming docks
  • Picnic tables
  • Barbecue stands (bring your own barbecue)
  • Summer concession (open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weather permitting from late June to Labour Day – Food trucks 
  • Slackline posts
  • Washrooms and outdoor shower
  • Off-leash dog park and dock (Barking Bay)
  • Event rental space

Canada Geese have been prevalent at this park and their droppings have had an impact on residents and visitors’ enjoyment of the beach areas. To address this issue, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is following a multifaceted approach to aversion, as well as clean-up efforts. Geese at Rainbow Park

Beach volleyball courts

4 sand courts are available for booking for leagues or tournaments. 

Outdoor event space

With its inspiring views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, lake access and grassy lawns, Rainbow Park is the perfect setting for your event.  Available for booking from May 15 – October 15 (excluding holiday long weekends).

  • Suitable for private events, weddings, family and social functions.
  • Capacity: 200

Booking contact

outdoorfacilities@whistler.ca
604-935-8465

Produce an event