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Looking for the best activities in Whistler? You’ve come to the experts!
We’ve been to Whistler more times than we can count while living in Vancouver. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts like ourselves! Throughout our travels here, we’ve learned that there are some epic things to do in Whistler – almost too many!
If you’re stressed about planning your itinerary, we can relate. That’s why we put together this list of the 10 best things to do in Whistler, from ziplines and ATVing to the top restaurants in the city.
This will help take the guesswork out of planning your trip, and you can simply enjoy your time in this mountain-filled paradise!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal favorite experience in Whistler is riding the Sasquatch® Zipline! Not only is it a thrilling experience, but it’s also a great way to see Whistler’s natural beauty and landscape. Plus, it’s the longest zipline on the continent, which is pretty cool!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Whistler, BC
- 1. Ride North America's longest zipline
- 2. Get your adrenaline pumping in a 4WD buggy
- 3. See Whistler's best sights on a sightseeing tour
- 4. Cruise around Whistler on an e-bike
- 5. Explore the outdoors on an ATV tour
- 6. Try Via Ferrata
- 7. Explore Whistler by floatplane
- 8. Axe throwing
- 9. Wine and dine
- 10. Kayak the River of Golden Dreams
- Where to Stay in Whistler, British Columbia
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in British Columbia
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Whistler, BC
1. Ride North America’s longest zipline
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: Multiple start times available
- Highlights: Sailing down North America’s longest zipline, seeing Whistler’s scenery from above the trees, small group experience
- Inclusions: Shuttle from Whistler, safety equipment, expert guides
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
Did you know that Whistler is home to the longest Zipline in North America – The Sasquatch®!? At over 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) long, this zipline is seriously impressive!
On this Sasquatch® Zipline tour, you’ll soar through the sky at speeds of over 100 kilometers (62 miles) an hour and enjoy the longest zipline trips in Canada. You’ll also be with an expert guide who will provide you with safety details, as this fun activity is a source of adrenaline!
We did this last time we were in Whistler, and let me tell you, it was a blast! We’ve done countless ziplines before all over the world,d and this one was the most thrilling. It goes super fast, plus, the views from up there are unmatched!
Best of all, it’s open year-round, so you can enjoy this thrilling activity no matter when you’re visiting! Just be sure to dress warm during the winter.
Reserve your spot on the record-holding Sasquatch® Zipline here – you don’t want to miss this one!
2. Get your adrenaline pumping in a 4WD buggy
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 11 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Driving your own 4WD buggy, exploring Whistler’s forest landscape, spotting wildlife, expert instruction
- Inclusions: Helmet, buggy, goggles, gloves, professional guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
One of the best tours I’ve done in Whistler was this 4×4 Off-Road Buggy tour through the Callaghan Valley!
On this tour, you get to drive this fast-paced buggy through forests and up steep, narrow backcountry roads. It’s two to a buggy, so you will likely want to take turns driving with your passenger.
It’s worth noting that the buggy can go up to 60 mph, which is pretty fast!
One of my favorite parts of the tour was when we got to drive the off-road buggy through creeks and small rivers. We got soaked – but that was mostly due to the fact that Daniel chose to drive at full speed into a huge puddle! Along the way through the forest, keep your eyes peeled for deer and grouse, and maybe even a black bear if you’re lucky!
We even stopped at a viewpoint to get photos. Our guide played the role of the photographer and we will keep these memories to last a lifetime.
This is one of the best ways to get outside and enjoy Whistler’s natural beauty. Just check out the 600+ 5-star reviews to see why everyone loves it!
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
3. See Whistler’s best sights on a sightseeing tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Private or small group tour with a local guide, customizable itinerary, options to visit visiting Whistler Blackcomb, Lost Lake, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Green Lake Lookout, Rainbow Park, Whistler Valley Trail, and more.
- Inclusions: Local guide, transportation from the meeting point, all fees and taxes
- Rating: 5 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
So much of Whistler is about outdoor adventure, but sometimes, we like to slow down our pace a bit. That’s why we loved this sightseeing tour that let us enjoy the scenery and learn about the area at a leisurely pace!
I’d highly recommend this tour if it’s your first time in Whistler. Our local guide, Ryan, was a fountain of information and knew Whistler like the back of his hand. It really helped us plan the rest of our itinerary and know what spots to return to!
Since this is a private tour, you have the freedom to customize it as you wish. We made sure to visit Whistler Blackcomb, as we are ski fanatics, and the Whistler Brewing Company because we also love beer!
Ryan took us out of the city to see Lost Lake, Green Lake Lookout, and Rainbow Park. He even used his keen eyes to spot a black bear in the distance! I would have totally missed it if it weren’t for him.
This tour included cultural stops, some easy hiking, and the best stops in the city. Best of all, you can go on this tour year-round, so even if it’s snowy and cold, you can enjoy every second of Whistler!
Check out the 300+ 5-star reviews and book this sightseeing tour here.
4. Cruise around Whistler on an e-bike
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Riding an electric bike, seeing Whistler’s scenery, learning about the history and area from a local guide, access to the Whistler Racket Club
- Inclusions: E-bike, helmet, guide, snacks
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
Bicycling is easily one of the best activities to do in Whistler. There is so much to explore on two wheels, so we booked this guided e-bike tour to make our experience smooth sailing.
We had so much fun on this guided tour because we didn’t have to plan our route or the logistics of bike rentals. We simply peddled at a leisurely pace and took in the views!
Cruising around on an electric bike allowed us to cover more ground, and I was shocked at how much we could see! The ease of an e-bike makes this tour doable for most travelers, which is great because you don’t want to miss this experience.
We were able to ride by the three major lakes, all three golf courses, a real bear den (fingers crossed, you’ll see some bears along with it!), and lots more. It’s quite the inclusive ride, and as far as numbers are concerned, you’ll ride for 27 km (17 mi).
Our guide broke up that long ride with scenic viewpoints and stopped to tell us all about Whistler. I was shocked at how quickly 2.5 hours of biking flew by! We aren’t the only ones who loved seeing Whistler on two wheels – check out the 300+ glowing reviews here.
This tour is likely to sell out – book your e-bike tour in advance here!
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.
5. Explore the outdoors on an ATV tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 11 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Driving a thrilling ATV through Whistler’s scenic outdoors, stopping at mountain viewpoints, getting off the main tourist track, learning about the history of the area
- Inclusions: Shuttle from Whistler, ATV training, professional guide, helmet, gloves, and goggles
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
If you’re ready for an adventure, then you need to sign up for this ATV tour in Whistler! Not only is it one of the most highly-rated tours in all of Whistler (check out the 350+ 5-star reviews here!), but it is a fun way to explore some of the most scenic areas around town, too.
Although there are a few different ATV tours available in Whistler, I recommend this particular one because our guides were so much fun! They made sure we were safe and comfortable driving our ATV but then let us go fast and get a little wild – my favorite type of tour!
We got to explore the Callaghan Valley on a 4 km (2.5 mi) off-road track. Over three hours, we rode through streams and forests and drove up to some excellent lookout points over the valley to stop and take photos. I don’t know what I enjoyed more, the adrenaline-filled track or the incredible beauty of Whistler!
This tour is only for single riders, so you’ll need a driver’s license and must be at least 19 years old. I’ll warn you that you’re likely to get dirty on this tour, but I think that’s all part of the fun of ATVing!
Check out all the 5-star reviews and book this ATV tour before you go here.
6. Try Via Ferrata
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Trying rock climbing in a safe and fun way, summiting a mountain, getting incredible views of Whistler from the top
- Inclusions: Helmet, harness, and all safety equipment, local guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
One of the best rock climbing experiences in BC is available right here in Whistler. This Via Ferrata Tour is suitable for beginners and involves climbing across a mountain peak (right next to a glacier!) with the help of safety cables. At the end, you’ll have climbed up the 2,160-meter (7,087 feet) summit of Whistler Mountain.
So you might be wondering, what is Via Ferrata exactly? It is essentially assisted rock climbing. But instead of having to use our fingertips and feet to find edges to hang on to, there are iron ladder rungs and poles to make it more like a jungle gym climbing experience.
That’s right, no experience is required!
We did this Via Ferrata tour in Whistler ourselves, and we would highly recommend it to anybody who is up for a bit of a challenge. You’ll first ride the gondola up to the top of Whistler Peak (take the Whistler Village gondola or the Peak 2 Peak) this is where the tour starts. Your guide will get you geared up in safety gear before beginning a bit of a hike to the beginning of the Via Ferrata route. Then, it’s time to climb up!
I’m not going to lie, it is a little nerve-wracking looking down from way up high on a cliff face, but it was also so much fun, too! And once we got to the top, the scenery was indescribable!
This experience offers reserve now, pay later options when you book it here!
Note: You will need a Peak 2 Peak gondola sightseeing pass to get yourself to the starting point of the tour. This pass can be bought when you purchase your Via Ferrata tour or separately. For this reason, it’s a great add-on activity for those already planning on checking out the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
7. Explore Whistler by floatplane
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Time: Multiple times available from 12 to 5 pm
- Highlights: Flying in a floatplane; taking off and landing in the water; soaring over mountains, glaciers, and lakes; learning about the area from the pilot’s commentary
- Inclusions: Experienced pilot, all fees and taxes
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check all the reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
Whistler is stunning, and there’s no better way to explore Whistler than from the sky. From this vantage point, you get a birds-eye view of the many mountains and lakes in the region. To make it even more epic, take off from the water on a floatplane!
Here in Whistler, this unique floatplane tour takes you to see the glaciers nearby! It can seem pretty scary taking off from the water, but it’s definitely one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had to date in Canada.
Our seaplane took off from Green Lake, just 5 minutes from downtown Whistler so it was easy to fit into our busy schedule. We were in awe for the full 30 minute flight, and while I wished I could have stayed up there all day, we saw so much in that short flight time. Glaciers, rugged mountains, and thousands of years old rock formations. I already knew British Columbia was beautiful, but this tour simply took it to the next level.
It was also very insightful to hear the pilots commentary, as he pointed out the mountain peaks, like the famous Black Tusk and other scenic locations. He told us the history and geology of Whistler – I was impressed by his depth of knowledge, all while flying a plane!
This is easily one of the most memorable experiences we had in Whistler, just see the dozens of 5-star reviews here!
This tour is likely to sell out – reserve it now and pay later when your book it here!
8. Axe throwing
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: Multiple start times available
- Highlights: Learning how to throw an axe, competitive and fun activity for groups
- Inclusions: Targets, axes, safety briefing
- Rating: 5 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
Axe throwing was something I never thought about doing before coming to Canada. To be honest, though, I didn’t even know it was a thing to do! But as it turns out, it’s super popular and there are actually places all over Canada to test your skills at hitting a target with an axe.
Let me tell you though, it’s super fun, and the hour we had booked on this axe throwing guided experience went by so fast! As a first-timer, it took a few throws to get the hang of it but after that, we were keeping scores and getting super competitive.
If you’re wondering what it’s like, Bailey put it best, “it’s like bowling but way more dangerous.” This is true, but with the safety rules and training, it’s actually super safe, and there’s nothing to worry about!
They also serve drinks and snacks, so you can just hang out and have a good time with your group. It’s a perfect activity if the weather isn’t favorable or you need a break from all that outdoor adventuring in Whistler! It’s the ultimate Canada experience, and you must give it a try at least once while here!
Check availability and book this experience in advance here!
9. Wine and dine
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 4:45 pm
- Highlights: Visiting four top fine dining restaurants, learning how to saber champagne at Bearfoot Bistro, eating amazing chef-prepared dishes
- Inclusions: 4 course dinner, local guide, gratuities
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Whistler has some world-class restaurants that foodies will absolutely love. After a day exploring the great outdoors, we love to relax and enjoy a gourmet meal in town – the only problem is that there are too many good restaurants to choose from! So when we learned about this progressive dinner, which takes you to four different restaurants for each course, we quickly signed up.
This was our first ever progressive dinner, and we loved the flow. The exact stops change frequently to keep up with the hottest restaurants in town, but this just means you can do this tour multiple times, and it will be totally different!
One consistent thing is visiting the Bearfoot Bistro, one of Whistler’s most romantic restaurants. They have an impressive underground wine cellar with over 15,000 bottles of wine! We learned how to saber a champagne bottle with a sword, and I still brag about this skill today!
All in all, we visited four restaurants and moved about for each course. The food was incredible – think fresh salmon, perfectly cooked steak, and genuinely unique food creations. It was actually a really good deal, as top chefs prepared the food and the ambiance was incredible!
It was a great way to experience a handful of Whistlers restaurants, bars, and dessert stops in one night, just be sure to come hungry!
Book this top-rated tour in advance here and get FREE cancellation options!
10. Kayak the River of Golden Dreams
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10:15 am or 1:45 pm
- Highlights: Relaxing float along the river, self-guided tour to go at your own pace, taking in the scenery from the river
- Inclusions: Kayak, safety gear, round trip transportation
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check the price here!
Kayaking the River of Golden Dreams during your summer vacation to Whistler sounds idyllic, am I right?!
This pretty glacier-fed river starts in Alta Lake and ends at Green Lake, it’s 5 kilometers (3 miles) in length. We booked this self-guided kayak tour, which made our experience so easy! They provided all of the gear and safety equipment, but we could enjoy it at a leisurely pace because its self guided.
We had so much fun relaxing in the sun and taking in the scenery for three hours. The flowers lined the river and we could see the mountains and old growth forest all around us – British Columbia was certainly showing off!
The water can be pretty fast-moving especially in early summer so it’s not too much of a workout, but that’s not an issue if you’re asking me! During these warmer months, you will need to watch out for beaver dams which are often floating in the river.
You will likely come across some other wildlife on your paddle too, such as geese, otters, eagles, and osprey!
They offer morning and afternoon departures, and provide roundtrip transfers to and from the lake. This tour makes it really easy to enjoy this experience!
Don’t miss out on exploring the beautiful River of Golden Dreams – book your kayak tour here.
Where to Stay in Whistler, British Columbia
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Whistler, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! I recommend booking your accommodations as early as possible, as Whistler is a very popular destination. Here are my favorite places to stay!
Luxury – $$$
For a luxury hotel in the heart of Whistler, the Whistler Village Suites is my top choice. For Whistler, it’s still a great value hotel and has a swimming pool, 3 hot tubs, a bar, a fitness center, and a restaurant. The rooms a very nice and for groups they have 2 bedroom apartments. Some of the suites even have balconies with mountain views!
Prices range from $300 to $800+ CAD depending on season and room size. You can check availability and reserve your stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
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 favorite, and most also offer mountain views from the upstairs patio. Rooms
Rooms range from $150 to $300+ CAD per night. Book Adara Hotel on Booking.com here.
Budget – $
For those travelers on a budget, the Hi Whistler is one of the only budget options. Although a hostel, the place is very clean and comfortable and they also have private rooms. They also have Cheaky’s Café which serves coffee, snacks, meals, beer, cider, and wine. It’s a great place to meet travelers and enjoy your time in Whistler.
A single bunk in a mixed dorm room averages $56 CAD or if you’re traveling with a group you can book out a private dorm.
You can check availability on Booking.com or Hostelworld.
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!
Whistler is one of those places that we can’t help going back to time and time again. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or a serene nature getaway. This list hits the top 10 things to do, but the truth is – there’s even more to explore! So get out there and enjoy your time in Whistler.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other Canada blogs. Bailey grew up in Canada, and we’ve traveled all over this beautiful country together, collecting the best places and experiences. Here are a few related blogs to help you plan your next adventure!
WHISTLER ITINERARY – How to Spend 1, 2, or 3 Days in Whistler!