Brandywine Meadows

Located just south of Whistler, the hike to Brandywine Meadows brings you to a scenic meadow with a calm creek that meanders through the grass, and surrounded by picturesque mountains and glaciers. If you time it right towards the end of the summer, the meadows will be full of the colourful sights and smells of wildflowers.

Don't let the short distance and time lead you to believe that this is an easy hike. The trail has an average grade steeper than other hikes in the area, such as Wedgemount Lake and Black Tusk. Most of the steep section of trail occurs during the first kilometer.

From the brown "Brandywine Meadows" BC Parks sign, walk into the forest and look for the trail and orange marker. The trail can at times feel difficult to follow so make sure to look up for the markers on the trees. Continue as the trail begins to climb steeply, crossing over fallen trees and slippery rocks. After 20 minutes of hiking, the trail veers away from the creek but continues its relentless climb up the mountainside.

After an hour or so, the trail follows alongside the treeline where an adjoining section of trail has been more recently logged. The trail stays within the trees, passing through a section that is often very muddy. Carefully pass over the wooden planks as you maneuver your way through this section.

After crossing a final stream and making your way up a final steep section, the trees begin to thin as you make the final approach to the meadows. At a junction, go left and continue as the mountains gradually come into view before reaching some large rocks where you can look down into the meadows and up at the surrounding mountains. You have reached Brandywine Meadows and this is a good point to stop for a rest and something to eat. If you would like to continue your hike, it is possible to hike up Brandywine Mountain starting from the other side of the creek.

Once you are satisfied with your time in the meadows, make your way back to the trail as you take in a scenic view of Black Tusk in the distance on a clear day. Make sure to go right at the junction and continue down the steep hill, through the muddy section, and the other steep hill until you reach the trailhead where you started.