Exploring Whistler valleys, slopes, forests, creeks and rivers, there's one thing visitors have come to expect - wildlife will make an appearance.
Bears can often be seen roaming the valley trails or foraging on the mountan slopes, or en route to the new Whistler Olympic Park. A gondola ride up the mountain is a great way to spot bear or deer foraging on grass and berries, or take a guided bear-watching tour.
Wildlife sighting of deer, marmot, pika and other fascinating animals are also common. Small mammals and birds like the pika and whiskey jack often congregate in mountaintop alpine ski areas.
Whistler's creeks and rivers teem with rainbow trout and kokanee salmon in season. A guided canoe tour is a great introduction to the fish, waterfowl and marine animals that live in Whistler's lakes and streams.
Whistler Wildlife Tours
Whistler's coastal hemlock-cedar forests are home to some 50 black bears. Enjoy Whistler's abundant wildlife or join
hiking, bear-watching and wildlife tours. Expert guides help interpret the natural habitats and curious habits of Whistler's other locals.
Wildlife enthusiasts have a wide range of tour options. Hiking, canoe, kayak ATV, 4x4 and even helicopter tours offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Visit the
Whistler Visitor Centre located in the heart of Whistler Village or investigate
guided tour options.
Types of Mountain Critters
A hike in Whistler means sharing the mountain trail with the local alpine residents. Keep an eye out for these timid and tenacious creatures:
PikaOne has to be quick to spot the shy pika. This small mammal with short, wide-rounded ears is related to the rabbit and can be found grazing on rocky slopes.
Coastal Mountain Black-Tailed Deer
Swift of hoof, these graceful creatures feed on mountain vegetation through the summer and fall. With the snowfall, they retreat to nearby valleys, taking cover in old-growth forest away from snow predators.
Marmot
These small, stocky creatures like to bask in the sun all day, so look for their brown, bushy tails and whitish bellies as they stretch out on rocks. They live in burrows that can run up to 12 m (39 ft) underground.
Birds
Whistler's most common - and notorious - feathered companion is the whiskey jack, well known for stealing food from the hands of unsuspecting hikers.
Eagles, red-tailed hawks, grouse and osprey can also be seen while the lakes and wetlands are home to blue herons, ducks and other waterfowl.
Other animals that may be seen around Whistler are racoons, beaver, river otter and coyotes.
Wildlife in Rivers and Lakes
Whistler has five lakes and several streams, all of which can provide interesting wildlife viewing. Whistler's River of Golden Dreams is popular for
canoeing and features excellent wildlife viewing along its meandering path.
Crabapple Creek
Follow the flowing waters of Crabapple Creek in Whistler where the stream meets the Valley Trail. Rainbow trout can be seen spawning in the creek in May and June and kokanee salmon in September and October.
Millar Creek
Rainbow trout can be seen spawning here in May and June.
Lake and river dwellers can be seen on a guided or self-guided canoe trip down the River of Golden Dreams. Paddle this slow-moving river and watch the banks for beaver, otters, fish and waterfowl. Black bears are sometimes seen along the shores as well.
Learn more about
bear watching and bear safety and
bird watching in Whistler.
For practical points, safety and other wildlife viewing information visit the
BC wildlife viewing page.