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Thinking about going ATVing in Whistler? Well, you’re in the right place!
Both of us love ATVing and have done it all over the world – but one of our favorite places is Whistler. The one thing Whistler has over the rest of the world is those spectacular mountain views (and we are not just saying that because we are Vancouver locals who love Whistler!).
When it comes to booking an ATV tour in Whistler, you want to make sure you are choosing a reputable company that provides a fun and safe experience. That’s why we’ve outlined the absolute best ATV tours available below. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid thrill-seeker, you are sure to find the perfect tour here that’s right for you!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
If you don’t have time to read the whole article, we’ve got you covered! Our overall favorite option is this 3-hour buggy ATV tour. This fun tour will get your adrenaline pumping as you go off-roading through rugged mountain roads to experience the beautiful Canadian outdoors!
This tour is a great option for everyone, as it is easy enough for beginners, but also fun enough for thrill-seekers. You also get to sit side by side with your travel companion on this buggy, which we think makes for a more memorable shared experience.
We think this tour is perfect for couples, friends, and families. For $335 CAD, you get a 2-seater buggy with all of your essential gear and your tour guide – plus, with over 500 5-star reviews, you know it’s going to be a good time!
Book our favorite Whistler ATV tour with FREE 24-hour cancellation here!
The Best ATV Tours in Whistler
1. Adventure Seekers ATV Tour (Best for Experienced Single Riders)
This adrenaline-filled ATV tour is the perfect choice for adventure lovers, thrill seekers, and outdoor explorers who are comfortable on an ATV.
The adventure starts by meeting your guide in Whistler where you will then shuttle out to the Callaghan Valley for a safety briefing and a quick lesson on operating the ATV. You’ll get some stylish goggles, gloves, and a helmet, and then you’re off!
We had the best time exploring the rugged wilderness of the Callaghan Valley over 3 hours. Our guide took us on a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) off-road track that goes through streams and forests, and up to mountain tops for some epic views overlooking the valley where we got to stop and take some pictures.
Be sure to dress according to the season you’re visiting, as British Columbia can be cold even in the summer. Keep in mind that you’ll likely get dirty on this tour, but that’s really the fun of ATVing anyway! This tour only allows single riders, so it is limited to those 19 years or older with a valid driver’s license who are comfortable driving an ATV.
This highly-rated tour (check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews here) costs $209 CAD per person and is only available on weekdays in the summer, so make sure to plan in advance when booking!
Click here to book this adventure-filled ATV tour!
2. Guided ATV Tour of Whistler’s Backcountry (Best for Beginners)
This fun and adventurous 2-hour ATV tour goes deep into Whistler’s backcountry following mountain trails. You’ll navigate a variety of single-track and larger double-track paths and the guides go at the group’s pace with many people trying ATVing for the first time on this tour!
This is a great option for families and adventurous kiddos as young as 5 are welcome. The first time I took the driver’s seat in an ATV was a bit nerve-wracking, but I love that the guides on this tour take the time to explain everything and make sure everyone is comfortable before taking off. They even check in with you throughout the tour to make sure everyone is doing ok, which I really appreciate!
If you have Kayla as a guide, she’s awesome! I like that she adapts the ride as everyone gains more confidence on the ATVs so there are more challenging and fun sections as the ride goes on. Plus, she’ll take photos for you which is great if you’re traveling with someone and you both want to be in the photo!
This tour offers the choice between a single or double rider. For a single rider it costs $179 CAD, for an adult and 1 child (ages 5-12) it costs $278 CAD, and for 2 adults (aged 13+) it costs $318 CAD. Drivers must be over 19 years old with a valid driver’s license.
This popular tour tends to book up quickly, so we recommend securing your spot in advance, and when you book with Viator below you don’t have to pay anything until just before your tour date!
Book this beginner-friendly ATV tour here!
3. Whistler Off-Road Buggy Experience (Best for Families & Couples)
Tackle the bumpy terrain in this Off-Road Buggy experience. A buggy is a type of side-by-side ATV, so it’s perfect for couples, friends, and families who want to sit next to each other during the adventure and share in the experience!
This three-hour private tour meets in downtown Whistler. You’ll be traveling with a guide who will give some safety instructions and travel with you. We love having these guides because not only do they provide a lot of information about the area, but they are also super fun and will take photos of you!
This tour took us all around the rugged mountain tracks of Callaghan Valley. The area is super scenic and full of wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled – we saw some deer while on our tour!
This tour is available every day except for Saturdays from May to mid-October, so plan accordingly! It costs $335 CAD for a 2 seater buggy which can hold either 2 adults OR 1 adult with 1 child (must be at least 4 feet tall to participate). The cost includes your equipment, your guide, and of course, the buggy! And we love that this tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts, so you can easily cancel if your plans change.
Read the 5-star reviews and secure your spot on this tour here!
Related Read: Another activity we enjoyed as a couple was going horseback riding in Pemberton. It’s only 30 minutes from Whistler and well worth the trip.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
What should you wear ATVing in Whistler?
You should wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty! Riding ATVs certainly isn’t a prim and proper activity, so expect to leave a little dusty, muddy, wet, who knows! That’s part of the adventure.
The weather in British Columbia can be cold even in the summer, so be sure to check conditions the day of your tour. Most tours provide gear and some have it to rent if you don’t have any. All tours require closed-toe shoes, so be sure to pack those!
I suggest bringing a backpack to store your belongings and probably best to keep valuables at home so they don’t get lost or damaged.
Do you need to book in advance?
Yes, it is definitely a good idea to book in advance because these tours only run during the summer and they are likely to fill up fast! Booking your tour ahead of time ensures you get the best time and tour to fit your travel needs.
All of the tours on our list have a 24-hour cancellation policy meaning that you can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your departure time! One of our favorite parts of booking with Viator, and why we always recommend Viator tours, is because they have a buy now pay later option. You can reserve your spot on tours ahead of time to help you better plan your vacation and then pay later, closer to your trip time. And with their lowest price guarantee, you know you are getting the best deal out there!
Click here to learn more about our favorite Whistler ATVing tour!
Is ATVing in Whistler worth it?
Absolutely yes!
Whistler is one of the most beautiful places in Canada. ATVing is such a good way to get out and explore the wilderness. You’ll reach places that you’d probably never see by just hiking and getting to experience the area in an entirely new way.
ATVing is also a super fun adventure! Your heart will be beating fast as you go through the rugged terrain, over streams, and up to the top of mountains. Even if you’ve never ridden an ATV before, it’s a fun activity for beginners, families, or experienced adrenaline junkies!
Related Read: Some of the best hikes in the Vancouver area are actually near Whistler! Don’t miss checking out the Stawamus Chief and the breathtaking Joffre Lakes.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Other Things to do While You’re in Whistler
While you’re in Whistler, going on an ATV tour isn’t the only thing you need to check out. Below, I have listed just a glimpse of my favorite things to do in Whistler to add to your Whistler itinerary!
- Go ziplining – For epic views of rivers, glaciers, lakes, and mountains, why not soar above them? Whistler has some incredible ziplining tours and the one that tops them all is the Sasquatch® Zipline! It’s the longest zipline in Canada and the craziest one we’ve been on (in a good way!). You’ll zip 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) down the face of Blackcomb Mountain – talk about an unforgettable experience!
- Hit the slopes – Of course, if you’re visiting Whistler in the winter, this is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. Blackcomb Moutain is Whistler’s pride and joy with over 200 different runs suitable for all levels. So check out the hotels in Whistler perfect for a ski trip and head to the slopes!
- Via Ferrata – Whistler is one of many places in Canada to try Via Ferrata, an introduction to rock climbing. Challenge yourself to climb the entire 2,160-meter (7,086 feet) summit of Whistler Mountain with safety cables and metal rungs. The scenery is indescribable and well worth the $209 CAD price tag. You can reserve your spot in advance here.
- Go hiking – The nature all around Whistler is stunning! Some of our favorite spots include the 70-meter (230-foot) Brandywine Falls. It’s only a short walk from the parking lot to this stunning waterfall surrounded by rough cliffs. And of course, you can’t miss the hike to Joffre Lakes. These three alpine lakes are an unreal shade of blue (the second one is my fav!) you’ll have to see to believe.
- Scenic flight – Scenic flights around Whistler are not cheap but are 100% bucket-list worthy! There are a few different options here but the most unique are the scenic helicopter flight with a mountain landing and a seaplane flight that departs and lands from the water. Both options have mindblowing views and the helicopter tour even includes a glacier landing!
Where to Stay in Whistler
As you can imagine, Whistler is a mountain town filled with great hotels.
Luxury – $$$
For luxury travelers, I obviously love the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, but another option slightly cheaper is the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre. Its location is perfect for luxury travelers because it’s only 250 meters from the closest gondola/chairlift. On top of that, it has all the luxury facilities you’d expect such as a heated, outdoor pool and two hot tubs with mountain views, a fitness center, a spa and wellness center, as well as an included breakfast. Oh, and all suites have a full kitchen!
Mid-range – $$
Our go-to hotel in Whistler is the Adara Hotel. For us, it is the perfect mix of luxury and affordability with everything you need for a comfortable stay. They offer underground parking and are only a one-minute walk from the Whistler Stroll, so you can park your car and leave it while you explore Whistler Village. They also have a beautiful outdoor pool and hot tub offering mountain views – perfect for relaxing in the evening. The loft rooms are our favorites and most also offer mountain views from the upstairs patio.
Budget – $
For budget travelers, Pangea Pod Hotel is a great option. It’s a basic hotel with pod-style rooms with clean, well looked after facilities. The location is also really good right in the heart of Whistler Village. One thing to note is this is not your typical hotel and it does lack privacy due to the style of rooms. However, for location and price, it’s the best low-cost option. It’s also easy to book on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Those are just a few of the many amazing places to stay in Whistler – read our blog for more info!
Renting a Car in British Columbia
If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!
And if you’re planning to visit the Canadian Rockies during your trip, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!
In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
There you have it, the absolute best ATV tours in Whistler! I think ATVing is certainly a must-do experience if you’re planning a visit to Whistler in the summer or early fall. The adrenaline rush and stellar views make for such a fun time. Trust me!
If you’re in the midst of planning a Whistler getaway, make sure to check out our review on if visiting Whistler is worth it and our other blogs on BC’s West Coast for more ideas and tips. Here are a few helpful blogs to get you started:
20 FUN Things to do in Whistler When it Rains
The 4 BEST Whistler Tours from Vancouver
15 BEST Restaurants in Whistler, BC (with epic views and better food!)