Looking for things to do in Whistler when it rains? While there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing, some activities are definitely better suited to rainy days. Whistler is surrounded by temperate forest and is close to the coast, so it does get wet here. Thankfully, in the fall months, this means snow at higher elevations, and in the spring months, it means protection from the hot summer ahead.
Here are some rainy day activity ideas for making the most of the coastal weather that makes Whistler the lush, temperate rainforest it is.
1. Rainy Day Forest Walks
If you’ve got your waterproofs and you’re not afraid to use them, go for a low-lying, forested walk. We say low-lying, because in the spring and fall, you could find snow at higher elevations. Rain helps to release oils in trees, especially conifers like cedar, fir and pine, giving your hike that signature Pacific Northwest scent. Add this to the sound of raindrops drumming off leaves and rushing creeks, and you have a nature-led, multi-sensory experience.
We’d suggest Lost Lake, Cheakamus Lake, and Train Wreck, and we have some handy tips for hiking in the rain.
2. Splash Through Puddles: Whistler ATV and RZR Tours
Let the mud fly! Combining nature with the horsepower of an ATV or RZR/UTV will get your heart pumping as you fall in love with the stunning backcountry landscape. Note that you’re fully kitted out in all the waterproof gear you need by the activity provider, so don’t hold back on those muddy puddles and creek crossings that are so much better in wet weather! Read more in Side-By-Each: A Whistler Off-Road Adventure.
3. Trek in the Trees with Ziptrek Whistler
Somewhat shielded by the tree canopy, Ziptrek’s Treetrek Tour takes you on a guided ecology-based tour through the treetops on a series of suspension bridges, stairways, boardwalks and observation platforms. You’ll explore old-growth forest stands of magnificent cedar, hemlock and fir trees with stunning vistas of the river valley below.
4. Explore Function Junction: Shops, Breweries and Galleries
Located ten minutes south of Whistler Village, Function Junction houses two breweries, coffee shops, bakeries, galleries, design stores, a distillery and more. It’s an interesting place to wander around, even in the rain. Stop in for tasters at Coast Mountain Brewing and Whistler Brewing Co., and for coffee and nibbles, visit purebread and Forecast. If you’re up for some retail therapy, check out Camp, Patina and Art Junction, Function’s own art gallery.
In Function, you can play “Canadian darts” and tap into your inner lumberjack at Forged Axe Throwing Whistler. Any frustration you might have felt about the weather can be dealt with here!
5. Scandinave Spa: Whistler’s Outdoor Haven
One absolutely weatherproof activity in Whistler is a relaxing day at the Scandinave Spa. The cool, misty air feels amazing when you’re in the steamy baths, and the warm solariums are the perfect place to watch the clouds roll by.
Open year-round and surrounded by the Lost Lake forest, this spa is all about the thermal journey where you’re encouraged to heat and cool your body in the hot baths, plunge pools, saunas, and steam rooms to promote blood flow and relaxation. Trust us, it works.
6. Escape! Whistler: Puzzle Fun in the Rain
Did you know there’s a pirate ship in Whistler? It’s one of the puzzle room options at Escape! Whistler, where you have 45 minutes to sleuth your way out. The rooms are beautifully designed, making you feel you’re in another world, one where it’s not raining!
7. Get Cultural: Museums, Galleries & Cultural Centres
The history of Whistler stretches much further back in time than when lifts started turning in our valley. At the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center (SLCC), you can learn about the history, art and culture of the local First Nations people. If you want to follow Whistler’s history, your next stop is the Whistler Museum, a one-stop shop to learn all about our ski town Whis-tory.
Leaning into the arts, the Audain Art Museum houses over 300 artworks from British Columbia, along with rotating international exhibits. If this visit leaves you inspired, check the event calendar on our arts page to see if there are any workshops, paint sessions, performances or artist meet-and-greets happening while you’re here.
Gallery hopping is another way to spend a rainy day, especially if you add in some coffee and sweet treat stops along the way. We dive into the different options in our Insider Guide to Whistler’s Art Galleries. At Fathom Stone Art Gallery, you can even make your own piece of sculpture-based artwork to take home.
8. Have Some Foodie Fun: Whistler Tasting Tours
Head out on a lunchtime tour of Whistler’s hot dining spots with Whistler Tasting Tours. This is a 4-location progressive meal, which you can do self-guided or guided, and with or without alcohol. The tours last about three hours, beginning with a starter, and then rolling through shared bites, a main feast, dessert, and finishing with a sweet-treat souvenir!
9. Stretch Out: Yoga & Dance
You can still move and groove on a rainy day in Whistler. Yogacara is located right in the heart of Whistler Village, and offers several kinds of yoga along with workshops on meditation, breathwork, circles of discovery and more. There’s also the ALGN Dance Studio, which has drop-in class options like hip-hop, groove, barre, pilates, and contemporary.
10. Go Swimming and Skating at Meadow Park
You might be lucky enough to have a pool and gym at your accommodation, but if you don’t, you can head to Meadow Park Sports Centre. As well as the pool, it has an ice rink, gym, drop-in fitness classes and squash courts.
11. Bash Some Balls: Tennis & Pickleball
The Whistler Racket Club has indoor, heated tennis and pickleball courts, as well as a cafe and bar. You can rent a court, sign up for a lesson or join a clinic.
BONUS: Whistler Festivals and Events
In the spring, look out for the Whistler Children’s Festival in May and Nourish Wellness Series events, which happen throughout June. And then in the fall, take a look at the Whistler Writers Festival (good for readers as well) and Cornucopia. For an overview of what’s happening in Whistler, check out our Locals Lists, which come out monthly.
Whether you’re visiting in spring or fall, these rainy day activities in Whistler will help you make the most of any forecast.
