Yes, Whistler is Canada’s most famous winter playground, but it also offers breathtaking experiences all year round. These are the top activities to try in Whistler any time of the year.
Glide Down the Slopes
Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing hardly need an introduction when it comes to Whistler. If you’re visiting in winter, you must test your skills on the epic slopes that made this town famous. There’s a whole range of runs for every ability, so you’re sure to find the ones that suit you best. If you’re new to it all, you can book a few lessons to get comfortable and build your confidence.
Before you know it, you’ll be swishing down the slopes and ticking off one of the best things to do in Whistler. It’s seriously good fun!
Kayaking
Kayaking is easily one of the best things to do in Whistler. Where else can you paddle down the River of Golden Dreams for a few hours, surrounded by the gorgeous scenery of British Columbia?
Locals call it the ‘river of broken marriages’. According to them, it used to be a place where newlyweds came to celebrate their union or so the story goes. It’s great fun, even if your kayaking skills aren’t Olympic-level.
Looking for a place to stay? Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside is right in the heart of town, so you can walk straight to the ski lifts, or to the trails if you’re visiting in summer. It’s one of the best luxury hotels in Whistler, Canada.
See Some Bears
If you’re in Whistler, make sure to catch sight of some of the town’s most famous locals – the black bears. You’ll find them in their natural habitat, roaming freely through the forests and mountain slopes. The best way to see them is on a bear-viewing tour, where you can watch from a safe distance without disturbing them.
It’s such an incredible experience – seeing these animals out in the wild, completely free. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Whistler. Just note that tours usually pause over winter while the bears hibernate.
Float-Plane Glaciers
This is definitely one experience you won’t forget anytime soon. Getting from Vancouver to Whistler is pretty straightforward – you can drive there in a few hours or take a float plane that gets you there in about 30 minutes.
Flying over glaciers, mountain peaks, and that rugged coastline is a great way to see British Columbia from an entirely new angle. It’s the kind of thing that’ll keep popping into your mind long after the trip is over.
Hiking
There are miles of trails weaving through this beautiful corner of British Columbia, so make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes.
Depending on the weather and the time of year, you can go for an alpine hike or even a glacial one that takes you around Blackcomb Mountain and the wider Whistler area. Many of the trails start right from the Village Gondola, so it’s easy to get going.
If you’re after something really scenic, head about seven miles south to Brandywine Falls – it’s one of the most dramatic waterfalls around and a great place for a walk, especially if you make it down to the base. In winter, the Valley Trail is your best bet; it’s kept clear all year and lets you explore beyond town without much fuss.
Mountain Biking
When the snow melts and summer greets Whistler, slopes swap skis for bikes. The trails turn into a mountain biker’s playground, and some of the lifts even stay open, fitted to carry bikes up the mountain. It’s an easy way to reach the top, and the ride back down into town is pure fun.
Axe Throwing
Axe throwing has to be one of the most fun things to do in Whistler, especially if you have a bit of pent-up energy to burn! It’s the perfect indoor activity if the weather turns or you just want to try something different. Head over to Forged Axe Throwing in town, where the team will show you how to nail your aim and master the technique. It’s a unique experience and a surprisingly good time.
Enjoy Views
For some of the best views in the area, hop on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. You can book your tickets online to save a bit or just turn up on the day – though be ready for a short wait if you do.
It’s worth checking the schedule before you go, as the gondola only runs at certain times of the year. And if you can, hold out for one of the glass-bottom cabins. They’re in high demand, but the views are incredible – easily one of the most memorable things to do in Whistler.
