Backroads Whistler
Based on 233 reviews
Marie Romero
2 weeks ago
It was a sunny day. Perfect for the 2.5 hour canoe ride. It started at Lakeside, against the backdrop of snow capped mountains. Then the journey to the river begins where you have to navigate the bends . Spencer was very professional in guiding us throughout and made sure that we are safe and happy. It’s an adventure not to be missed.
Ray Cushenan
a year ago
Prices have increased sharply in the last 5-6 years since the previous time I had done this, so it was an expensive day out for our large group.
However the experience is amazing. Beautiful views. Teamwork. Nice cool water on a hot day. Some slow rapids over shallows and sometimes the need to get out and push. You’ll get wet and you’ll love it. Make sure you do it on a warm day for most enjoyment.
Elana
11 months ago
We had a fantastic guided paddle on The River of Golden Dreams in late June. Because of an anticipated change in weather, we requested an earlier date and they were able to accommodate us. (Thank you!) The staff welcomed us at Lakeside Park and our AMAZING guide, Alice, outfitted us with the equipment we needed. Once on the water, she put her expert eye on our paddling technique and, based on our curiosity, offered us on-the-spot lessons to improve. Throughout the paddle, she prepared us for any hazards and pointed out particularly interesting things (eg beaver lodges and sweeping vistas). She shared stories of her history on the water (you should ask if you meet her!) and we were inspired by how she paddled her canoe — it was like an extension of her body. Now that she introduced me to the river, I feel confident in hiring boats from Backroads Whistler and enjoying the river self-guided. Fabulous company, beautiful land and excellent guiding. Thank you!
Melanie Tam
10 months ago
During our babymoon to Whistler, we wanted to do some lake activities but thought kayaking would be too strenuous for me. So we found Backroads, which offers pedal boating, which was the perfect activity. At $110/hour, it's more expensive than taking a kayak or a canoe (which I believe is $99) and doesn't seem as popular (there were only 2-3 pedal boats). We got there on a Friday at around 10:30 in the morning and it seems the most popular option was the kayak. But pedal boating was perfect for us.
First, you go to the kiosk and put down a credit card. Then, you head over to a shed to pick up your life jacket, and depending on which boat you're taking, the crew will let you know the instructions and where to go. We took the boat for about an hour, which was enough time for us to go around the lake with some breaks in between. When you're done, you row back to where you launched, return your life jacket, and go close out the bill.
Overall, it was kind of pricey but it was a fun experience being out on Lake Alta.
Tip - no parking lot. There's only residential street parking, which wasn't plenty but we were still able to nab a spot at that hour. Bathrooms are actual stalled bathrooms and are pretty clean.
Chris Neyedli
6 years ago
Enjoyed a Sunday afternoon canoe trip from Alta Lake to the end of the River of Golden Dreams. Booked the trip in Whistler Village from an Activity Centre on our way to breakfast. Once we arrived we filled out the paperwork and paid. We were given a short orientation and we were on our way. Brought along some snacks and some adult beverages for the trip. Enjoyed being on a self guided tour and going at our own pace. Once we got to the river part of the trip we encountered various paddle boarders, kayakers and other canoes. Only one area requires a 50 foot portage and we were back in the canoe. Was a bit of a tight fit on the smaller stream until we reached the main river. A bit more of a current on the main river to start but water was not to high and easy to navigate. Stopped off at a couple sandbars bars and took our time down the river. Main river is very cold being glacier feed. Beautiful scenery throughout the whole trip down. At the end they take back the boats and drive you back to the start. Very happy we brought food and drink along and made it a memorable experience. Enjoy!