The Big List of Whistler’s Spring Activities
Whistler in Spring offers the best of both worlds – access to world class skiing plus fabulous off-resort activities as the snow in the valley melts and days grow longer. Crowds dwindle and prices drop making it the perfect time to visit Whistler.
March, April and May define “Spring” in Whistler and while the mercury can dip down to 0, during the day it can reach a high of around 10-15 degrees celsius. Rain may seem plentiful at times, but as they say in Whistler: if you don’t like the weather, wait an hour! Or, embrace it and take part in activities where rain actually makes things better (like speeding through massive mud puddles while on an RZR Tour).
March is a relatively busy month in the resort with Spring Break for school aged children and University students, however, aside from a few long weekends in April (Easter) and May (Victoria Day) you will enjoy shoulder season crowd-free.
Adrenaline junkies and families alike have a host of incredible events, festivals, and activities to choose from during their visit to Whistler in the Spring. Here are some ideas to fill your schedule this Spring in Whistler.
Whistler Spring Skiing
Spring skiing in Whistler is what the locals live for.
At other times during the year, there is a constant rush to get in line for the first chair and conquer as many laps as you can before the day is done. Spring skiing is different – sleep in, slap on sunscreen and shred slushy laps before connecting with friends on a sunny patio. The vibe is relaxed, the snow is soft, and hanging out in the terrain park while working on your goggle tan is acceptable and encouraged.
- Whistler Village Gondola, Blackcomb Gondola, and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola are open until April 22nd for skiing and sightseeing from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- From April 23 – May 27, the Blackcomb Gondola and Peak 2 Peak Gondola close but the Whistler Village Gondola and Whistler Mountain remain open for skiing and sightseeing from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Visitors to Whistler Blackcomb in the Spring can take advantage of reduced lift ticket rates and the coveted Whistler Spring Pass which allows for 10 days of skiing between April 23rd and May 27th for a seriously reduced price. Whistler Spring skiing is a unique and memorable experience.
Hungry? Here’s a local tip – when you get into Whistler, pick up the latest publication of the Pique Newsmagazine (can be found around the village and in shops/hotel lobbies). In April and May, many local restaurants feature shoulder season deals allowing you to dine for seriously reduced prices. They can range from multi-course set menus to more casual settings, and are always delicious!
Whistler Ski & Snowboard Festival
The Whistler Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) takes place April 10-14 and is North America’s largest festival of snow sports, music, arts and mountain culture. With free outdoor concerts, Big Air competitions at the base of Whistler Mountain, and film & photography showdowns featuring the best in the business, you’ll be entertained every day of the week!
Many of the events are free and perfect for the whole family, while some are events requiring tickets which can be bought ahead of time (recommended as they do sell out!).
Highlights of WSSF:
- atch athletes and locals challenge themselves by racing down one of the steepest runs in Whistler – Saudan Couloir Race Extreme
- Rub shoulders with local artists at the Swatch ART+Soul showcase in the Whistler Conference Centre (free)
Whistler in Spring: What to Do in The Great Outdoors
April showers brings May flowers – isn’t that what they say?Whistler in spring seesrain helping to melt the snow in the mountains and in the valley, leading to raging rivers and muddy trails. Sound enticing?
- Whistler Bungee
Thrill seekers will love jumping 160ft (50 meters) over the glacial-fed Cheakamus River with Whistler Bungee. Surrounded by old growth forest and basalt column cliffs you’ll see why Whistler Bungee is one of the most scenic bungee locations in the world.
- Whitewater Rafting
One of Whistler’s most exciting activities, Whitewater Rafting, reopens in May for another season of action packed adventure. Tours take place on both the Cheakamus River and the Green River, both short distances from Whistler Village and is a great wet weather activity. You’ll enjoy beautiful scenery while bouncing around on the river under the watchful eye of your charismatic rafting guide.
- RZR Tours
Trade your wetsuit for a full face helmet and waterproof suit and challenge yourself on backcountry trails on an RZR Tour! These mighty 4×4 vehicles take you soaring over rocks, whizzing through the trees, and splashing through puddles – you’ll be amazed what these machines can do. Follow your guide to spectacular viewpoints of mountain vistas and lakes in the wilds of Cougar Mountain (keep your eyes peeled for wildlife!)
- Superfly Ziplines
Want some air time? Superfly Zipline offers visitors high flying adventure with four side-by-side lines located in the stunning mountain wilderness. Reach speeds of up to 100km per hour at 600 feet above the valley floor – conquer your fears and check ziplining off your bucket list!
- Golf Whistler
If bungee jumping, whitewater rafting and zip lining sound a bit too extreme for your liking, you’re in luck – golf courses reopen in May and offer great golfing at reduced early season rates. Explore Whistler’s three world-class golf courses – Whistler Golf Club, Nicklaus North, and Chateau Fairmont Golf Club – before the busy summer season
- Fish in Whistler
Not quite ready to hit the greens? Hit the river with a local fishing guide and explore secret spots while admiring the remote natural beauty of Whistler and its surroundings. Chinook, Sockeye and Coho are local to the area among other fish species, and there’s potential for other wildlife sightings. Best of all you’ll have the opportunity to learn from an experienced fishing guide and return home with a new skill, or at least a lot of great memories!
Whistler in Spring: What to Do in The Great Indoors
Whistler is known for its natural beauty but sometimes the weather is just a bit too much. If you are in Whistler in spring and the weather gets a little too crazy have no fear!, your vacation is not over!Whistler offers refuge in the form of fun activities protected from the elements.
- Axe Throwing
Rainy? Why not get your competitive spirit going with some axe throwing?
Don your finest plaid shirt and head down to Forged Axe Throwing in Function Junction to try your hand at the most Canadian activity in Whistler. Enthusiastic hosts introduce you to the sport of axe throwing which is very similar to darts but with axes of course, and the goal is to score the most points on the bullseye. A great activity for groups that brings out your competitive side as the hosts challenge players to a number of fun games such as ‘21’ and trying trick shots. There’s a reason why axe throwing is growing in popularity – believe the hype
- Escape! Whistler
Another great team building activity within Whistler Village is Escape! Whistler located in the Hilton Hotel. Grab a team of two to six people and choose your room (there’s four to choose from that vary from ‘Easy’ to ‘Advanced’) and solve puzzles, riddles and clues to escape within the allotted forty-five minutes. All themes are family friendly and a great way to spend an hour indoors. From the Pirate Ship to the Buried Cabin, see if you can escape in record time without any clues.
- Imagine 8 Cinemas
Did you know there’s a movie theatre in Whistler? Imagine 8 Cinemas play the latest blockbusters for when you need some downtime. They offer matinee showtimes as well, so if some of your travel companions want to brave the elements and you do not, head inside and tuck into a tub of popcorn.
- Yoga Classes
Limber up by stretching your sore muscles after skiing with a yoga class at one of Whistler’s local studios – Yogacara (Whistler Village) and YYoga (Function Junction). Each offers a variety of styles from restorative to power and some even specialize in snow sport recovery. Throughout March, the Audain Art Museum offers a class taught in the gallery that centre on the confluence of yoga and art – a truly unique experience.
Whistler in Spring: What do to with Kids
Whistler is a giant playground for adults, so you can imagine how kids feel – it’s paradise! Keeping your family entertained during their trip to Whistler shouldn’t be an issue, but if you’re stumped for ideas, here are some surefire ways to win them over.
- Until March 31st, be sure to check out the outdoor skating rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza. It’s open seven days a week from 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM (closed for maintenance daily at 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM & 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) and admission is free! Skate rentals are $6 with helmets and skate aids available at no charge.
- The Coca Cola Tube Park on Blackcomb Mountain is fun for the young and young at heart. From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM visitors can enjoy seven lanes that vary between gentle slopes and fast chutes. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at Whistler Blackcomb guest services and can be bought for one- or two-hour increments, with prices starting from $14.50/hour for a child aged 3-6 to $35/two hours for an adult 19-64.
- Meadow Park Sports Centre is Whistler’s recreation hub and is a short drive or bus ride from the main Whistler Village. Families can enjoy a kid’s pool with a lazy river, an eight-foot slide and basketball net. Alternatively, you can ice skate on their NHL sized indoor skating rink. Admission is a steal at $26.25 for a family day pass.
- If this all seems overwhelming and no one can make a decision, COWS Creamery will put a smile on everyone’s face regardless of temperature – it’s always a good time for ice cream. COWS ice cream is handmade and uses an old fashioned recipe resulting in a creamy, decadent frozen treat. Popular flavours include Wowie Cowie and Messie Bessie (in a waffle cone of course!). There are two locations on the main village stroll to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Visiting Whistler in the Spring offers many of the same opportunities that winter does (skiing, ice skating) with the added bonus of summer activities coming out of their winter hibernation (whitewater rafting, golf, RZR tours). It’s a season of transition from the high prices of peak season to a more relaxed “shoulder season” rate. The time to visit for optimal savings is midweek, so gather friends, family, or your partner and book a trip to Whistler in the Spring!