Author: 
Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, Whistler lies just two hours north of Vancouver. Aside from hosting events for the 2010 Winter Olympics. This resort municipality is famous for its four-season excitement that ranges from experiencing First Nations culture to cross-country skiing.
The following lists some of the best things to do in Whistle whether you’re on a quick day trip or spending a week or two after a long road trip.
Things to Do in Winter in Whistler
Plenty of ice and snow make Whistler a winter wonderland for every age including toddlers who like to ride on inner tubes, teens who try snowshoeing, and advanced athletes who want to tackle challenging ski runs and other winter sports.
Skiing and Snowboarding
As a ski resort, whistler is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding on over 8,100 acres of slopes, 200 marked trails, 16 alpine bowls, and 3 glaciers. Check out the following skiing options on an interactive trail map.
- If you’re a novice on Blackcomb Mountain, try the Expressway from Rendezvous to the bottom of 7th Heaven Express. You can learn skiing and snowboarding at a local school.
- For intermediate skiers on Whistler Mountain, Upper Peak to Creek provides awesome panoramic views all the way to Black Tusk.
- Black diamond runs are tailored to adrenaline junkies. Expect ungroomed slopes at 25 to 45 degrees. You want to slowly progress from single to double to triple blacks. Exhilaration is one example of a steep and narrow triple on Whistler Mountain.
Whatever you choose, your starting point will be Whistler Village with shops, accommodations, and après activities. For the best deals at the most affordable prices, book a package that combines lodgings and lift tickets.
Snowmobiling
A snowmobile is just like a motorcycle that has two skis in the front, a tread track in the back, and the ability to glide across snow-packed trails. You’ll get your own machine as you go on a guided tour. Choices include a scenic version for first-timers, a family option for riding with all your loved ones, and a mountain explorer that takes you around Blackcomb Mountain. Bring the kids because they get to ride their own Mini-Z snowmobiles on a special track.
Dress for the outdoor winter weather in warm layers. No experience is necessary, but you must have a valid driver’s license.
bubly™ Tube Park
You can enjoy the slopes with your kids at bubly™ Tube Park, which is located on Blackcomb Mountain. No experience is necessary to sit on an inner tube and rush down over 1,000 feet on multiple lanes. You can then take a unique conveyor lift to the top so that you can enjoy the thrills all over again.
Kids are welcome, but they must be at least 25 inches tall and if they’re under 12, they must be accompanied by an adult. Only one person is allowed per tube, though adults can hang onto their child’s tube as it goes down the kids’ lane. If you’re in a group, try linking your tubes together for additional fun when weather permits.
Be sure to wear winter boots with good grip, snow pants, and warm winter clothing. Snow pants are recommended for kids. Ski boots are not allowed, and lockers are still not available because of COVID-19.
Dog Sledding
Want to feel the winter wind on your face and see the powder fly by without skiing? Then ride a sled pulled by dogs to explore the landscapes around Whistler. To experience this uniquely Canadian way of getting around, all you have to do is sit back and relax on the sled, as a professional musher guides the team through a mix of open and winding trails. Up to two adults and one small child can fit in one sled.
Dress for the bracing weather in a winter ski jacket and pants, waterproof gloves, snow boots, and goggles. The tour companies can provide any missing gear. You’re welcome to pet the dogs and can feed them with treats supplied by the company.
Snowcat Tours
You can enjoy the scenic valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain without trudging through the snow on a Snowcat Tour. This adventure vehicle fits anywhere from 10 to 19 people and takes you in heated comfort to the backcountry by traveling on treaded tracks. Large windows let you gaze at the white scenery. Depending on the experience you book, you can enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows, or the start of a snowboarding or snowcat skiing run at your destination.
If you intend on taking on the deep powder, intermediate ability or greater is recommended because the runs are not groomed like they are in resorts. Wear what you typically wear when you go snowboarding or skiing, including goggles, helmet, snowsuit, jacket, waterproof gloves, and sunscreen.
Eagle Viewing
From late November to early March, the Brackendale area of Squamish receives thousands of bald eagles, making it the largest such concentration in the world of the majestic birds. Almost as many people, it seems, arrive to engage in eagle viewing. You can join them at Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park, which sets up an information kiosk and telescopes to celebrate the occasion.
The best time to come is in the morning but don’t forget to bring your binoculars. You may spy volunteers conducting daily counts, which they then post on their website. If you want a more involved view, take a tour on the water, by bike, or on foot.
Things to Do in Spring in Whistler
Spring renews the flora of Whistler while letting you witness the birth of baby fauna.
Bear Viewing
You may think of bears as cute and cuddly, particularly when they are young. Just remember that they are wild animals that you should never approach on your own. Still, viewing these large mammals can prove to be the highlight of your British Columbia trip. If you do see any, never approach or leave food for it. Instead, watch from a distance.
If you want to remove the randomness from your viewing, take a Bear Viewing Tour. Tours typically take you into the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, or Whistler Olympic Park. You remain safe in a 4×4 vehicle with a guide who can take you to and explain hibernation dens, daybeds, and feeding sites. Going after late April is your best chance to see mothers emerging with their cubs.
Train Wreck Hiking Trail
Whistler boasts many trails to keep even advanced hikers happy. But one of the most unusual is the Train Wreck, which used to be restricted because reaching it required walking along railway tracks. Luckily a suspension bridge footpath opened to span the Cheakamus. Hikers can now safely access the site, which is littered with boxcars from a train derailment in 1956. The accident occurred in a different section of track that was under repair. A local logging company dragged the cars to where you see them today.
The best way to reach the site is by parking at the Interpretive Forest lot at Cheakamus Lake Road, east of Highway 99. You can then walk the Sea to Sky Highway for less than 30 minutes to reach the wrecks.
River of Golden Dreams
The River of Golden Dreams runs for three miles (five km) from Alta Lake and Golden Lake, past banks filled with scenic wildflowers. You can take a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, while viewing birds, fish, and other wildlife. You may also have to maneuver past beaver dams. If you’re lucky, you may spot a black bear or two.
If you’re not sure where to go, try a guided tour that includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. Otherwise, you can start from Lakeside Park, which has free parking, boat rentals, and other amenities.
Zipline Tours
Ziplining delivers plenty of thrills with no effort as you zoom over old-growth trees and rugged landscapes. You may surprise birds and other wildlife as you hang from a high wire. Multiple tours are available including the Eagle Tour of Ziptrek Ecotours that puts you on five different zip lines including one with a 2,400-foot and 30-story descent.
Wear comfortable and supportive closed-toe athletic or hiking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. Leave your backpack, other large baggage, or personal items at home. You’ll put on a full-body harness and don’t need anything to interfere with your sightseeing. You also don’t want to lose or drop a possession on the ground because you’ll never find it again. You can bring a camera but only if it can mount securely on your helmet, or be attached via a wrist or neck strap.
Things to Do in Summer in Whistler
Long daylight hours and fair weather mean plenty of activities in Whistler.
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
When you want a bird’s eye view of the local mountains, lakes, glaciers, forests, and Whistler Village, take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which travels from the peak of Whistler Mountain to the top of Blackcomb Mountain. You get access to both areas as well, in case you want to try any of the hiking trails.
You’ll ride 1,427 feet (436 meters) above the ground in a specially designed carriage with large windows for viewing 360 degrees of natural and man-made scenery. Give yourself at least two hours to ride the gondola and return to town. The round-trip ride between both peaks takes 22 minutes and the ride to and from the Village takes 25 minutes each way. Wait for the special glass-bottom version for spectacular views of the forest floor below.
Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Pedal your way through 70 bikeways and four distinct mountain zones at Whistler Mountain Bike Park, which ranks as the top lift-accessed downhill bike park in the world. You’ll encounter about 4,900 vertical feet of terrain with over 50 miles (80 km) of bike trails. All levels are welcome from beginning bikers to experienced pros. If you need to learn how to ride mountain bikes, you can take bike lessons on-site.
Helmets are mandatory, and you can rent bikes from shops in Whistler Village. If you want to bring your own two-wheeler, make sure that they’re downhill-specific or all-mountain. Cross-country bikes are not recommended, although you can use them on long Whistler valley trails.
Vallea Lumina
When night falls at Vallea Lumina, you enter a magical world full of light displays while listening to the sounds from Cougar Mountain. This multimedia night walk takes you on a nearly mile (1.5 km) trail through old-growth forest. Depending on how often you stop to admire the glowing wonders around you, the self-guided tour can last from 50 to 80 minutes.
You’ll need to reserve a ticket for the timed entry that occurs every 20 minutes. Because the path includes several steep staircases, it is not recommended for people with reduced mobility or for strollers. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. The Cougar Cafe can nourish you at the entrance, but no alcohol is allowed.
Alpine Wildflowers
The colorful alpine wildflowers that carpet the landscapes around Whistler stand in stark contrast to the white vistas that mark the winter season. These blooms typically appear on the alpine meadows near the end of July and stay until mid-August. But the actual dates vary depending on the winter snowpack and spring melt rate.
You’ll usually spot these palettes if you’re anywhere around the surrounding mountains. But if you want a close-up view, you’ll need to hike in.
- On Blackcomb Mountain, try going clockwise on the Lakeside Loop , which only takes about 17 minutes to traverse its 4,300 feet.
- On Whistler Mountain, you can head to the top via the chairlift and use the 5.8-mile (9.4-kilometer) route that takes 3 to 4 hours, which allows for plenty of picture taking.
Bungee Jumping
What does it feel like to jump off a bridge, rush headlong into the Cheakamus River, and stop just feet away from plunging into the water? Find out for yourself with some bungee jumping. You’ll be surrounded by old-growth forest and column cliffs as you jump off a bridge that spans 300 feet and rises 160 feet (50 meters) above the river.
You’ll need to book at least a week or two in advance during the busy summer season. No experience is necessary and expect no cancellations, no matter the weather, except for lightning storms that might connect with the metal bridge. Photos of your experience are available for a fee.
Things to Do in Fall in Whistler
Fresh mountain air accompanies Whistler’s transformation into a palette of autumn colors.
Cornucopia
This 25th annual fall extravaganza treats your taste buds, eyes, and nose to exceptional food and drink at venues all throughout the city. You can indulge in signature tastings, attend food and drink seminars, visit restaurant and bar experiences, and watch talented chefs create exciting dishes at the Culinary Stage Series.
You can buy a ticket for one event or book a package and lodging deal, if you want to enjoy the repasts over several days. Only guests 19 and older are allowed at the events. Note that wine servings will equal 1.5 to 2 ounces per glass, and the maximum legal consumption is 2 ounces per hour. Tasting etiquette demands that you swirl, sniff, sip, and spit.
ATV Tours
ATV tours are good in almost any season that doesn’t have snow on the ground. But fall can be more fun because the more frequent rains often turn the dirt trails into mud pits that can be more challenging to get into and out of. If you enjoy that sort of ride, November is the wettest month in Whistler. Depending on the option you choose, you’ll explore old-growth forest, historical sites, scenic lookouts, and even local food and drink.
No experience is needed to drive the quad cycles because part of the tour involves training. But you will need a valid driver’s license without restrictions and be age 19 or older. While you’re welcome to sign up with your family or as a couple, each of you will need to ride solo.
Scandinave Spa
You can relax at the Scandinave Spa any time of year, but fall is especially delightful because you can spot the colorful foliage of deciduous trees among the evergreens. The saunas and hot baths cleanse your pores with their heat before you rinse at Nordic waterfalls, showers, and plunge baths to shut the pores and flush out toxins. You can then chill in outdoor hammocks, a fireplace lounge, solariums, outdoor fireplaces, or a multipurpose yoga studio.
As with many spas, you can treat yourself with all types of massages, such as deep tissue, restorative, Swedish relaxation, or prenatal. You’ll get the best value by booking a spa and massage package.
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
Like many parks in North America, Brandywine Falls Provincial Park encourages hiking, picnicking, and cycling. What makes this one unusual is the 230-foot (70-meter) Brandywine Waterfall, which is located only 0.8 miles from the parking lot, which takes 26 minutes to do. Come during the morning to enjoy some calm before the crowds start showing up.
You’ll view plenty of trees and maybe some red-legged frogs, which are an at-risk “blue listed” species. Avoid the temptation to swim at Daisy Lake at the bottom of the falls because that pool is inaccessible. Do not wander off the designated trails and viewing points. The area suffers from falling rock and unstable ground.
Whistler Village Beer Festival
Unlike the German Oktoberfest, the Whistler Village Beer Festival takes place in September. However, like its more famous cousin, the BC version celebrates over 120 beers and ciders, many from local breweries, which you can taste with food from trucks while listening to live music. You can also enjoy free Whistler brewing tours, vote for a favorite at the Master Crafters competition, or sip a beverage while trying a one-hour yoga class.
All your tickets come with a number of tokens that let you sample beer. Spring from the All Access Pass at the top and you gain access to both main events on Saturday and Sunday, receive an official sampling mug, take advantage of express entry, and use All-Access only washrooms.
Things to Do Anytime in Whistler
Because these Whistler experiences happen indoors, you can do them year-round.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
A visit to this 30,400-sq.-ft. center puts you in touch with two First Nations cultures: the Squamish and Lil’wat who have co-existed as neighbors while living off the land, rivers, and ocean. The facility is run by members of the community who want to share their culture through permanent and temporary exhibits, which you can view through a guided tour, crafts such as creating a Salish hand drum, and experiences such as an interpretive forest walk or interactive canoe carving.
The center also has a gallery and gift shop that features exclusive Northwest Coast First Nations merchandise crafted by hand. You can also refresh yourself at the Thunderbird Cafe, which offers affordable Indigenous-inspired dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
Audain Art Museum
Founded in 2016, the Audain Art Museum showcases the art of British Columbia. The permanent collection in the art galleries features almost 200 pieces from the late 18th century to the present, including a superb collection of First Nations masks, important postmodern work by E.J. Huges and Jack Shadbolt, and offers from BC artists, such as Marianne Nicolson, Stan Doublas, and Jeff Wall. Changing temporary exhibits encourage repeat visits to this Whistler museum.
Tickets are available online or at the ticket booth, and you’ll need to check any backpacks, large backs, food, water, tripods, and selfie-stick in the free cloakroom. Public and private guided tours are also available. The museum offers a fine dining experience every Friday evening with Alta Bistro.
Ax Throwing
Don’t worry if you’ve never wielded an ax before. A session at Forged Ax Throwing includes an introduction, safety review, and basic techniques. Kids, friends, corporate teams, and bachelors and bachelorettes can have plenty of fun while letting off steam. Alcoholic beverages and snacks are available. And you can bring your own food.
At Whistler’s only indoor ax-throwing facility, you can buy a one-hour session or rent out the entire facility for three hours for your private group. Just be sure that you’re wearing closed-toe shoes. Children 10 years and older are welcome although minors aged 18 or less need a legal guardian.
Enjoy the Best Things to Do in Whistler
Although certainly well-known for its incredible skiing, snowboarding, and winter activities, there’s much more to do in Whistler all year round. Regardless of the time of the year you’re planning a visit to Whistler, you’ll find plenty of outdoor escapes and great things to do!
