10 best things to do in Whistler. With British Columbia recently reopening for local provincial travel, we are excited to get back to exploring our stunning region and discovering everything about Beautiful BC.
We wanted to highlight some of the best outdoor activities you can do in Whistler.
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Explore Whistler’s hiking trails
Whistler is full of world-class hiking that ranges from river-side trails to stunning alpine treks. While the Garibaldi Provincial Park – home to the very popular Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus Lake, and Wedgemount Lake hikes – is closed right now due to covid, there are still many beautiful hikes to do around town.
Check out the High Note Trail, Train Wreck Trail, Blackcomb Ascent, Ancient Cedars Trail, or Lost Lake Loop.
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Go for a sightseeing helicopter tour.
We couldn’t leave out our favorite activity of all – flying! Blackcomb Helicopters have adjusted their flights so that all tours are private. It’s just you and your group! We recommend the BC Experience as you get to fly right by stunning glaciers and our favorite bright blue lake – Garibaldi. Flights start from $370 per group.
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Go paddleboarding on the Lakes.
We recently got a stand-up paddleboard, and we’re hooked! With five lakes to choose from, Whistler is excellent for water activities. Green Lake is very cold, so we recommend going to Lost Lake, Alta Lake, Alpha Lake, or Nita Lake.
Popular choice
Alta Lake is the most popular choice, with opportunities to rent from Backroads Whistler and Whistler Eco Tours from Lakeside Park.
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Go cross-country biking around Lost Lake.
Whistler may be commonly known worldwide for being a ski resort, but in Summer, mountain biking is all everyone does. If you’re not ready to hit the downhill trails on Whistler Blackcomb, rent a bike from one of the many places in town and explore the Cross Country Trails around Lost Lake.
You can take it easy on the Lake Loop or adventure onto some technical flawy green, blue and black trails.
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Get your adrenaline fix by bungee jumping or bobsleighing
We highly recommend bungee jumping over the impressive Cheakamus River with Whistler Bungee or jumping in a bobsleigh to speed down the track at the Whistler Sliding Centre. We did it in the Winter, but it’s still available in the summer and is a unique experience!
https://www.whistlerbungee.com/
https://www.whistlersportlegacies.com/whistler-sliding-centre/overview
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Grab a picnic and relax by one of Whistler’s many lakes
After months of isolation, we’re enjoying just being outdoors. There’s nothing nicer than having a little picnic by the lake and just taking in the sun and nature.
If you want the ultimate picnic box, check out Good Grazing or Picnic Whistler and take it to Nita Lake, Rainbow Park on Alta Lake, Meadow Park by the River of Golden Dreams, or Rebagliati Park right by the Fitzsimmons Creek.
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Go chasing waterfalls
There are two very prominent waterfalls just located south of Whistler that we recommend you check out on your drive in/out of town. Brandywine Falls is right off the highway and has a short 10-minute walk to the viewpoint.
Fantastic views
This incredible waterfall is 70m in height and flows into Daisy Lake, which you can get a good view of at another lookout. Alexander Falls, located a little bit further south in the Callaghan Valley, can be seen right from the car park. It’s broader and shorter than Brandywine (43m) but is still very impressive because of its staggering drops.
Hot tip:
You can go snowshoeing to the bottom of the frozen falls in winter on the Whistler Olympic Park trails.
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Scandinave Spa
We could all do some pampering after the first half of this year. We always recommend Scandinave Spa to everyone that comes to visit Whistler. Relax in the steam rooms and saunas, do hydrotherapy with the cold pools, or release all of your tension with an incredible massage. You’ll never want to leave.
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Go Ziplining
I couldn’t think of somewhere more beautiful to go zip lining than Whistler. Zig zag between mountains with one of the two companies in town. Superfly takes you high above Cougar Mountain to the north of Whistler with comfortable seat-like harnesses that keep you seated.
So much fun
Their lines are long and high for an incredible experience with a view. With Ziptrek, you soar between Whistler and Blackcomb mountain, through the trees in a standard harness that allows you to spin around and go upside down! Hopefully, this helps you choose between the two – both are incredible!
https://tagwhistler.com/activity/superfly/
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Valley Lumina
For an exciting nighttime activity, book a ticket to Vallea Lumina. This is a unique experience – it’s a multimedia light walk through the forest on Cougar Mountain that only happens after sunset. “Old stories tell of the wondrous things that happen near Whistler. Between the trees, in the shadow of mountains, legends say there’s a hidden valley where stardust falls from the sky, filling all living things with its pure light.
Fairy tale
It’s a place that’s filled with unexpected enchantment. There’s a way to get there, but few know how to find it. Those who visit and witness its secrets remember it long after leaving.”