British Columbia's Mountain Playground

Hike, Bike and Adventure in Whistler

Think California has it all? You should see our nearby neighbor to the north! British Columbia, Canada, is one of the world’s best—and most beautiful—base camps for adventure. You can enjoy all kinds of outdoor pursuits in one of BC’s flagship destinations: Whistler. The winter skiing is great, but summer here is awesome. Even the two-hour drive from Vancouver to Whistler will wow you: the world-famous Sea-to-Sky Highway is a wide, winding road with vistas the entire way. Stop midway in Squamish (aka the Adventure Capital of Canada) and take the Sea to Sky Gondola to almost 3,000 feet above the spectacular fjords of Howe Sound. From the top, hiking trails head out in all directions, including the hike up the Stawamus Chief (pictured), the second largest granite monolith in North America. Then it's on to Whistler, where the energy goes up a notch. Mountain biking here, in the Bike Park or the alpine, is a rite of passage for all skill levels, or get big air with heli-biking. Hiking the High Note Trail is a Whistler must-do for its mountaintop and lake views, alpine wildflowers, and the iconic view of Black Tusk peak. After a day of adventure, stroll Whistler's pedestrian-friendly village, filled with gourmet restaurants, lively pubs, boutique shopping, spas, and a variety of lodging options.

TOP 10: Whistler is just one of the Top 10 Places to Go in British Columbia. Check out the full list!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View