11 Things To Do In Whistler That Don’t Involve The Gondola
Forget about riding the gondola up the mountain for the tenth time and try something new. When you think of what to do in Whistler, chances are skiing and riding the gondola are the first things to jump to mind. But even if there is no snow on the ground, this ski resort town just north of Vancouver has hidden gems and huge adventures.
Whistler is a year-round destination that makes for a perfect weekend road trip. Only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Vancouver, there are also sorts of local spots to discover.
There is no shortage of hiking trails, even some for people who get out of breath after a few steps. For example, you can reach a towering waterfall in about the same time it takes you to do the dishes.
Or if you are looking for something more thrilling, you can feel like Superman and fly through the sky. In town, you can try two of Canada's longest ziplines.
Here are all the activities you'll want to add to your Whistler bucket list the next time you get to take a trip up the Sea to Sky to check it out:
Cross A Suspension Bridge
Price: Free
Address: Whistler Quarry Rd., Whistler, BC
Why You Need To Go: The two-kilometre hiking trail will take you over a suspension bridge and train ruins that are covered with colourful graffiti.
Visit An Ice Bar
Price: $48.00
Address: Ketel One Ice Room, 4121 Village Green, Whistler, BC
Why You Need To Go: You can enter a surreal bar made out of ice where it is a frosty -32 C. Inside you'll be able to sample several types of premium vodkas and learn more about each.
Have A Spa Day
Price: $75.00
Address: Scandinave Spa Whistler, 8010 Mons Rd., Whistler, BC
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy soaking in the steamy Scandinavian baths or relax in the steam rooms and saunas.
Throw An Axe
Price: $37.99+
Address: Forged Axe Throwing, 1208 Alpha Lake Rd. Unit 1, Whistler, BC
Why You Need To Go: Test your aim and see if you can hit the bullseye while learning a new skill.
Go For A Swim
Price: Free
Address: Alta Lake, BC
Why You Need To Go: In the summer you can enjoy going for a swim at Alta Lake. Here you'll find a sandy beach and even BBQs where you can cook your lunch.
Try An Adventure Course
Price: $69.99
Address: 4293 Mountain Sq., Whistler, BC
Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like a kid again as you try to tackle the obstacles in this huge aerial tree course.
See A Waterfall
Price: Free
Address: Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, Whistler, BC
Why You Need To Go: It will only take you 15 minutes to reach the stunning 70-metre tall Brandywine Falls.
Fly Through The Sky
Price: $129.99
Address: 211 - 4293 Mountain Sq., Whistler, BC
Why You Need To Go: Here you can enjoy two of Canada’s longest ziplines that will let you feel like Superman as you fly through the sky.
Snow Walls Trail
Price: Included with the 360 lift pass ($64 per person)
Address: 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC
Why You Need To Go: You will find these towering walls of snow in Whistler during the warmer months and they're so trippy to walk along.
Enjoy A Breathtaking View
Price: Free
Address: Garibaldi Provincial Park, Brackendale, BC
Why You Need To Go: High Notes Trail is worth the climb to enjoy the lookout of the lake.
See An Ancient Forest
Price: Free
Address: Ancient Cedars Trail, Whistler, BC
Why You Need To Go: The two-hour hike will take you through an old forest where you can see massive trees that are over 900 years old.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.