Whistler's Tours & Activities
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Whistler, British Columbia.
As co-host of the XXI Olympic Winter Games, the eyes of the world rested firmly on Whistler in 2010 and with all of the attention focused on winter sports during the Games, outdoor adventure fans would be forgiven for assuming that this small resort town is only worth a visit in Canada's snowy winter months. However, those who have been to the world-famous destination would be quick to espouse the virtues of Whistler year round for its multitude of tours and activities in every season.
Nestled in British Columbia’s Sea to Sky Country, just 125 km (78 mi) north of Vancouver (also co-host of the Olympic Games), Whistler is arguably the most popular resort town in North America. Up to 2 million adventure seekers descend on the area every year, which has a permanent population of approximately 10,000. With cool boutique finds, great eats and lodging options that run the gamut from funky and basic to high-end luxury, the friendly town is ideal for visitors young and not-so-young from around the world.
The town has earned its reputation as a haven for ski and snowboard lovers, but summer has become equally popular with a plethora of outdoor pursuits available in warmer months. From heart-racing adventure to peaceful leisurely activities, Whistler serves up recreation cold and crisp or hot and sunny.
SNOW & ICE
It wouldn’t be right to start with anything other than the granddaddy of it all, Whistler Blackcomb. Skiers and boarders the world over make the trek to this corner of BC to experience the rush of speeding down the resort’s two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb. Boasting a mix of over 30 gondola, chair and surface lifts leading to a vast range of runs means that no two days on the mountain slopes need be the same. And thrill seeking experts looking for vertical turns or virgin powder can experience the Coast Mountains at their most dramatic on one of the cat-skiing or heli-skiing tours that depart regularly from Whistler.
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing tours are also readily available in Whistler and let visitors discover the silence and beauty of backcountry trails. Adventure junkies looking for a break from skis and boards but still wanting to get their motors running can get their fill of thrills exploring the wintery wilderness surrounding the resort on a snowmobile tour, or—for something more serene—sleigh rides are a fun and festive way to see the town of Whistler.
ON TWO WHEELS
Once the snow begins to melt, mountain bikes become the equipment of choice as the area surrounding Whistler is a mountain biker’s Mecca. Whistler Blackcomb is considered one of the world’s best mountain bike parks with over 200 km (124 mi) of tracks, and area trails—including the epic Sea to Sky Trail—offer hundreds of kilometres of mixed terrain. A number of local tour operators can assist with planning a ride and offer guided bike tours of the trails for both bikers and hikers. Motorcycle fans will be happy to know that luxury motorbike tours are available too.
GOLF
When the sun comes out, Whistler is a spectacular spot to hit the links with four 18-hole courses located in its vicinity. Designed by golf great Arnold Palmer, the 72-par Whistler Golf Club challenges players with lakes, creeks and distracting views of the surrounding peaks and valley, while the 71-par Nicklaus North Golf Course was designed to Jack Nickaus’s rigid specifications and offers a practice facility and amazing scenery.
Situated at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort Golf Club is a 72-par course that will stun both beginners and experts with its spectacular surroundings and challenging holes. And located 25 minutes from Whistler and 600 m (1,970 ft) above sea level, the Big Sky Golf and Country Club is an impressive, out-of-town option. Those wanting to experience the best of golf in Whistler would be wise to focus on their swing and leave the planning to local golf tour experts, or have a bit of fun with the family at the local putting green.
ON (AND IN) THE WATER
Situated high in the mountains, the area surrounding Whistler is speckled with alpine lakes and crystal-clear rivers, making the locale a fisherman’s dream. Keen anglers will find trout, dolly, salmon and steelhead in the waters of the Coast Mountains, and a variety of tour guides offering everything from basic to luxury fishing tours will happily help visitors catch “the Big One”.
Outdoor lovers excited to explore remote areas that can only be accessed from the water can get off the beaten track and enjoy an authentic Canadian experience on a kayak or canoe tour. Aquatic thrill seekers are also catered to with white water rafting and jet boating adventures that are guaranteed to get pulses racing.
ADDITIONAL TOURS & ACTIVITIES
There are a plethora of ways to explore the spectacular beauty of Whistler and its surrounds, no matter what level of activity visitors desire. Numerous hiking, camping and backpacking, and all-terrain tours are available for those who like their nature up-close and personal, while sightseeing and interpretive guide services offer tours via road, rail, airplanes and helicopters that are ideal for visitors who want to witness the beauty of the great outdoors from the comfort of a seat. And for those wanting to combine a Whistler stay with a learning adventure, summer camps and learning programs offer everything from conventional kids camps and professional sport clinics to language programs and film-making workshops.
Visitors who want to take the stress out of holiday planning may wish to enlist the services of a vacation planning specialist to get the most out of their trip. Rocky-Peak Holidays and Anderson Vacations are experts on summer and winter tours and packages in Whistler and will help visitors get as much or as little adventure as desired.
And for a little luxury, after a day (or several) of skiing, boarding, golfing, fishing, cycling and exploring, a day of rest, relaxation and pampering can be arranged with a treatment (or several) at one of Whistler’s world-class spas.
Nestled in British Columbia’s Sea to Sky Country, just 125 km (78 mi) north of Vancouver (also co-host of the Olympic Games), Whistler is arguably the most popular resort town in North America. Up to 2 million adventure seekers descend on the area every year, which has a permanent population of approximately 10,000. With cool boutique finds, great eats and lodging options that run the gamut from funky and basic to high-end luxury, the friendly town is ideal for visitors young and not-so-young from around the world.
The town has earned its reputation as a haven for ski and snowboard lovers, but summer has become equally popular with a plethora of outdoor pursuits available in warmer months. From heart-racing adventure to peaceful leisurely activities, Whistler serves up recreation cold and crisp or hot and sunny.
SNOW & ICE
It wouldn’t be right to start with anything other than the granddaddy of it all, Whistler Blackcomb. Skiers and boarders the world over make the trek to this corner of BC to experience the rush of speeding down the resort’s two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb. Boasting a mix of over 30 gondola, chair and surface lifts leading to a vast range of runs means that no two days on the mountain slopes need be the same. And thrill seeking experts looking for vertical turns or virgin powder can experience the Coast Mountains at their most dramatic on one of the cat-skiing or heli-skiing tours that depart regularly from Whistler.
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing tours are also readily available in Whistler and let visitors discover the silence and beauty of backcountry trails. Adventure junkies looking for a break from skis and boards but still wanting to get their motors running can get their fill of thrills exploring the wintery wilderness surrounding the resort on a snowmobile tour, or—for something more serene—sleigh rides are a fun and festive way to see the town of Whistler.
ON TWO WHEELS
Once the snow begins to melt, mountain bikes become the equipment of choice as the area surrounding Whistler is a mountain biker’s Mecca. Whistler Blackcomb is considered one of the world’s best mountain bike parks with over 200 km (124 mi) of tracks, and area trails—including the epic Sea to Sky Trail—offer hundreds of kilometres of mixed terrain. A number of local tour operators can assist with planning a ride and offer guided bike tours of the trails for both bikers and hikers. Motorcycle fans will be happy to know that luxury motorbike tours are available too.
GOLF
When the sun comes out, Whistler is a spectacular spot to hit the links with four 18-hole courses located in its vicinity. Designed by golf great Arnold Palmer, the 72-par Whistler Golf Club challenges players with lakes, creeks and distracting views of the surrounding peaks and valley, while the 71-par Nicklaus North Golf Course was designed to Jack Nickaus’s rigid specifications and offers a practice facility and amazing scenery.
Situated at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort Golf Club is a 72-par course that will stun both beginners and experts with its spectacular surroundings and challenging holes. And located 25 minutes from Whistler and 600 m (1,970 ft) above sea level, the Big Sky Golf and Country Club is an impressive, out-of-town option. Those wanting to experience the best of golf in Whistler would be wise to focus on their swing and leave the planning to local golf tour experts, or have a bit of fun with the family at the local putting green.
ON (AND IN) THE WATER
Situated high in the mountains, the area surrounding Whistler is speckled with alpine lakes and crystal-clear rivers, making the locale a fisherman’s dream. Keen anglers will find trout, dolly, salmon and steelhead in the waters of the Coast Mountains, and a variety of tour guides offering everything from basic to luxury fishing tours will happily help visitors catch “the Big One”.
Outdoor lovers excited to explore remote areas that can only be accessed from the water can get off the beaten track and enjoy an authentic Canadian experience on a kayak or canoe tour. Aquatic thrill seekers are also catered to with white water rafting and jet boating adventures that are guaranteed to get pulses racing.
ADDITIONAL TOURS & ACTIVITIES
There are a plethora of ways to explore the spectacular beauty of Whistler and its surrounds, no matter what level of activity visitors desire. Numerous hiking, camping and backpacking, and all-terrain tours are available for those who like their nature up-close and personal, while sightseeing and interpretive guide services offer tours via road, rail, airplanes and helicopters that are ideal for visitors who want to witness the beauty of the great outdoors from the comfort of a seat. And for those wanting to combine a Whistler stay with a learning adventure, summer camps and learning programs offer everything from conventional kids camps and professional sport clinics to language programs and film-making workshops.
Visitors who want to take the stress out of holiday planning may wish to enlist the services of a vacation planning specialist to get the most out of their trip. Rocky-Peak Holidays and Anderson Vacations are experts on summer and winter tours and packages in Whistler and will help visitors get as much or as little adventure as desired.
And for a little luxury, after a day (or several) of skiing, boarding, golfing, fishing, cycling and exploring, a day of rest, relaxation and pampering can be arranged with a treatment (or several) at one of Whistler’s world-class spas.
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