Come sunshine or snow, Canada’s most popular resort town is full of activities for every kind of traveller. Spend your days enjoying picnics by the lake, hiking to towering waterfalls, taking to the slopes or delighting in Whistler’s culinary scene.
LessAn unforgettable highlight of any Whistler experience, Scandinave Spa offers a variety of relaxing, Nordic-inspired spa treatments, in spectacular surroundings. Enjoy the authentic Scandinavian Spa baths experience – beginning with the eucalyptus steam room, Finnish sauna or wood burning sauna, before moving onto a cold bath or waterfall and then relaxing on the terrace in a hammock or indulging in your choice of massage.
Describing itself as the “leader in zipline-based adventure ecotourism,” Ziptrek Ecotours invites visitors to explore the environmental marvels of Whistler’s ancient rainforest in this 3-hour experience. Perfect for adventure junkies, Ziptrek makes use of a combination of different methods such as suspension bridges, treetop platforms, ground trails and zip lines, to provide you with unforgettable views.
Operated by Whistler Sport Legacies (a non-profit organization responsible for the legacy of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games), the Whistler Sliding Centre is the site of the 2010 Winter Olympic bobsleigh, skeleton and luge competitions and currently houses the world’s fastest ice track, reaching nearly 1mi (1.5km) in length. If you’re feeling adventurous, test your skills riding the bobsleigh and skeleton, reaching speeds of up to 78mph (125kph).
The Whistler mountain resort may be relatively new, but it sits on the ancient ancestral lands of the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations peoples. Together, they conceived the idea of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to share their culture and traditions with the world, while at the same time respecting the natural environment.
Whistler Tasting Tours was founded in 2008 as a way for visitors to experience the best of local dining, and was recently designated a Canadian Signature Experience by the Canadian Tourism Commission. Lunch, dinner and dessert tours invite you to experience the best restaurants in the area, sampling menus across a range of venues and introducing you to their owners and chefs, adding a personal touch to the experience.
Feel the wind whistle through your helmet on the ultimate downhill biking experience. With 70 expertly crafted trails spread throughout four mountain zones, the world-renowned Whistler Mountain Bike Park attracts visitors of all levels and abilities. Although it sounds daunting – spanning 50mi (80km) in length and 4,900ft (1,494m) in elevation – beginners are more than welcome here.
Whistler boasts a range of activities to enjoy after the ski runs close. Even if you haven’t been pounding the trails all day, you can still join in the dining and merriment at local favorites such as Dusty’s – Whistler’s first après-ski bar, founded in 1965. Better yet, sit back and enjoy a sparkling beverage of your choice in a hot tub (practically every resort and accommodation in Whistler features one) while watching the snow fall over the pine-clad mountains.
For an unforgettable evening adventure, explore the old forest of Cougar Mountain while enjoying an immersive light show. Vallea Lumina is a magical night walk, suitable for all ages, which brings Whistler’s natural landscape to life using a combination of video, lighting, sound and special effects. As you walk along a brightly lit pathway in search of a hidden valley, a story filled with unexpected enchantment unfolds. Excursions run Thursday to Monday, every 30 minutes from sundown.
There’s a reason Whistler’s 8,100 acres (3,278ha) of snow-covered slopes are recognized as the best place to ski in North America. Not only did the city host the 2010 Winter Olympics, but it also has some of the best powder – with an average yearly snowfall of 39ft (12m). It’s also got a thriving après-ski scene; reward your hard work on the slopes with mountain-high nachos and a famous Jester Caesar at Merlin’s in the Upper Village.