Get Outside | 20 Epic Outdoor Adventures in Whistler

No matter the weather or time of year, there’s always outdoor activities in Whistler to partake in. Surrounding by magnificent and accessible natural beauty, there’s plenty of ways to leave the comfort of the hotel or the Village Stroll and get into the wilds of Whistler for some adrenaline-inducing fun.

Here are twenty ways to get outside and enjoy Whistler’s top outdoor adventures.

1. Ziplining

Rain, shine, or snow, ziplining is one of many perfect activities in whistler to get the adrenaline rush while taking in incredible views. Soar through the air on four separate ziplines connected by a series of boardwalks in an old growth forest. Reach max speeds of 100 kilometres an hour two hundred metres above the valley floor – this three-hour long tour won’t take long to blow your mind!

• Price: $159/adult, $109/child (7-12)
• Season: Year-Round

2. Bungee Jumping

Bungee Jump amongst old growth trees, basalt columns, and above the glacially-fed Cheakamus River for an experience you’ll never forget. Whether you jump on your own, tandem with a friend, in a wheelchair, or naked (!) you’ll get the thrill of a lifetime and cross an item off the bucket list in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

• Price: $140/adult
• Season: Year-Round

3. Shooting

Head to the scenic Pemberton Wildlife Association Shooting Range and try your hand at shooting a variety of different guns under the supervision of qualified instructors.

Choose from packages ranging from the ‘Easy Shooter’ with low recoil to the ‘Big Boomer’ package that’s not for the faint of heart. All packages include instruction and supervision, ear and eye protection, and practice on reactive steel targets.

• Price: from $80/adult
• Season: Year-Round

4. Bobsledding

In the winter or the summer, be an Olympian for the day and give bobsledding at the Whistler Sliding Centre a try! Hop into a four-person bobsled steered by a trained pilot and take an adrenaline-fuelled ride down the world’s fastest track. If ten twists and turns at 125 kilometres an hour don’t get your heart racing, the acceleration of up to four G forces surely will!

• Price: $189/adult winter; $99/adult summer
• Season: Year-Round

5. Fishing

The thrill of the catch is available year-round in Whistler – from ice fishing on frozen lakes in the winter to river wading on hot summer days. Hire a fishing guide with over twenty years of fishing experience in the Whistler area who know the local lakes and rivers like the back of their hand. Drive less and fish more – that’s their motto!

• Price: from $149/person
• Season: Year-Round

6. Whitewater Rafting

Pull on a wetsuit, booties, helmet, and life jacket for an afternoon or day of whitewater rafting in Whistler’s glacier-fed rivers. It’s the perfect activity on a hot summer’s day and a great way to see Whistler from a whole new perspective. Enthusiastic guides will get you paddling in synch and laughing in no time as you hold on tight over bouncy rapids.

• Price: from $99/adult; $79 youth (10-16)
• Season: Summer (May – September)

7. RZR Tour

If Mario Kart took place in the forest, RZR’s would be the vehicle of choice. Its one of the best activities in whistler combining mud, speed, and adventure. Rip past ancient cedars and make waves through puddles as you explore the backcountry of Cougar Mountain. With similar driving mechanisms as a car, you’ll be amazed at what the RZR can do – climb steep hills, get over boulders, and fly through the forest.

• Price: from $229/vehicle (fits two)
• Season: Summer (May – September)

8. Mountain Biking

Get on board with Whistler’s favourite summer activity – mountain biking! Whether you’re lapping the trails in the Whistler Bike Park or providing your own pedal power on a cross country bike adventure, Whistler is a biker’s paradise. Unfamiliar with the area? Hike a mountain bike guide to show you the best trails in town for your ability.

• Price: from $89/person for a guide
• Season: Summer (May – September)

9. Hiking

There are so many amazing hiking opportunities in and around Whistler – anything from a quick loop around Lost Lake to a multi-day adventure in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Be sure to pack your hiking boots when you visit Whistler so you can see alpine lakes, towering mountains, and miles and miles of lush forests. Unsure of where to go? Hire a certified guide to take you to all the best hiking spots in Whistler.

• Price: enquire within
• Season: Summer (May – September)

10. Camping

If you have some time and space in your luggage, packing a tent and sleeping bag is a great way to experience Whistler’s natural beauty. Wake up to the sun rising over mountain peaks and alpine lakes glistening, or from a campground amongst the trees and rivers. Don’t want to haul your camping gear on the plane? Shops in town will rent you the gear you need.

• Price: varies – most campgrounds require reservations
• Season: Summer (May – September)

10. Magical Night Walk

Whistler’s newest nighttime activity is Vallea Lumina – a multimedia night walk in search of hidden wonders. Travel to Cougar Mountain by bus once the sun goes down and be swept away by the magical lights and sounds of the forest. Helpful rangers will help to guide your journey to find the hidden valley.

• Price: $39/Adult; $34 Youth (6-15); Free Kids (5 and under)
• Season: Summer (June – October)

11. River of Golden Dreams

Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand up paddleboard or hire a guide to show you the River of Golden Dreams – a river connecting Alta Lake and Green Lake. The river meanders for five kilometres along amongst wetlands teeming with wildlife and provides great views of the mountains. Beat the crowds and go in the morning when the mist is coming off the lake.

• Price: from $84/person unguided; $134/person guided
• Season: Summer (June – September)

12. Rock Climbing

Learn how to rock climb or check out the local crags on a rock climbing tour. Choose from a wide variety of climbs from very easy to challenging at one of the many options in Whistler and along the Sea to Sky. Experienced rock climbing guides will have everything set up for you including all the gear, instruction, and guidance – all you have to do is show up and climb!

• Price: from $139/person for a half day
• Season: Summer (May – October)

13. Treetop Adventure

Break out your inner ninja warrior while sixty feet above the forest floor on a Treetop Adventure! With seventy different obstacles such as rope swings, zip lines, and balance beams you’ll race to the finish lines as guides provide assistance from below should you need it.

• Price: from $69
• Season: Summer (June – September)

14. Snowmobiling 

Head to the top of the mountain on the back of a sled this winter.

In the winter, RZR and ATV trails become snowmobile pathways into the backcountry of Cougar Mountain.  Snowmobile adventures range from family-friendly excursions to advanced backcountry powder riding. Brand new machines, experienced guides, and amazing scenery will get you hooked on snowmobiling in Whistler

• Price: from $189/person
• Season: Winter (December – April)

15. Snowshoeing

Located on WhistlerBlackcomb mountain, a snowshoe tour will take you beyond the ski runs and into a serene and snowy escape. Old growth trees, fluffy snow, and plenty of hot chocolate will keep your group motivated as you get to experience a form of transportation used by the Aboriginal Peoples of the area.

• Price: from $99/adult; $59 Child (6-12)
• Season: Winter (December – April)

16. Heli-Skiing

Treat yourself to a day where lift lines don’t exist and the snow stays soft and fluffy on every turn on a heli-skiing trip. Helicopters shuttle intermediate to advanced skiiers and snowboarders into the backcountry, dropping them at locations perfect for the day’s conditions. Choose for three, four, or six run packages for the ultimate bucket list day on the slopes.

• Price: from $1079/person
• Season: Winter (December – April)

17. Eagle Float 

Every winter the eagles land in Squamish, near Whistler

Head down to Brackendale (30 minutes south of Whistler) between December and February to see the world’s largest populations of bald eagles feasting on the abundant salmon in the local rivers. Get cozy and grab your camera as a raft gently carries you down the Squamish River as you watch eagles hunt and flourish along the shoreline.

• Price: from $115/adult
• Season: Winter (December – February)

18. Cross Country Skiing

Strap on the skinny skis and take the whole family cross country skiing! With two nordic areas in Whistler (Lost Lake and Whistler Olympic Park) you’re spoilt for choice amongst kilometres of freshly groomed snow. Pack a picnic and some hot chocolate and cozy up in warming huts along the way, or take a lesson with a certified instructor.

• Price: from $119/person for a lesson, pass, rentals
• Season: Winter (December – March)

19. Backcountry Skiing

Explore new horizons far from the crowds and boundary lines on a backcountry skiing tour. Intermediate to advanced skiiers and snowboarders can take an introductory tour to get them into the sport or take a course in avalanche safety to gain further knowledge. Tours provide safety equipment needed, can offer rentals, and include a qualified guide.

• Price: from $269/person for Intro Tour
• Season: Winter (December – April)

20. Lake Side BBQ

Head to one of Whistler’s many lakes this Spring, Summer, and Fall for a final Whistler based activity – BBQ and Picnic time! While perhaps not adrenaline fuelled, is still a crucial part of fuelling up for all those other activities. Head over to Hunter Gather, a locally run establishment for a few picnic staples, or make your own. Grab a pack of dog’s and stack of patties, and you have yourself an afternoon full of summer vibes.

• Price: Free!
• Season: Spring, Summer, Fall

Whistler is a nature lover’s paradise, with so many amazing outdoor adventures to experience year-round. Whether your idea of ‘getting outside’ is sitting in a hot pool at the Scandinave Spa, summiting the peaks around Whistler and everything in between, there’s activities in Whistler for you.