13 Cool Things to See and Do in Whistler
From world-class skiing to world-class mountain biking, Whistler is a must-visit place for outdoor enthusiasts. Over two million people visit the area yearly to view and experience this coastal mountain area of British Columbia in Canada.
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There is so much to do and see here, so we’ll help you narrow it down. Here are 13 things you can’t miss on your next trip to Whistler.
1. Conquer the drop-offs and burns of the Whistler Bike Park
Whether you like to cruise downhill, hit the twisties, or go off rock faces, the Whistler Bike Park has something for you. Open seasonally, depending on weather conditions, the park has the most terrain of any bike park in North America divided into four zones. Even if you aren’t a mountain biker, check out the scene from the base or sightsee with lift service. You might be mesmerized by the skills and lack of fear in some of the riders.
2. Cross the Cloudraker Skybridge
At over 6,650 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level, the Cloudraker Skybridge is a 426-foot (130-meter) suspension bridge for those who will trade the fear of heights for unobstructed views. Take the Peak Chair up to the bridge for a look down at Whistler Glacier. Visit the Raven’s Claw Cliff Walk from the West Ridge that extends 39 feet (12 meters) up with views of Whistler’s Bowl, the valley, and the Spearhead Range. Don’t miss the Figure 8 loop Whistler Summit Interpretive Walk. The 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) hike explains the mountain ranges and more. Consider visiting the Roundhouse Lodge while hiking Mathews Traverse on a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) hike down.
3. Experience a Canadian Christmas
There is nothing quite like celebrating the holidays in a ski village. From skiing and riding the slopes to dining in a snow globe-like village, Whistler brings out the fun. There are plenty of special events, visits from Santa, and non-skiing outdoor activities like tubing, skating, and snowmobiling. A fire and ice show kicks off the New Year. For those who celebrate Hanukkah, the Whistler Library also has an annual celebration.
4. Go off road
Going off road is a great way to see the diverse ecosystems of the temperate rainforest, including everything from bogs and wetlands areas to mossy forests full of firs, maples, and cedars. A woodlands snowmobile tour takes you deep into the wilderness. Off-road 4×4 tours let you see the alpine backcountry.
5. Hike the Whistler Train Wreck Trail
This sight combines the fun of a suspension bridge with colorful street art. The hike to the Cheakamus Suspension Bridge is short 1.2 miles (2 km) each way. A bit past the bridge on the opposite side of the trailhead is where the train wreck took place. Five cargo cars remain covered with drawings and more. If you choose to, you can climb into the carriages for a closer look.
6. Hit the slopes
Whether you rock the twin tips or the split board, Whistler offers some of the best terrain in the Canadian Rockies with 448 inches of average snowfall. Whistler Blackcomb is the largest resort in North America with two mountains to choose from, including 200+ trails for every level of skier or rider—a combined 8,171 acres of total terrain, several parks, a superpipe, and a snocross track. If you want to explore the backcountry of Whistler, go heli-skiing or cat skiing at Powder Mountain.
7. Journey into an ice cave and volcano
Head deep into a glacier to experience a series of ice caves like none other. A helicopter takes you to the Coast Mountains to these remote ice caves through tunnels of azure-blue crystalline. You can add a trip to see an ancient volcano with steam vents amongst sheer walls of ice onto the itinerary. Trips are available in summer and winter.
8. Slide on a glacier
Yes, you can even slide down a 14,000-year-old glacier in the summer while visiting Whistler. Known as glissading, thrill seekers can pick from a gentle slide to a more adventurous one along with an interpretive hike along the Whistler Glacier. For ages eight and up, this is a one-of-a-kind experience not found in many places.
9. Take in the view from the Peak 2 Peak Gondola
If you want to spend a full day on the mountain and see expansive views of the Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola offers the perfect opportunity. It takes you between the ski resort mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb. Also worth checking out is the Sea to Sky Gondola, which offers a more quiet and personal experience taking you to the summit of Mt. Habrich with a view of Howe Sound.
10. Test your mountain skills
Do you have the guts to hike along the edge of a mountain cliff and climb to the peak of Whistler Mountain? With a harness and helmet, you can be clipped in and walk along the edge of Whistler Mountain on the Whistler Sky Walk. If you want to climb up the side of a mountain with ladder rungs, one of two Via Ferrata courses can challenge you. Ice climbing, rock climbing, rappelling Shannon Falls, heli-hiking, and rim snowshoe hikes are just some of the ways to test your skills in the mountains, depending on the season.
11. Visit Brandywine Falls
Within Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is the 229-foot (70-meter) waterfall, cascading with beauty. Located along the Sea to Sky Highway between Whistler and Squamish, a 0.7-mile out-and-back hike takes you to the falls and includes views of the surrounding mountains and Daisy Lake. The falls are best viewed from April to October. Leashed dogs are welcome.
12. Walk amongst the Snow Walls
If you are visiting Whistler in early summer (May-July), you can experience the uniqueness of walking through the Whistler Snow Walls. To access the alpine, the Snow Walls allow passage along Pika’s Traverse.
13. Zip across the landscape
Whether you are a newbie or an experienced zipliner, a zipline adventure over Whistler’s diverse terrain should be on your visit bucket list. The Whistler Sasquatch Zipline is a popular option to take in the diverse landscape of Whistler from above.
Additional experiences to consider:
Kayak, paddle, or canoe on the River of Golden Dreams
Source: https://outdoors.com/cool-things-see-and-do-in-whistler/
