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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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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-95ce68@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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“Nature is more than a backdrop for our adventures. It’s a home for all life, large and small. We can’t keep loving it to death. Let’s care for nature together and leave something to pass on.” Don’t Love It To Death.

But what does “Love It. Better.” mean?

DLITD asked four BC residents who are connected to their communities, wildlife and nature, how they move through the land with intention, and give back as much as they take. The series features Kate Zessel, a graphic designer and illustrator, and Kelkelokik (Sandy Ward), a Lil̓wat7úl athlete, guide, and advocate, who both live in the Sea to Sky Corridor. We caught up with Zessel to discuss the campaign and how we can all love the land better.

“Awareness comes with just spending more time out there. Picking up things if you see them. Having an awareness of where you’re putting your feet, understanding how to use your equipment, and knowing the places you’re going.” Kate Zessel.

Meet Kate Zessel | Graphic Designer & Illustrator

Zessel grew up in Vancouver. Almost every Friday after school, her dad would shove her and her siblings in the car and bring them to Whistler. She used to have FOMO about leaving the city, but now she’s thankful.

Zessel went to business school in Victoria, but managed to sit and draw every day. When she called home, she’d tell her dad – I miss the mountains. She would remember how her body would relax when they got to Squamish, and she could see the Tantalus Range. And she started to wonder why she only let herself feel this way on weekends.

So, when she finished her Graphic Design degree at the Art Institute in Vancouver, she moved to Whistler. A budding designer, she quickly realized that creating relationships was key in this tight-knit mountain town. Networking was how she could stay relevant, top of mind, and get her art in places industry professionals were going. It wasn’t easy; Kate suffered from imposter syndrome, but she credits her dedication as what helped her break through. That, and a friendship blind date with local photographer and adventurer, Abby Cooper.

“I mixed work and play in a way I’d never done before, and began translating that into art pieces,” explains Zessel. “I started going on sponsored trips where I’d be creating art for stickers, t-shirts and yoga mats, and Abby would be taking photos. It took constant networking to do this, but I ended up doing work for brands like Lululemon, Smartwool and Arc’teryx.”

When you look at Zessel’s work, you can see her reverence for the mountains. Her pieces feature landscapes, peaks, and animals, designed to evoke a connection between the viewer and nature. For Zessel, her art is designed to make people put themselves inside of it, to remember an experience or inspire the next one. That’s what makes her the perfect person to comment on how we can all love the spaces and places we journey to, better.

Q&A with Kate Zessel

Why is it important to respect and protect natural spaces?

Because they’re not going to be here forever.

You might not feel like you can fix some of the huge problems we’re facing, but you can play a part. The small things matter, and what we do as individuals matters. The first person who took me to a hut in the backcountry drilled into me about how I was part of respecting and protecting the area. We need to pass on teachings like these.

I’m alarmed at the state of some local spaces, like Joffre Lake. I’m all for people having access to nature, but they need to be educated and respectful. I found a tree with beer cans all over it while I was out snowmobiling in a different area, which was unbelievable. We have to maintain these areas together, so we can all enjoy them for years to come.

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What can we do to love places better?

Awareness comes with spending more time outside. We need to see ourselves, not as visitors passing through, but as part of the landscape itself. The more time you spend outside, the more you notice. And the more you notice, the more you care.

Then we can lead by example. None of my friends is chucking garbage out of their cars or dropping it on the trail. And if we see it, we pick it up. We’re aware of where we’re putting our feet, we’ve researched where we’re going and the equipment we need to protect it and ourselves.

Ultimately, we need to have hope.

We have to believe we can do better. There’s so much science, and there are companies that are doing the right thing; we need to support them. In some instances, we have to force people to change, like changing the materials outerwear is made from or getting rid of plastic bags. Then others follow suit, and then it becomes the norm.

For me, partnering with Protect Our Winters and DLITD means I can help change policy that affects larger change. Working for companies like Arc’teryx, which are changing the way they work for the better, is another way I can be impactful.

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What do you want future generations to know or feel about this place?

I hope the world we have now is similar to what they have, that we haven’t ruined it.

I want them to experience the beauty of these things that we get to experience. I don’t hope for a future that looks like The Jetsons, with flying cars and cities, but one where they still have access to the mountains. Let’s shut down Joffree and let it recoup. Throw some dirt, play outside.

Technology and AI are a big part of our future, and many positive things will come of them, but I hope we don’t lose sight of this place, in the mountains, in nature. 

Find more of Kate Zessel’s artwork on her website.

Top 6 Things to Do, So You Don’t Love It to Death:

1. Practice fire safety. A single spark can change everything in the mountains. Obey campfire prohibitions, follow campfire best practices, and download the BC Wildfire app before you head out. Whistler Alert is the official emergency notification system used by the Resort Municipality of Whistler to communicate with residents and visitors during emergencies via text message, phone and email. We encourage you to sign up for it while you’re here (just in case). When you register, you will be asked to provide your contact number and the date you plan to leave Whistler so that you don’t receive alerts when you’re back home.
2. Go prepared. Follow the BC AdventureSmart Three Ts: Training, Trip Planning, and Taking the Essentials. Take a look at our hiking and backcountry safety blog for more adventure safety tips.
3. Pack it in, pack it out. Familiarise yourself with the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, including how to properly dispose of human waste.
4. Keep wildlife wild. Give animals space, keep pets on leash and never feed or approach wildlife. Whistler is bear country. Take a read of our Bear Aware blog post so you can act responsibly on behalf of these beautiful, wild creatures.
5. Spread the love. Visit popular trails and parks at off-peak times and explore lesser-known spots. There’s a lot to do and see in Whistler, research your options and consider having a Plan B, for those busier days.
6. Reduce the spread of invasive species. Follow the Play, Clean, Go principles and stay on marked trails. Before and after every outing, clean your gear, footwear, pets and vehicles of plant fragments, seeds and mud.

If you were inspired by Kate’s video, take a look at the rest of the series on the DLITD YouTube channel. Here’s the video featuring Lil̓wat7úl athlete, guide, and advocate Kelkelokik (Sandy Ward).

The people who call these places home are counting on you. DLITD challenges each of us to think of something we can do differently that helps with the above. What will you do or change?

Learn more about each of these impacts on the DLITD website.

If you’re visiting Whistler, please take a look at our responsible travel page for information on how you can leave a lighter footprint when you’re here, as well as our sustainability page, which documents Whistler’s commitments to the environment.

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Hikers are the most common user group requesting search and rescue in the southwest region of British Columbia each summer, which directly affects Whistler Search and Rescue (WSAR). WSAR is one of ten SAR groups in the BC SAR Association’s Sea to Sky region, and it’s at its busiest during the summer months.

The three main reasons people need help from Search and Rescue at this time of year are being lost or disoriented, becoming injured, or exceeding their abilities.

Before you go out for a hike, mountain bike, or trail run in Whistler, think about what you need to know, do, and take so that you’re properly prepared for your adventure. Here are our top backpacking and hiking safety tips.

The Three Ts of Outdoor Safety

1. Trip Planning

Plan your travel route. Know the terrain and conditions. Check the weather and always fill out a trip plan.

2. Training 

Obtain the knowledge and skills you need before heading out. Know and stay within your limits.

3. Taking the Essentials

Always carry hiking gear essentials, and know how to use them. Add other equipment specific to your chosen activity, season and location.

If you’re going into the backcountry or on a longer hike or bike, you should ensure that you;

Quick Hiking Safety Tips for Whistler

• Check the weather before heading out, and understand and recognize weather patterns
• Can analyze terrain and use a map/compass
• Know your limits (physically and mentally) and stay within them
• Use and carry a communications device such as a SPOT, InReach or Zoleo as your means of SOS to call for help (don’t rely on your cell phone)
• Can administer first aid in case of an emergency
• Are aware of wildlife. Make noise as you go and carry bear spray or another deterrent, and have it in easy reach. 

What to Do if You Get Lost Hiking

If you become lost or disoriented when you’re out and about, the best thing you can do is stay put. Don’t be tempted to navigate your way out by taking a shortcut or bushwhacking; it could lead to you getting even farther from where you want to go, put you in hazardous terrain, and farther from the route you marked on your Trip Plan.

Use the STOP Method

Have you ever been lost before? How did you feel? Anxious, scared, nervous, worried? These feelings are sometimes called Woods Shock syndrome. “Don’t panic” is easier said than done. Our bodies and our minds can take on a life of their own in an emergency, and the more we understand the negative effects of fear, the better we can overcome them. 

Although fear can be helpful at times, it can inhibit your judgment, fine and complex motor skills (freeze effect), metabolic process and circulation. To counteract these feelings, use the STOP acronym.

STOP

Stop as soon as you realize you might be lost. Do not wander around until you’re exhausted. If you deviate from your path, you could find yourself in hazardous terrain, which makes it harder for searchers to find you. Take a rest, stay warm, eat and drink, and move on to Think. 

THINK

You need to call 9-1-1 ASAP to let people know you are lost. The RCMP will connect with Whistler SAR (there is no charge for these volunteers to come to your aid), and they will get to you as quickly as possible.

How will you contact them? With your cell phone or communications device. When your phone makes an emergency 911 call, it will connect with any cell tower in range, even if it is not from your network provider. Therefore, a 9-1-1 call may go through even if you are not otherwise able to get cell reception where you are.

However, you should not rely on a cell phone as your only form of communication; have a satellite device like a SPOT, InReach, or Zoleo in your pack too.

Will anybody know I’m lost / missing? Will they know where to start looking? Yes, because you filled out a Trip Plan with all the details and left it with someone who knows what to do.

Are you prepared to treat a medical emergency? Yes, you’ve taken first aid training and have a basic kit with you. 

Do you have the essentials to stay warm and dry? Yes, you’ve packed all your essentials, along with seasonal and sport-specific gear.

OBSERVE

Are there any immediate dangers or hazards? For example, move away from slopes that look unstable and know where any cliff edges are. Is there a good spot for a shelter? Flat, dry ground, away from any hazards, is ideal.

Get your map and compass out, look around for any landmarks that could help searchers find you and move to a nearby clearing that would make spotting you easier.

If you are familiar with your smartphone’s capabilities, you may know how to obtain its GPS reading. On iPhones, for example, the GPS coordinates are displayed in the compass app if your location services are turned on. During the 9-1-1 call, you can relay these coordinates to the operator, who will then pass that information on to search crews. 

PLAN

While you wait for the search team to find you, you could start putting on your extra clothing and waterproof layers, build a shelter and start a fire to keep warm while you wait. You could also have your flashlight/headlamp and whistle handy for attracting attention when you think the SAR team could be close.

The same goes for if you don’t have a communications device and didn’t leave a trip plan with anyone; stay where you are. Often, when people move around, they end up in features that put them in danger, like creek beds, drainages and natural draws on the mountainside. These can lead to cliffs, unstable ground, slippery rocks/ground, which increase the rates of injury and, in some cases, fatalities.

It’s likely someone will notice your absence, the car you parked at the bottom of the trail, and you not turning up to work, etc. Your plan is to keep warm and hydrated until searchers find you, and near an obvious path is the best place. 

How Trip Plans Help Search & Rescue

The Trip Plan is what your emergency contact will refer to if you don’t come back by the designated time and they can’t contact you. They will pass that information on to the local police, who contact Search and Rescue. SAR start their search in the area you stated in your trip plan; a key reason not to deviate.

At a distance of one kilometre from your planned route, the search area for volunteers is 3.1 kilometres. At three kilometres from your route, it increases to 28 square kilometres and at 10 kilometres, it is 314 square kilometres. That’s a lot of ground to cover for Search and Rescue volunteers.

The key hiking safety tips to keep you from getting lost are:

• Planning your route
• Carrying a map and compass (and knowing how to use them)
• Keeping an eye on the weather and time, and knowing when to turn back

Take a Safety and Navigation Course

If you need to brush up on your pre-trip skills and planning (like map reading), consider taking a course. BC AdventureSmart has free online courses and weekly presentations; you might even see them out and about at popular trailheads in the summer, offering site-specific safety tips. Learn more about orienteering.

How to Prevent Hiking Injuries

One of the key safety tips for avoiding injury is to start slow. Take your time at the beginning of the summer and ease into your adventures. It may have been a while since you laced up your hiking boots or running shoes, got your seat in the saddle, or packed your backpack. It’s best not to over-exert yourself early on. Short, local hikes and bikes are great ways to get your cardio back into shape, then you can work your way up to longer and more technical terrain when you’re ready.

Listen to Your Body

Practice listening to your body, and when you feel fatigued, achy, thirsty, hungry, mentally drained, or develop blisters, address those issues immediately. There’s an adage about the last run of the day being the most accident-prone, and that’s because people often push themselves too hard, forgetting that the end destination is home, and ideally, that you should get there under your own steam. 

Having the Confidence to Turn Back

Common sense is not always that common! Before you head out on an adventure, you should consider what you’re mentally prepared for. Pre-planning for potential issues or emergencies can put your mind at rest (you have a plan) and help you react quickly if a situation arises. One of the most common decisions that people face is when to turn back. Having the confidence to voice how you’re feeling physically, mentally and situationally is critical.

The group might want to push on to reach the summit you were aiming for, but with the weather coming in and a few of you looking tired already, it’s best to call it and save it for another day. Sound judgment is one of the best safety tools you can have.

We can train for mental strength by taking courses, which empower us to safely address and overcome conundrums on the trail. It can also help to discuss, with the group, what happens in certain situations ahead of time; this sets expectations. Lessons are well learned during adventure debriefs as well; chat with your buddies during après and see what everyone learned that day. This will build your memory bank and mental backpack. 

Learn more about injury prevention.

How to Avoid Exceeding Your Abilities

Let’s talk about risk and risk management in relation to decisions out on the trails. Taking a risk means exposing yourself to a hazard, like navigating a broken bridge on a hike, or attempting a gnarly rock roll on a bike trail; you’re the one who has to think of the consequences and decide what the right decision is for you, and sometimes, for the group you’re with. 

Assess Ability Levels

Although you might feel confident navigating that rickety bridge, if there are others in your group who aren’t, the decision should be obvious – you don’t do it. Before you leave on your adventure, it’s a good idea to assess the ability level of everyone in your group, their goals for the day and their comfort level (put it in your Trip Plan). This alignment can make for better and quicker decision-making when you’re on the trail, and ensure everyone comes back safely. 

If you’re attempting that nemesis rock roll on your bike, where are you in relation to people who could help if things do go wrong? Are the people you’re with equipped to deal with an emergency situation? You need to think fully about the ramifications of your decisions before you make them. 

Research Before You Go

One way to pre-plan for potential risks is to research the trail you’re considering. There are trail reports, websites and forums where people will have posted about the conditions, obstructions, sketchy areas, etc. Do your homework before you head out, and always take into consideration the weather and its potential effect on the trail conditions as well. 

Wildlife, Weather and Other Summer Hazards in Whistler

• Check yourself for ticks after time in the forest
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it
• Be aware of Whistler’s glacially-fed lakes (read: they’re cold) and the 1-10-1 principle of cold water immersion. Read more on AdventureSmart’s water safety page.
• Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated

Whistler Safety Tips FAQ

What are the 10 essentials for hiking?

For a list of hiking essentials, visit the “Pack Like a Pro” page on the AdventureSmart website.

What should I do if I get lost while hiking?

Stay where you are and use the STOP method.

Do cell phones work in the Whistler backcountry?

A 9-1-1 call may go through on your cell phone even if you are not otherwise able to get cell reception where you are. However, you should not rely on a cell phone as your only form of communication; have a satellite device like a SPOT, InReach, or Zoleo in your pack too.

Should I carry bear spray while hiking in Whistler?

Yes. You can rent and/pr buy it. Read more in our Bear Aware blog.

What is a trip plan for hiking?

A Trip Plan explains your destination, travel route, equipment and expected return time. It is vital information to assist authorities searching for you in the event of an emergency.

How does Whistler Search and Rescue find lost hikers?

Working with the RCMP, Whistler Search and Rescue will use a trip plan if you left one, or any other evidence they can gather as to your whereabouts, to start their search.

What satellite communication device is best for hiking?

A satellite device like a SPOT, InReach, or Zoleo.

Outdoor Safety Resources

Take a look at North Shore Rescue’s Survive Your Own Adventure interactive video; another tool to test how ready you are for a backcountry adventure.

Whistler has so many things to offer the adventurer; we just want you to explore safely. To get you going and increase your confidence, you could always opt for a guided tour to start, and the team at Whistler.com can help you book that. Check out BC AdventureSmart’s online weekly safety webinars, and their special events and training opportunities, all also listed on their Facebook events page and on AdventureSmart.ca. 

BC AdventureSmart enhances awareness among enthusiasts to reduce the impacts on search and rescue while contributing to the safety culture in British Columbia. Find more outdoor safety tips at BC Search & Rescue Association, also at AdventureSmart.ca and AdventureSmart’s social media: Instagram and Facebook.

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Let’s dig into wildlife in Whistler!

1. Black Bears in Whistler

Whistler’s bears are some of our most beloved local animals, so it’s not surprising that seeing one is high on many visitors’ wish lists. After spending the winter months hibernating, the bears emerge around mid-April to spend the summer foraging for food. With over 50 bears calling the Whistler Valley home, the chances of seeing one for yourself are pretty good.

Where to See a Bear in Whistler

The absolute best way to see a bear in Whistler is on a Bear Viewing Tour. The trained guides will not only help keep you safe, but they are also endless sources of bear knowledge. They’ll teach you some interesting tidbits and take you to the best places to spot them.

Another place that bears are regularly seen is on our summer ski slopes. They love to munch on the fresh grass under the lift lines. Keep your eyes peeled as you ride the Whistler Village Gondola or Blackcomb Gondola as part of the PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience.

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Black Bear Safety Tips

Being bear aware is not only important for your safety but also for that of the bears. Here are a few simple tips:

1. Never approach a bear. While our bears are pretty relaxed, they’re still bears. Give them room to do their thing in peace.
2. Clear away your garbage (and don’t leave any in a car). If a trash can is full, take it with you. A bear habituated to garbage will often return to the same sources, which can lead to human-bear conflict. When this escalates, it’s the bear who pays the price; avoiding this situation is paramount to keeping Whistler’s bears safe and wild.
3. Do not stop on the highway if you see a bear. BC’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure strongly advises against creating these bear jams for the safety of other drivers and the animals.
4. Keep your dogs on leash. You never know when you’ll come across a bear on a walk.

2. Grouse in Whistler

Proving that confidence comes in all sizes, this small and mostly flightless bird isn’t afraid to let you know when you’re in their territory. Locally infamous for startling hikers, these chicken-like birds can be bossy but are pretty harmless.

Where to See a Grouse in Whistler

These confident fowls can pop up on any forest trails around town. They can be spotted trail-side in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Blackcomb Ascent Trails or even along the Valley Trail.

Grouse Safety Tips

Grouse have surprised more than a few mountain bikers by popping out mid-trail. While the grouse itself isn’t really dangerous to people, suddenly swerving off the trail to avoid them can be. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled down the trail, and don’t listen to music so you can hear them coming.

If you find yourself in a mid-trail standoff with a grouse, you can continue to walk past it by walking wide around it. You won’t be in any danger from them, but respecting their space will help save the animal from getting stressed.

3. Beavers in Whistler

Early in Whistler’s history, logging was one of the first reasons for people to journey up to this valley. While the slopes immediately around Whistler don’t see much logging now, we are home to a small but dedicated group of loggers, our local beavers.

Famous for being a national symbol, getting to see a beaver is a quintessential Canadian experience.

Where to See a Beaver in Whistler

Beavers like to live in and around shallow bodies of water like ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers and streams. With five lakes scattered throughout the valley, and plenty of streams and marshes, Whistler has a wide range of locations that beavers call home.

In Creekside, both Alpha and Nita lakes are home to resident beavers. If you’re in the neighbourhood, keep your eyes peeled while walking around their shores. On your walk, you may spot what looks like a large pile of sticks and mud, but it is actually a beaver lodge (the beaver’s house). If you wait quietly, you may be lucky enough to see one as they work around the lake.

Another opportunity to see a beaver is on a tour of the River of Golden Dreams. You’ll spend the day meandering the wetlands between Alta and Green Lakes. The friendly guides will not only show you where to go, but also share interesting facts about Whistler ecology. Read about what it’s like to kayak or canoe the River of Golden Dreams in our dedicated blog.

Beaver Safety Tips

If you’re planning on spotting beavers from the shore, remember to keep your dogs on leash so they don’t spook or chase after a beaver when you see one.

4. Steller’s Jays in Whistler

You’re likely already familiar with blue jays (especially if you’re from Ontario), but you may not know that the West Coast is also home to its own variety of jay, the Steller’s jay. Their body shape looks similar to their famous cousins, but with dark blue and black colouring.

Where to See a Steller’s Jay in Whistler

You can find them anywhere there are trees in Whistler, from the Village Stroll, Lost Lake Park, to the hiking trails. You won’t need binoculars to spy these birds. They’re fairly brave around humans without being aggressive. Grab a spot in a park, put your eyes to the skies and you’re sure to spot one.

Steller’s Jay Safety Tips

While out for a hike or having a picnic at a local park, do not feed the birds and take any leftover food with you. Not only is human food not good for the birds, but Steller’s jays also cache their food (they hide it away for later), which can attract bears to the area.

5. Pikas in Whistler

If you’ve been here to ski or snowboard in the winter, you’ve likely skied down Pika’s Traverse (from the top of Harmony Chair to the Roundhouse) or enjoyed a bite to eat in Pika’s Mountain Market. But have you ever wondered what exactly a pika is? These adorable rodents are close cousins to rabbits and live in the high alpine. You’ll recognize them by their short, fuzzy bodies, round ears and very photogenic faces.

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Where to See a Pika in Whistler

Pikas are pretty shy animals, making them tough to spot. Here’s how to have the best chance of seeing one:

1. Venture Further: When out hiking, exploring away from the crowds will improve your chances of spotting a pika. Whistler Blackcomb’s lift-accessed summer hiking takes the hard work out of getting to higher elevations, so you can use your energy to travel further, not higher. You’re more likely to spot a pika on slightly longer trails like the High Note trail on Whistler Mountain, or the Overlord trail on Blackcomb Mountain, where hikers become more spread out.
2. Enjoy Moments of Stillness: Stop for lunch, or take the time to grab a seat on an alpine boulder and savour the views. By sitting quietly, shy alpine wildlife is more likely to poke out from their hiding places amongst the boulders.
3. Hike More: The more time you spend on-trail, the greater chances you have of spotting a pika. You’re in no danger of getting bored with the hiking trails in Whistler. You could spend a full summer exploring the alpine hikes and still not experience them all. Plan multiple trips this summer and see how many you can tick off your list!

Pika Safety Tips

While a pika encounter doesn’t hold any risk for you, your actions can put these cute creatures in danger. As tempting as it can be to coax them out of their hiding spots with a piece of your lunch, human food isn’t good for their health.

You can also help keep them safe by not stacking rocks in the alpine and altering their habitat. Whether it’s an inuksuk or a cairn (a stack of rocks), these tipsy piles can also fall over and potentially hurt or trap pikas.

6. Whiskey Jacks in Whistler

A whiskey jack (aka gray jay, Canada jay, or camp robber) is what would happen if you took the food persistence of a seagull, and put it into a cute little mountain bird’s body. Instead of shooing them away you’ll want to hold your hand up in the hopes that they come and perch for a bit.

Where to See a Whiskey Jack in Whistler

You can find whiskey jacks high in the mountains, typically in places where hikers stop for a snack, like the deck of the Roundhouse Lodge, the top of Peak Chair, the campground at Garibaldi Lake and at the Harmony Lake boardwalk.

Whiskey Jack Safety Tips

As tempting as it can be to feed them, please don’t. Not only is human food not part of their natural diet, but, like the Steller’s jays, they also cache their food (they take that food and hide it for later). That hidden food can attract bears to campsites, putting yourself and fellow campers at risk.

What Other Wildlife Might You See in Whistler?

• Western Toads (see video above)
• Deer
• Marmots (we have a whole blog post on Whistler’s hoary marmots)
• Whiskey Jack
• Bald Eagles
• River Otters
• Rufous Hummingbird (we have a whole blog post on these colourful visitors)

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Please respect these wild locals and their homes, and practice the leave no trace principles when you are out and about. For more information on summer activities to get you out there, visit Whistler.com.

The post Wildlife in Whistler: How & Where to See These 6 Animals appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

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 #4, we joined Avery Smith, Marketing & Events Manager, at RMU Whistler. Avery discusses supporting the community, embracing everyone and the latest IPA.

What is Rocky Mountain Underground or RMU Whistler?

It’s a ski shop with a bar problem! RMU was started in the States by two skiers, and from the start, ski culture was at the forefront of their decision-making. They made skis, and then shifted the store model to include a bar; skiers love their après!

RMU Whistler was opened in 2019 as the second of their three shops, and is employee-owned. Because the goal was to build a business where the team is afforded the opportunity to live comfortably, ski and pursue the lifestyle that has connected us all, the link to community has been strong from the start.

There’s a “50+ days on snow” policy as a job requirement for employees, which is an example of how they’ve embedded what they believe into how they do business.

What’s the Karma Keg initiative?

Karma Keg is a fundraising initiative we’ve been doing for around five years. We run them for different kinds of community groups like World Indigenous Sports and Health, Protect Our Winters, Whistler’s animal shelter, WAG, Slope Side Support Society, to name a few.

 

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A local charity or non-profit group will approach us about hosting an event, and we will give them 100% of the profits made from the beer and raffle during the event.

How does RMU connect with Whistler?

RMU was founded by skiers who love the mountains, so that sense of community was naturally built in from the start. We want to create a place where people come together to celebrate their adventures and plan the next one.

 

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One of the ways we do this is by hosting things like film screenings and clinics on things that interest skiers and boarders, like backcountry information nights. In the summer, we host ride nights, and our patio is full of bikers! We know what interests our community, and we really lean into that.

 

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Who comes to RMU?

I think it’s one of the wonders of Whistler that you can sit at a bar and be talking to someone who’s been here all their life, a liftie who’s here for a season, a pro athlete, or someone who’s just arrived for a holiday of a lifetime. It’s the love of the mountains that brings everyone together here, and we emphasize that in everything we do.

 

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This is the fourth video in our series on how Whistler cultivates community. Video one features the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA), video two highlights the Whistler Community Services Society, and video three focuses on Arts Whistler. Enjoy!

The post Cultivating Community Series: RMU Whistler appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

One of our most prized assets as a destination (place to visit) is the access to nature and its awesomeness. But the local stewards are in need of a fresh vision and a new generation of support

Young Voices, Big Impact is a local initiative by AWARE (Association of Whistler Residents for the Environment) which “set out with a simple but powerful purpose: to meaningfully listen to the opinions of young people across the Sea to Sky region in relation to the environment.”

We connected with AWARE to find out more about this initiative and how Whistler’s youth are helping to move the dial on environmental initiatives throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor.

Young at Heart

AWARE has always recognized that youth are vastly underrepresented in environmental decision-making spaces and are often underrepresented in environmental conversations overall. The group – which began in 1989, as Executive Director Pegah Pourkarimi reflects, as “a committed group of local residents that brought recycling to the area” – has always valued the inclusion of young people in their projects.

COVID, however, put an end to the face-to-face environmental mentorship program, Project Now, that the NGO used to run. Emerging from the effects of the pandemic has given rise to a renewed Strategic Plan for the organization, with one of the strategic points centring around exploring and implementing ways of engaging with local youth; thus, the mobilizing of the Young Voices, Big Impact initiative.

 

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Reaching Out

Renewed youth outreach began in January 2025 over the course of six months, with data being amassed through surveys, in-person group and club meetings and visits. Employing a Participatory Action Research approach, youth were key in helping design the questions and outreach models for their peers: shifting the conversation from consultation to co-creation.

Opinions were gathered from those between the ages of 14 to 30, with 86% of respondents being high school students from Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton. The ultimate goals of the initiative were not only to find out what environmental issues are of top priority to local youth, but equally, to devise ways to ensure that moving forward, “there are visible roles, decision-making power, and long-term support for youth-led action” in the Sea to Sky region.

 

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Hope is an Active Verb

The results of the survey process surprised Pourkarimi, and yet “injected hope into my heart.” Following the compilation of findings, Pourkarimi was infused with a sense of “right on, we can do this!” In the position of AWARE’s Executive Director for more than a year, they go on to elaborate that “this generation wants to actively participate – but are broken because they have been left out of the conversations.” AWARE is bringing them back in.

Local Action Style

Overwhelmingly, 60% of high schoolers expressed an interest in more hands-on climate action and sustainability-related activities and learning, rather than online, digital interfacing. Examples which led the list were a desire to participate in hands-on conservation activities, learning wilderness skills, even tree planting, not ‘clicktivism.’

There exists a definite, overriding desire to get involved, to do meaningful actions, on the part of the area’s young people. The questions asked were specific to the Sea to Sky region, with participants listing as their major local concern ‘Damage to the Natural Environment and Wildlife.’ The most important climate actions identified by participants were ‘reducing plastic use’ and ‘transitioning to renewable energy.’

Despite Greta Thunberg’s international influence as a pivotal youth environmental lobbyer and activist, the ‘Climate Strike’ campaigns associated with her were at the bottom of local youth’s list as a way to engage proactively in supporting environmentally restorative initiatives.

Environmental Damage

There was less interest expressed in wanting to get involved on the local political level – partly understood as feeling jaded from being left out of the process for so long, or only consulted in tokenistic capacities; as well, as the political sphere being partly responsible for the current predicaments we find ourselves in.

That being said, the Resort Municipality is also actively seeking ways of increasing youth involvement – and many of the outreach findings that AWARE just gathered, align with those that the RMOW have amassed.

The youth of the Sea to Sky are not a passive bunch, and they represent a wide range of socio-economic and cultural diversity. Local Indigenous youth, in particular, noted how they felt their Traditional, Land-Based Knowledge wasn’t being included where it should be, and expressed a particular sense of being left out of needed conversations.

Now what?

What next? The results are in. Key to AWARE is keeping the momentum up in order to be able to activate and mobilize the next phases of youth involvement. The organization is looking at hopefully securing a strong funding model for next year to be able to facilitate local youth in “being catalysts for activation.”

In the meantime, AWARE is actively trying to form a Young Voices, Big Impact Committee of high school students to begin meeting this Fall. The NGO, though unsuccessful as of yet, to have any youth join their Board of Directors, now has two youth representatives on their standalone Advocacy Committee, which reports to the Board.

Equally, the organization has actively slated opportunities for youth to be involved in all of their current campaigns – from Zero Waste Management and Circular Economy projects, Priority Habitats, to their Active Transportation programs – providing as many avenues for active youth engagement as possible.

 

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Think Globally, Act Locally

AWARE’s focus is regionally based; however, it fits into nationally based dialogues around youth involvement. Youth environmental rallying voices are currently spearheading two ground-breaking lawsuits (Mathur v. Ontario and La Rose et. al v. His Majesty the King) playing out in the courts around climate concerns, the latter of which has a trial scheduled in Vancouver in October 2026.

 

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Increasingly so, young voices are helping chart new courses in Canadian environmental policy and practice, and AWARE is there to help foster local interest and participation. AWARE’s approach is encouraging and inspiring as they seek methods to meaningfully engage a wide range of perspectives to address issues that affect young and older, alike; issues that affect us all.

Check out the AWARE website for how to become a member, donate or participate in an event.

The post Sea to Sky Youth Engagement Pivotal in Local Environmental Issues appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

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 #3, we joined Marco Zunino, Finance & Development Manager, at Arts Whistler at Art on the Lake. Marco discusses what the arts do for a community, how artists and people can connect to the arts, and narrowly escapes canoe karaoke.

What is Art on the Lake?

Art on the Lake began in 2020 as a creative response to COVID-19, offering the community a safe way to experience art and music from the water. What started as a socially distanced experiment has since evolved into a beloved lakeside celebration of Sea to Sky creativity.

This year, Lost Lake came alive with eight musical acts, nine painters, ten local artisan vendors, four floating comedians, four DJs, and even canoe karaoke – all free for the community to enjoy.

 

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What do we need to know about Arts Whistler?

Arts Whistler has been part of the community since 1982, with a mission to weave arts and culture into everyday life here in Whistler. From our home at the Maury Young Arts Centre, we program, promote and advocate for the arts and local artists across the Sea to Sky.

We’re all about making the arts accessible, inspiring, and a regular part of people’s lives, whether that’s through a kids’ festival, a live music show, an art workshop, or a film night. If you love the arts, this is the place to be! There’s always something happening, and no two days are ever quite the same at Arts Whistler.

How does Arts Whistler bring creativity to the Whistler community?

Arts Whistler brings creativity to the community in lots of ways. People can come and enjoy events like Art on the Lake, the Arts Whistler Holiday Market, The People’s Film, and Arts Whistler Live, soaking in the music, art and performances. 

 

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But it’s not just about watching; there are plenty of ways to jump in, too. Our Community Gallery is open to both professional and emerging artists, and hands-on workshops and professional development panels let people try new things, meet local artists and explore their own creativity. 

 

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This summer, we hosted a series of painting workshops with Whistler Blackcomb on the mountain, giving people the chance to experience art in new and unexpected places. Whether you’re there to watch, learn, or create, there’s always a way to get involved and be part of the arts in Whistler.

 

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Why are the arts important to a community?

The arts are important to a community because they bring people together, spark conversation, nurture talent, and give people a way to express themselves. In Whistler, our vibrant arts scene builds on the inspiration of the mountains, attracting and supporting creatives while creating spaces for connection and shared experiences.

 

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A clear example of this is Peaks and Valleys, a recent gallery exhibit in partnership with Whistler Community Services Society. Local artists explored mental health challenges affecting our community – the impact of injury, a sense of belonging, and access to basic needs – in ways that were both thought-provoking and approachable. The exhibit showed how art can shine a light on real-life issues, engage the community, and foster understanding and connection.

How does Arts Whistler bring artists together?

Arts Whistler is more than a place for creatives to perform or display work; it’s a hub where artists can meet, collaborate, create and learn from one another. Whether it’s chatting at one of our gallery art parties, participating in hands-on workshops, or joining professional development sessions, there are plenty of ways for artists to connect. 

 

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Programs like Trailblazers and Tomorrow Makers take this a step further, pairing established artists and photographers such as Andrea Mueller and Logan Swayze with emerging talent for mentorship sessions that foster learning, growth and lasting connections.

How can people connect with and support the arts in Whistler?

There are many ways to engage with and support the arts in Whistler. You can attend events, festivals, and workshops, visit galleries, or support local artists by purchasing their work. Signing up for the Arts Whistler newsletter is a great place to start—it keeps you in the loop on everything happening in the creative community.

You can also become a member of Arts Whistler to help sustain our programs and enjoy exclusive benefits, or volunteer with us to get hands-on experience and be part of bringing arts and culture to life in the community.

This interview and video are number three of a series on how Whistler cultivates community. Video one features the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA), and video two highlights the Whistler Community Services Society.

The post Cultivating Community Series: Arts Whistler appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

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 #2, we joined Lisa Coulter, Director of Social Services at the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), for its 36th Birthday Bash in 2025. She chatted with Mike about how making people feel like they belong underpins a healthy, vibrant community.

What does Whistler Community Services Society do?

It’s our vision to build and support a resilient community. We’ve been the caretakers of Whistler’s social health and wellness since 1989, when a Christmas hamper program was initiated. Now, we run the Whistler Food Bank and over 30 free programs that cover mental and emotional health, and finance and legal support.

Did you know? 50,000 people came through our doors last year (2024) to use our services! 

We’re adjusting to the needs of our community as it grows and develops. We have programs that assist with grief and loss, counselling, and drug checking, to name just a few.  We help new parents connect at our Birth, Baby and Beyond and Parent Infant Drop-In programs, we run social events for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and we have our popular Activate and Connect program for our seniors that focuses on connection. Outreach clients can connect anytime via our drop-in services during the week, and we host Coffee and Conversations on Wednesday afternoons to help Food Bank clients connect with our other social services. 

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Why are programs like this important?

Everyone wants to belong, especially those who don’t often feel that way. We help both locals and new arrivals to Whistler make the connections they need to feel part of our community. Whistler residents, both new and old, can benefit from our services and resources.

We help people take care of their mental and physical health, afford sport, camp, and art programs for their children, and more, so they can not just live here but thrive here.

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What role do volunteers play at WCSS?

WCSS is so grateful to have a team of 50 staff and over 50 incredible volunteers. People seek out volunteer opportunities with WCSS to make a difference in their community. We hear from our volunteers that they care for Whistler deeply and want to give back. They come to work with us as individuals or bring their friends and family and find a sense of belonging and purpose.

In 2024, our volunteers helped WCSS feed over 21,000 Food Bank clients! We truly could not do this work without them. Do you want to be a WCSS volunteer? Follow this link to express your interest: mywcss.org/volunteer/.

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How does the Re-Use-It and Re-Build-It factor into all of this?

Our Re-Use-It and Re-Build-It thrift stores help to power Whistler’s circular economy. They divert over one thousand kilograms of useful items from landfill each day, and nearly 500,000 kilograms of waste per year through our stores and our bottle refundables program.

Funds earned from these social enterprises are reinvested back into the community, in the form of free programs, health and wellness resources, and other support.

Our social enterprise thrift stores are part of the fabric of the Whistler community. We’re a resort that loves to celebrate and dress up, and we’re also a hub for seasonal workers looking for gear. One of our volunteers even got her prom dress from the Re-Use-It Centre!

It’s also a great place for visitors to check out if they need a pair of ski goggles, golf balls or a fun outfit for a night out. You can also drop things off with us that don’t fit into your suitcase! Please check what we accept on our website.

 

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How does having a strong community affect the visitor experience?

We believe that a resilient and healthy community is important to everything Whistler offers. If your coffee shop barista, server or tour guide feels a sense of belonging in where they live, they are more able to create positive experiences in their work, and that means happier tourists.

When you belong to a community, it feels natural to support it and grow it. A sense of belonging benefits everyone!

How can we support WCSS?

As a Whistler non-profit with charitable status, WCSS relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors. You can support us by donating, volunteering, hosting a fundraiser, attending an event and shopping at our social enterprises. Sign up for our newsletter so we can let you know what we’ve got going on, and how you might be able to get involved!

This interview and video are number two of a series on how Whistler cultivates community. Video one features the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA) and is definitely a great watch!

The post Cultivating Community Series: Whistler Community Services appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

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 #1, we headed out on Whistler’s bike trails with Dale Mikkelsen, the President of the Whistler Off Road Cycling Association, known locally as WORCA. He chatted with Mike about becoming a hub of social connection and how, in advocacy work, we can care for something together.

What is WORCA?

WORCA stands for Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association; it’s Whistler’s mountain bike advocacy group. We work with local and regional governments, First Nations, developers, utility operators, private landowners, the community forest and other stakeholders to keep Whistler’s non-motorized trails open and accessible.

WORCA has led the stewardship of mountain biking trails in the Whistler Valley for over 35 years (it was founded in 1989).

Every year, we sanction events that bring the mountain biking community together, foster the evolution of the sport through youth programs, and employ experienced trail builders and staff to construct, maintain, and advocate for Whistler’s mountain bike trails.

Today, we have a ten-member board of directors that represents and serves the community, and around 1,900 members. Anyone can become a member, and it’s a great way to support the trails.

What’s a Toonie Ride?

WORCA has been running the Toonie Rides for 35 years! They are race/ride nights held on Thursdays. The format varies from ride to ride, but most are point-to-point style cross-country rides on different Whistler trails.

The purpose of the Toonie Rides is to bring our community together to ride and celebrate the sport we love. Some riders come for the thrill, looking to best the competition. Others come to chill, to socialize, get some exercise, and explore Whistler’s trails. That’s why there’s a race start and a rolling start. The first 20 riders or so are going to blast off the line, making it feel like a race. The remaining people are going to go out and have a good, social ride with all their friends. The goal at the end is that we all end up at an après party.

 

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If you register in advance for the Toonie Season’s Pass, each ride costs two Canadian dollars, a toonie, hence the name. The money raised covers insuring the event, with every other cent going back into maintaining Whistler’s exceptional network of bike trails.

The rides are open to everyone, locals and visitors, young and old, and of all biking abilities; you just need a WORCA membership.

What other events does WORCA offer?

WORCA sanctions the weekly Toonie Ride series as well as special events like The Back Forty, The Witsend and The Hillman races.

We also run kids’ bike camps in the summer. Our camps are not just about developing solid bike skills, but cultivating a positive mountain bike experience, fostering a love for adventure,  recreating responsibly and creating a sense of community.

 

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You can also volunteer for our Trail Nights. They’re actually a great place to meet new people who are passionate about biking. Whistler’s trail system, which ranges from smooth double-track to technical single track, is a great resource for the local community and the tourism industry.

Without ongoing maintenance, repairs and protection, we risk losing this incredible amenity to erosion, degradation and in some cases competing land use.

 

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Each year, we set priorities and assign funding to a range of trail projects, which are carried out by a combination of paid trail crew employees and enthusiastic community volunteers. Trail nights are usually three to four hours, and tools or trail maintenance experience is not required.

Local businesses sponsor the trail nights so we can provide food and drinks, and volunteers are rewarded with a Whistler Mountain Bike Park ticket for every three trail nights completed, thanks to Whistler Blackcomb and the Vail Resorts EpicPromise Program!

How does WORCA add to Whistler’s overall sense of community?

We try to be so much more than an advocacy group for the trails. We really want to be the social hub of mountain biking in the Whistler community. Whether you’re a first-time rider, you just moved to Whistler, you’re visiting, or have a young family, we want to make sure that mountain biking feels like it’s open to anyone who wants to join.

When we bring people together like this, it turns the trails we ride together into a common ground, where we can connect and care for something together.

 

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A post shared by WORCA – Whistler Off Road Cycling Association (@worcawhistler)

How can I get involved and support WORCA?

Becoming a member is the first step. All the funds raised from memberships go back into our trails and into our riding community through advocacy, events, programs, and making sure the trails we love are kept open and in great shape. We have memberships for adults, seniors, youth, children, and families, as well as corporate memberships, super supporters and even memberships for runners (they use the trails too!).

Membership makes you eligible to join our WORCA-hosted events, access to discounts from our partners and, with more than 2,000 members, WORCA is a great way to meet riders around the valley. You can also donate, join a trail night or become a sponsor of one of WORCA’s events.

This interview and video are part of a series on how Whistler cultivates community, so check back for the latest. If you’re after more bike content, click this link.

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