Off-The-Slopes Activities

Story by Dee Raffo | Images by Joern Rohde

Whistler is known worldwide for its impressive ski and snowboard terrain. However, if you’re looking to take a day off the slopes or are the non-skier or boarder in your party, here are a few indoor activities with a Whistler spin.

Immerse yourself in local culture at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) and Audain Art Museum (AAM). Whistler has a long history with both the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and Lilwat7úl (Lil’wat) Nation. The beauty of the artwork and the richness of the history are evident, but foremost, it’s a place of learning. Take the unique opportunity to connect with an SLCC Cultural Ambassador as they share stories and knowledge passed down through generations. slcc.ca

In a striking building set steps away from the ski hill, the AAM houses nearly 200 works of art that take you on a visual journey through the history of art from coastal British Columbia. The permanent collection includes a large array of Emily Carr pieces, one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations masks, and the work of post-war modernists and contemporary artists. A signature piece in their collection is "The Dance Screen" ("The Scream Too"), a carved, red cedar dance screen by Haida artist James Hart (Chief 7idansuu). Their visiting exhibitions from world-renowned artists are a must-see. They also offer docent-led public tours on Sundays at 2 and 3 p.m. audainartmuseum.com

Meadow Park Sports Centre is a five-minute drive/bus ride north of Whistler Village. It includes a gym, squash courts, ice skating rink, and swimming pool with a sauna, hot tub and steam room. Join a fitness class or go at your own pace at this friendly and inclusive fitness centre. My advice is to work up a sweat in the gym, get some laps in the pool, relax in the hot tub, and then enjoy a tasty snack, including a few Korean dishes at the Meadow Café adjacent to the ice rink, where you might catch a local hockey game or take to the ice yourself with skate rentals on-site. whistler.ca/culture-recreation

There’s nothing more satisfying than hurling an axe at the wall and hearing a loud thunk. Think darts with a Canadian twist, and with a little guidance from their experts, you’ll be going for the bullseye within minutes. Forged Axe Throwing is in Function Junction, a 10-minute drive south of Whistler Village. Play against yourself or with friends and family for a fun way to challenge your hand-to-eye-to-axe coordination. forgedaxe.ca/axe-throwing-whistler

If you desire a different type of workout, visit the Whistler Racket Club in Village North if you’re craving a game of tennis and pickleball. You can strengthen existing skills at a clinic or private lesson, make friends in a group session or rent a court if you just fancy a swing. They also have a café and bar for after-match snacks or après fun. mywrc.ca

Did you know there’s a pirate ship, a gold mine, and an underwater lair in Whistler? They’re all part of Escape! Whistler, where you have 45 minutes to solve puzzles using clues and riddles to “escape.” If skiing and riding the slopes are exercises for the thighs, here’s the equivalent for the brain. Ideal for two people and up to groups of six, these escape rooms are a treat for the senses and the mind. With incredible attention to design and detail, they are as much fun to be in as they are to get out of. Holding the stopwatch and watching the minutes tick away, you might feel a rush similar to what you experience on the slopes. It’s a great activity for families and groups of friends looking for a unique experience to bring them together. escapewhistler.com

There’s so much to do in Whistler, both on and off the hill, and if all these suggestions have left you a bit tired, there’s always the spa scene to revive you.