Whistler Multi-sport: Detailed Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and always flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, length of stay and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what a 4-night, 5 day trip might be like.

Day 1

Your host will pick you up at your hotel in Vancouver and we’ll travel up the scenic Sea to Sky Highway.  Breathtaking views of the coastline spill out before us.  It’s approximately 2 hours to drive to Whistler but we’ll stop half way at the Stawamus Chief in Squamish.  Standing sentinel over Howe Sound, the Chief is North America’s second largest monolith and Western Canada’s most famous rock climbing destination.  This huge piece of granite makes for the perfect hike and introduction.  Upon reaching the top participants will be treated to breathtaking views of the Tantalus mountain ranges, Garibaldi Mountain and the sweeping coast of Howe Sound.  For those who are keen, there will be an option to spend the day rock climbing at the Rock Bluffs – ideal for beginners or semi-experienced climbers – while more advanced climbers may opt to upgrade to a private rock guide for the day.

Arriving in Whistler long before the alpenglow hits the mountains, we’ll check into our luxurious lodging and get ready for an outstanding dinner in the Village.

Days to Follow...

The next days will be filled with a variety of adventures and options that will keep even the most intrepid adventurer busy:

Rafting

River rafting the Elaho River is a great way to spend the day as you’ll be treated to class IV excitement and some of the region’s finest scenery.  Draining the Coast Ranges, the Elaho has glacier-capped peaks and waterfalls that cascade down to the river.  The thick forests of pine and cedar add to the mix but an optional helicopter ride to the put-in is often considered a highlight as well.

Mountain Biking

Mountain bikers will be delighted to a network of lift-serviced trails complete with stunts, drops and insane single track.  The purest may decide to challenge the Cheakamus River trail that runs all the way to Brackendale - also known as the “bald eagle capital of Canada”.  The annual Cheakamus Challenge is only outdone by Squamish’s Test of Metal mountain bike race June 20th that draws bikers from around the globe.  Beginners can rest assured there are plenty of paved bike trails and a few bike parks more suitable for riders new to the “Fat Tire” genre.

Zip Lines

Zip-lines are one of Whistler’s biggest attractions.  Nestled in the spectacular valley of ancient rainforest that divides Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, you’ll soon feel the adrenaline pump through your veins as you soar along zip-lines up to 2,000 feet long and 200 feet above the forest floor while reaching speeds of 50 miles an hour.  With ten zip-lines and tandem options for kids 6 and up, there are a variety of options to choose from.

Hiking

For hikers, the floral displays are spectacular in the summer months and opportunities for photography abound in this magnificent area of jagged peaks, ice fields, cold rushing streams and turquoise blue lakes.  Half-day hikes are plentiful as are many surrounding lakes and beaches.  However, no visit to Whistler would be complete without a visit to Nairn falls – ideal for cooling off on a hot summer day.

A favorite but less travelled hiking route takes us to the nearby Joffrey Lakes.  These three lakes in this subalpine chain are strung like a turquoise necklace on the mountainside below the massive Joffre Glacier Group. With just a little bit of effort, the glacier-laden peaks are visible from a viewpoint and evidence of the park’s glacial history can be found in the U-shaped valleys, glacial silts and lateral moraines.  The reward of reaching Upper Joffre cannot be overstated. The ice falls of Matier Glacier, Mount Matier and Mount Joffre tower above the turquoise waters of the lake: an amphitheatre of crevassed, blue-hued ice rises directly above the lake’s south end and embraces most of the mountainside in a sweep from Mount Taylor to Joffre Peak and Mount Chief Pascall. Cool winds blowing down from the ice fields will be a welcomed reprieve after your ascent.

Horseback Riding

Explore the Whistler area cowboy-style while sitting high in the saddle on a memorable horseback riding tour. From short and gentle meanders along forested trails, to more extensive rides through grassy meadows and up mountain paths, you'll find the horseback tour that's just right for your riding abilities. There are even pony rides for the kids and carriage rides for those who prefer horse-drawn to horseback.

Spa

The spa services and options are endless in Whistler.  Escape to a place where the pure mountain air and the enduring wilderness inspire renewal. Whistler features 24 treatment rooms and lounges that offer hundreds of styles of treatments.  Replenish with a simple treatment or immerse yourself in total relaxation. Whistler offers a complete range of services for body, mind and spirit.

Shopping

Whistler may be a town of only 10,000 but you can find anything and everything you need.  From native artwork, high fashion apparel, jewelry, snowboard equipment to bathing suits and hip accessories, you can find it in Whistler.  The shopping is surprisingly sophisticated for a mountain town, as there are more than 200 shops in the pedestrian village and more in the newly developed Function Junction, Creekside and nearby Pemberton.

Night Life & Festivals

Live music options abound as the summer is full of music festivals throughout the season and the Performance Series brings more eclectic acts to the forefront.  Art workshops are available almost weekly and kids will enjoy the Children’s Art Festival each July.  Whether you mountain bike or not, everyone will enjoy “Kokanee Crankworx” – one of the world’s largest free-ride biking festivals!