Top 8 Canadian Activities in Whistler

If you are looking for the great Canadian experience, you’ve come to the right place. And we mean it when we say, a really authentic experience because all the activities in Whistler tend to fall into the super Canadian category.

This is a is a small town with a big heart, we say sorry a lot, and we are world renowned because of our winters. Although small, only 11, 000 permanent citizens, we get over two million visitors per year. Many of these two million visitors, perhaps like yourself, are returning, because it’s hard to stay away from Whistler once you get to know it.

What Makes the Perfect Canadian Activity? 

We are here to define – What is a Canadian Activity

Some say that it’s impossible to define what makes an activity genuinely Canadian. We at Forged Axe Throwing know that it usually is outside, full of adrenaline, and might have an aspect of friendly competition. Who are we kidding? It has to happen outdoors and involve nature in some way.

But, we get visitors year round, so Whistler is much more than the stereotype of snow, ice, and cold. And we’ve got super duper Canadian activities for the entire year round.  But whatever the season, Canadian activities will flush your face and make your heart beat faster. When it comes to living the Canadian, Whistler is one of the top choices.

If you don’t fall for skiing and snowboarding, the sweet hoary marmot of Whistler can be your quest. But we suggest trying any form of winter sport you enjoy. Skiing, snowboarding, bobsleigh, hockey, and ice skating are just some of them. Since the ‘90s, Whistler is among the top winter destinations in North America, so you will be pleased by snow and ice quality. But if you manage to visit Whistler only in the summer, don’t be upset. Mountain biking is a good summertime alternative to skiing.

The town is stunningly beautiful; its pedestrian village has won many awards. It continuously looks like a postcard so essentially ever photo is ‘Gram worthy. The surrounding landscape is also photogenic. Autumn colors or bear viewing, biking in fairytale forests, and crystal clear lakes will fill your agenda.

But let’s be specific. What are the best activities in Whistler? We are sure you want details, tips, and exact directions, so we’ve come up with a top of eight Whistler activities, Canadian to the bone and, of course, fun!

1.Spend Winter Season on the Slopes

Canada means one thing to some people – snow.

Skiers and snowboarders, this place is for you. If the 2010 Winter Olympics was hosted by Whistler Blackcomb, you can be sure it’s a fantastic Canadian destination. It has facilities for all skill levels and modes (fast, elegant, off-piste, cross country, beginners, children, and so on).

Follow the snow report and get your pow on. You can choose from a variety of season passes, and buy them in advance online. An unlimited winter pass (you couldn’t possibly want otherwise) is $1339 CAD while a day pass is $143 if purchased in advance. You can book your adventure right now or wait until the last minute.

2. Axe Throwing 

An axe throwing experience? Full Canadiana

Grab an axe, put on closed toe shoes, and get hucking with Forged Axe Throwing. Axe throwing is a real sport in Canada and one of the few indoor activities in Whistler. It’s not as dangerous as it sounds and you’ll have a coach to teach you what to do.

The rules are simple: you have to throw an axe at a wooden bullseye target. We often say it’s like darts, but more thrilling, a bit sharper, and with more sweating. There is even a National Axe Throwing Federation if you are thinking of becoming a professional. The best part, its one of the most family friendly, and affordable options in town.

3. Dog Sled 

Dog sledding is a Canadian activity which combines sport, snow, nature, and our love for animals. A three-hour tour in the Callaghan Valley with Blackcomb Dog Sled is a once in a lifetime experience. It will cost you about $200 per person. You’ll meet some of the most adorable dogs and you’ll make friends quickly.  You can stay in the sled and take pictures during the full tour, or why not step onto the musher’s station and learn how to handle the sled yourself?

4. Ice Skating

Canadians love ice and skating all year long. Every small town and village has their very own arena and a local hockey team.  Little Whistler is not one to break this Canadian rule. Depending on the time of year, you can go ice skating in Whistler both outdoors or indoors at the public rink. Outdoors is more magical, especially in the centre of Whistler Village. Image the snow falling down, a warm hot chocolate in hand and giggles from everyone learning to skate surrounding you.

From December to March, a special rink for ice skating opens at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Surrounded by mountains and holiday lights, you can really feel the fairytale atmosphere of this place. Hot chocolate, smiling faces, and picturesque landscape will fill your heart. The good news? Free admission! Skate rentals are $6 and free helmets for anyone who wants them.  If you prefer your ice skating experience is not so weather dependent, go to Meadow Park Sports Centre for an indoor skating experience. Maybe you’ll even learn some hockey moves, who knows!

5. Take a Hike!

We know that Canadians didn’t invent hiking, but don’t be fooled. Walking through the woods and hiking mountains are ultra-Canadian. With the incredible landscape surrounding Whistler and the joy of being outside in our forests, we dare to put walking in the top of Canadian activities to do in Whistler.

We base this position on having the 40 km long paved trail called the Valley Trail and the Sea to Sky Trail and many other hiking trails between our forests and around our lakes. We also base this opinion on the Canadian spirit of adventure which led to a well-organized system of walking routes. You can see all the beautiful things outside Whistler while on foot. Add the fact that some routes end in breweries, and you’ll find out the next best Canadian activity in the area.

6. Have a Beer!

The Whistler beer scene is one of a kind, and cannot be missed.

Speaking of which, the craft beer scene is hot in Whistler right now.  But maybe you didn’t know beer and Canada go hand in hand. With beer names like Grizzly Brown Ale, Treeline Lager, and Forecast West Coast Pale Ale, Whistler has found a place on the Canadian beer’s map.

We like that local breweries use local ingredients, natural and fresh. Besides, they use our pure spring water, giving the beer the sweetness of the Canadian mountains. Visit a tasting room to see how right we are. If you want to dedicate your journey to this activity, join the Whistler Village Beer Festival in September.

7. S’more a Little 

Nothing beats a gooey treat around a campfire

This isn’t just an activity; it is a Canadian dessert which you cannot enjoy unless you get outside and embrace the nature. S’mores have the Canadian spirit written all over it, mainly because it’s roasted over the embers of a campfire. It is a cookie made with graham biscuits, chocolate, and marshmallows. It looks like a sandwich, but it is a traditional campfire treat for children and adults alike across Canada.

So, enjoy a s’more while camping at one of the many perfect campsites around Whistler. There are several camping resorts, recreation sites, or even picnic sites, with amazing views, peaceful forests, and mountains. If you are looking for wildlife experiences, you can set up a tent in one of these special places. Camping is also one of the cheaper places to stay in this resort town. In the woods, you are also totally likely to meet friendly people. Especially if you’ve got s’mores on hand, new friends are easy to find.

8. Traditional Stone Carving

A perfect rainy day activity, carving soap stone is ulta Canadian.

Some of Canada’s most famous symbols stem from traditional Inuit artifacts. These are steeped in tradition including soapstone bears, inukshuks and more. If you are visiting Whistler, why not learn the stone carving craft yourself? At Fathom Stone Art, they have a carving studio and a gallery, but you can also take part in carving yourself.

They host daily classes for both children and adults. Besides learning how to work with marble, jade, limestone, quartz, serpentine, soapstone, or granite, you will also go home with a handmade souvenir. Imagine how amazing would be to craft your own SUPER Canadian souvenir using such vibrant stones.

Classes range between $75 to $400 CAD and last from one hour to four hours. You can choose to make a simple necklace or be more adventurous and try to carve a bear. Art is for all who dare to discover their creativity, after all.

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We speak from experience when we say that Whistler has all the energy and enthusiasm required to give you an authentic Canadian experience. Outdoor activities are part of our lifestyle, and you’ll find them even in the simplest tasks. Try out some traditional treats, eaten at campfires, beer enjoyed after finishing a big day in the mountains, or art based on local natural materials.

Whistler’s life is connected to the environment and gets its strength from it.  Maybe the most important features of a Canadian activity is its close relationship with nature, a red-plaid shirt, and the smell of a campfire in the air. But you definitely won’t get it if you stay at home and keep reading about it. Whistler’s activities are something to experience for yourself.