10 Whistler Activities for the Adrenaline Junkie

Whistler is a hot-spot for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies from around the world. The mountain town is famous for its world-class skiing and mountain biking, but there is no shortage of other epic Whistler excursions and activities to keep your adrenaline pumping for your entire stay. Wondering what to do in Whistler? Here are 10 activities to get your heart rate up and keep you coming back for more.

Top Adventures for the Adrenaline Junkie

• Zip-Lining

Experience the sensation of flying through the rugged forest while taking in the stunning views of Cougar Mountain on a zip-line excursion. Superfly Ziplines has two of Canada’s longest zip lines, at over half a mile long and up to 600 ft in the air, you’ll reach speeds of up to 60 mph on this thrilling ride.

Be sure to enjoy the parallel zip-lines with your partner-in-crime, where you can ride side-by-side and take in the whole experience together. This adventure runs year round, so no matter what the season you can experience the feeling of soaring through the skies.

Be sure to dress appropriately for the season and wear layers – the weather can change suddenly in mountain environments. Prices start at $130 per person, depending on the season, and include harness, helmet and professional guides to ensure a safe and epic adventure.

• Mountain Biking 

  

  Ready for some serious downhill? Hit Whistler mountain bike park

Riders from all over the world flock to Whistler to experience its world-class mountain biking. Feel the gravity-fueled rush as you race down the trails at the Whistler Bike Park, or experience the technical thrill of jumps and drops found in the Whistler Valley Trails.

Hiring a local guide will help you get the most out of your two-wheeled Whistler adventure and pick the best trails out of the spider-web network of singletrack. Mountain biking season in Whistler starts in mid-May and runs to mid-October. Prices start at $140 and include a quality mountain bike rental and a guide who will be sure to show you the best singletrack that Whistler has to offer – and trust us, Whistler mountain biking is world-famous for a reason!

• Helicopter Tours

Defy gravity and fly over the stunning mountain vistas of the Coast Mountain Range on a thrilling helicopter tour. Year-round tours let you take in the sights from the skies as you take in lush alpine greenery and snow-covered peaks and glaciers.

It’s also the perfect vantage point to scout out your next adventure. These tours are customizable and unique, so you can choose your own adventure. Land on a mountain top for lunch or follow rivers to their glacier sources – it’s really up to you!

• RZR Tours 

Release your inner off-roader and cruise along rugged mountain trails that will lead to amazing glacier-fed lakes and breathtaking mountain vistas on RZR tour. In case you haven’t tried before, a RZR is a sports side-by-side off-road vehicle that are nimble and a blast to drive.

These action-packed tours take you into the extraordinary Whistler backcountry to experience its pristine beauty. Prices starting at $230 for a two-seater RZR, full-face helmets and goggles are provided, so all you need to bring are clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty, your camera and sense of adventure.

• Whitewater Rafting

Wondering what to do in Whistler if you need to cool off? The white-capped rapids and sounds of rushing, glacier-fed rivers are sure to pique your sense of adventure, no matter your paddling ability.

A whitewater rafting trip on one of Whistler’s pristine rivers will provide you with the perfect adventure, with options to navigate wild waters ranging from Class 1 to Class 4 rapids. Trips start at $120 and are led by experienced professional raft guides.

The price including a wetsuit, helmet, booties and everything else you need to get going – and don’t worry about a waterproof camera for this one, they’ve got a professional photographer ready to capture all the action while you keep both hands on the paddle.

• Bungee Jumping 

  

  Bungee Jumping in Whistler is a big moment!

Feel the rush of jumping off a 160ft long bridge as you plunge towards the roaring, glacier-fed Cheakamus river (pronounced Chek-A-Moose) a staggering 300ft below. While bungee jumping will be sure to get your blood pumping, be assured that Whistler Bungee has a perfect safety record and will provide a safe but thrilling experience!  

Take the plunge with tickets starting at $140 per person. Complimentary transportation from Whistler to the jump location is available (be sure to book in advance) and $10 for spectators.  Be sure to bring a camera, layered clothing and a friend who can act as a witness when you tell the tale of your jump!

• Treetop adventure

The Treetop Adventure is an elevated obstacle course nestled in the forest of Whistler’s backcountry. From rope swings to balance beams, with some obstacles towering up to 60 ft from the forest floor, there is a challenge for everybody up in the forest canopy ranging from mild to wild. Rise to the challenge with tickets starting at $70 per person for this summertime activity.

• Axe Throwing

If the weather is not cooperating, or if you need to top off your day with yet another adventure, be sure to check out forged axe throwing. An axe throwing session will teach you how to properly hold and throw the axe, and of course, stick a bullseye!

Get your friends together and see who is the Champion Lumberjack amongst you. Drop-in rates start at $38 for this year-round activity and groups of up to 10 can be accommodated on a drop-in basis. If your friend group is bigger than ten or you want to be sure to get in this action-packed activity, be sure to book ahead (booking ahead can accommodate groups of up to 60).

• Jet Boating

Eric Pehota made a name for himself as an extreme big mountain skier in the Whistler area in the early 1990s. You may have even seen him in a number of films like Warren Miller’s Cold Fusion (2001) or Steep (2007).  

Now is your chance to join the man himself as he expertly pilots his custom jet boat through the whitewater channels and canyons of the Coastal Mountains on this one of a kind Whistler excursion. Starting at $120 per person, this summertime activity will be sure to have you at the edge of your seat. Make sure your camera battery is charged and memory card is blank, as not only will this tour offer an exhilarating ride, but also provides fantastic photo opportunities.

• Skiing and Snowboarding 

  

  Go big or go home!

Whistler is most famous for its two joined ski resorts: Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. From the jumps of the skills parks to the in-bounds couloirs, you will not be at a loss for adventure no matter your style or skill levels.

Ski and snowboard season runs from late November to early May, depending on the snow and weather. Lift tickets start at $170 if you walk up to the wicket (however, discounts are available if you purchase ahead of time online) and a variety of shops in Whistler will help you out with rental equipment if you don’t have your own.

As you can see, there is no shortage of exhilarating activities to keep you busy in Whistler. From dawn until dusk you can pack your days with gravity-defying thrills and adrenaline rush-inducing experiences.

Now the problem isn’t figuring out what to do in Whistler, now you’ve got problems sorting out where to start! Soar through the skies on a Superfly Zipline or plunge towards the bottom of a river canyon on a bungee jump, you will be sure to find something that will get your heart pounding. The only trouble will be deciding which activity to do – you’ll just have to come back to Whistler again to fit in the rest!