Stories by Bronwyn Preece
Why Don't You
W histler’s spectacular scenery is the backdrop for an exceptional variety of activities. So, why don't you try these unforgettable Whistler experiences this season?
Experience a Salmon Bake at Crystal Hut
A trip to B.C., for many, involves indulging in a feast of coastal salmon. A trip to Whistler, for most, involves a tour of some manner up the mountain. Pair those together, and you have Canadian Wilderness Adventures’ Crystal Hut Salmon Bake: a Coast Mountain Adventure Dining Experience.
Guests head up to the 1,828-metre (6,000-foot) level on Blackcomb Mountain, either by driving an ATV or being driven in a 4x4 Jeep Rubicon. The destination is the patio of Crystal Hut, where live music accompanies phenomenal views of the surrounding valley. An on-site chef prepares your maple-glazed wild B.C. salmon, accompanied by locally sourced vegetables and fresh salads.
ATV drivers must be 19+ and have a valid driver’s licence. The excursion to Crystal Hut is suitable for families. The tour begins at 4 p.m. and lasts approximately four hours, including the rides/drives to the Horstman Glacier and a mouth-watering feast. Dessert tops off the evening, adding that extra touch of sweetness to an all-around, memorable adventure dining experience. canadianwilderness.com
Image courtesy Tourism Whistler / Justa Jeskova
Feed Your Adrenaline: Dive into a Canyon
High above the glacier-fed Cheakamus River, a bridge crosses between the basalt-lined walls of a breathtaking gorge. Here, 20 minutes south of the Village — in this volcano-sculpted landscape — thrill seekers can step into harnesses affixed to bungee cords and jump 49 m (160 ft) toward coursing blue waters.
With an impeccable record, Whistler Bungee is safe yet considered the most extreme adventure activity in Whistler, requiring no gear of one’s own, nor any training or experience. With Black Tusk as a backdrop, this exhilarating outing is an option for almost everyone. Harnesses can accommodate those weighing from 65 to 300 pounds (29.5 to 136 kilograms). Participants 15 and under require permission from a parent/legal guardian. Tandem jumps are possible, too. Naked ones, however, are not.
If you just want to cheer on others, there are exceptional viewing opportunities. Bring a picnic to enjoy alongside lava-formed Pothole Lake.
Jumps should be booked in advance, and don’t wait until the last minute — slots can fill up a week or two in advance. Open year-round, and in all weather, Whistler Bungee invites you to take a scenic and spectacular leap! whistlerbungee.com
Image courtesy Whistler Bungee
Make Painting an Extreme Sport
In a town where mountains feature in many a painting, Whistler Paintball Adventures takes this a few steps further and launches you into the paint and the painting, turning you into the painter (if not, the painted)!
Located 15 minutes north of the Village at the base of Wedge Mountain, Whistler Paintball offers the “ultimate outdoor playground.” Groups enter the battlefield, where turf wars are fought with paint-launching weaponry. With both military and forest-field options, players navigate obstacles — be they bunkers or trees, a grounded helicopter or gnarly roots — manoeuvering strategically to strike “opponents” but not be stricken. Here, everything is considered friendly fire.
Whistler Paintball has an accident-free safety record. Each session includes a mask and paintball gun rental, 100 paintballs, and up to three hours of playing time. Camouflaged coveralls can be rented, and extra balls can be purchased. Netted spectator viewing areas allow others to watch the live action. Grab your group (perfect for bachelor/’ettes, staff parties, corporate team-building events, and youth groups) and prepare to get messy! Private group bookings are available. Whistler Paintball Adventures offers an all-ages experience that you’ll be recounting to your friends and family. whistlerpaintball.ca
Photo Joern Rohde
Image courtesy Whistler Tasting Tours
Enjoy a Lunch-Feast Walking Tour
The culinary options and cuisine choices in Whistler are outstanding, albeit sometimes a little overwhelming. It can be hard to choose where to dine when you want to try as many as possible. Whistler Tasting Tours has designed an eating excursion to satiate this desire. The local company has turned lunch into an adventure — “an afternoon of flavour and fun” with a delicious four-course lunch, visiting four of the Village’s popular restaurants … strutting in style between tasty plates.
Optional drink pairings, ranging from B.C. wines or craft beers — selected to complement each dish at each stop — can be added. ID must be provided.
The self-guided tasting tour is a walking (or wheelchair- or stroller-friendly) tour that starts at 1:30 p.m. and lasts approximately three hours. Please notify the organizers of any mobility issues before the tour begins. All the restaurants are wheelchair accessible.
The afternoon is topped off with a stop at the local chocolate shop for a final sweet delight. Book your tastebuds in for a wandering and wonderful treat! whistlertastingtours.com