Forget the crowds in Europe! Head to Canada for your next holiday and enjoy the blue skies and fresh air at Vail Resorts’ Whistler Blackcomb during its summer and fall season. From hiking to bear watching, here are five must-do activities to enjoy at one of North America’s largest outdoor playgrounds.
See Whistler’s famous black bears and cubs
For those who want to experience the excitement and beauty of black bears and cubs up close in their natural habitat, Vail Resorts’ Whistler Blackcomb is the place to go. Enjoy the wildlife, vegetation, glaciers, and rainforests of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Visit bear dens and wander through pristine alpine meadows and old-growth Western Hemlock forests. Learn how conservation and enhancement initiatives help to sustain healthy bear populations, and how mountain resorts are continually redesigning recreational experiences to ensure a sustainable future. Book a bear-viewing tour here.
Feel the rush of downhill mountain biking
For those looking to experience the great outdoors in a different gear, have a crack at downhill mountain biking. As one of the largest bike parks in North America, Vail Resorts’ Whistler Mountain Bike Park offers more than 100 expertly crafted trails spread throughout four distinct mountain zones.
There are trails designed for every level and ability. Cruise through some of the more beginner trails or opt for more advanced routes. New to Whistler Blackcomb are 11 kilometres of brand-new trails, all accessed by the upgraded 10-person Creekside Gondola. Creekside represents the Bike Park’s freshest and purest single-track area. It’s recommended for intermediate to expert riders looking to cruise along cascading creeks and through lush, green forests.
Whistler Sky Walk
Take in the natural landscape sculpted by ancient ice and enjoy a walk on the snow and ice on top of Whistler Mountain. Along the way, visitors will travel back 10,000 years to learn about the formation of the Coast Mountains glaciers. After the gondola ride to the top of Whistler Mountain, the guide will provide a helmet and harness to wear. Following a hike, participants will enjoy a cabled portion of the tour, where they will be clipped into safety cables to experience the amazing views high above Whistler. The hike gradually continues up along the cliff edge and crosses small bridges and ramps.
Rock Climbing
One of Vail Resorts’ most popular half-day tours, the Whistler rock climbing experience is designed for individuals or groups looking for a fun-filled morning or afternoon of single-pitch, top-roped climbing. Vail Resorts’ experienced guides will set everything up and provide helpful hints along the way. No climbing experience is necessary.
Guided Alpine Hike
Get a glimpse of the spectacular wilderness the Whistler region has to offer on one of Vail Resorts’ half-day informative hikes. Local experts will guide hikers through easy to moderate terrain boasting magnificent views of the local mountains, alpine lakes and rugged glaciers.
