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Whistler is an epic resort town in British Columbia, and one of our personal favorite places to visit in Canada. It’s beautiful, vibrant, and there are a ton of adventures to be had all year round, from world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter to ziplining and horseback riding in the summer.
As you may or may not know, we lived in Vancouver, which is a 90-minute drive from Whistler, for a long time. We would often come and enjoy weekend getaways here, or even day trips with friends and family who came to visit, and we took a lot of tours during that time.
There are a ton of epic things to do in Whistler and, honestly, not everything requires a tour. There are lots of activities that can be done independently, like hiking around the town’s lakes or hitting the slopes, but there are some activities that either require you to take a tour or are just made soooo much better with one.
We’re pretty independent travelers and we don’t tend to take tours just for the sake of it, but sometimes, joining a tour can really help you to get the most out of your experience. Plus if you’re only in Whistler for a day or two, picking a couple of tours means you can check off your must-do activities easily.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 13 of the absolute BEST tours in Whistler, so that you can make the most of your time in this postcard-perfect town. We’ve also broken them up by season because not all activities are available year-round (although plenty are!).
Our TOP Picks of Whistler Tours
Best dining experience:
Whistler has such an incredible culinary scene, and what better way to enjoy it than on this small-group fine dining tour? If you’re a foodie like us, this will be right up your street, and if you’re not, this might just turn you into one! At just $185 CAD per person, it’s best to book in advance to secure the exact date you’re looking for.
Best winter tour:
We’re keeping it simple with our favorite winter tour, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less fun! This 3-hour snowshoeing tour actually has a surprising amount of depth to it and is packed with cool stories and fun facts. Plus, it’s great for all fitness levels, which is perfect for families.
If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss out! Tickets for this snowshoeing tour cost $125 CAD per person and can be booked online here.
Best sightseeing tour:
Whenever we look for a sightseeing tour, we look for three things; if it’s received rave reviews, how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are, and whether we’re getting good value for money. This 3-hour sightseeing tour of Whistler ticks all these boxes and more, making it our top pick when it comes to seeing Whistler’s most iconic landmarks!
Tickets for this tour cost $105 CAD per person. It’s best to book in advance online here, as this tour can get really busy, especially in summer.
The BEST Tours in Whistler All Year Round
1. Sightseeing tour
We think that a sightseeing tour is the perfect way to get acquainted with a new area, and this Whistler sightseeing tour is a fantastic introduction to Whistler. It’s a small group tour, so you’ll be able to chat with your guide and ask questions as you drive around, which makes the whole experience much more satisfying.
You’ll visit some of the town’s most famous sites, like Green Lake Lookout, the Olympic Plaza, and Rainbow Park, which is where Whistler began! There’s also a stop to check out the super artsy Function Junction neighborhood, where you can try some amazing craft beer (which is a huge bonus, if you ask us).
The itinerary does also change slightly according to the season to ensure that you get the most out of the tour. For example, in summer you’ll visit Lost Lake, but it’s not accessible during the winter (you know, because it’s lost).
We also really like the fact that this is a locally owned and operated tour company, so your experience is carefully curated by local guides, rather than a big, corporate tour organization that doesn’t really know or appreciate the area. Our guide was also very knowledgeable and passionate about the town, which we thought was a huge plus. It makes such a difference when you get a tour from someone who really knows the place and can tell you all of its stories.
The tour can be booked online here and costs $95 CAD for adults and $61 CAD for under 12s, and it only lasts for around 3 hours, so it’s a good orientation session before you head out to explore Whistler independently. It’s a family-friendly tour and perfect for basically anyone who wants to get the lay of the land!
2. Ziplining
Whistler has some of the top ziplining courses in Canada and a few are open all year long – perfect if you’re visiting Whistler in the winter!
The Ziptrek Eagle Tour is actually the second-longest zipline in Whistler – although if you’re riding in the winter, the Sasquatch® zipline (keep reading for more details on this zipline!) is closed, so the Eagle takes its place as the longest zipline.
This zipline deserves a spot on our best tours in Whistler list because there are not one, but five ziplines of different lengths to take you soaring over forests, rivers, and back down to Whistler Village. You can even zipline without holding on or upside-down – although I wasn’t brave enough for that!
The first zipline flies you 2,400 feet (731 meters) through the air with an insane 30-story descent across the valley. You can ride this line side-by-side with another person making this a great option if you’re traveling with someone else – I think it would be a fun addition to a honeymoon in Whistler!
I really liked the break in the middle of this tour when you walk through Whistler’s old-growth forest. It gave me a chance to slow down and really appreciate the beauty of this area. But don’t worry, it’s still adventurous as you cross 4 treetop suspension bridges which give a unique aerial view of the forest you’re in.
You can expect this zipline experience to take 2.5-3 hours from start to finish. You’ll meet in Whistler Village at the Carleton Lodge across from Whistler Gondola. You’ll then take the Olympic Station Gondola ride to the first, and longest zipline. The tour costs $178 CAD for adults and $147 CAD for kids aged 6-12. The price includes all the gear you need and transport to and from Whistler village.
You can guarantee your spot on the Eagle Tour here – just select the Eagle Tour option when booking!
3. Fine dining experience
One of our favorite-ever experiences in Whistler was this fine dining dinner tour. We LOVE getting to know a place’s culinary scene, and this tour was not only informative but a ton of fun, too.
You get to go to four of Whistler’s best restaurants, enjoy a wine-tasting session and, best of all, learn how to sabrage champagne (open a champagne bottle with a saber)! You’ll get a high-end course at each venue, made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients (of course) and your guide will teach you all about Whistler’s food scene and British Columbian cuisine.
There’s a maximum of 14 people per tour group, which ensures that it’s a personalized and intimate experience. With an experience like this, a smaller group is so much better than a big crowd.
The tour costs $175 CAD per person, and alcoholic drinks outside of the wine tasting will need to be purchased directly from the venue. It’s not exactly cheap, but this tour can definitely save you a few bucks when you compare it against the cost of heading to all of these swanky restaurants independently, and you get a hand-picked selection of the best local specialties on offer.
This tour company was dreamed up by two foodie friends who wanted to share their love of the area’s food scene with visitors, so it’s a really personal and carefully curated experience. We felt like a lot of love and care had gone into crafting this dining tour!
Related Read: For a more low-key dining expereince, head to one of the top coffee shops in Whistler for a cup of joe!
4. Helicopter ride with mountain landing
There’s nothing like soaring through the sky to appreciate the beauty of Whistler from a completely different perspective. This helicopter tour will take you over glaciers and snow-capped peaks to give you the ultimate view of the Coast Mountains.
Plus, if the weather conditions are right, you can land on Rainbow Mountain and go for a short stroll at the top – so you basically get the rewards of a long hike with none of the hard work.
You’ll be in a group of up to 5 people, and the journey will last between 25-45 minutes, depending on whether or not you’re able to land on Rainbow Mountain. We loved the commentary from our pilot along the way, as it gave us a really great overview of the area and helped us to contextualize what we were seeing.
A helicopter tour is one of those experiences that just can’t be beaten, and it’s definitely worth the money if there’s room in your budget. The tour can be booked here for $325 CAD per person, and it’s run by a carbon-neutral company that’s really committed to sustainability and conservation, which definitely earns some extra brownie points from us!
5. Guided axe throwing
In case you weren’t aware, axe throwing is actually pretty popular in Canada! It may sound nuts, but it’s totally safe, and it’s actually a great way to let loose and release some pent-up frustration. In fact, our game actually got SUPER competitive.
We know that it sounds dangerous, but there are lots of rules and strict safety protocols in place, so there’s really no need to worry. Participants have to be at least 10 years old and there’s a safety briefing before you begin chucking axes around.
Once you start your axe throwing experience, you’ll learn some different trick throws and different kinds of games, then enter into a tournament-style competition to see who’s the ultimate axe throwing champ. Dan had never done this before we went, but by the end, he was totally hooked!
It’s a really fun and unique experience, so it definitely deserves a spot on this list. Axe throwing is really popular, so it’s best to book your session in advance so that you don’t miss out. The experience lasts for an hour and is available between 10 am – 11 pm, so you can book the time that suits you best.
This activity costs $45 CAD and it’s great for groups of friends, couples, or even families with children over the age of 10. Basically, if you’re looking for a fun bonding experience, this is the perfect way to blow off some steam together!
The BEST Tours in Whistler in the Summer
6. The Sasquatch® Zipline
We’ve ziplined all over the world and the craziest zipline we’ve ever done is the Sasquatch® Zipline! Unlike other ziplining tours in Whistler, this one doesn’t have multiple lines, just one monster zipline to ride.
It’s the longest AND fastest zipline in Whistler and all of North America, in fact. It’s over 2 km (1.3 miles) long and reaches speeds of over 100 km/hr (62 mph). Needless to say, this is one of the top BC attractions and one guaranteed to provide a thrill – or if you’re like me a loud shriek!
The Sasquatch® zipline only runs during the summer and the views as you fly down Blackcomb Mountain are breathtaking. They almost provided a distraction for my nerves at the start of the descent!
The entire experience can be booked here and lasts about an hour and a half. We started at the check-in station in Whistler village at the base of the Excalibur Gondola. Here we got a safety briefing and traveled with our group in a provided shuttle to the base of Blackcomb Mountain.
Once you get to the launch area, you will be harnessed in. This is when I felt the excitement really start to build! Once harnessed, it’s time for the thrilling 7,000-foot (2,133-meter) zipline from Blackcomb Mountain over the Fitzsimmons Valley and ending up in the middle of Whistler Mountain.
Even if you’re nervous about heights, the warm and welcoming team was a huge help in making the experience so much better. Trust me, you are going to need a little encouragement to take on this humungous zipline! You can read our full review of the Sasquatch® Zipline here for more details!
If you’re only going to book one zipline in Whistler, I recommend booking this $147 CAD tour before spots fill up! You can even book now online and pay later.
Related Read: Summer is also the pefect time for a road trip! We love the scenic drive from Whistler to Banff!
7. E-bike tour
We often say that e-bikes give you the best of both worlds: you get to feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin, just like you would on a regular bike, but you also get that extra bit of power to make it up those hills with a lot less effort!
On this guided e-bike tour, you’ll explore Whistler’s beautiful old-growth forests and alpine streams as you learn about the area’s unique wildlife and ecosystem. You’ll also have gorgeous views of the Canadian Rockies as you pedal around, which really adds some extra magic to the experience. And best of all, you’ll see some of Whistler’s beautiful turquoise lakes, which is something you won’t forget in a hurry.
The tour lasts for 2.5 hours and is run by experienced guides who know all of Whistler’s best hidden spots. They even took us to an awesome little bakery where we stopped for some insanely good pastries!
If you’re looking for an introduction to Whistler’s great outdoors that will help you get a feel for what this town is all about, then this electric bike tour is the perfect option. You’ll cover way more ground than you would on a walking tour, but you still get to enjoy being outside in the fresh air.
The tour costs $137 CAD and participants need to be at least 12 years old. While it’s not suitable for young kids, we do really think that this tour is a great option for families with older children. Since the bikes are electric, you don’t need to be super fit to keep up with the group, and there’s a maximum of 25 travelers per group so it never feels too crowded.
8. Floatplane ride
There’s nothing quite like a scenic floatplane ride – especially not over somewhere as beautiful as Whistler! I’ll be honest, I always find the takeoff a little bit scary but once you get going, the fear completely melts away and is overtaken by sheer excitement and awe.
Whistler is known for its mountain peaks, gorgeous lakes, and incredible glaciers, so this floatplane ride is truly an amazing experience – although sadly, it’s not a cheap one. It costs $199 CAD for adults and $103 for kids, so it’s definitely one of the pricier tours on this list, but if you’ve got the cash to spare, then we think that the jagged mountains, lush greenery, and epic glaciers really do make it worth it.
The ride lasts for 30 minutes and there are multiple departures throughout the day, so it’s really easy to fit this experience into a busy Whistler itinerary. We found the commentary from our pilot to be super interesting, and the whole experience was just a great way to truly appreciate the immense beauty of Whistler. You can book your spot online here.
Related Read: For another unforgettable flight, a seaplane flight over Vancouver is another memorable tour you’ll love! Or you can use the flight over as an epic way to travel from Vancouver to Whistler!
9. Buggy tour
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then a bike tour or a walk around town might not cut it for you. But don’t worry, this 4×4 buggy tour is guaranteed to give you the thrill of a lifetime!
A buggy is basically an ATV, but larger and safer because it has a roll cage around it which protects you from injuries in the event of an accident. So you get all the thrill of speeding around on an off-road adventure, but with added peace of mind.
This tour will certainly get your heart pumping as you race up and down rugged mountains and forested trails in the Callaghan Valley. You really will feel like a true adventurer as you speed around the dramatic terrain and spot local wildlife. It’s a super fun experience and the 3 hours will fly right by!
This experience costs $325 CAD for two people, and you need to be at least 19 years old to drive the buggy. You’ll also need a full driving license to be able to sit in the driver’s seat, so bear that in mind! Kids are welcome but they need to be at least 4 feet tall and able to fit into a helmet. This experience can be good for families, especially those with teens, but in general, we’d say it’s probably best for adults – whether you’re riding around with a friend, a partner, or even flying solo.
There’s also really no need to worry if you haven’t driven a buggy before – we hadn’t, and we still had an amazing time! You get lots of instruction before you hit the trails, so you’ll be an off-roading pro in no time.
This is hands-down one of the very best tours that we did in Whistler. Honestly, an ATV tour in Whistler is a must-do.
It really is just so much fun, and there’s no feeling quite like the adrenaline rush you get as you whiz around these epic trails and take in the stunning views. It’s kind of like driving in a video game – only 100 times better! Make sure you book this one in advance here.
10. Via Ferrata
So, I think we can all agree that climbing a mountain sounds pretty awesome, right? But usually, you need a ton of equipment, training, and experience to start scaling up rocky walls. That’s why we jumped at the chance to tackle Via Ferrata in Whistler – because it allows you to climb a mountain with literally no prior experience.
Via Ferrata – which literally translates to “iron path” in Italian – is a rock-climbing experience that is suitable for complete beginners. It’s a system of cables and ladders fixed to the side of Whistler Mountain, so all you need to do is strap on your helmet and follow the path up. It’s actually super safe, because climbers are harnessed into a safety line, and this tour also includes a local guide to help and support you along the way.
What really blew our minds about this tour was that we found ourselves climbing next to a glacier, which is certainly not something you get to experience every day! If we’re being honest, it was a bit daunting at times, but we felt a HUGE sense of accomplishment once we reached the top. This experience is a little challenging and requires a moderate fitness level, but it’s very doable for most people. You can read our full experience on Whistler’s Via Ferrata if you want to know more!
The tour costs $209 CAD for adults or $189 CAD for 12-16 year-olds. You’ll need to take the Peak2Peak or Whistler Village gondola up to the starting point on Whistler Peak. The gondola ticket isn’t included in the basic tour option, but you can choose to upgrade your tour to include a Peak2Peak ticket for an extra $70 CAD.
The experience can be booked online and lasts for around 4 hours and there’s a stop halfway for drinks and snacks. You’ll probably be pretty tired by the end but the stunning views from the top of Whistler Peak are 100% worth the effort. We also appreciated the fact that our guide was super patient and supportive, which really does make a difference if you’re nervous about the climb!
11. Horseback Riding in Pemberton
You’ll have to head out of Whistler for this activity, but not far, we promise! Only 25 minutes north of Whistler is the beautiful mountain town of Pemberton. It’s right at the foot of Mount Currie, so the scenery is spectacular.
One of the best things to do in Pemberton is to see the Pemberton Valley on a trail ride.
The horseback riding tour we took was a scenic journey along the banks of the Ryan River to the Lillooet River. We passed through forests and fields with views of the towering Mount Currie. Keep an eye out for wildlife too – we actually saw a mama bear with her cubs! It almost feels like you’re exploring a movie set.
It’s so peaceful and relaxing – even if you’re a beginner rider. The guides are all really helpful and friendly and will pair you up with a horse that matches your experience level. All you’ll need to bring is long pants and closed-toed shoes. You can choose either a morning or afternoon tour that lasts for 1-2 hours. The trail rides can be booked online here starting at around $98 CAD.
The BEST Tours in Whistler in the Winter
12. Snowmobile tour
Whistler is the very definition of a winter wonderland, and nothing beats riding around in the wilderness on a snowmobile! It’s so much fun and you get an amazing feeling of freedom as you cruise through various snow-covered landscapes. Whizzing past frozen lakes and gorgeous lookout points is really one of the most magical experiences you can have in Canada.
We had an absolute blast when we went snowmobiling in Whistler, and honestly, it’s just as much of a reason to visit as the iconic ski resort! It’s also best to do it as part of a tour, especially if you’ve never snowmobiled before because the guides will teach you how to use the snowmobile, show you the best routes, and keep you safe throughout.
A 2-hour snowmobile tour costs $199 CAD, including a hot drink and snack to help you warm up afterward. If you don’t have a ton of your own winter gear, you can borrow things like snow pants, gloves, helmets, and goggles on the day for free. However, there is an extra $30 CAD insurance charge that you’ll have to pay when you check in for the tour.
You need to be 19 years old and have a full driver’s license to operate a snowmobile, but under 19s are welcome if they have parental consent. If you’re traveling as a family and want to take kids aged between 5-12 with you, you’ll have to contact the tour company and discuss it with them, as under 12s are considered on a case-by-case basis.
We think that this is the perfect outdoor winter adventure for adults, and we would go again in a heartbeat! Grab your spot on this snowmobiling tour here.
Related Read: If winter fun in Whistler is calling you, make sure you check out all the best places to stay in Whistler for skiing!
13. Snowshoeing
One of our favorite things to do during the Canadian winter is to strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore the wilderness. This snowshoeing tour takes you along the Medicine Trail, through an enchanting and mysterious forest to learn all about local folklore and sample traditional healing.
You’ll also visit an old trapper’s cabin and check out Totem Pole Lake, so all in all this is a really great way to discover more about the culture and history of Whistler, while experiencing its incredible wintery beauty.
We think that this tour is perfect for pretty much anyone who has a moderate fitness level, as you will be pretty active for about 3 hours. There’s a maximum of 24 travelers per group, so it doesn’t get overcrowded, which we really appreciated.
This tour is easily booked online and costs $125 CAD for adults or $83 CAD for kids, and it departs at either 8 am or 11 am. What sets this one apart for us is that it’s an educational experience as well as an active one, and you get to learn a lot about Canadian mountain culture along the way. Plus, the stunning scenery doesn’t hurt, either.
Where to Stay in Whistler, BC
As you can imagine, Whistler is a mountain town filled with great hotels.
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.
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 the rooms. However, for location and price, it’s the best low-cost option. You can also easily book a room on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
If you can spend a little more then you can certainly get privacy in a good location. The Pinnacle Hotel Whistler is located in the heart of Whistler Upper Village, features a fitness center, hot tub, pool, and restaurant. On top of that, it’s only 500 meters from the chairlifts.
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 2 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!
Those are just a few of the many amazing places to stay in Whistler – read our complete blog for more info!
Thanks for reading!
There you have it – the best tours in Whistler no matter what season you’re visiting. We’ve spent countless days exploring Whistler and through our time exploring, these are the tours that really stood out. They help you get to know the area better and take in the scenery that Whistler is famous for!
If you’re looking for more amazing places to see in BC, make sure you browse around our other blogs about traveling in Canada. We’ve got road trip agendas, activities, tours, restaurant recommendations, and more. Consider us your personal guides to help plan an epic Canadian trip!
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