Learn to be a Real Canadian | Suggested Lumberjack Activities
When it comes to fun things to do in Whistler, there’s nothing quite like a real Canadian experience. But what is “Canadian” to our foreign friends? Does maple syrup instantly come to mind? Or a moose, plaid, and canoes?
Then of course there’s the lumberjack. He is the epitome of Mountain Man, right? So, if you’re learning to be a real Canadian, you need some lumberjack activities. Here’s five of our favourites…
Bring Out Your Inner Lumberjack with these 5 Whistler Activities
First, you have to look the part! Head for Whistler Village Stroll to get all the lumberjack paraphernalia you need. A great spot for plaid is Roots. Their designs are durable and authentic with pieces for men, women and children. Next, head for Excess Backcountry where you can get your hands on a pair of Blundstones. These rugged boots are a staple of Whistlerites and, when paired with jeans, complete your lumberjack ensemble. Now that you look the part, it’s time to throw some axes!
- Axe Throwing
Nothing screams “lumberjack” more than axes. Often voted one of the most fun things to do in Whistler, axe throwing has to be at the top of your to-do list. Pit your skills against each other or team up as your axe throwing host shows you the ropes. You’ll learn how to throw one axe, and then two axes. You can even try your hand at a couple of tricks to really test your mettle.
Hot tip: Axe throwing après is a thing! Head next door to Coast Mountain brewing and enjoy a nice, cold one with your fellow lumberjacks.
- Fishing
Get out on the lake and enjoy a morning of fly fishing in Whistler. There’s no experience necessary and local, experienced guides are on hand to show you how it’s done. If you’re just dipping your toe in the water, so to speak, we recommend the ‘Quick Dip’ package.
This 3-hour experience will cost you and your lumberjack buddies $149/person for up to four adults. You can expect to catch Kokanee, Steelhead, and Rainbow Trout as well as other species. Visiting in colder months? Cross ice-fishing off your bucket list with tours typically available November to March.
- Shooting
Did you know that Whistler is home to a commercial shooting range? This unique experience allows you to get hands on with several high-calibre weaponry. If you’re new to shooting, qualified instructors provide detailed instruction and safety supervision. We find the whole experience to be educational as much as it is exciting. The shooting range makes a great activity for bachelor/bachelorette parties, too.
- Bear Watching
Go bear watching, with the professionals!
A bear viewing tour is the ideal way to experience Whistler’s wildlife. The area is home to 60+ black bears, which draw visitors from all over the world. See these powerful animals in their natural habitat from the safety of a Land Rover. Guides will teach you about bear behaviour and know all the best spots to improve your chances of a sighting.
Hot tip: Book your bear viewing tour in spring for your chance to spot bear cubs! At any other time of the year, set your sights on a twilight tour as bears are typically more active earlier and later in the day.
- Horseback Ridin
More associated with our cowboy provincial neighbours, horseback riding is another great way to experience Whistler and the surrounding area. Beginners may wish to choose from gentle trail rides through the forest. Longer tours are available for intermediate to advanced riders, which cross beautiful meadows and head up mountain paths. We recommend Copper Cayuse Outfitters, who even offer pick you up from your hotel.
Eat Like A Lumberjack in Whistler
Now that you look the part and act the part, it’s on to our personal favourite pastime: eating like a lumberjack! Here’s where we would choose to eat for the authentic Canadian experience:
- Brewhous
Located right by Whistler Olympic Plaza, the Brewhouse is the perfect spot for a lumberjack. As well as brewing their own incredible beers on-site, Brewhouse offers up some of Whistler’s best poutine. Made up of hand cut fries, beef demi and cheese curds, poutine is a Canadian staple. For something heartier, we recommend checking out their grill menu. Stand-outs for us include Rotisserie Roasted Porchetta and the Beef Ribs. Delicious.
- Hunter Gather
Comfort food – at Whistler’s Finest
Relatively new on the Whistler food scene, Hunter Gather is a very sociable space with an open kitchen and regular live music. Their menu is locally-sourced and features a variety of meat dishes as well as a great variety of vegetarian options. We love their Dippy Do Dat Beef Brisket and recommend it with smashed potatoes, which are sourced just north of Whistler from Pemberton.
Hot tip: ‘Eat Like A Local’ with Hunter Gather’s seasonal specials. Their latest menu includes Pullman Pulled Pork Sandwich with side for just $10.99, as well as other options
- Peaked Pies
For a really chilled experience, check out Peaked Pies on Main Street. Borne from a love of the traditional Aussie meat pie, Peaked Pies serves breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Our favourite has to be the Chunky Pepper Steak pie, and don’t forget to “Get Peaked” (the addition of mash, peas and gravy).
- Zog’s Dogs
Ask any self-respecting Whistlerite where to go for the best hot dog and they won’t hesitate in recommending Zog’s. Based from a kiosk right by Skiers’ Plaza, simply follow the smell of fried onions through the Village Stroll. Expect food truck fare from impressive burgers to their aforementioned dogs. Zog’s Dogs is the perfect pit stop after a morning on the mountain.
Head on over to Dusty’s to fill your heart and soul with good food, and patio beers!
- Dusty’s
Located in Whistler Creekside, Dusty’s Bar & BBQ has one of our favourite patios in Whistler. Located right at the base of Whistler Mountain (but away from the bust Whistler Village area), they believe that barbecue is neither art nor science. It is passion. Dusty’s is a great spot to eat like a lumberjack while soaking up the sun at any time of the year.
Get Seriously Canadian This Canada Day
Make your inner Canadian proud by celebrating Canada Day. Celebrated every July 1st, this is an opportunity to really get to grips with Canadian culture. In Whistler, we celebrate with street entertainment, special events and free concerts. Here’s 3 fun things to do in Whistler July long weekend:
- Village Stroll Parade
Celebrate what makes Canada great on July 1st
O, Canada! Join locals and visitors alike in celebrating Canada Day with a patriotic parade through the Centre of Whistler. Taking Place on the Village Stroll, it features local businesses, fancy dress, music, and fun party vibes. We recommend finding a spot on a patio and watching the festivities flow by. Alternatively, work your way along the Village Stroll and towards the Upper Village. Here you’ll find Whistler Farmers’ Market. It’s full of local produce, gifts and artisanal crafts.
- Learn About Local Heritage
The Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is the place to learn more about Whistler’s heritage and the First Nations that share the land with us. The SLCC features indigenous artifacts as well as insight into day to day life for the First Nations. From the SLCC, we recommend continuing your cultural journey with a visit to the Audain Art Museum.
- PEAK2PEAK 360 Experience
Whistler is synonymous with the outdoors. If you’re learning to be a real Canadian, it’s vital that you get outside and explore. Whistler Blackcomb’s 360 Experience is the world’s first tri-gondola system, which includes the record breaking PEAK2PEAK Gondola. Spanning from the peak of Blackcomb to the peak of Whistler, it carries sightseers a dizzying 1,427 ft above the valley floor! Expect incredible views, alpine meadows and maybe even a bear or t
Bonus! More Fun Things To Do In Whistler
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Whistler, lumberjack activities may well be for you. Not only will you learn how to be a real Canadian, you’ll look pretty cool doing it!
For more ideas of things to do in Whistler check out our Roundup of Epic Adventures. Or why not continue the lumberjack experience by being immersed in the Canadian Wilderness? For everything you need to know, check out our post on Camping Near Whistler.