The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Whistler, Canada
Activities in Whistler, Canada, are endless. There is an unlimited source of inspiration for those with an adventurous spirit.
At Forged Axe Throwing, we love to take advantage of everything Whistler has to offer. So we have a lot of reasons to make a list of everything excellent to be done here.
This is our tested list of outdoor adventures, dining options, and arts and culture activities, and a little something for your health and wellness too.
We guarantee this mountain town has something for you.
16 Outdoor Things To Do in Whistler, BC
1. Skiing and Snowboarding
Well, this one is a no-brainer. Skiing and snowboarding in Whistler are among the main things people think of when they think of Canada.
What else can we say apart from the fact that the hype is accurate and Whistler is home to the best skiing and snowboarding in North America, if not the world?
2. Mountain Biking
The second most popular activity in Whistler is mountain biking, without a doubt. You can either pedal up and down trails or shred the uplift access bike park.
Famous worldwide for having some of the best bike trails, Whistler is arguably the mecca of mountain biking.
3. Ziplining
Join Ziptrek Eco-tours on a zipline adventure and learn about this area’s ecosystem. Then, fly among the treetops as you zip between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Ziplining is offered all year round and is sure to deliver.
Superfly is another zipline company that offers lines in Whistler. A different feel is nestled in Cougar Mountain forests but is just as much of an adventure.
4. Year-Round Fishing
Whistler offers the perfect destination for year-round fishing. Take advantage of opportunities to travel with local and experienced guides to help find hidden fishing spots.
If you’re really into fishing, this is the dream spot, as any time of year is a great time to fish.
5. Mountain Skills Academy Tours
Check this out, as Mountain Skills Academy offers various tours throughout the year.Their many guided tours including rock climbing, glacier tours, hikes, and backcountry exploration.
The Academy also offers educational courses for those keen to learn more about the mountains and how to recreate safely in the changing conditions.
6. Disc Golf (Frolf)
Whistler has an obsession that doesn’t involve throwing yourself down a mountain at extreme speeds. Rather, it’s disc golf, also known as frolf.
Walk through the rainforest and try your best to get a hole-in-one at Whistler’s purpose-made frolf course. Don’t have a disc? No worries: You can pick one up at Evolution.
7. Whistler Bungee
Don’t be shy, take a leap of faith at Whistler Bungee!
Ready to take a 50-ft jump off a bridge that overlooks the Cheakamus River? Then head down to Whistler Bungee, located 20 minutes south of the village.
It will be beautiful whether you jump in summer or winter. Whistler Bungee will have photographers too, so you’ll have proof of your jump!
8. Whistler Heli-Tours
Year-round, Whistler Blackcomb Heli-Tours offers a unique experience to see what secrets Whistler’s vast landscape has to show.
During summer, you can sightsee with additional bonus activities like yoga on the mountaintop. Then, sign up for fresh track tours in the winter to get your powder laps in!
9. White Water Rafting
Take a float down the rapids with one of the experienced white water rafting companies in town. Wedge Rafting will take you to Green River, where you can start your rafting experience.
Or go further with Canadian Outback Rafting and surf the Elaho and experience the exhilaration while taking in the views of Squamish Valley.
10. Skateboarding
Check out Whistler’s skate park during the summer months. Skating and Scooting camps can be booked through Whistler Skateboarding Club or Evolve camps.
Even if you are not a skater, swing by to check out the park between the fir and cedar trees next to Fitzsimmons Creek.
11. Jeep 4×4 Tours
Get off-road with Canadian Wilderness Adventures and explore Whistler’s incredible scenery and wildlife on Blackcomb Mountain during the warmer months.
CWA offers a range of 4×4 Jeep Tours to suit everyone’s desires, including a dining experience like no other with their Salmon Bake 4×4 tour.
12. Snowmobiling
Join a snowmobiling tour with Canadian Wilderness Adventures and explore the immaculate backcountry of Sproatt Mountain based in Callaghan Valley.
Book at their desk in the main village. Their friendly guides will take you from there, for a Canadian experience like no other.
13. Dog Sledding
For those animal lovers out there, try out dog sledding for an unforgettable Canadian winter experience. Meet the eager dog team and learn from your professional musher with Canadian Wilderness Adventures.
Their main office is in the village, where they will transport you to the Callaghan Valley to sled through the wilderness.
14. RZR Tours
Buckle up and prepare to rip fast backcountry trails in a 4×4 all-terrain vehicle. RZR tours are perfect for the Whistler terrain, as they can drive through anything.
Located out at Callaghan, the tours run no matter the weather. However, they are much better when you have massive puddles to plunge through.
A side-by-side or an ATV tour? Both offer backcountry Whistler experiences
15. Bike the Valley Trail
Jump on a bike and explore the valley trail network during the warmer months. This is a great way to see Whistler’s beautiful parks and lakes.
Hire a bike in the village from Premium Mountain Rentals or sign up for a guided e-bike adventure through Whistler Electric Bike Tours.
16. River of Golden Dreams
Get your inflatable boat ready and put on your sunscreen. The River of Golden Dreams is a two-hour relaxing adventure.
Launch your boat into Alta Lake and paddle north until you see the mouth of the small river. You will then make your way down to Green River. Be warned: Boats have been known to pop.
6 Indoor Things To Do in Whistler, BC
17. Forged AxeThrowing
Come and hang out with us and learn the art of axe throwing. We love hosting larger groups and have many games for you and your pals to compete in.
Be sure to wear your plaid to truly immerse yourself in this Canadian experience. We are located in Function Junction with nearby breweries to finish up a fantastic day.
18. Escape Room
Work together to crack the clues while racing against the clock to escape. Put your teamwork to the test with a variety of themed rooms.
Escape! Whistler is an interactive activity located at the base of the Hilton. This is a super fun indoor activity to add to your vacation to-do list.
19. Indoor Rock Climbing
Don’t let the weather stop you! Visit The Core, which is located in the main village, for some indoor rock climbing.
You can choose to boulder or rock climb, and if you have no experience, no worries: You can hire an instructor to spend an hour with you, belaying and giving tips.
20. Whistler Village 8 Cinema
Located on the village stroll, stop by the cinema to catch that film you have been eager to see. Don’t forget to grab some buttered-up popcorn and sweets for a little movie snack.
Tip: Book online if you know it’s a movie everyone wants to see. The cinema gets jam-packed as it’s the only one in town.
21. Ice Skating
Are you looking to get a few skating laps in? Meadow Park Sports Centre offers skating year-round. Check out their website for drop-in rates and specials. Once a month they also have a disco night!
From early December to late March, outdoor skating is available at the Whistler Olympic Plaza right in the village.
22. Whistler Racket Club
With their indoor dome, tennis and pickleball are available year-round. Sign up for a class or rent a court. It’s located in the heart of Whistler Village.
Enjoy their spacious Courtside Cafe patio and bar after a game.
6 Drink & Dine Things To Do in Whistler Village & Beyond
23. Rimrock Cafe
One of the best restaurants in town, be ready to be swept off your feet with delicious fine dining. The servers are very knowledgeable about food and wine.
Be sure to book ahead as they book quickly, especially around the holidays. Rimrock Cafe is based in Creekside.
24. Creekbread
Are you looking for a great pizza? Creekbread is the place. Using only local ingredients, these delicious wood-fired pizzas can be made vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, so there is something for everyone.
Make sure to try the classic Pemberton potato pizza! As the name suggests, Creekbread is located in Creekside.
25. Coast Mountain Brewing
A delicious way to spend an afternoon in Function Junction, two breweries
It is located right next door to us in Function Junction. Enjoy a flight of locally brewed beer with the locals!
Take a swig of the classic Hope You’re Happy IPA, or change it up with one of their newer additions. Coast Mountain Brewing is the place to be.
26. Whistler Brewing Company
Also located in Function Junction, Whistler Brewing Company is a great place to visit if you’re a beer lover. Take one of their brewery tours to learn how beer is made, and try one of their latest flavours.
The brewery has an entertaining and cosy atmosphere with live music on certain days of the week. They also offer gluten-free beer, cider, and wine as alternatives.
27. Elements
Voted as Whistler’s best breakfast, be sure to check out Elements, known for its innovative and delicious tastes from locally sourced food.
Inside the Summit Boutique Lodge, check out their website for up-to-date opening hours and the current menu.
28. Montis Distilling
Go on a tasting tour at Montis Distilling, located in Function Junction, offering crafted spirits using locally sourced ingredients from British Columbia.
These one- hour-long guided tours include a taster of each spirit distilled at Montis Distilling in their tasting room. These tours are available upon request.
3 Arts and Culture Things To Do in Whistler
29. Audain Art Museum
An incredible way to experience some local culture.
The Audain Art Museum showcases the art of British Columbia. It’s such a beautifully designed museum outside and in.
This is a great way to soak up Whistler’s local art and culture and the rest of British Columbia. There is always a rotating exhibit to keep it fresh and exciting.
30. Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre
This is listed as an award-winning aboriginal museum that showcases the living cultures of the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations. Experience the exhibits, art, food, and language.
Through the winter, they offer a First Nations Winter feast to allow you to immerse yourself in a deeper understanding of the culture.
31. Whistler Museum
If you want to brush up on your Whistler knowledge, there is no place better than the Whistler Museum.
Located next to the public library, the museum is a small but charming experience, just like Whistler.
4 Wellness Things To Do Around Whistler
32. Scandinave Spa
Immerse yourself in the serene silence and tranquillity at Whistler’s iconic spa destination, the Scandinave Spa, located just north of the main village.
Let the hydrotherapy cycle of hot and cold soothe your soul while enjoying the views of Whistler’s old-growth rainforest and rugged Coast Mountain views.
33. The Spa at Nita Lake
A local favourite, Nita Lake Lodge has a full-service spa experience
If you stay in Creekside, The Spa at Nita Lake might be a better choice to enjoy R&R.
They have a hair salon, outdoor hot tubs with amazing views of Whistler, and a long list of massages available for singles and couples.
34. Yoga
Yogacara, located in the main village, is a fantastic yoga studio to rest, unwind, and replenish the soul after adventuring. A range of classes is provided for all yoga abilities.
Once you sign up for your first class, you can even book online, which offers that flexibility, especially when you’re in holiday mode. Namaste.
35. Be Beauty Spa
Looking to treat and pamper yourself? Located in Whistler Village, Be Beauty is an excellent place to book a manicure/pedicure, brow shape, and some tanning time.
Run by a plethora of professionals, they take care of their customers very well and guarantee you will walk away happy with their service.
Check out more wellness activities in Whistler!
4 Family-friendly Activities
36. Vallea Lumina
Wear good winter boots, and ski gear to stay warm during the winter season.
Treat yourself to a fantastic multimedia experience in the woods up on Cougar Mountain.
You and your family will follow the tale of two explorers as they set a trail to discover the great outdoors. You will find more than you might expect as you dive into this unique experience.
37. Family Adventure Zone
The Family Adventure Zone is located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, an area full of unique family-friendly activities.
Enjoy mini golf, go-karts, jumping castles, and trampoline bungee jumping. There are plenty of restaurants around so you can make a day of it.
38. Sunday Farmers Markets
Wander among local Sea to Sky vendors on a Sunday morning through to the afternoon in the Upper Village. The Whistler Farmers Markets has many stalls that will keep you occupied for hours.
Some must-try vendors are JEGGS, who serve up incredible okonomiyaki, and Playlist Lavender, who create delicious bites.
39. Whistler Public Library
The Whistler Public Library is a fantastic option for parents looking to keep their children occupied. From story time for young children to arts and crafts for older ones, there is something for all ages.
Check out their website for more details.
Bonus! Free Things To Do
40. Lake Hopping
Summer brings people up the Sea to Sky highway daily, and sometimes it’s just to hang out by the Whistler lakes. Our favourite has to be Alpha Lake. It is cold but great on a hot day.
The lakes are glacier fed with amazing views. In the winter, they freeze over, which makes for incredible ice skating.
41. Hiking
You might have noticed this one missing from the list above as it’s a popular activity for people visiting in summer. However, we want to highlight the free hiking.
Check out the Ancient Cedars, Cheakamus Lake, Panorama Ridge, Black Tusk, and Wedge for keen hikers. Do your research to find out what sort of fitness level you need for specific hikes.
A Never-ending To-Do List
There you have it: the Ultimate List of Things to Do in Whistler, Canada. This place is about disconnecting from technology and soaking up what this outdoor and indoor culture offers.
Take a moment and put down the camera. Look at the views in front of you. Then, take a breath of the fresh, crisp air and drop by Forged Axe Throwing to tell us about your adventures.