British Columbia's Mountain Playground

Hike, Bike and Adventure in Whistler

06.19.2015

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. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View

  2. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View

  3. Talk of the Town

    We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).

    View
  4. woman hiking the Mendocino Headlands State Park

    Heads Up, Headlands!

    There’s one thing that’s pretty much mandatory when you visit Mendocino and that’s a hike along the famous bluffs. The trail system at Mendocino Headlands State Park is vast, surrounding the village and meandering for miles, with sweeping sea panoramas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Spring Up to These Amazing Events

    Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.

    View
  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

    View
  4. Hiker on a trail at George F Canyon Preserve in Ranchos Palos Verdes

    Secret Blooms

    See wildflowers on the Palos Verdes Peninsula via a 2-mile hike through the hidden 51-acre oasis of George F. Canyon Preserve, and a 1.25-mile hike in neighboring Linden H. Chandler Preserve. 

    View