Visitors are often treated to an appearance by Whistler's local wildlife while exploring the area's valleys, slopes, forests, creeks and rivers.
Bears are seen roaming the valley trails or foraging on the mountain slopes. Sightings of deer, marmots and other animals are also common.
Self-guided tours and hikes are an easy way to see wildlife – take a gondola ride up the mountain to spot bears or deer foraging on grass and berries, or hike into the alpine where small mammals and birds like pikas and whiskey jacks congregate. Bird watching for eagles is popular in Brackendale, south of Whistler.
Guided Whistler bear-watching tours are also available, while a guided canoe tour is a great introduction to the fish (such as rainbow trout and kokanee salmon), 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. Join hiking, bear-watching and wildlife tours to venture out with expert guides that 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 in the heart of Whistler Village to investigate guided tour options.
Types of Wildlife in Whistler
Hiking in Whistler means sharing the mountain trail with the local alpine residents. Keep an eye out for these timid yet tenacious creatures:
Pika: One has to be quick to spot the shy pika. This small mammal has short, wide-rounded ears, is related to the rabbit, and can be found grazing on rocky slopes.
Black-tailed deer: Swift of hoof, these graceful creatures feed on mountain vegetation through the summer and fall. When the snow falls, 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 12m/39ft underground. Whistler takes its name from the whistling sounds made by these local creatures.
Birds and other animals: Whistler's most common – and notorious – bird 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. The lakes and wetlands are home to blue herons, ducks and other waterfowl.
Other animals that may be seen around Whistler are raccoons, beavers, river otters 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 to 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.
The River of Golden Dreams
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 route and watch the banks for beaver, otters, fish and waterfowl. Black bears are sometimes seen along the shores as well.
For practical points, safety and other wildlife viewing information visit the BC Wildlife Tours page.
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