Just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is on every skier’s bucket list, but it’s also a place for outdoor lovers to escape the city. And the fun isn’t just reserved for winter sports. With a range of wilderness adventures for the most active mountaineers to fun-loving families, summer in Whistler is the perfect time to explore alpine hikes, catch the snow melting into waterfalls and admire the beauty of wild flowers from above.
Here are our top five adventures you must have in Whistler this summer:
Take Flight
The best way to see the mountains, glaciers, and breathtaking landscape of British Columbia’s coast, a floatplane ride can range anywhere from 20-minutes all the way up to two-hours. You can choose where you want to explore, which can include glacier sightings or a picnic lunch on one of the many alpine lakes.
Olympic Bobsleigh Tour
Bobsleigh tours aren’t just a winter activity. In the summer months, Olympic fans flock to Whistler to channel their inner-athlete and try out the heart pumping adventure of a bobsleigh on wheels. The hour-long tour includes an orientation and one-on-one instruction so you'll feel comfortable and confident steering and whipping down the course at the official Whistler Sliding Centre from the 2010 Games.
Visit Yogi
From the luxury (and safety) of a 4x4 vehicle, get up close and personal with Whistler’s collection of black bears. You will visit cub dens, feeding sites and learn about the local flora and fauna where these bears call home. With about 60 bears and cubs feeding, mating, and hibernating within the confines of the ski resort, this unique population of black bears is the only one in B.C. that’s been studied for over two decades.
Whitewater Rafting
All that snow has to melt eventually, right? Why not enjoy the rush of the water on a high adrenaline rafting trip down the Elaho or Squamish Rivers? Pick your thrill level (families and first timers are allowed on many tours); with rapids ranging from class 1-4 and even a slow float section. Oh, and don’t worry, a wetsuit is provided because as you'd imagine, it does get chilly!
Chase Waterfalls
With six powerful waterfalls running all the way from the sea to the mountains, you’re sure to find a hiking trail you love. One of the most impressive in Whistler, and the third highest in all of British Columbia, Shannon Falls towers at 1099 feet with rushing water you can hear from a mile away.