Whistler for the Entire Family | 15 Family Friendly Activities
Whistler is the perfect place to bring your family for so many reasons. The entire resort itself is like one giant playground – with miles of trails tracing their way through the town, tall trees to look up to, and forests to explore.
There are fun things to climb around every corner and wide-open spaces to run free in the fresh mountain air. There are so many Whistler family activities to partake in that are also perfect bonding activities. Start making memories that will last a lifetime during your family trip to Whistler this season.
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5 Family-Friendly Activities in Whistler for Toddlers
Busy toddlers will love to get their hands on everything Whistler has to offer – from dipping their toes in the lake to making angels in the soft snow. Travelling with tots can be challenging but not in Whistler where kids are catered to and are allowed almost everywhere. At age three you can even get them in full-day ski lesson on the mountain! These Whistler kids activities will keep tots busy as bees and sleeping soundly at night.
Playgrounds
Whistler is home to some of the most beautiful parks and playgrounds. Meadow Park north of Whistler Village has huge grassy fields, a playground, a water park in the summer, and is right next to the River of Golden Dreams and fantastic views. Whistler Olympic Plaza has a beautiful ‘Tangled Tree’ playground that is great for young tots and kids. In the winter the area transforms into a winter wonderland with a tobogganing hill and ice skating rink.
Bike Rides
The Valley Trail is a paved network of trails that link Whistler’s neighbourhoods, parks, and lakes and is perfect for cycling. Work in shorter sections for the little ones learning to bike on their own, find a nice open space for pushbikes, or hire a chariot to attach to your own bike to tote the kids around in when they’re feeling too tired to carry on.
Canoeing
Rent a canoe on Alta Lake at Lakeside or Wayside Park and paddle around the lake with the kids. Situate them in the middle of the canoe and have them keep an eye out for ducks, geese, fish, and even otters or beavers. Canoeing is a great way to get out on the water to enjoy Whistler’s largest lake or if you’re feeling up to it, float down the River of Golden Dreams towards Meadow Park. Pack sunscreen, water, snacks, and always wear a lifejacket!
Coca Cola Tube Park
Slide on snow atop an inner tube at WhistlerBlackcomb’s Coca Cola Tube Park. Open in the winter season only, families can spend a couple of hours trying out the multiple lanes and hitting top speeds, bumps, and spins. Minis (ages 3 to 6) have their own designated lane and smaller tubes and can get in on the fun too. It’s lit in the evenings so after skiing or dinner you can still get out to burn off some steam before bed.
Ice Skating
From early December to late March, there’s an outdoor ice skating rink at Whistler’s Olympic Plaza where you can rent ice skates and practise your best moves. With mountains looming in the distance and thousands of twinkling festive lights surrounding you, it’s a great place to burn off dinner before heading back to your hotel.
5 Family-Friendly Activities in Whistler for Kids
It’s easy to keep energetic kids entertained in Whistler – from cannonball contests at the hotel pool, building sandcastles at the lake, and exploring real snow castles during kids ski lessons on WhistlerBlackcomb. Let them run wild and free and create amazing memories during their time in Whistler.
Bear Watching
You never know whats in store on a Whistler bear tour – but almost always bears!
Search for black bears from the comfort and safety of a Land Rover during a bear watching tour. Keep your eyes peeled and play the ultimate game of I Spy as you search the terrain for wildlife and marvel at the beautiful scenery. Knowledgeable guides will teach you all about the black bears and their habitat, and keep the tour light and fun. Don’t forget your camera!
Night Walk
In the evenings, the forests of Cougar Mountain come alive with lights and music as you follow a 1.5-kilometre trail through the forest in search of the hidden valley during the night walk. Interactive light displays and music tell the story of two travellers as you complete the path in around one hour. Be sure to book the earlier tours ahead of time as they do sell out!
Whitewater Rafting
Older kids will love the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting on the Green River. On a hot sunny day, enjoy the cool glacial river water splashing on your face as you face through class 2 and 3 rapids that are sure to jostle the raft and take you for one wild ride. You enthusiastic guide will keep everyone safe and teach you the ropes of paddling, and you’ll be bonding and working as a team in no time.
Sleigh Ride
Sleighbells ring, are you listening? Take a gentle stroll through the forest on a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride this winter. Blankets and cushioned seats will keep you cozy as you make your way to a cabin for a mid-way warm-up of hot cocoa. Experience the magic of freshly fallen snow surrounding you as you glide along the path on Blackcomb Mountain. Join a public tour or make it extra special by hiring a private sleigh.
Treetop Adventure Course
Designed for kids aged 7 to 13, the Treetop Adventure Kid’s Course provides a couple of hours of entertainment as they balance, climb, and jump through a variety of challenges that will burn off energy and generate tons of smiles. Parents can supervise from below or join in the fun and everyone will be safely connected with harnesses and clips. It’s like real-life Mowgli adventures from The Jungle Book!
5 Family-Friendly Activities in Whistler for Teens
Teens will look up from their phones and enjoy hanging out with family during a trip to Whistler. Within the village, there’s plenty of opportunities to be independent as everything is so close by. The numerous Whistler family activities will keep your teen stoked and snapping tons of pictures to show their friends.
Zipline
Soar through the air on an epic ziplining tour on Cougar Mountain! Reach speeds of 100 kilometres an hour at two hundred metres above the valley floor on four different ziplines. It’s an activity the entire family can enjoy (so long as they’re age 7+) and is a great bonding experience as you encourage each other to take the leap. The ziplines run parallel so you can race alongside your family member.
Axe Throwing
Try out this classic Canadian adventure and learn how to throw an axe. Open year-round, this activity is perfect for families and teens looking for a bit of healthy competition. Enthusiastic guides will show you the ropes of throwing an axe before settling into a few games that will make the hour fly by. You’ll leave feeling energized and with a new skill that you can take to other axe throwing venues around the world!
Beaches and Lakes
Whistler has five lakes within proximity to the Village and is the perfect place to cool off, relax, or get active. Swim between the docks, play a game of beach volleyball, or chill on the grass with a book. Bring a picnic and have lunch or dinner lakeside – it’s the best way to spend a summer evening in Whistler.
Teen Ride Tribe Camps
In the winter, enrol in a Teen Ride Tribe Camp where teens can learn how to ski or snowboard, perfect their skills, and make new friends on the mountain. Get tons of big mountain experience under the watchful eye of professional instructors. Whether your teen is just starting out or want to hit the terrain park, a week-long camp will help to establish their skills. Not ready to commit to a full week? There are also daily lessons or private lessons.
Skate Park
Whistler’s multi-use skate park underwent a major expansion and is now the second-largest skate park in Canada. It is located in between the Village and Fitzsimmons Creek and is open daily from April to November between dawn and 1:00 AM. For bikers, there is a pump track and bike skills park right next to it.
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Be the best parents ever and bring your family to Whistler for fun that never ends. So many of us have fond memories of visiting Whistler as kids thanks to an abundance of outdoor activities, family bonding time, and a healthy smattering of Cow’s Ice Cream. With so many Whistler kids activities it’ll be hard to leave, but know that the thought of Whistler won’t fade along with the time you spent together making the trip happen.