Whether you're looking to hike through a stunning landscape, try your hand at fishing or simply relax by the lake, there's something for everyone in Whistler.
The town is also home to some great museums, including the Audain Art Museum that features artwork from renowned Canadian artists like Emily Carr and Edward John Hughes. It's a small but interesting museum that you should add to your list of things to do!
Whistler Mountain
Located a two-hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler is renowned the world over as one of the best ski resorts in North America. Its epic alpine landscape consists of miles of snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, teal-blue lakes and lush forests.
There are so many amazing sights and activities to enjoy in Whistler, from world-class skiing and snowboarding to pristine alpine lakes, incredible hikes, zip-line tours and more. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a family-friendly adventure, there’s something to suit everyone!
While it’s certainly possible to explore Whistler’s breathtaking natural attractions year-round, spring and autumn are the ideal times to visit. Not only is it less crowded but the falling snow also creates stunning waterfalls and other powerful natural features.
Rainbow Park
Located on Alta Lake, Rainbow Park provides breathtaking views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains as well as night photography opportunities. It's also a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
The area is also rich in wildlife, including bears, cougars, deer, marmots and pika. During the summer, visitors can take part in a variety of hiking trails that connect the mountain.
Hiking enthusiasts will find many amazing routes, from a short stroll through Rainbow Park to a full day hike up High Note Trail, which features stunning vistas of the mountain.
Alternatively, adventure seekers will enjoy a paddle-until-your-arms-ache whitewater rafting tour with Wedge Rafting. Its guided tours offer a range of experiences, from two-hour family-friendly excursions to heart-pumping eight-hour tours.
Blackcomb Mountain
Located in the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler Blackcomb is one of North America's best ski resorts. It has two separate mountains connected by the world's longest continuous lift system, and offers over 8000 acres of skiable terrain.
Blackcomb Mountain is a popular destination with locals and tourists alike. It has a wide range of hotels and rental accommodations.
The mountain also offers a number of other activities including outdoor and indoor ice skating, zip lining, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and more.
While the mountain is most famous for skiing and snowboarding, it is also a great place to visit in the summer. There are a number of hiking trails and gondola rides to enjoy.
Alta Lake
If you’re looking for a tranquil place to swim or boat, Alta Lake has everything you need. This large, emerald-coloured lake sits between Whistler Village and Creekside, and has several scenic parks along its shore.
The valley trail system is a perfect way to explore the lake’s many vantage points, and you can even find your own little private spot on the sand. You can also check out Rainbow Park, Lakeside Park, Blueberry Park and Wayside Park – all of which have sandy beaches.
The lake is also a popular place for float planes to land in summer, and you can catch a glimpse of them as they take off from the lakeshore. If you’re adventurous, you can also go kayaking or canoeing around the lake.
Green Lake
Green Lake is the largest and deepest of Whistler’s lakes, offering water sports such as speed-boating and water skiing. The glacier-fed lake turns emerald green in the summer months as the snow melts.
- Hiking is another great way to explore Green Lake. The Parkhurst Trail is a scenic trail that starts at the far end of the lake and winds up to the top of a hill overlooking the lake.
- The trail is a little challenging and there are several vantage points along the route. There is also a nice hiking or biking loop that you can follow around Green Lake called the Sea to Sky Trail.
