21 Amazing Things to Do in Whistler

Even though Whistler is Canada’s top ski resort, many people may disregard it as a summertime getaway. Whistler’s world-class mountain biking culture, breathtaking natural surroundings, and first-rate resort amenities, however, make it just as appealing.

We’ll showcase our favorite Whistler family activities in this piece. You’ll probably notice that many of them include motorcycles!

Whistler can be reached in a single day from Vancouver, BC, via the Sea to Sky route, although we advise staying for at least a few days. In actuality, Whistler is teeming with visitors from around the country and the world.

1. Whistler Mountain Bike Park

The Whistler mountain bike park is the top lift-accessed bike park in the world, and no matter how you want to get your dose, you’ll find it here.

You may pick how you want to experience it with more than 4,926 vertical feet of lift-serviced, gravity-fed, excitement downhill trails, ranging from easy-cruisin greens to expert-only double blacks.

The Fitzsimmons zone was added to the Whistler mountain bike park in 1999, and now there are four unique zones with a total of more than 80 km (50 mi) of trails to explore.

Your fantasies will come true on Fitz’s flawlessly created rollers, Garbo’s deeply entwined single track, Peak’s Top of the World’s volcanic ash and thinning air, and the new Creek zone, which provides a second base from which to enter the park.

The Whistler mountain bike park offers everything from expert-level terrain to beginner-level instructional facilities for all levels of riders.

2. Explore Whistler Village

It’s immediately clear that Whistler village is a resort community unlike any other you’ve ever visited when you get there. It’s tucked away at the foot of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. It is enormous, but in a manner, you’ll truly adore.

The pedestrian-only Village, a one-of-a-kind confluence of two enormous mountains, exclusive to North America, with an energy and style that are the envy of resorts worldwide, is a destination unto itself, offering an endless array of shops, cafés and bars, restaurants, and legendary aprés nightlife.

Whistler Village offers a formula of winter wonder that just cannot be duplicated, whether you’re in the mood for a stroll along its stone paths, some people-watching from its endless sunny patios, exploring the fun-filled family parks, or starting your next on-mountain experience.

3. Ski and Snowboard 

Canada’s Coast Mountains, north of Vancouver, is home to the four-season resort of Whistler Blackcomb. With 8171 acres of terrain for skiers and riders of all skill levels, Whistler Blackcomb proudly holds the distinction of biggest ski resort in North America. 

The resort boasts a lengthy winter season that lasts until late May thanks to its over 10 meters of snowfall on average each year.

Even in the summer, it is easy to ski on the glaciers on Blackcomb Mountain’s highest reaches! In this real four-season resort, summertime visitors may partake in some of the finest mountain biking and hiking in the world.

Summertime trips to the resort are a requirement because of activities like the Crankworx mountain bike festival and events like ziplining and wildlife excursions.

A passion for the great outdoors is year-round in Whistler Blackcomb. 

4. Whistler Hiking Trails

Whistler, a ski resort renowned as one of the greatest in the world, offers a wide range of outdoor activities. For mountain bikers, hikers, and other adventurers, the summertime melts the snow to expose a vast outdoor playground.

The Sea to Sky highway runs through the town of Whistler, which is less than two hours drive from Vancouver. In the vicinity of Garibaldi lake, you may find some of the most stunning hiking paths.

This region of Garibaldi Provincial Park was formed by lava flows from volcanic activity, and it is home to glaciers, fields of wildflowers, and the spectacular peak of Black Tusk.

The terrain is challenging and rough in the Whistler region, which is heavily forested. Getting to some of the alpine vistas may be rewarding since this area boasts some of the nicest beauty in Southwestern British Columbia.

5. Peak 2 Peak Gondola—360 Experience

With miles of snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, teal-blue lakes, deep coniferous woods, and wildflower meadows at every turn, Whistler is renowned across the globe for its breathtaking alpine vistas.

A record-breaking chair lift connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is one of the greatest ways to take advantage of this abounding natural beauty. It is generally cited as the resort’s most spectacular and well-liked feature.

With only a little amount of effort, a ticket for the 360 Experience gives you access to a wonderful world of high alpine beauty, trekking, and picture possibilities.

6. Cross Country Skiing at Whistler Olympic Park

7 days a week, including dog-friendly routes, cross-country skiing will be offered. To the extent that the snow’s base depth permits, groomers are attempting to extend all of the open trails.

Snowshoeing paths are also being developed, which should be accessible “by this weekend,” but no specific time has been specified.

Every day will also see the opening of the Day Lodge at Whistler Olympic Park, which also houses a café, a retail and rental store, a sports school, and classes. As park staff waits for additional natural snow, only the toboggan slope is still closed.

It is recommended that visitors regularly check the Whistler Sport Legacies conditions website before their visit for comprehensive details on the trails, activities, and services that are currently offered.

7. Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing allows one to feel a certain serenity that is unmatched by anything in the world. Enjoy Whistler’s majestic hemlock, cedar, and fir trees as you lose yourself in their amazement and beauty.

These eons-old woods loom over you and provide a serene stillness that invites you to unwind and get in touch with nature. Take a hike up Whistler Mountain or the Callaghan Valley trails, or learn about the Squamish Lil’wat First Nations culture.

Following a substantial dose of fresh air, tours conclude with fire and food so that you may unwind and refuel. For those who want to combine fitness and some gentle loving care, Scandinave Spa offers snowshoe packages.

8. Hike the Ancient Cedar Trail

In keeping with the adage “respect your elders,” why not visit the Ancient Cedars Trail in Whistler to show some appreciation for some of the 900+-year-old trees there, which are among the oldest living objects in the Sea to Sky corridor?

Although it requires a little more effort than in the summer, autumn is the finest season to hike the Ancient Cedars trail because the mossy forest floor comes alive with mushrooms of various sizes, shapes, and hues.

The trip also provides a few breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains, a secret waterfall, and an inspirational group of yellow cedar trees that have been expanding since the middle ages.

9. Explore the Sites of the Sea-to-Sky Highway

It frequently receives high rankings as one of Canada’s most picturesque drives for a good cause.

The Sea to Sky Highway, often known as Highway 99, starts in Vancouver and travels via Squamish and Whistler before ending in Pemberton.

Now, some could counter that the roadway truly starts in South Surrey, near the USA border, and concludes in Cache Creek. They wouldn’t be incorrect.

The Sea to Sky Corridor, which begins in West Vancouver and finishes in the Pemberton Valley, will be the subject of this blog article, however.

The Canada-USA border still has certain travel restrictions in effect as of the publication of this guide to Sea to Sky attractions. Before entering Canada if you are not a Canadian, be careful to check the entry criteria.

10. Whistler Valley Trail

A sprawling 40 km network of trails may be found in Whistler. From Function junction through to Emerald, and everywhere in between, it links Whistler neighbourhoods.

The meandering path takes you through the trees to Whistler’s ever-popular lakes, the town, and, well, pretty much wherever else you could need to go.

Safe walking and cycling paths appear to be the standard now, but when Whistler’s Valley Trail was designed and constructed in the early 1980s, this was a completely novel idea for British Columbia as a whole as well as for Whistler.

You can see sights from the valley route that are inaccessible from a vehicle, and you may spend as much or as little time there as you choose without worrying about time constraints or traffic.

On the route, there is a wide variety of species to be seen, including bears, raccoons, skunks, beavers, and squirrels.

11. World Class Golfing

A trip to Whistler for golf is undoubtedly one of every golfer’s desires. The most famous ski resort in North America is Whistler, the mountain-encircled Olympic host town, which is two hours north of Vancouver.

However, Whistler sees more people in the summer than the winter, partly because it also offers some of the greatest golf on the continent.

Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Arnold Palmer, Robert Cupp, and other globally known architects and golfers created four award-winning golf courses in Whistler.

These accomplished course designers have contributed to Whistler’s status as a top golf destination known for its demanding gameplay and breathtaking scenery by making the most of the region’s rough Coast Mountain surroundings.

12. Hike to Garibaldi Lake

One of British Columbia’s most picturesque locations is Garibaldi Lake, which has turquoise-coloured water tucked between alpine mountains and a magnificent glacier as a background.

The climb starts at the wooden stairs at the top portion of the parking lot, about south of Whistler, and may be accessed from the Rubble Creek parking lot.

The first 6 kilometres of the path consist of a steady ascent through lush Douglas Fir tree woodlands. The route might sometimes appear to stretch on forever, but keep going because the effort will be well worth it when you reach your destination.

A crossroads with a map of the neighbourhood is reached just after the 6-kilometre point. For those who might be pressed for time or want a quicker trip, turning right will take you straight to Garibaldi Lake.

13. Bobsleigh or Skeleton at Whistler Sliding Centre

The Public Skeleton experience at the Whistler sliding centre is one of the most distinctive things to do in Whistler! You don’t need any advanced knowledge.

You will sled your skeleton sled alone, just like an Olympian. The “Maple Leaf” starting point serves as the starting point for the race, with participants registering speeds of up to 100 km/h as they go around the bottom six bends of the course.

Be at ease knowing that you get to go down twice, so your run won’t end too quickly! It is not necessary to have any significant experience; a full orientation session will bring you up to speed before you begin.

The only location in Canada where the public may experience the skeleton’s surge of adrenaline is the Whistler sliding centre! Regardless of the weather, Skeleton Runs are the ideal complement to your trip to Whistler.

14. Relax at Whistler Olympic Plaza

In addition to hosting festivities all year long, the Whistler Olympic Plaza serves as a site for outdoor concerts in the summer, and ice skating in the winter.

In the winter, when the ground is covered in snow, the neighbourhood congregates here to warm themselves around outdoor fires while eating lunch at picnic tables or playing Frisbee on the grass.

This unique location, in the center of Whistler village and surrounded by mountains, is where the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs outside beneath the stars, where impromptu acro yoga takes place, and where the occasional snowball battle or snowman-building competition takes place.

During the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games, the plaza was created as a location for celebration and global mingling.

The Paralympics’ closing ceremony was held here, and it was also where the participants’ medals were presented to them during the evening triumph celebrations in front of cheering crowds of thousands.

Even though it was constructed for the games, the building’s long-term purpose was to serve as a communal gathering spot. Judging by how active the area is now, it has indeed evolved into a center for celebration.

15. Alpine Hiking Trails

The most opulent, easily accessible alpine hiking is found on Whistler Mountain’s paths. With little effort, you may enjoy breathtaking vistas of faraway glaciers, snow-capped mountains, flower-filled valleys, and aquamarine lakes.

You can access the Roundhouse Lodge via the Whistler Gondola, where there are gift stores, dining options, observation decks, and the brand-new Umbrella Bar.

There is still time to go Alpine Hiking in Whistler even if fall is approaching! If you have the necessary equipment and athleticism, there are still methods to reach the mountains even if the Whistler Village Gondola will have fewer hours beginning in September.

While exploring Whistler’s trail system is a wonderfully magnificent experience, it should not be approached carelessly in terms of safety. We strongly advise reviewing this hiker safety checklist before doing any of the aforementioned alpine treks.

16. Brandywine Falls

If you’re searching for a short walk to some stunning falls while passing through the Squamish and Whistler region, Brandywine Falls is the ideal stop.

A covered wooden bridge is crossed by the path after leaving the parking area. After crossing the river, turn right and go 500 meters (1640 feet) down a railroad track until you come to a platform with a breathtaking view of the waterfall.

About 70 meters are lost in the actual falls, and the cavern where they are located has rockslides that have fallen from the walls over many years. After passing the platform with a view of Daisy Lake, the route keeps on for a little distance.

17. Enjoy a Beer at Whistler Brewery

Function junction is home to some of the best locally made beer available to beer drinkers in Whistler and visitors. You may select between two fantastic breweries if you turn left at the first set of lights when you reach Whistler.

You’ll find various masterpieces as regulars at some establishments in Whistler and Vancouver from the first Whistler beer firm, Whistler Brewery.

Whistler is known for its artisan beer. Some people utilize seasonal beer rotation to signal the onset of the various weather.

The Citrus Brew alerts neighbourhood beer lovers to the impending arrival of snow by blending the flavours of caramel and chestnuts. A fresh golden beer with a taste of summer called The Citrus Brew is at the opposite extreme of the seasonal spectrum.

18. Whistler Museum

The striking artwork that covers one wall of the Whistler Museum is unmistakable. It was painted by local artist Kris Kupskay and depicts Whistler’s most well-known pioneer, Myrtle Philip, who founded Rainbow Lodge in 1914 and was responsible for the town’s initial foray into tourism.

Visitors came here to fish, hike, and go on honeymoons. You’re invited to explore the Whistler you don’t know through the Whistler Museum.

The museum unearths Whistler’s best-kept secrets, mountain memories, and natural history, from the colourful pioneers of Whistler to the quest for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Kids love their tickle trunks, and for an Instagram-worthy photo, pose with a genuine Olympic flame from the year 2010.

For its Valley of Dreams Walking Tour throughout the summer, the museum brings you outdoors. In June, July, and August, this hour-long trip departs from the Visitors Information Center at 1 pm every day. It is donation-based.

Ask the guides how to make muskrat stew; they are enthusiastic Whistler residents who have some fantastic anecdotes to share about the valley.

19. Lost Lake

In the forest that extends from Whistler Village, there lies a serene lake called Lost Lake. You may reach this lovely lake with either a 20-minute, stroll or a 5-minute bike ride along the Valley Trail, which is well-marked.

As you approach Lost Lake Park, the large, paved Valley Route changes to a wide, gravel trail. The lake is surrounded by trails that go in all directions.

Since it only takes 6 kilometres to run from Whistler Village around Lost Lake and back to the Village, the major path around the lake is a well-liked jogging route.

There are several lovely overlooks along the main route and many small side trails that lead to various lake access locations, some with fantastic spots to sit and enjoy the scenery while relaxing in the sun.

One end of Lost Lake is home to a highly popular beach that becomes crowded at the height of the summer since it is the closest beach to Whistler Village.

20. Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding

The last ten years have seen a tremendous increase in the popularity of backcountry skiing and snowboarding, yet many people still have no idea what it is.

The best response is to clarify that backcountry skiing and snowboarding refer to activities that are done off-piste, away from open ski areas that have lift service, grooming, ski patrols, and well-indicated risks.

Skiing in an untamed, natural setting is referred to as backcountry skiing. It may be just beyond the fence at a resort-controlled ski slope or hundreds of miles out in the middle of nowhere. Skiing has intricacies, splitters, lumpers, side country, and slack country.

When skiing or snowboarding, tools like skins on the bottom of your skis or split board may help you get a grip when climbing a hill, and adjustable poles can assist you to modify your skiing or snowboarding for different height requirements.

21. Whistler River Rafting

The wedge provides 2.5-hour outings to all-day experiences on its whitewater rafting tours in Whistler, British Columbia, with up to eight departures every day from the village.

On the Green, Cheakamus, or Elaho-Squamish Rivers, only a short distance from the resort, go on an unforgettable Whistler river experience.

In addition to teaching, expert raft guides, complete wetsuits, and transportation are all included in the trips. Just remember to pack your swimwear, yourself, and an adventurous spirit!

Conclusion

It’s safe to assume that Whistler is often associated with summer travel. The most popular ski resort in Canada draws tourists from all over the globe, and peak season may be quite crowded.

But did you also know that there is a tonne lot to do in the summer? Additionally, the level of crowding won’t be nearly as bad.

The mountains in the distance are still covered with snow; yet it’s shockingly warm in Whistler village. The ideal starting point for a variety of outdoor activities that are popular in this area.

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