Find out what a winter day in Whistler looks like for Ian and Laura MacNeil, long-term Whistler fans from the United States, who have some tips to share for your mountain trip.

Morning Coffee in Whistler

Ian and Laura like to start their day at Provisions Whistler, located in the heart of Whistler Village on the main stroll. Along with their coffees (made with custom-roasted espresso), they’re fans of the croissants and scones, which are made fresh daily at 5 AM!

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Skiing on Whistler Blackcomb

From Provisions, you’re a short walk from the Whistler Village Gondola, Excalibur Gondola and Fitzsimmons 8 Express, which can whisk you onto the mountains for a day skiing the slopes. You can also access Whistler Blackcomb from the Upper Village (base of Blackcomb Mountain) and Creekside Village.

Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are connected by the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola (an 11-minute ride), which gives you 360-degree views of the Coast Mountains while you soar across the valley.

One thing they mention in the video is how the weather is different on the mountain than in the valley, and this is very true. You can check the webcams to get an idea of what’s happening on the slopes; however, Ian and Laura seem to live by the philosophy that any day on the mountain is a good day!

East- and southeast-facing slopes receive sunlight earlier, while west-facing slopes catch more of the afternoon rays, so starting on Whistler Mountain is a good call, with a trip over the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola to Blackcomb Mountain for the afternoon.

Ian & Laura’s Favourite Whistler Blackcomb Ski Runs

Whistler Blackcomb spans 8,171 acres (3,307 hectares) of skiable terrain, making it the largest ski resort in North America. There are over 200 marked runs, 36 lifts, up to 1,609 metres (5,280 feet) of vertical and an average of 10.4 metres (34 feet) of snow a year.

Now, Ian and Laura have been coming here for 20 years, so the runs they mention in the video are of the black variety (advanced skiing); however, over half the runs on Whistler Blackcomb are blue (intermediate) and green (beginner).

Bagel Bowl is on Whistler Mountain, in the alpine terrain on the western side of Whistler Peak, near West Bowl and the Peak to Creek ski run.

• Access: From the Peak Express Chair, follow the Upper Peak to Creek route towards Bagel Bowl
• Difficulty: Black diamond (advanced terrain)
• Known for: Open bowl skiing, particularly enjoyable with fresh snow

Cockalorum, Cream Cheese Ridge and Frog’s Hollow are in the same area.

Spanky’s Ladder is on Blackcomb Mountain, above the Blackcomb Glacier area and is for expert skiers and riders.

• Access: From the top of the Glacier Express Chair, traverse to the base of Spanky’s Ladder, then hike up the steep bootpack
• Difficulty: Double black diamond (expert terrain). Spanky’s Ladder itself is an access hike rather than a conventional ski run
• Known for: Steep, challenging alpine skiing, powder snow and access to the four Gemstone Bowls: Garnet, Ruby, Diamond and Sapphire.
• Good to know: The terrain includes cliffs, rocks and variable snow conditions. It’s for experienced skiers and snowboarders, and access is subject to avalanche control and terrain closures.

Where to Stop for Lunch on the Mountain

Ian and Laura go for the high-end option in the video – Christine’s. This full-service restaurant is on Blackcomb Mountain inside the Rendezvous Lodge, and has incredible views over the valley below.

The food is elevated classics like a smash burger with Canadian Angus beef, a BC Steelhead bowl and the Christine’s Salad, packed with locally grown produce. If you enjoy sharing your food, the charcuterie board is a great option, with the featured cured meats coming from nearby Squamish. They also have a great wine list for that longer lunch!

Other Whistler Blackcomb Food Options

On Blackcomb Mountain, Glacier Creek Lodge offers a pasta bar, ramen, tacos, and beautifully battered fish and chips. On Whistler, the Roundhouse Lodge offers burgers, hot dogs, curries, chilli, chicken strips and fries at the Mountain Market location, and coffees and baked treats at the Cappuccino Bar.

Steeps, Whistler’s fine-dining option, has a new menu rooted in Pacific Northwest cuisine, and is offering Caviar and Champagne service on the patio. We also love a Caesar at the Umbrella Bar (that’s kind of a drink and a meal?)!

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On-Mountain Events

Ian and Laura are the kind of people who can find a party anywhere (or start one), but Whistler Blackcomb likes to throw a few too! Last season, US DJ John Summit played a set for free on Whistler Mountain, and you’ll often find DJs knocking out the tunes from the booths at the main hubs on the mountain.

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Après-Ski in Whistler

Dusty’s Bar & BBQ is a legendary après-ski spot in Whistler Creekside, with roots dating back to 1969 when it first opened as L’Après. Renamed Dusty’s in 1983 after a taxidermied bucking bronco that became its mascot, the bar quickly became famous for its live music and après-ski scene.

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The Hairfarmers are also a Whistler institution, and Ian and Laura are suggesting you combine the two. The legendary musical duo of “Guitar Doug” Craig and “Grateful Greg” Reamsbottom met while performing at a wedding. They formed The Hairfarmers in 1999 and have since become synonymous with Whistler’s après-ski scene, entertaining crowds with their energetic mix of rock, country, folk and everything in between.

Non-Ski Activities in Whistler

“There are no excuses – you could do something every day!” – Ian.

One of the most unique things about Whistler is the amount of activities you can do here, whatever the weather. And talking of unique, Ian and Laura mention the Scandinave Spa Whistler, which is located on the edges of Lost Lake. Guests go on a thermal journey using the outdoor hot pools, cold plunges, saunas, steams and solariums while basking in the beauty of their surroundings.

If slowing down isn’t your style, there’s snowmobiling, ice climbing, bobsleigh and skeleton, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. For inside-based fun, the Audain Art Museum and Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre are must-visits, shows at the Maury Young Arts Centre, dance and yoga classes, racquet sports, axe throwing, a climbing wall and even a pirate ship (that’s part of Escape! Whistler).

Why Keep Coming to Whistler?

“It’s my happy place!” – Laura.

They highlight the world-class experiences and how the mountains and community have evolved to offer visitors more and more. Laura mentions the number of activities and how there are people here from all over the world.

Chat to the lifties, servers, baristas – they’ll have stories to tell and likely a few tips for you! What brings people together in Whistler is a shared love of the outdoors and adventure; it’s fertile ground for some great conversations.

Plan Your Own Ski Day in Whistler

Every person’s trip to Whistler is different. Ian and Laura have got it pretty dialled in after travelling here for 20 years, but I’d guess it’s evolved, just like your repeat visits will. Once you’ve got a taste for Whistler’s lust-for-life vibe, it’s hard not to come back. I should know; I also came here two decades ago for “one ski season”.

Lean on the travel consultants at Whistler.com to help you plan and book your trip. Not only can they get you some of the best deals around, but as Whistler locals, they can give you that insider knowledge so you can plan your best days in the mountains.

See you on the slopes this year, and perhaps for the next 20!

The post Why We’ve Been Skiing Whistler for 20 Years appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

I’d seen photos of the ice caves before, but nothing prepared me for what it would actually feel like to stand inside one. So on a warm summer morning, I joined Beyond Whistler’s Immersive Experience to explore one of the most remote and remarkable landscapes in British Columbia.

If you want to experience a new side of Whistler, here’s everything you need to know.

Journey to The Pemberton Icefield

Covering roughly 300 square kilometres, the Pemberton Icefield is a massive network of glaciers, deep crevasses, and natural ice caves located just west of Whistler, on the shared territories of the Lil’wat Nation (L̓il̓wat7úl) and the Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh).

Wind, meltwater, and ice pressure constantly shape the landscape, so what you see one season can look completely different the next, which is part of what makes each visit so unique. There are no trails, no roads, and no shortcuts to the ice caves, allowing visitors to explore a truly remote part of the mountains that most people never get to see. 

“It’s an incredible privilege to guide guests through this landscape,” says Marc Cousineau, Partner and General Manager at Beyond Whistler. “Our goal is to do so with the utmost respect for the land and the remarkable places we have the opportunity to explore.” 

Beyond Whistler’s Ice Cave Immersive Experience

So, what’s on the itinerary?

Lift Off from Whistler

Our trip begins at the Whistler Heliport, where we meet Marc, Partner and General Manager at Beyond Whistler, and Marty, our Mountain Guide. They go over everything we’ll need to know for our adventure, and with our gear on, we walk over to Blackcomb Helicopters to prepare for our flight (they offset 100% of their carbon footprint).

The helicopter feels like an experience in itself, as we fly over the ancient forests of the Soo Valley and into the Coast Mountains. Over the eight- to 15-minute flight, our pilot points out rivers, mountain peaks and even a volcano, before landing on the glacier in the heart of the Pemberton Icefield.

Touch Down on the Pemberton Icefield

As we step out onto the ice and breathe in the crisp alpine air, it feels like we’ve arrived in a place truly untouched. Surrounded by snow and glacial plains, the vast landscape stretches out in every direction. Despite standing on ancient ice, the summer sun brought the temperature up to almost 18°C, and I immediately understood why the guides recommended wearing sunscreen.

After taking in the sweeping views of the Coast Mountains, Marty hands us our spikes and our helmets and leads us across the glacier toward the first hidden ice cave.

Whistler Ice Cave Exploration

This is where everything shifts. At first, I can barely make out the entrance hidden beneath the snow, but following Marty inside, a completely different world begins to emerge. The sound changes. The light changes. Even the temperature feels different.

In the caves, the ice walls glow with a vibrant natural light, a luminescence shifting from pale blue to deep sapphire as it filters through centuries-old ice. The air is still, the colours almost unreal, and every turn reveals a new ice formation carved by nature itself.

As Marty leads us deeper into the caves, he shares more about the icefield and the care that’s taken to explore it responsibly – ensuring every visit leaves as little impact as possible. They follow the Leave No Trace philosophy, keep group sizes deliberately small, and anything brought to the environment is taken back out or is temporary.

Back outside, we climb into the Can-Am side-by-side and race across the glacier toward another section of the icefield. The ride itself feels like part of the adventure, weaving between gentle snow-covered ridges before arriving at an entirely different cave.

Inside, we’re greeted by an enormous frozen waterfall stretching from floor to ceiling. Hours feel like minutes as we wander through winding passages, stopping often to simply take it all in. Every corner reveals something new, and we become completely absorbed in a landscape that feels almost impossible to describe.

Après Ice Cave

The perfect ending to an incredible day? Of course, après. Our group unwinds with a gourmet charcuterie spread of local produce from Picnic Whistler, along with a crisp glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne, while we take in the stunning Coast Mountain views.

Journey Home

Before we know it, it’s already time to head back on board the helicopter for one last adventure. Looking back across the icefield from above, I find myself appreciating just how vast and wild this landscape really is. Within minutes, we’re already back in Whistler, but it feels as though we’ve travelled much farther than the distance on the map.

Go Beyond The Ordinary in Whistler

Some experiences stay with you long after the journey ends.

Standing inside a glowing ice cave, surrounded by walls of ice carved by centuries of shifting glaciers, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of wonder. It’s a rare glimpse into a landscape that few people ever experience – and a reminder that there are still places waiting to be discovered.

Beyond Whistler’s Ice Cave experiences are available year-round, and no previous mountain experience is required. Follow them on Instagram for more ice cave pictures.

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Skiing and beer often go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise that Whistler has a long history of brewing beer, years before craft breweries really hit their stride.

In 1974, Whistler locals started a popular homebrewing contest that ran annually for 20 years. Things became more serious in 1982, when nearby Horseshoe Bay Brewery began producing Bay Ale for the Troller Pub, becoming a pioneer of Canada’s modern craft beer movement. Shortly after, in 1989, Whistler could boast its own craft brewery, Whistler Brewing Company, which is still going strong today!  

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Today, Whistler has three breweries — Coast Mountain Brewing, Whistler Brewing and Brewhouse — plus plenty of pubs and restaurants showcasing craft beer from across British Columbia. Whether you want a beer brewed right here in Whistler or a tasting tour of BC’s craft beer scene, there’s a pint for every preference. Here are six places I’d start.

Whistler Craft Beer Spots at a Glance

Must-Try Whistler Breweries

If you’re serious about truly local beer, make the trip south of Whistler Village to Function Junction and visit two of Whistler’s homegrown breweries in one outing. And if you’re up for making it even more of an adventure, take the Peak Pedal Brews guided e-bike brewery tour or head out with Whistler Valley Tours. 

1. Coast Mountain Brewing – As Local as it Gets

Coast Mountain Brewing is the home of the best IPA in the world (in my humble opinion). When I was stuck out of the country during the 2020 pandemic, this IPA was my craving that simply could not be satisfied by any other brew. If you’re on the hunt for a true locals’ hangout, with an authentic craft brewery vibe, where the focus is 100% on the beer, this is the spot. 

2. Whistler Brewing Company – The Oldest Kid on the Block 

Less than a five-minute walk down the road, Whistler Brewing offers a completely different experience. With long tables, big patios and plenty of room for groups, it’s an easy choice when your crew is large, or when your stomach is calling for more than just beer.

Bringing your non-beer-drinking friends? They have a very special ginger beer on tap, Denville Ginger Beer, brewed just down the road in Squamish.  

3. High Mountain Brewing Company Brewhouse –  Brewed in the Heart of the Village 

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to venture out of the Village, but you’re still desperate to try a local brew, Brewhouse boasts the only beer brewed right in the heart of Whistler Village.

With one of Whistler’s best patios, Brewhouse is the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon of beer tasting. Featuring a very full menu from seafood to pizza to steak, there is something yummy for the whole family. 

Where to Try BC Craft Beer in Whistler 

While we will always be a little biased toward our incredible beers brewed here in Whistler, British Columbia is home to countless world-class breweries that also deserve a spot on your palate. So why not get a taste of our regional beer scene while you’re here in Whistler? 

4. Hunter Gather Eatery & Taphouse – Taste the Sea to Sky  

If your ideal meal is calling for locally sourced eats to go with your local brews, Hunter Gather not only pours exclusively BC beers but also sources its ingredients locally.

Order one of their delicious handhelds (the chicken shawarma is my personal favourite) with Pemberton Potatoes, pair it with their most popular beer, the Trailbreaker Pale Ale from Backcountry Brewing in Squamish, and you have the whole Sea to Sky covered in one meal! 

5. The Beacon Pub & Eatery – Right in the Thick of It

Offering another extensive selection of BC beers, along with the ultimate people-watching spot from their sprawling patio, stop by The Beacon to pair your brew with the bustle of the heart of the Village. The perfect spot for year-round après, located just a short walk from the gondola, this is a favourite locals’ hangout. 

6. Fitzsimmons Pub – Small Pub, Big BC Beer Selection

With its small, cozy setting, the Fitzsimmons Pub is a step out of the hustle and bustle and the spot to go for a good conversation over delicious BC beers. And if the conversation alone isn’t enough, they have your entertainment sorted with an epic stack of board games.

Sporting an ever-rotating selection of BC beers, they also have something special for the non-drinkers: one of the best non-alcoholic beers I’ve ever tried, Dry Side of the Moon Hefeweizen by Brass Monkey Brewing Co. 

Whatever your flavour and whichever your vibe, Whistler’s craft beer scene has a spot for you. Whether you’re sipping a beer brewed right here in the valley or discovering a new favourite from elsewhere in BC, there are plenty of reasons to raise a glass while you’re here. Cheers!

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“Oh my god, I’ve always wanted to own a bookstore!”

“Ha. So many people say that to me,” says Armchair Books owner Sarah Temporale. “Almost everyone. Or they say, ‘this must be the best job in the world.’ And for me, it is. I just don’t get as much reading in as I used to.”

Whistler’s only bookstore, Armchair Books, opened in Whistler Village in 1982 when Squamish resident Hazel Ellis found a tiny, 300-square-foot space tucked into a corner of one of the first buildings completed in Whistler Village and filled it with books.

“That’s two years before I was even born,” Sarah says. “Floor-to-ceiling books in the space that now holds just our children’s section. And Whistler Village was basically still a construction site. It must have been wild.”

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It was. Village construction in the early 80s was halted by an economic recession, and Whistler’s future was unsteady, to say the least. The community only boasted 1365 full-time residents according to the 1981 government census.

“Of course, back in those days, Whistler only had one busy season, December to March,” says Dan Ellis, who took over Armchair Books from his mother in 1999. “We’d have line-ups out the door until April, and then for the next eight months it would just be locals. My mom didn’t mind because that gave her more chances to read at work, and of course, the Whistler community showed up and supported us. With such a small space, Mom was able to keep the store going until the Village slowly started getting summer visitors too.”

From 300 Square Feet to a Whistler Institution

Hazel expanded the shop in the early 1990s, then expanded again once the Whistler Post Office vacated their overflowing space behind the bookstore. When Dan took over in 1998, the shop boasted 1200 square feet of book lovers’ paradise. “I have three brothers,” he says, “but I am the only one who loves to read, so I came on board and let Mom have a break.”

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In the early days especially, Dan would allow his employees to read at work, “so long as you put the book down when a customer comes in.” As Whistler grew into a year-round destination, however, reading time in the shop has diminished. “Over the years you get to know people,” Dan says. “Locals for sure, but also guests from all over the world that come in two or three times a year. I’d get to know them, and know their kids and greet people by name when they came in. That resonates with people, and it resonates with me too. Book lovers can be some of the most intelligent, fantastic and crazy people. Sometimes I felt more like a bartender, just listening to people spill their life’s story to me.”

One of those intelligent, fantastic customers was a young Sarah Temporale, who arrived in Whistler as a bright-eyed 24-year-old snowboarder who quickly found work in both a restaurant and a snowboard shop to finance her new life of shredding as much as possible, and reading in whatever downtime she could find.

“I was on the bus one day with a friend,” says Sarah. “When we sat down, my friend knew the person next to us and introduced her as Jeanette, and mentioned that she works at the bookstore. And I said, ‘Oh my God, I would love to work there!’ Because that is what everyone says.”

But in this case, Armchair Books was hiring. “We needed someone part-time,” Dan says. “Just one day a week. I knew Sarah as a great customer, a great reader. We were waiting for her to bring in a resume. She started as a part-timer and slowly but surely became a full-timer and then assistant manager.”

Sarah matched the store’s vibe and clientele as tightly as the air inside a balloon. This became important every autumn as Armchair played an increasingly larger role in the Whistler Writers Festival, which sees authors and readers from across the country converge in Whistler for a long weekend of readings, seminars, workshops and fun literary soirees. The fest takes place in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler hotel every year, and Armchair is onsite as the official bookseller.

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“Dan set that up early on with the festival,” Sarah says. “We set up a pop-up shop with all the books the attending authors are presenting. It can be tricky to figure out how many of each book to bring in because a lot of the time, it depends on how engaging the author is at their event. Sometimes an unknown author who can connect with the live audience ends up outselling everyone.”

A New Chapter for Armchair Books

Dan handed the keys to the shop over to Sarah in 2023. “I was in my late 50s and feeling like there’s still a lot of stuff I’d like to do while I’m young,” he says. “I knew I wanted to leave the shop in the hands of someone who thinks about community and the people here. It’s about more than just books. Sarah figured out how to make that happen.”

“If I didn’t buy it,” Sarah says, “I think Dan would still be there!”

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Personally, I’ve been an Armchair Books customer since 1988. And I can say with confidence that beyond a few cosmetic changes and a slightly updated/curated list of books on the shelves, not much else has changed under Sarah’s “new regime.” The staff still knows our names, the books I want are usually there (and if not, Sarah is quick to order them in), and my own son has outgrown the kids’ section (which I still remember as the whole store).

Books, Community and the Whistler Writers Festival

And you can bet Sarah will have her book table set up at this year’s  25^th anniversary of the Whistler Writers Festival, set for November 5 to 8, 2026 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, and the Whistler Public Library.

“I always wanted to work in a bookstore,” Sarah says. “The opportunity to do that and live what so many people think of as a dream… And to be part of such a legacy here in Whistler, joining something that has been part of this community since before I was alive and be able to usher it into its next chapter. That’s a big responsibility, but it’s also pretty special.”

And while Sarah admits running a small business definitely means she isn’t getting to read as much, Armchair founder Hazel Ellis is reading more than ever. “Oh yeah,” Dan says. “She’s 87, and she’s killing it. She lives two blocks from me and reads three to four books a week and only sees the bright side of things; that’s kept her healthy. I guess that’s her secret.”

That’s the magic of books: they can give you a life most only dream of, and a long one at that.

HEADER IMAGE: ABBIE FINESTONE

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And that doesn’t always happen by accident. There are people, organizations and businesses that deliberately cultivate community, and that’s who we want to showcase in this series. Join our host, Mike Douglas, a member-at-large of Protect Our Winters Canada, pro skier, enviro nerd and Whistler local, as he shines a light on how Whistler cultivates its unique sense of community.

In video #5, we join Elyse Feaver, Engagement Manager at the Audain Art Museum. Elyse discusses how art brings people together, the value of a change of pace, and that you never really know where a moment of inspiration will lead.

What is the Audain Art Museum?

When the Audain Art Museum opened its doors in Whistler in March 2016, it brought something new to the community: a dedicated home for the art and cultural heritage of British Columbia. Founded by Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa, the Museum was designed by the award-winning firm Patkau Architects. Its 56,000-square-foot building was carefully designed for its setting in the forest, creating a quiet, contemplative space for the Museum’s Permanent Collection and Special Exhibitions. 

The Permanent Collection now includes more than 300 works spanning centuries of British Columbia’s artistic history, including Indigenous art, Emily Carr, contemporary artists and the Vancouver photo-conceptualists. But the Museum was envisioned as more than a place to house great art. Its founders imagined a place for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience art—a place for contemplation, connection and appreciation.  

Why was Whistler receptive to the Audain Art Museum?

A Change of Pace in Whistler

One of the most wonderful things about the Museum is that it offers a different pace from much of life in Whistler.

You can spend the morning skiing, biking or hiking and then walk into the Museum and suddenly find yourself slowing down. Instead of looking toward the next run or checking the weather, you are standing in front of a painting, a photograph, a carving or a mask and simply looking. Really looking. That change of pace is valuable.

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The Audain Art Museum’s Collection tells stories about British Columbia through Indigenous art, historic and contemporary works, and artists who have helped shape our understanding of this place. Its educational programs are designed not simply to tell visitors what they are looking at, but to encourage conversation, curiosity and deeper understanding. 

The Impact of Youth & Family Programming

The Museum’s youth and family programs are intentionally designed around that kind of participation, combining looking, making, experimenting and conversation. One of the most meaningful reminders of why the Museum matters to our community came years after an Architecture and Design workshop.

A teenager had taken part in the workshop; at the time, it was simply one of the many programs we offered—a chance for young people to explore ideas, experiment, build, design and think creatively about the world around them. But something clicked for this particular student. The workshop opened up a new way of thinking about architecture and design. Perhaps it was the freedom to imagine something that didn’t exist yet, or the opportunity to turn an idea into something tangible. Whatever it was, the experience stayed with her.

Years later, I received a note from that same young person. She was now attending architecture school and wanted to tell me that she remembered the workshop at the Museum and that it had helped inspire her interest in architecture. I have to admit that note stayed with me.

We often think about the impact of a museum in terms of what happens inside its galleries—the exhibitions people see, the artists they discover, the conversations that take place. But sometimes the most important impact happens much more quietly. A child or teenager walks through the door, tries something new, discovers an idea that excites them, and then carries that experience into the rest of their life.

You never really know where a moment of inspiration will lead.

How do you draw people into the Audain Art Museum who might not think an art museum is “for them”?

We spend time thinking about the different ways people can engage with art and the Museum. People can join us for a yoga class with the beautiful architecture as the backdrop; we have an alfresco long table dinner event that happens under the Museum in the summer; kids can try their hand at stop-motion animation or architecture and design, and teens gather here with their friends for a painting session.

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Being Open to the Experience

I have always loved the idea that you don’t need to consider yourself an art expert to enjoy the Museum. You can walk through the doors knowing absolutely nothing about a particular artist or period and still have a reaction to something.

• Maybe a piece reminds you of somewhere you’ve been.
• Maybe it makes you uncomfortable or brings you to tears.
• Maybe you suddenly notice a colour or a detail that you would have walked past five minutes earlier.
• Maybe you start asking questions.

That, to me, is the beginning of the experience.

The Museum’s programming has increasingly created opportunities for people to go beyond simply looking at art. Family programs invite people to make things together. Youth programs combine close observation in the galleries with hands-on studio work. School programs connect art with learning, discussion, creativity and British Columbia’s cultural history.

Challenging Expectations

One of the things I have come to appreciate about having an art museum in Whistler is watching people arrive with one expectation and leave with another.

A family might come because they are looking for something to do on a rainy afternoon. A teenager might arrive because their class is visiting. Someone might come along with a friend who loves art and assume they won’t have much to say about it. Then something catches their attention. They stop. They ask a question. They start talking, and suddenly the visit becomes more than a walk through a gallery.

That is the kind of transformation that doesn’t necessarily announce itself. There isn’t always a dramatic “aha” moment. Sometimes inspiration is much quieter. It might be a child discovering that they can make art themselves. It might be a teenager realizing that their own creative ideas have value. It might be an adult discovering a British Columbia artist they had never encountered before.

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The Art of the Cocktail

The Art of the Cocktail events have been really popular. We focus on a certain exhibition or artist and then work with a local bar or restaurant to develop a cocktail that reflects the artwork. We’ve also hosted special Halloween and holiday editions, toasted to the RMOW’s 50th anniversary, and celebrated Emily Carr’s birthday with cocktails inspired by her time in Paris in the 1920s. It’s another way to connect and celebrate with the local community.

How does the Audain Art Museum create a sense of community in Whistler?

The events and programs at the Audain Art Museum create community by giving people opportunities to come together, connect and share experiences beyond the usual rhythms of Whistler life.

Whether it’s starting the day with yoga in the beautiful Cressey Hall, gathering for The Art of the Cocktail, celebrating an exhibition opening, or learning something new in an adult art class, each experience creates a chance to meet people and connect through a shared interest.

Our Artist Dinner Series, along with artist and curatorial talks, bring people closer to the stories behind the art, while public tours encourage conversation and discovery. And our member-exclusive events create an even stronger sense of belonging—bringing together people who share a genuine interest in the Museum and its role in the community.

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Crossing Paths & Shared Moments

What I love is that these events attract people who might not otherwise cross paths. A local resident, an artist, a visitor, a longtime member or someone attending their first event can find themselves sitting together, talking and sharing an experience.

That is how a museum becomes more than a place to see art. It becomes a place to meet, learn, celebrate and belong.

I think that is particularly meaningful in Whistler. We are already a community built around shared experiences—sport, the outdoors and adventure. The Museum adds another dimension: a place to slow down, be curious, be creative and connect with one another through culture.

In the end, it is those shared moments—sometimes unexpected, sometimes lasting—that help create a true sense of community.

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I had my first taste of mountain life and the variety Whistler offers when I moved here after university. With a specialization in tourism marketing, it was my job to know what was up and to share stories about the resort. Now, four decades later, and with a lot of life’s chapters behind me, the same passions that brought me to Whistler — connection to nature and community — are what keep me here.  

What are the best things to do in Whistler for seniors?

It depends on how active you want to be. This list includes a mix of low-impact outdoor activities, sightseeing, arts and culture, festivals and guided experiences, with options that don’t require skiing, mountain biking or strenuous hiking. There are plenty of things to do in Whistler for seniors who want to experience the mountains at their own pace. Here’s your guide to curating your Whistler mountain experience.

A Note on Getting Around Whistler and Accessibility

Many senior-friendly activities in Whistler are easy to reach without a car. Whistler Village is pedestrian-friendly, with places to sit and take in the view as you wander the main Village Stroll. I often suggest not bringing a vehicle to Whistler; you can get around on foot, bike, transit and taxi, and avoid the parking fees. However, if you are travelling with someone in a wheelchair, it’s good to take a read of the blog, Whistler by Wheelchair, as there might be specific factors for you to consider to plan for your trip to Whistler.

1. Experience Senior-Friendly Festivals and Events in Whistler

Whistler is about much more than mountain sports and outdoor play. Throughout the year, the resort hosts festivals and events that celebrate arts and culture by gathering like-minded folks together. With seating, indoor venues and events concentrated in Whistler Village, arts and culture are an easy addition to a lower-key day.

Two of my favourite festivals during fall include Whistler Writers Festival and Whistler Film Festival. Both events have outstanding reputations for the quality of programming, the uniqueness of the mountain setting, and the chance to be up close and personal with authors, filmmakers, and other attendees who appreciate the art of storytelling.  

2. Enjoy Live Music, Theatre and Outdoor Entertainment

Whistler’s arts and culture calendar offers a range of entertainment events throughout the year. Arts Whistler hosts concerts from chamber and classical to jazz and pop at the Maury Young Arts Centre. They also host and advertise arts-based workshops throughout the year, which are a great place for making connections.

Two summer entertainment highlights include Art on the Lake, an outdoor celebration of art at Lost Lake, and Flag Stop Festival with live original theatre, music and comedy at village locations and at The Point Artist Run Centre, located on the shores of Alta Lake.   

A summer highlight not to be missed is the free, outdoor Summer Concert Series and movie nights in the Village at Olympic Plaza, where the sunset and alpenglow backdrop transform The Great Lawn into one of the most memorable entertainment venues anywhere on earth.  

3. Take a Guided Wildlife or Sightseeing Tour

For a day that fuels your curiosity and your camera, start early. Local nature guides offer wildlife viewing tours where the highlight could include Whistler’s resident black bears. The guides can pick you up and drop you back at your accommodation, which makes this an easy outing with someone else doing the driving.

Guided tours of the valley (driving or walking options are available) introduce you to life beyond Whistler Village, encompassing the valley from Green Lake to Function Junction. Specialized tours include stops at one of Whistler’s local breweries or the distillery, where partaking of the local libations is most definitely on the agenda. 

4. Explore Whistler’s Museums and Art Galleries

Be in the know at one of Whistler’s museums. Discover unique mountain culture and the history of resort development and the Olympics at the Whistler Museum, where the collection includes archives, photographs and over 5,000 artifacts. June through September, the museum hosts the Valley of Dreams Walking Tour, which is a great way to explore Whistler Village.   

At the Audain Art Museum, the permanent collection features over 300 works showcasing the artistic heritage of British Columbia, including carving, painting, and photography. The Audain also hosts workshops and talks that feature topics from photography to cocktail making, another place to potentially connect with other art lovers. The gift shop also offers unique pieces that reflect the collection.  

Whistler has some lovely art galleries to explore, which you can learn more about in the blog, Insider Guide to Whistler’s Art Galleries. If you’re visiting in October, join a Whistler Wine Walk, where you get a glass of British Columbian wine at each location, ending at the Audain Art Museum.

5. Experience Indigenous Culture at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Connect with Whistler’s Indigenous cultural partners at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). Accessible from the Village on foot along the Cultural Connector Trail, the Centre is an integration of gallery, museum and gathering place. It is dedicated to sharing the living cultures, traditions and artwork of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation).  

Tours at the Centre are offered by Indigenous Cultural Ambassadors who share stories across time, showcasing values, languages and current cultural practices alongside ancestral knowledge. Allow time to enjoy all the exhibits, including the gift shop, and I would recommend their café, where the Indigenous-inspired menu features tasty bannock tacos and salmon chowder.  

6. Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

Whether you visit Whistler in winter or summer, go up, way up. Sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola delivers the alpine experience without requiring a strenuous hike (unless you feel like one).

Accessed from either Blackcomb Mountain or Whistler Mountain, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is a “must-experience,” as the world’s longest unsupported span for a lift of its kind, offering a bird’s-eye view over the Fitzsimmons Valley.   

Summer visitors can venture even higher to the Peak of Whistler Mountain via a short (but steep) walk to the Peak Chairlift. Once at the Peak, summon your courage to traverse Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk.  

If flightseeing is on your bucket list, the resort offers tours of the Whistler Valley and the surrounding mountains via helicopter or floatplane.  

7. Explore Whistler’s Valley Trail on Foot, Bike or Mobility Scooter

Whistler is made for wheels, whether you’re using a mobility scooter, a wheelchair or adventuring on an e-bike.  One of the gems of Whistler is the Valley Trail, a car-free, paved trail network that connects Whistler Village with the valley’s neighbourhoods, lakes, and waypoints.

Whistler Village bike shops offer fleets of rental bikes including e-bikes. Choose between a short loop of the Valley Trail that circumnavigates the Whistler Golf Course or work your legs and lungs and ride from the Village to Creekside and back.   

Whether your ideal mountain adventure means spending the day outdoors or blending gentle activity with history, arts and culture, there are plenty of things to do in Whistler for seniors across a range of interests and activity levels. A great resource to use is the Whistler Mature Action Committee website for events and ways of making connections while you’re here.

And my tip for the best coffee and croissant in Whistler? I love Fix Cafe in Creekside and Mount Currie Coffee Co. when I’m in Whistler Village. Enjoy!

The post Things to Do in Whistler for Seniors: An Insider’s Guide appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

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We know that this kind of work is an ongoing journey as we all learn how we can contribute to a more sustainable future. Join our Changemaker host, Mike Douglas, a member-at-large of Protect Our Winters Canada, pro skier, enviro nerd and Whistler local, as he shines a light on what’s happening in Whistler to move the dial.

In video #8, we touch base with Kirsty Smyth, Zero Waste Program Manager at AWARE Whistler. She chats with Mike about composting, local recycling and shifting our buying thought process.

What is AWARE and the Zero Waste Heroes Program?

AWARE is Whistler’s environmental charity.  Since 1989, we have led climate action, conservation and circular economy initiatives for the local community. Zero Waste Heroes is AWARE’s social enterprise, helping events to achieve their zero waste goals. Last year, over 23,000 people engaged with AWARE’s Zero Waste Heroes program in Whistler, at events, in the parks, and at the Farmers’ Market.

Events bring people together, but they can also generate significant amounts of waste and put pressure on our natural environment. Through the Zero Waste Heroes service, AWARE helps visitors and residents enjoy the events that make Whistler special, while encouraging everyone to leave as little behind as possible. We work with event organizers to provide waste reduction and diversion support, including event planning, on-site waste sorting, and post-event reporting and analysis. 

Zero Waste Heroes is a social enterprise, so when events use us, the money generated goes back into environmental initiatives in Whistler, like our youth engagement programs and our local advocacy work. We have leading waste diversion rates, and our team is highly trained to provide guidance and education to businesses and guests.

Do events have a big waste footprint?

Yes, but we can work with them before, during and after their event to reduce it. Last year, we helped GranFondo and Arc’teryx Academy become Zero Waste Events, which means that over 90% of their waste was diverted from landfill.

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We work on waste prevention first by influencing what can and cannot come into the event area. Reusables are our go-to, but if that’s not possible, we can help source compostable options. That way, we have more control over the waste diversion outcomes. 

We also gather lots of data from each event so that we can report back to organizers on what is going well and where there is room for improvement. This means that many of the events that we work with reduce their waste footprint year over year.

How do you get people to trash-talk with you?

It’s mostly easy! People want to do the right thing, but recycling can be confusing. We guide people to the right place when we’re at an event, but we’re also talking to them about better choices for the future.

A lot of people ask us, “Doesn’t it all end up in the same place?” and the answer is, not here! British Columbia has amazing recycling systems; we just need to use them. For example, 99% of the plastics sent to Recycle BC in 2025 went to manufacturers that give recycled materials another life. 

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Why is composting so important?

One of our top goals is to keep compostables and food waste out of the landfill, because it gets trapped and causes methane, which is significantly more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide. But if food waste is placed in the organics stream, it can be repurposed locally as soil, adding to a circular economy.

Whistler’s landfill waste is transported to Cache Creek (about 450 kilometres, routed via Vancouver), and so if organic waste is separated and composted within our community, emissions associated with hauling are also reduced. Last year, 39% of Whistler’s landfill waste could have been composted; so we’ve got some work to do!

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What can people do?

If Whistler is going to hit its Zero Waste target by 2030, we need an informed and engaged public. We want people to think about the end of its life at the start. If you pick up something and know it will end up in a landfill, ideally, you reconsider your decision and pick something that can be reused or composted. 

If you are not sure whether an item can be recycled, or which stream it belongs in, Recycle BC’s Waste Wizard is an excellent resource to help you understand what goes where. You can also come and say hello to one of our Zero Waste Heroes when you see us out and about in the community – we are always happy to help!

How does the Zero Waste Heroes program contribute to the Big Moves Strategy?

Whistler’s Big Move 6 focuses on closing the loop and shifting towards low-carbon consumption. Through the Zero Waste Heroes program, AWARE helps residents, visitors, event organizers and vendors make better choices about waste and resource use. We help identify simple opportunities to reduce waste, improve diversion and minimize the environmental footprint of events in our community.

This AWARE Whistler video is the eighth in the Whistler Changemaker series. To view more, visit our sustainability page.

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The Valley of Dreams Walking Tour, presented by the Whistler Museum, brings these stories to life during an approximately one-hour walk through Whistler Village. Led by local guides, the tour explores the people, places, and ideas behind Whistler’s transformation from a remote summer destination into an internationally recognized mountain destination.

When: From June through September

Time: 11 AM – 60-minute tour

Cost: By donation

Meeting Place: Whistler Visitor Centre (no need to book, just turn up)

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Along the way, new, or familiar places take on deeper meaning.

• Why does the Village Stroll wind instead of following a straight line?
• What brought the first tourists to Alta Lake?
• Why was Whistler Mountain developed in the first place?
• Why is the town named Whistler?
• And just how long did Whistler pursue its Olympic dream before finally welcoming the world in 2010?

The answers can be found in the landscape, and in the stories of the people who helped shape it. We’re giving you a sneak preview of some of the stories covered on the tour; however, nothing beats a tour in-person.

A Valley with a Much Longer History

Whistler’s story did not begin with tourism or skiing.

The Valley of Dreams Walking Tour begins by acknowledging that Whistler is located within the shared, unceded territory of the Líl̓wat7úl Nation and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation, whose peoples have travelled through and used the region for thousands of years.

The valley served as a trade and transportation corridor and supported fishing, hunting, and other activities long before the development of the modern resort and the arrival of tourism. This history extends far beyond the scope of a walking tour focused primarily on the development of tourism in Whistler.

Visitors wishing to learn more about the histories, cultures, and contemporary communities of the Líl̓wat7úl Nation and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation are strongly encouraged to visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler’s Upper Village.

A Dream on the Shores of Alta Lake

Long before chairlifts carried skiers up Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, visitors were drawn to the valley for a very different kind of vacation.

In 1911, Myrtle and Alex Philip travelled from Vancouver to visit the area after hearing stories of its lakes, mountains, and fishing. The journey took three days, but what they found inspired them to return. In 1913, they purchased land on the shores of Alta Lake and began building Rainbow Lodge.

Their timing proved fortunate. The Pacific Great Eastern Railway reached Alta Lake in 1914, reducing the journey from Vancouver from several days to about nine hours. The railway and Rainbow Lodge soon offered a $6 “Fishermen’s Excursion,” including train travel and a weekend at the lodge.

The first excursion brought 24 fishermen and helped launch a new era of tourism in the valley. By the 1930s, Rainbow Lodge had expanded to include dozens of buildings and offered fishing, hiking, boating, horseback riding and other activities. Whistler, then known as Alta Lake, had become a popular summer destination.

Dreaming of a Mountain Resort

The next big dream would transform the valley from a quaint summer destination into a popular international winter ski destination. Following the 1960 Winter Olympic Games in California, a group of Vancouver businessmen began considering whether British Columbia could host the Games.

The Garibaldi Olympic Development Association was formed in 1962, led by Franz Wilhelmsen, and eventually selected London Mountain, today’s Whistler Mountain, as the location for a proposed ski area.

Their first bid – to host the 1968 Olympic Winter Games – was unsuccessful. At the time, the valley had no proper road access, power, running water or ski lifts. But the larger idea survived. Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. was formed to develop the mountain, and on January 15, 1966, Whistler Mountain officially opened with a gondola, chairlift and two T-bars.

The Olympic dream would have to wait, but the dream of creating a major mountain resort was underway.

Building a Village from the Ground Up

Whistler Mountain’s success brought rapid growth, and in 1975 the Resort Municipality of Whistler was established as Canada’s first resort municipality. One of the new municipality’s greatest challenges was creating a town centre for the growing community and resort.

The Whistler Village visitor experience today owes much to landscape architect Eldon Beck. With direction from the newly formed council to create a pedestrian-focused village, Beck envisioned a village that flowed through the landscape.

The Village Stroll was designed to meander, encouraging people to slow down, wander, and discover new spaces. Plazas created gathering places, while delivery areas, parking entrances, and much of the infrastructure needed to operate the resort were tucked behind the buildings.

The design also created a strong sense of place, with carefully considered viewpoints connecting the Village Stroll to the surrounding mountains. Construction began in 1978, with the first phase completed in 1980, the same year Blackcomb Mountain opened for skiing.

As you walk through the Village today, the tour reveals how many features that now seem natural were the result of deliberate, and sometimes unconventional, ideas for the time in North America.

The Olympic Dream Becomes Reality

Through the 1980s and 1990s, Whistler continued its transformation from a regional ski destination into an international one. During this period, Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain operated as competitors, and their rivalry helped push both mountains to greater heights as they added new lifts, terrain and better amenities.

By 1992, Whistler’s growing international reputation was recognized when Snow Country Magazine named Whistler Resort the Number One Ski Resort in North America, the first of many similar accolades. The two mountains’ operations eventually merged in 1997.

All the while, Whistler’s Olympic ambitions remained.

There were multiple attempts over the decades, but it was not until July 2, 2003, that Vancouver and Whistler were awarded the opportunity to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Seven years of preparation followed.

Then, in February and March 2010, Whistler welcomed athletes and visitors from around the world as an Olympic and Paralympic host community. The Games themselves were held on the territories of four Host First Nations: Líl̓wat7úl Nation, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Nation, Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Nation, and səlilwətaɬ Nation.

The Valley of Dreams Walking Tour concludes around Olympic Plaza, connecting one of Whistler’s earliest ambitions with the international mountain destination it had become.

Nearly 40 Years of Sharing Whistler’s Stories

The Valley of Dreams Walking Tour is presented by the Whistler Museum & Archives Society, which has spent nearly 40 years collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Whistler. Through photographs, artefacts, documents, oral histories, exhibitions, and community programs, the Museum preserves the stories of the people and events that have shaped the valley.

The walking tours take those stories beyond the Museum walls and into the places where much of that history happened.

Tours are led by local guides, each bringing their own knowledge and experiences to Whistler’s story. Whether you are visiting Whistler for the first time, working here for a season, or have been coming for years, the tour offers a chance to look at familiar places from a different perspective.

After all, Whistler as we know it today began with people looking at this valley and dreaming of what might be possible. The Valley of Dreams Walking Tour departs from the Whistler Visitor Centre at 11 AM daily from June through the end of September. Tours take approximately one hour and are offered by donation (private tours are available upon request).

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We know that this kind of work is an ongoing journey as we all learn how we can contribute to a more sustainable future. Join our Changemaker host, Mike Douglas, a member-at-large of Protect Our Winters Canada, pro skier, enviro nerd and Whistler local, as he shines a light on what’s happening in Whistler to move the dial.

In video #7, we touch base with Claire Ruddy, Program Manager at Reuse Whistler. She chatted with Mike about how we can save energy and water, reduce waste and avoid microplastics by swapping single-use coffee cups with reusable ones.

What is Reuse Whistler?

Reuse Whistler is a circular economy initiative replacing single-use cups with reusable ones. It saves energy and water, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and avoids the release of microplastics from single-use containers

To-go food and drink containers are a major waste stream for Whistler, so we decided to focus on eliminating one-use coffee cups.

How does the program work?

It’s simple.

1. When you order your drink, ask for a reusable cup.
2. You tap your credit card.
3. Enjoy your drink.
4. And return the cup within five days.
5. A charge is only applied if the cup isn’t returned, and it’s refunded as soon as it is (up to 30 days).

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Do I have to take the cup back to the same place?

No! Users can return to any participating location or to Smart Return Bins located around the village and at the top of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. 

We are continually expanding locations, and the up-to-date list of participating cafés and return stations is available at reusewhistler.ca.

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How do the cups get cleaned, and does this use a lot of water?

The Whistler Conference Centre and Tourism Whistler have donated the use of their commercial kitchen to us. It’s a testament to how lots of local businesses see the value of what we’re doing.

Washing in bulk uses less water and energy than it takes to manufacture a brand-new single-use cup and lid every single time. So, even with the washing, reuse quickly becomes the more eco-friendly option.

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What’s the uptake been like?

It’s been great! Once people realize it’s just as easy as grabbing a disposable cup, they’re on board.

We’ve already kept thousands of single-use cups out of circulation, and that number keeps growing every month.

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What do the businesses think of the program?

Everyone we’ve been working with has been fantastic.

A few were a little nervous at first — new equipment, logistics, a new habit for their staff to learn — but once they saw how smooth it was for their customers and team, everyone has been fully on board.

Which Whistler businesses are on board?

Participating and Return Locations:

• Naked Sprout Cafe and Eatery
• Alpha Cafe
• Blenz Coffee
• Mt Currie Coffee Company
• Garbo’s Capo Bar

Smart Bin Return Bins:

• Whistler Public Library
• Blackcomb Day Lodge
• Carleton Lodge (Garbo’s capo bar)
• Roundhouse Lodge (in the entrance – between the double doors)
• Rendezvous (downstairs opposite the washroom)

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Are there any pain points and things you’ve had to overcome?

For sure.

As with any new program, there are new logistics to work through. The big one is logistics; making sure cups get collected, washed and back in circulation fast enough that no cafe ever runs short. But the big one for us is growing awareness of the program and making sure people know it is available for both residents and visitors.

Are you sticking with coffee cups, or are other reusables on the horizon?

Over time, we are hoping to add new components. We’d like to add to-go food containers, work with restaurants, hotels, and community programs. Next, we are focusing on events, where there is a huge opportunity to easily switch from throw-away to reusable.

How does Reuse Whistler align with the RMOW’s Zero Waste Action Plan?

Creating a community reusables program has been in Whistler’s Zero Waste strategies for over a decade, and so Reuse Whistler is the result of a lot of resort partner collaborations. That said, it’s more than just a waste reduction effort; it’s a circular economy solution, climate action, smart tourism, human health protection and an over-consumption system shift – all in one program.

How can interested businesses and events contact you if they’re interested in the project? Does it cost them anything?

Anyone looking to find out more info on getting involved can reach us at ac.reltsihwesuerobfsctd-78766d@tcennoc or head to the website reusewhistler.ca.

This Reuse Whistler video is the seventh in the Whistler Changemaker series. To view more, visit our sustainability page.

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It’s also the best way I know to spend a summer day in Whistler. The Whistler Valley Trail runs over 50 kilometres of car-free paved pathway through the valley, linking the Village to lake beaches, playgrounds, swimming docks and food trucks. You need a bike, a trailer, some good snacks, and a willingness to stop a lot along the way.

I spent 16 years living in Whistler before moving down the road to Horseshoe Bay and starting a family. In those years, the Valley Trail was an artery to whatever adventure I was chasing. Now it’s the adventure itself, and along for the ride are my partner and our two kids as I show them why I fell in love with the valley.

Where to Get Your Bike and Chariot

We started at Whistler Eco Tours (WET) in the Village, within the Delta Hotel Whistler Village Suites (opposite the library and El Furniture Warehouse). The friendly staff had our excited crew out the door in under 15 minutes. Being an avid biker who doesn’t get out as much as he used to, I opted for a cruiser bike because I knew we’d be sticking to the Valley Trail, and it’s a lot more comfortable for that kind of riding. 

WET is one of many rental outlets that can get families situated. Arbutus Routes, Black Diamond, and Whistler Bike Rentals all rent trailers, too. Arbutus and Whistler Bike Rentals offer chariot hitches to some of their e-bike models, but I chose to go via pedal power. Depending on what you choose, you might need to adjust the route to your fitness level.

What to Bring

The cargo hold behind the kids does the heavy lifting, so pack more than you think you need.

• Water and snacks. Roadside snacks are a lifesaver in our family.
• Swimsuits, towels, sun hats and sunscreen. Every stop on this route is a beach.
• A light layer each. Mountain weather turns fast, even in the summer.
• A bike lock, so you can leave the rig and walk down to the water.
• A full change of clothes per kid. Trust me on that one.

Route 1: Whistler Village to Lost Lake

Directions: From Whistler Eco Tours, walk your bike (you can’t ride on the Village Stroll) toward Whistler Olympic Plaza. Before the Sightlines Bridge, take a right and pass the Maury Young Arts Centre.

Cross over Blackcomb Way toward the Audain Art Museum. Go to the right, around the Audain, where you’ll find the Valley Trail and signposts toward Lost Lake Park (heading left down the trail).

You will go under Lormier Road, and when the trail forks, go right and over the bridge.

This sets you up for a washroom break at the PassivHaus, which served as the Austria House during the 2010 Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games.

Directions: From there, stay on pavement to the right, up a small hill and past the curves of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course, towards Lost Lake.

This is a perfect spot to spread out a blanket and get the kids ready for the first of many potential swimming spots. The shallow beach here is perfect for little legs, providing a warm entry to the water on a relatively safe, gentle slope.

Route 2: Whistler Village to Rainbow Park

Whistler’s original homestead sat at the northwest corner of Alta Lake, where Alex and Myrtle Philip founded Rainbow Lodge in 1915. The site is now Rainbow Park, and it’s the best half-day on this route: sandy beach, long dock, washrooms, picnic tables, and a shade structure that buys us respite from the midday sun without the impossible task of lugging a shade tent behind the bike.

Directions: Getting to Rainbow Park takes about 15 minutes from the Village. Start on the Valley Trail, along the right side of Whistler Golf Course. This takes you around the greens, then along the River of Golden Dreams until it opens onto Alta Lake.

Take this route if your family are early risers. There is no better feeling than having the whole trail to yourself, moving from the big trees along the golf course to the birds sounding off along the river. Of all the major parks, Rainbow loses the sun earliest, so aim for morning to mid-afternoon.

If you’re continuing on from Lost Lake, go back to the main entrance where the PassivHaus is, cross the Fitzsimmons Creek and follow the Valley Trail along Lorimer Road (up and down a hill), following the signs to Rainbow Park.

Route 3: Exploring all of Alta Lake

Directions: For a full-day adventure around Alta Lake, turn left at the Whistler Golf Course Clubhouse, following along Highway 99 heading south.

When you get to the end of the Whistler Golf Course, follow the signs through the Alta Vista neighbourhood, and you’ll make it to Lakeside Park. Note that you’re going downhill quite a bit, so this isn’t our preferred return route.

Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park has a big grassy area, beach, a play area, washrooms and a concession selling ice cream. Backroads Whistler runs a watersports centre right on the beach where you can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and pedal boats. It’s first-come, first-served unless you book ahead. FYI, the lake is at its calmest in the morning.

Wayside Park

Continuing just a few hundred meters more brings you to Wayside Park. Wayside offers a shady, relaxed vibe. It’s also the last place on Alta Lake to see the sun before it dips behind Sproatt Mountain in the evening.

There isn’t much space to spread out, nor is there much flat space. However, it’s often not as busy as other parks, so snagging some good green space or a picnic table might be easier than at other spots.

Alta Lake Park

Directions: After Wayside, turn right at the fork and look out for Alta Lake Park on your right. It’s a peaceful area with a nice, large swimming dock that is popular for locals. It’s best to park the bikes here and walk past the oversized Adirondack chairs for one of the family’s favourite snack spots. 

Rainbow Park

Directions: Keep biking along in the same direction, and you’ll come to a fork. Go right. You cross the train tracks and up a small hill to Alta Lake Road, the only part of the Valley Trail we share with cars on this journey. It’s only a few hundred metres past a row of houses before a quick descent down to Rainbow Park.

Extension: At the fork after Wayside Park, if you go left, you head southward to Creekside, where you can continue past Nita Lake toward Alpha Lake Park, another kid’s favourite with a natural wood playground adjacent to an old-growth grove of spruce trees. Factor in at least an hour round-trip if you choose to take this route.

The Route Back

From Rainbow Park, it’s a 15 to 20-minute ride back to Whistler Village. If the lake is behind you, the Valley Trail will be on the right. Look out for some birdwatching lookout spots along the way.

When the Valley Trail hits the bottom of Lorimer Road (you’ll pass a church), turn right at the fork. Follow the signs to Whistler Village, which takes you alongside the Whistler Golf Course (there is one punchy hill this way, but it’s a lot flatter than going the other way around).

Two Important Considerations When Biking the Valley Whistler Trail

1. Be bear aware. Whistler is bear country, and our furry forest friends use the Valley Trail to get around, too. Make noise in blind corners. If you see one, stop, stay calm, and back away. Most of the time, they trundle off. Read more in the Be Bear Aware blog.
2. Bike Etiquette: Whistler attracts visitors from all over the world, where road rules may be different. Here we ride on the right side of the path and pass on the left, making sure not to cross double lines. If you need to pass, please let out a friendly warning in advance so as not to startle anyone. The Valley Trail does get busy, so please be courteous of your speed, especially with children in the back.

The journey beats the destination. If your toddlers are anything like ours, the mood can change in an instant. The dreaded meltdown is more likely than unlikely for most kids out of their comfort zone, unless you’re raising a unicorn. We plan for it, knowing that throwing a rock into the creek may well be the highlight of their day.

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