Whistler sightseeing tours showcase the mountain landscapes and outdoor activities that make this one of North America’s top four-season resorts.
There’s no need for skis or hiking boots to see the mountains. Reach the alpine on tours by helicopter, all-terrain vehicle or snowcat, or ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola for 360-degree views and access to 19 alpine trails.
For a self-guided sightseeing tour, explore pedestrian-only Whistler Village and nearby trails.
Rocky Mountaineer Whistler Train
On the Rocky Mountaineer Whistler Sea to Sky Climb train tour (between Vancouver and Whistler), snake along winding turns and slow climbs that give way to views of snow-capped peaks, high trestles, and Howe Sound.
PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola
For mountain sightseeing, ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola: this engineering marvel connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and is the highest of its kind in the world – but it’s the views that make it truly memorable. Take in 360-degree expanses of forested valleys and snow-capped mountains.
Whistler Olympic Tours
Olympic venues are a reminder of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Drop into the Whistler Sliding Centre to learn about luge, bobsleigh and skeleton, or follow a knowledgeable host on a guided tour to more remote Olympic venues such as the Callaghan Valley.
Flightseeing Tours
Take to the skies on a flightseeing tour and survey mountain peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes and valleys. Climb in a helicopter and be whisked over colourful wildflower meadows or hop between glaciers (drop-offs are available for activities such as heli-hiking and heli-golfing). Feeling adventurous? Ride in a motorless glider from the Pemberton Soaring Centre and glimpse views between loops and spins on an aerobatic tour. Whistler flightseeing tours depart from Whistler, Vancouver, Pemberton, Squamish, and Victoria.
Adventure Sightseeing Tours
All-terrain tours combine adventure with sightseeing: carve through fresh powder on a snowmobile and watch the sunset, or relax and hear a narrated history of the area while climbing a mountain in a heated snowcat. In summer, bring a camera and capture landscape vistas on a Land Rover tour led by a local outdoor photographer, or join a Hummer tour and go off-roading to glaciers and lakes.
Bus Tours
Whistler, plus nearby Pemberton and Squamish, offer a few coach and limousine tours – be shuttled by bus to Olympic venues or enjoy the luxury of a limousine on a bird watching trip near Squamish. Whistler is a popular destination for bus charters leaving Vancouver, and some bus lines offer scheduled routes between Vancouver and Whistler for combined transportation and sightseeing.
Sleigh Rides
Horse-drawn sleigh rides aren’t just romantic – they’re also a great way to see the area. Take a scenic ride on Blackcomb Mountain, curled up with hot chocolate, or enjoy a gourmet three-course fondue dinner after a ride through snow-covered forest.
Self-Guided Walking Tours
Soak in Whistler’s sights and culture on a self-guided walking tour. Wander the pedestrian-only village to award-winning restaurants and cafes, or meander along the Valley Trail to see Whistler’s neighbourhoods, lakes and parks. Visit the Whistler Visitor Centre for maps, routes and information.
Driving Routes
Discover driving routes that connect Whistler to Vancouver and the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast – trace the early steps of gold rush pioneers on the Coast Cariboo Circle Route, or navigate a scenic back loop along Duffey Lake Road, in addition to other self-guided driving routes.
Practical Points
- The peak season for sightseeing in is from April to September although some tours and most self-guided trips can be done year-round.
- Most guided sightseeing tours require reservations, but some can be booked on the spot.
- Sightseeing tours may require a minimum number of people. Check with the operator to ensure tours are running.
- Visit local Visitor Centres for information on tour operators, and help with trip planning and transportation.
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