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 Philip.
Location and getting there
Address: 5778 Alta Lake Rd, Whistler BC.
By transit
The buses run from the Village at Olympic Plaza Bus Stop and Gondola Transit Exchange Bay 4 starting June 21, 2025.
Weekend and statutory holiday schedule:
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every 15 minutes.
Route:
- Blackcomb Way Olympic Plaza Bus Stop
- Blackcomb Way Olympic Plaza Bus Stop
- Gondola Transit Exchange Bay 4
- Meadow Park Waterpark
- Rainbow Falls trail head
- Rainbow parking lot
More on summer service and shuttles.
By bike
Cruise to Rainbow Park on two-wheels via the paved Valley Trail. View the Valley Trail map.
Summer bike valet service
Take advantage of secure bike (and gear) parking at Rainbow Park starting in late June, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays through to Labour Day, each year. View Beyond The Car for hours of operation and information on how the bike valet works.
Parking
Pay parking is in effect both in park and along the road.
Park Eats
Park Eats will run with food trucks scheduled at multiple parks from mid-May through Labour Day. Offerings include crepes, gelato, pizza, and more! Visitors to participating parks can find food trucks at lakeside locations, such as Lost Lake Park and Rainbow Park (and Alpha Lake Park and Lakeside Park on select dates) from approximately 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more and view the schedule and locations, visit our Park Eats page.
Rainbow Park rejuvenation
Rainbow Park recently underwent a rejuvenation project that stretched over three seasons, providing a number of upgrades and accessibility features. The park reopened on Canada Day 2024.
Improvements include:
- A larger beach area with additional seating and covered picnic spots
- Accessible pathways to access the lake and dock, including a lift for swimming
- Tree planting around the lawn and in designated areas to offer shade
- A large shade structure
- Irrigation and drainage improvements to ensure the lawn stays usable even when water levels are high
- Improved parking and facilities, including a designated food truck area
- A goose dispersion system to keep the lawn clear of waste
Facilities and activities
- Beach
- 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
Accessibility
- 4 Accessible parking stalls
- 1 Universal washroom
- 1 Accessible floating dock
- Accessible water lift
- Consists of a seat, footrest and moveable arm rests on a hydraulic cylinder which is operable with a lever that slowly rotates and lowers user into the water
- 3 Accessible picnic tables
- There are gendered washrooms in the same location
- Private operators rent non-adaptive water sports equipment
- Summer programming
- Outdoor accessible shower facility
Park etiquette and rules
Reduce 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 (PDF). (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.
Geese management
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.
Rental information
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