The Ultimate Whistler Bucket List | 20 Things to Do in Whistler Before You Die
It would take a lifetime to take in everything that Whistler has to offer. Whatever the season, there are literally hundreds of ways to spend an unforgettable day. From on mountain adventures to adrenalin pumping experiences, from world-class events to the perfect quiet moment, and from the best parties in Canada to luxurious fine dining, Whistler has it all. Really, we’d love you to stay a few years to make the most of it. But, in case that’s not an option, we’ve put together our ultimate Whistler Bucket List.
It was pretty hard to choose our favourites. But we’ve tried to include a little bit of everything you’d expect in any good Canadian bucket list. Think serious adventure, stunning landscapes, epic parties, and loads of lovely people. And if this isn’t enough for you, don’t worry. We’ve put together an even more ambitious list of 100 things to do in Whistler for people just like you.
Whistler’s Five Best On Mountain Experiences
- Ski the Blackcomb Glacie
It’s pretty hard to choose a favourite ski run in Whistler – there’s just too many magical ones to count. But if you’re looking for one you’ll remember forever, the Blackcomb Glacier is a good place to start. If you’re prepared to earn your turns with a little hike, you’ll be rewarded with true alpine heaven, endless powder and, if you’re lucky, an epic photo opportunity in an ice cave!
- Bike the Top of the World Trail
Shred this with a Whistler bike pass!
For mountain bikers, Top of the World is one of the quintessential Whistler experiences. Only a few bikers get to ride this stunning trail from Whistler Peak each day. But for those lucky few, they get to enjoy technical, challenging trails while flying past some of the most iconic Whistler views.
- Hike the High Note Trail
If you like life at a slightly less hair-raising speed, then the High Note Trail is a must-do. Take Peak Chair to the top of Whistler mountain, and then revel in the lush wildflower meadows, pristine turquoise lakes and dramatic peaks of Whistler’s alpine environment. It’s not a walk in the park, but it’s worth it.
- Brave the Cloudraker Suspension Bridge
Brand new for 2018, you need a head for heights to take on the Cloudraker Skybridge. But perched precariously at the highest point of the mountain, it offers 360-degree views of the Coast Mountain range, stretching out to the sea in one direction, and Alaska in the other. Just don’t look down!
- Dine on a Fondue Feast
Late night access to Blackcomb Mountain? Check. Huge quantities of meat and cheese fondue? Check. Ripping up there on a snowmobile? Check. Honestly, this is one of the most unique Whistler experiences you can have. Enjoy being one of the privileged few to see the village from on high at night. And save some room for dessert!
Top Five Whistler Bucket List Apres Ski Activities
- Party the Night Away at Longhorns
There are many bars that cater specifically to rowdy groups of young folks – no matter what the size of the party!
You can’t talk about Whistler Apres Ski without talking about Longhorn’s. The infamous slope-side bar is pretty much always the place to be. Join the crowds celebrating another great day on the slopes, and dance the night away in your ski boots. Just expect the next morning to be a bit of a slow one.
- Chill Out at the Bearfoot Bistro
For something a little more civilized, and a little less likely to ruin your next ski day, we love the Bearfoot Bistro. Sample some of the world’s best vodkas in the Ketel One Ice Room, kept at a cool -25 F. Or if that sounds a little Arctic for your tastes, how about learning to saber champagne?
- Find Some Calm at the Scandinave Spa
If your ideal apres activity involves trying to heal your aching muscles, look no further than the Scandinave Spa. Their outdoor hot pools, saunas, and steam rooms just beg you to stay for hours on end. And while it might not sound like fun, we 100% recommend the cold plunge too. Your legs will be grateful tomorrow!
- Get Competitive with Forged Axe Throwing
The best apres involves good friends, lots of laughs, and a bit of healthy competition. And that’s what Forged it all about. Take a break from all that outdoor adventure and come and learn how to be a true Canadian. Hone your skills with our axe throwing host, and then show your friends how it’s done.
- Apres Like a Local at Dusty’s Bar and BBQ
You rarely run out of great places to drink beer, eat nachos and relive your ski day in Whistler. But Dusty’s is a local legend, and rightly so. You’ll feel like you’re part of Whistler ski-bum history as you sip your lager here. And it would be a crime to leave Whistler without at least trying to finish their enormous nacho platter.
Five Ultimate Adrenaline Rushes
- Take the Plunge at Whistler Bungee
If you like to think of yourself as an adrenaline junky, then no trip to Whistler is complete without ticking off a bungee jump from your bucket list. Jumping from a bridge 160 ft above a river tends to wrack the nerves of even the most hardcore adventurers. And if you’re feeling a little terrified? Just take your best mate with you on a tandem jump. We’re sure they’ll thank you for it.
- Test Your Nerves on the Bobsleigh Trac
Ever wanted to know what it really feels like to fly down a tunnel of ice in a metal cart going 125 km/h? Well, now you can! Be an Olympian for a day, and try out the bobsleigh for real, on the track from the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. And if that doesn’t get your blood pumping enough, there’s always the skeleton….
- Freefall from 10,000 ft
There are a ton of unforgettable ways to take in the views in Whistler – from helicopters to seaplanes, gondolas to good old-fashioned hikes. But few compare to the view you’ll get when you jump out of a plane 10,000 ft with Whistler Skydiving. Bring some guts for this one, and maybe don’t have too big a breakfast!
- Soar like a Bird Across the Valley
Tandem Zipline Acrobatics
Ziplining has become a must-do Whistler activity, but not for the faint-hearted. There are loads of different options available, including the monstrous 2 km Sasquatch zipline in the summer. You’ll probably want to take a deep breath as you step off the edge.
- Raft the Wild Elaho River
Back down on the ground, there are few better adrenalin pumping experiences than a whitewater rafting trip down the Elaho River. The full-day excursion will put you face to face with Class 4 rapids and monster cliff jumps. Definitely not one to bring your grandma along to.
Five Unforgettable Whistler Bucket List Festivals
- Crankworx
Crankworx is pretty much the ultimate Whistler party these days. 10 days where Whistler is truly taken over by those whose preferred mode of transport is two wheels. Think world-class downhill biking competitions, huge airs and plenty of apres opportunities. Get it in your calendar now!
- World Ski and Snowboard Festival
Spectators beware, it gets slushy.
For those who prefer sliding down hills in winter, don’t miss the World Ski and Snowboard Festival. Combining international slopestyle competitions with weird-but-wonderful events like the Slush Cup, and the terrifying (and newly reinstated) Saudan Couloir Race, WSSF is not one to miss.
- Whistler Beer Festival
BC is absolutely brimming with top-class craft breweries these days. And to save you the effort of a pretty lengthy road trip, they all descend on Whistler for one long, hazy weekend in September. Welcome to the Whistler Beer Festival. Soak up the last of the summer sun while you taste the latest and greatest from around the province.
- Cornucopia
Wine lovers tend to have high standards, and the annual Cornucopia food and drink festival tends to meet them. Packed full of opportunities to taste some of the world’s best wines, as well as to sample the best of Whistler’s fine dining, Cornucopia is the perfect antidote to the long November nights.
- Pride and Ski Festival
Whistler Pride and Ski Festival has been running for 27 years, and over that time, they’ve learned how to throw a pretty great party. Expect a whole host of entertainment options, from club nights with top DJs, to live comedy, wellness activities and, of course, skiing and snowboarding. It’s been described as the number on gay winter event in the world, and with good reason. Come and see for yourself!
Looking for more awesome Whistler events? Look no further than our top ten Whistler festivals guide.
The Ultimate Whistler Bucket List: At Least for Now
So there you have it. Forged’s Ultimate Whistler Bucket List. For now. One of the best things about living here is that Whistler constantly changing. You never know what we’ll be doing a year from now: maybe riding new bike trails, taking magical light walks through the forest or testing out the latest new restaurant in town. If you manage to cram it all into one trip, don’t worry, we’ll see you again next year.