Whistler, Canada

What to do in Whistler, Canada

Skiing

Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains have everything skiers want, and more of it than anywhere else on this continent. In addition to more than 7,070 acres of skiable terrain, they share a claim to North America's longest vertical drop - more than a mile! You'll be seriously challenged to dip your tips into each of the 12 alpine bowls, 3 glaciers, and more than 200 marked trails. The green, blue and double black runs suit skiers of all abilities.

Snowboarding

Surfers go to Maui and boarders go to Whistler.Voted the #1 snowboard destination in North America by Snowboard Canada Magazine, Whistler and Blackcomb are perfect for virgin snowboarders and Xtreme experts. The terrain parks and pipes are maintained continuously with Pipe Dragons and snow cats.

Heli-Skiing/Boarding

Get far from the madding crowd with a helicopter lift to a number of isolated peaks. Moderate and expert powder hounds cap off vacations with trips ranging from simply getting you up there and back, to excursions including a gourmet picnic on the mountain, videotaped evidence of your trek, and an aprés over refreshments.

Dog-Sledding

Long before the grinding whine of the first snowmobile broke the icy stillness of the Great White North, dog sleds were the vehicle of choice. Make like a musher as you learn to guide your team along woodland trails and frozen creeks with an expert guide.

Golf

There are 3 designer golf courses in the Whistler Valley, created by legends like Palmer and Nicklaus, and 4 more world-class courses in the Sea to Sky Corridor that make Whistler a high-ranking golf destination.

Get Pampered

There are several spa clinics in Whistler where you can drop by for a quick and soothing massage, but if you really want to go the luxury distance, book a half-day at the Spa at the Chateau Whistler. How do a full body massage, herbal steam bath, a swim, hot tub, sound for starters? Follow up across the hall in the Mallard Lounge with a brandy by a picture window and a jazz pianist tickling the ivories.

Fishing

The five lakes and many rivers of Whistler just about spill over with fish. Feisty rainbow and cutthroat trout are most populous, and Lucille Lake to the south is the only lake in the area with brookies. Dolly Vardens are aggressive fighters that easily reach six pounds and anglers from around the world know the inexhaustible steelhead that regularly top 20 pounds.

Eco-Hikes

British Columbia is home to soaring mountain ranges, ancient forests, deep blue fjords, and wild coastlines. It's the ancestral home of Native Americans whose culture echoes the land. Join experienced guides, naturalists, and First Nations members on a fun trek that respects the land while teaching you about it.

Biking

Fast becoming one of North America's mountain biking meccas, the Whistler area is streaked with hundreds of trails for all levels of ability. Guided tours, lessons, rentals, and maps are available from many shops, as are guided descents of Whistler Mountain.

Water Sports

Windsurfing, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, and sailing are all popular on Whistler's 5 lakes and many rivers. Four of the five lakes are strictly non-motorized and are popular for swimming in summer. For wake-boarding and water-skiing, go to Green Lake, a glacier-fed lake where motors are allowed. All the lakes have BBQ facilities, and over on Lost Lake and Rainbow Park there are also beaches and volleyball courts.