12 Best Things to Do in Whistler
It’s beautiful to know that all journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware. What’s going to be even more beautiful is this article on things to do in Whistler! Because it has a good list of the 15 best things to do in Whistler for everyone.
Whistler is known as a winter paradise for skiing and other winter activities. But Whistler has more to offer than that. The things to do in Whistler are indeed tons and, every activity is suitable for every single day of the year!
You’ll never run out of things to do in Whistler, Canada, with both summer and winter activities to keep you entertained all year long. Grab a note and create your quick list of things to do in Whistler with us, now.
1. Go Skiing on the Whistler Blackcomb
The event is one of the major ones in Whistler. Whistler Blackcomb attracts hordes of skiers and snowboarders every year. This is no surprise – its slopes cover over 8,100 acres and offer trails for all skill levels, as well as an average annual snowfall of around 40 feet. The five terrain parks offer ramps and half-pipes where trick lovers can practice. Less experienced skiers can glide down the seven-mile trails that wind through the mountains, which are less steep than the more challenging runs. We can hear the adrenaline junkie in you screaming in joy. Yes, don’t miss this fun activity! Add it to your list right away.
2. Experience the world’s longest Gondola
If you want to see the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains at their most spectacular, you have to fly like a bird. There is a three-cable gondola connecting Whistler Mountain’s Roundhouse Lodge with Blackcomb Mountain’s Rendezvous Restaurant. In terms of the line between the two ropeway towers, it has the longest span in the world at 1.88 miles. This gondola operates at 1,430 feet above the ground, making it the highest above ground.
As well as skiers who go to the mountains during the winter, the gondola serves tourists who want to see the mountains from a completely different perspective. In addition to touring the machine room of the gondola, visitors receive a presentation about the gondola and the sights it offers. Need more to do around here? Don’t be hesitant to participate in other activities on either mountain.
3. Encounter Hiking & Climbing Around Whistler
Whistler is no different from other parts of British Columbia in having many hiking trails. A variety of trails lead from easy nature walks around Lost Lake to mountain climbs with significant elevation changes. The lookouts on Whistler Mountain are a convenient starting point for a network of hikes. During the alpine wildflower season, the trails above the tree line are especially beautiful, with gondolas taking hikers above the treeline.
Garibaldi Provincial Park is also adjacent to these mountains, which are mostly untraveled. There are five trailheads in the Provincial Park that allow access from Squamish to the north of Whistler.
Some of the best trails in Whistler include:
- Garibaldi Lake
- Cheakamus Lake
- Wedgemount Lake
These trails are most suitable for hiking during the day.
As you drive through the park, you can spot Black Tusk, a 2,319-meter-tall volcanic outcropping. It’s an extremely popular climbing spot, and you can see it from your car as you pass along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Alternatively, if you are fit enough, you can hike 26 kilometers (round trip) to reach Black Tusk. However, you should not undertake the hike lightly. During the hike, you’ll ascend a considerable amount of vertical, and you’ll face slippery shale near the end. Take the hint, you are going to need a lot of mental fitness along with some physical strength for hiking in the best spots of Whistler!
A beautiful 70-meter-tall waterfall can be found in Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, which is a short distance from Garibaldi (and you will pass it along the way). You can also visit the “Train Wreck” on this day trip, which is a collection of abandoned boxcars from the 1950s that can be reached along an easy trail that features a suspension bridge spanning the Cheakamus River.
4. Visit the Gorgeous Lakes of Whistler
Besides ski/snowboard runs and mountain bike trails, there are secluded hikes in Whistler, mountain lookouts, and a variety of secluded spots. Nonetheless, the focus of this article is lake viewing!
It is impossible to think of a better way to relax in summer than by a body of cool water. Whatever season you are reading about the lakes of Whistler, you definitely have to add them to your list. Trust us, it’s worth it!
Now to our carefully curated list of the premier lakes in Whistler:
- Lost Lake
- Alta Lake
- Green Lake
- Nita Lake
- Joffre Lakes
For those who are unclear as to which lake out of the five you must check out, we’d say visit all of them if you have enough time left during your stay in Whistler. However, we’d suggest you start with Lost Lake and Alta Lake for starters because they are two of the most famous lakes and most visited by the locals and guests.
Lost Lake is one of Whistler’s most accessible lakes and is located in the Upper Village area, despite its name.
A short walk from easy hiking trails and bike trails, it’s the perfect place to relax and cool off after a day of exploring. If you feel adventurous, there’s even a nude dock, which is a friendly and relaxed environment.
Alternately, the island of Alta is huge and has a variety of points of entry, as well as docks, parks, and beaches. As the largest access point, Rainbow Park offers docks, volleyball courts, and a dog-friendly “Barking Bay”.
From Rainbow Park and the Valley Trail, you can take in breathtaking views of Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, as well as nighttime photography opportunities.
The Green Lake, Joffre, and Nita are also similarly filled with exciting features and breathtaking views that you wouldn’t want to miss. We believe that’s the best thing about Whistler, one cannot ever get enough of its natural beauty!
5. Delve into the Famous Museums Of Whistler
What art lovers might not know is that Whistler is already a vibrant art community. It is home to some of the highest cultural and architectural museums that are a feast to art lovers. Classic, ancient and aesthetic, these museums in Whistler are a must-visit for art lovers and students of architecture and social sciences who want to explore the educational aspects of Whistler.
Here’s a list of five museums in Whistler that are worth exploring:
- The Whistler Museum
- Audain Art Museum
- The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
- ArtWalk
- Whistler’s Galleries
The Whistler Museum, despite its young age, is not devoid of history. Among the museum’s collection are natural and man-made artifacts as well as humorous objects. The museum offers great insight into local heroes and personalities, as well as an appreciation for our breathtaking surroundings. Check out their upcoming events – they often host interesting speaker series and debates.
Check out the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre if you are interested in learning more about the culture and history of Squamish. A magnificent institution bringing together two First Nations nations in the Whistler area – Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation – the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) shares the arts, culture, and history of the two nations with the local community. There are plenty of learning opportunities from exhibits, films, and interactive displays.
6. Go Around the ‘Train Graveyard’
One of the most unique things to do in Whistler is the Train Graveyard. It features a cemetery of derailed train carriages that were abandoned in the 1950s. The carriages have been moved off the tracks and left in the forest due to an urgent need to get the train tracks open. That is, nearly 50 years ago and they are still there today!
At present, the carriages are covered in graffiti and murals which makes them a cool background for visitors and wanderers to take amazing pictures. A cool spot for tik tokers and bloggers!
7. Get a Bird’s Eye View of Whistler By Floatplane
Exploring Whistler from the air is probably the most enjoyable way to do so. There is nothing you can compare to it. It’s breathtaking, exciting, and sometimes terrifying. No matter what happens, it’s one of the most unforgettable things to do in Whistler.
Whistler offers a more unique method of exploring the skies, which is via floatplane. A floatplane will allow you to turn the lakes into an airport, which is one of the most unusual experiences you will ever encounter.
You never feel like you’re going fast enough as you run out of the lake when you take off in the water! However, once you are in the air, you will be just blown away by the scenery and be in awe of it.
Just like not everything special does not come cheap, these scenic flights around Whistler are also not very cheap. But for those who can afford a bit of luxury on your visit, for around $400, you can add an alpine lake landing and lunch to your 30-minute scenic flight around Whistler.
Save the worry of a sold-out Whistler scenic flight by booking yours in advance!
8. Take the longest zipline in North America
Although ziplining in general offers a lot of fun, you wouldn’t encounter a zipline like this one in Whistler. Topping the list of things to do in Whistler, this is a lifetime adventure you must not miss!
Almost 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) long, Whistler’s Zipline is the longest in North America. It is twice as long as the longest zipline in Laos! Anyone visiting Whistler should go ziplining if they want to add a little (or a lot) of excitement!
Depending on the weather conditions, the zipline experience can even be done in the snow. Prices start at $140 CAD per person.
It is a popular activity in Whistler, so you should book your tickets in advance.
9. Wind and Unwind at the Scandinave Spa
You can escape all the distractions and unwind in this lush 25,000-square-foot outdoor spa. It’s that simple: No talking or using your phone is allowed during this quiet experience, which features a circuit of hot and cold hydrotherapy (think sauna, steam, and hot tub followed by a gentle icy plunge) as well as Swedish massages. After a long day, refuel in their cozy bistro. It’s an unrivaled level of relaxation.
In fact, we are pretty confident that the Scandinave Spa is the best in Whistler. Most spas use essential oils or “Call of the Wild”-style soundtracks to create an atmosphere of tranquility and remoteness. But, there is no need to resort to such tricks to achieve a tranquil and remote setting at san!
The Scandinave Spa is nestled among the forests in Spruce Grove (just a few minutes north of Whistler Village), and you can tell the moment you arrive on its grounds that you are somewhere special. It’s hard not to feel stressed the moment you step inside the main building, which is both a luxury lodge and a cabin in the woods.
Scandinave Spa has the unique quality of offering new experiences every time you visit. In the heat of the summer, one might spend a little extra time in the cold baths or snoozing in the sun on a lawn chair. On cold, snowy days, it’s all about soaking in the hot tubs (surrounded by snow, no less) and taking the plunge in the cold pool before warming up in the sauna. Why it is even magical to sit in a solarium with a magazine while it is raining whilst reading!
10. Kayak Along the River of Golden Dreams
Can you think of a better way to spend the day than kayaking the River of Golden Dreams? Whistler kayaking tours are very unique and enjoyable. On the trip, you can enjoy nature from a kayak or canoe.
Beginning at Alta Lake, this self-guided tour takes you between two of Whistler’s biggest lakes. Floating along the currents, you will then paddle down the river mouth. There are geese to see, beaver dams to navigate past, and sights to see along the way.
The tour ends at Green Lake, where you are picked up and taken back to where you began. There’s a very informative self-guided tour that costs about $90 CAD if you want to do it!
The River of Golden Dreams kayaking tour can be booked online in advance, or you can find more information!
11. Unleash the Foodie in You At the Whistler Village
It’s all there in Whistler, from organic vegan comfort foods at Naked Sprout (a highly-recommended spot for a satisfying breakfast and lunch) to French comfort food at Alta Bistro and the village’s culinary anchor – and pioneer of farm-to-table dining – Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar (where you can treat yourself to dinner on the final night of your stay).
The village has something for everyone to enjoy, and despite its small size, the food options are almost endless.
Apart from these amazing places to eat in Whistler, there are also some must-try craft beer spots in Whistler. Here are our top five recommendations:
- Dubb Linn Gate
- Brickworks
- Longhorn
- Fitz Pub
- Tapley’s
13. Axe-Throwing
Looking for the ultimate axe-throwing experience with your crew? Look no further than our exclusive 2.5-hour party – a thrilling adventure that takes axe throwing to a whole new level!
Whether you’re a seasoned lumberjack or a first-time thrower, you and your friends will love axe-throwing. Gather your friends, unleash your inner warrior, and embrace the challenge of hitting the bullseye with our specially crafted axes in a safe environment.
14. Try out Snowmobiling in Whistler
In Whistler, you can enjoy a variety of snowmobiling tours for all levels of experience. Enjoy cruising down groomed trails and deep into Whistler’s backcountry on one of the finest snowmobiles in the world.
Skis and snowboards in Whistler allow you to travel through snow downhill and feel an exhilarating rush at the same time. It suddenly becomes much more exciting to travel uphill or over long distances in snow. Snowmobile tours in Whistler cater to all levels of riders, from beginners to experts, on trails, and in powder, for a family day out or a quick ride around the valleys with stunning scenery. Tours are also run in the evening (so skiing does not interfere) and you can pair your snowmobiling experience with fine dining in a rustic lodge.
Overall, these are just some of the many awesome things to do in Whistler. Depending on how long you are planning to stay here, you must always feel free to add as many activities to do in Whistler as you can!
