Last summer we camped at The Hummingbird Campground at Whitewater Ski Resort, the White Queen hike was a perfect hike option straight from the campground. It offered a great workout, an up close look at some of the ski resort terrain and ended with incredible views even if the weather wasn’t the best!
The White Queen hike can be done as an out and back from two different trailheads or as a loop. We opted to do the hike out and back from the ski resort as conditions weren’t great and even though it was the end of June there was a lot of snow on the trail which made route finding a little difficult.
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission on any purchase made, at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the blog running, so thank you for your support!
Table of Contents
Quick Stats For The White Queen Hike
Distance: 4.5km one way
Elevation: Approximately 650m elevation gain
Best Time To Hike: July through September. We hiked the trail the last week of June and there was still a fair amount of snow on the upper elevations of the trail. Nothing impassable but definitely more work!
The White Queen Hike From Whitewater Ski Resort
The White Queen hike was so much more fun than we anticipated. We got to explore the Whitewater Ski Resort, checking out some of their terrain and lifts while they were snow free. Once at the ridge, we started to get some amazing views! The Hummingbird Lodge has a trail map you can see online or pick one up when you arrive.
Starting from the Hummingbird Lodge in the summer, follow the trail on the right hand side of the lodge. It starts to gain elevation and cuts across the ski runs and under some ski lifts. Follow signage for the Silver King Trail, it’s a wide rocky trail which is obviously used to access the ski lifts for maintenance.
You get to a junction, keep left to head up the Silver King Ridge trail, from here the trail gets much steeper as it heads back towards the chairlift. We took a little offshoot to check out the top of the lift when we arrived.
Back on the White Queen hike, it’s more elevation gain which is steep despite the switchbacks which are there to help make it a little easier. Eventually the trail levels out at the ridge. Turning right will take you along the Half Dome trail. When we hiked this, that trail was still holding a lot of snow, so we decided to give it a miss. Turn left along the ridge to complete the White Queen hike.
Past the top of a different chairlift and the top of many different ski runs, the trail heads into some trees while it gains some more elevation. We had some issues following the trail here as there was still some lingering snow up this high.
Eventually you pop out into an opening where there is a summit sign for the White Queen. There are plenty of rocks up here to take a seat on, enjoy a snack and take in the stunning views which are in every direction.
The Trailhead
We used the trailhead at the Whitewater Ski Resort, follows the signs and start near the Hummingbird Lodge. Since we were camping at the resort, it was nice and easy for us.
There is a second trailhead on the road on the way up to the Ski Resort, this takes a different trail up to the summit. If the weather and trail conditions had been better we would have shuttled cars and hiked the trail as a look.
To get to the Whitewater Ski Resort, heading out of Nelson follow Highway 6 North, after 11.2km turn off left, onto the Whitewater Ski Hill Road. When we visited, there was a sign on the highway indicating the Hummingbird Lodge was open as well as highway signs for the ski resort. From the highway it is just over 9 kilometers to the ski resort parking area.
Where To Stay
Hummingbird Lodge And Campground – We camped at the gorgeous new campground right at the ski resort, there is also an apartment they rent out. I can’t recommend this spot highly enough, it was so nicely done and ever so peaceful!
Prestige Lakeside Resort – As a splurge we spent a night at the Prestige Lakeside resort, it was the perfect spot to relax but also central enough to enjoy everything Nelson had to offer.
What You Might Need
Hiking Boots – The trail was steep and rocky, a good pair of hiking boots would be the best option for tackling the White Queen hike. Especially if there is snow on the trail so your feet have a better chance to stay dry.
Hiking Poles – For the steep sections, hiking poles were key, especially to save our knees on the way down.
Day Pack – To carry water and snacks, a day pack is ideal, as well as an extra layer, the weather can change quickly.
Bear Spray – The White Queen hike is in bear country, take bear spray on your hike and make sure you know how to use it.
