5 Great Things to Do in Whistler (That Aren't Skiing)
When you think of Whistler in the wintertime, skiing and snowboarding are probably the first things that come to mind. After all, Whistler is consistently rated as the number one ski resort in North America. And for good reason.
But did you know that there are tons of incredible activities to do in Whistler in the winter beyond skiing and snowboarding? Take a look at our short list of a few of our favourites and make sure to try at least one out this season!
1. Whistler: Your Outdoor Playground
The number one rated activity on Trip Advisor is the Peak-2-Peak Gondola.
Whether you ski or not, taking a ride on the Peak-2-Peak should be
part of your visit to Whistler. The view is breathtaking, the
heights heart-pounding, and you can eat lunch at either end of the
gondola. Eat at either Whistler's Roundhouse Lodge or the
Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain. Take your pick.
Visitors rave about the gondola, in all seasons. You'll travel 4.4
kilometres in just 11 minutes. No, this isn't a day-long activity,
but when you include lunch and simply breathing in the alpine air
at the top of the mountains, you'll easily have spent an
afternoon.
2. Bald Eagle Viewing
Brackendale, just south of Whistler, hosts the
largest population of bald eagles in the world each winter. From
November to the end of February, you can take a river tour to view
the birds, or simply head down to Brackendale on your own to see
them. Take binoculars, but it isn't difficult to catch a glimpse of
the birds: Over 3700 eagles make their home in Brackendale each
winter.
The tour ends at Sunwolf Lodge, where you enjoy a hot chilli lunch and hot tub with a view of Mt. Tantalus. Reviewers rave about the tour, which leaves at 9:00 am from Gone Bakery.
3. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing isn't as fast paced as skiing, but
you'll definitely get a workout as you enjoy the outdoors around
Whistler. Snowshoeing in the Callaghan Valley takes you across
meadows and through woods where you'll experience the sights and
sounds of nature, one-on-one. You can either experience a
multi-day backcountry tour in the Callaghan Valley, or a quick tour
around Lost Lake, or something in between. Snowshoeing is available
at Whistler Blackcomb as well, and there are tours available as
well. Bring your gear or rent what you need here. A great insider's blog post is over at Tourism
Whistler. Take a read and learn more.
4. Dog Sledding
For a real Canadian adventure, get your warm
clothes on and go dog sledding! Dog sledding originated more than
4,000 years ago, and some say that living in northern Canada would
not have been possible without it. The dogs have been bred for
centuries for this task, and can't wait for their next chance to
pull a sled. They may reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour!
Each sled can take 2 adults and one small child, and there are between 6 - 8 dogs per sled. You'll be able to learn the commands, help with the dogs, and, yes, mush!
5. A Magical Sleigh Ride
This Whistler experience comes with two options:
First, you can simply go on a magical sleigh ride through the
woods, pulled by Percheron horses, as they whisk you along a truly
magical snowy ride.
Or, you can do that and add in a three-course fondue dinner. Either option will bring you a Whistler experience you won't soon forget.
There are three different locations for horse sleigh rides, all with their unique differences. Choose between Blackcomb, Nicklaus North Golf Course, and the Fairmont Chateau.
Photo Credit: All photos Mike Crane/Tourism Whistler
Posted: Friday, January 23, 2015