As the largest resort in North America, you’ve no doubt heard about Whistler’s epic snowfall and opportunities to shred the gnarliest powder around in winter!
However, for those professional snow-ploughers, there is so much more to Whistler Blackcomb, that goes beyond the ski season to all year round.
We’ve rounded up our favourite Whistler activities to do in winter through to summer, a lot of which are totally free.
1. Carve up the Slopes
Well, we thought we’d get it over with at the beginning. Yes, this place is a snow-lovers playground and it deserves that adoration.
From the rookie skier to the pro, there is a slope for you. A little more experienced? Choose one of the safe off-piste routes and explore the back country.
Winter is for dive-bombing into several inches of fresh powder and cosying up in bars.
2. Snowmobile Street Cred
It’s hard to feel a whole lot more swag than when you’re bombing around on a snowmobile. Enough said. So ditch the skis and experience the mountains in style.
3. Snowshoe Ready
With all that snow comes a pretty chilly climate, so do as the Whistler folk do: layer up and embrace it. Whack on your snowshoes and head out on a winter hike around the glossed over sparkling lakes and waterfalls.
4. Get Down with the Locals
Head to local favourite, Beacon, and warm up after a ski sesh with bevvies and free pool. Feeling like a big night on the town? Brandy’s sports bar kicks off from Thursday to Sunday with a resident DJ and is the only bar open until 2am.
5. Cosy up Café Style
Gone Eatery is the perfect spot to snuggle up on a comfy sofa and tuck into some well-deserved post-ski food. Located inside the local bookshop, dig into a mountain of fresh, healthy food that won’t break the bank.
6. Alpine Hikes
Whistler offers an array of awesome hiking opportunities all year round. In summer you can go hiking across peaks covered in wild flowers, cruising along crystal-clear lakes and sundowners.
Hike to high note at the top of Whistler, Garibaldi lakes or if you’re really keen, embark on a three-day excursion to panorama ridge and black tusk.
7. Blow-ups and Sunny Days
Grab a kayak or inflatable and float on down the River of Golden Dreams in the warm summer sun. It doesn’t get much dreamier than that. Several companies offer kayaking tours here, whilst rentals are also available.
8. Bungy!
Are you looking for the ultimate thrill? Fear not adrenaline junkies, spend a day throwing yourself in to the forest landscape with Whistler’s bungy jump. Man is that view beaut (if your eyes aren’t squeezed shut that is).
9. Get in line
Zip lining is an all year round activity, but unless you want to feel like you’ve had ice botox, we recommend giving this a go in the warmer months. Whistler even has the longest line in North America, The Sasquatch, spanning from Blackcomb mountain to Whistler.
10. Bears
Whistler is surrounded by natural landscape and this is one of the best places to see bears in Canada. The Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are home to up to 60 black bears and cubs so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the local inhabitants and cuddly critters.
Black bears, marmots and sometimes even coyotes can all be spotted! (make sure it’s from inside or far away, those coyotes and black bears are feisty). Some companies offer 4×4 tours which are one of the best and safest ways to see bears.
11. Did Someone Say Cocktails?
Treat yourself to an award-winning cocktail at popular Bar Oso (150-4222 Village Square, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4) and a couple of delish tapas plates to go with it. The buzzing atmosphere and low-key feel make it an ideal summer of love date spot (tinder or the real deal, no judgement).
Plan a Trip to Spectacular Whistler
Whistler really is one of the most popular places to see in Canada and the perfect year round destination. No matter if you go in winter, summer, autumn or spring, you’ll be sure to find an activity or adventure for you.
