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. Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.

    New Trails at Bear Creek

    Looking for new trails? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has added 170 acres of forest, grassland, and historical sites. Hike this 3.5-mile loop through the new addition.

    View
  2. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View
  3. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

    View

  4. Drake Awakening

    Part salt water, part fresh water, Drake’s Estero is smack in the middle of Point Reyes, and one of only two marine wilderness areas in the entire nation. Yeah, it’s worth a look. Get the extended version by hiking right alongside it.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Legendary Deals!

    There are outlet malls … and then there’s The Outlets at Legends! Located just east of Reno in the neighboring city of Sparks, this open-air entertainment, dining, and shopping destination isn’t just a visit, it’s an experience.

    View

  2. How Do You Après?

    Après all day? Hey, in Reno Tahoe, anything goes! But if you insist on skiing, skating, or snow tubing first—well, of course you do! Reno Tahoe is one of the best places on the planet for snow adventures of all kinds, followed by outdoor firepit gatherings and cozy indoor hideaway respites like these...

    View
  3. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

    View

  4. Hike A Fall Classic

    Reno hit the jackpot with its well-planned urban trail system, including the Tom Cooke Trail adjacent to the Truckee River, and brilliant in fall.

    View