Alta Lake in Whistler

Close to Whistler are beautiful lakes, rivers, parks, waterfalls, golf courses, nature everywhere and mountain bike, walking and cycling trails.

This article contains information about the following:

Pemberton and Nairn Falls | Joffre Lakes | Ziplining, Lights Attraction and Other Whistler Activities | Between Vancouver and Whistler | Other Information

Things to do in the Whistler Region

There is so much to see and do in the area around Whistler.

Close to town in the summer is beautiful Alta Lake for swimming. There are also rivers to paddle down, trails to explore and stunning views to enjoy.

One of the best golf venues in the Lower Mainland is the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Resort (at 4612 Blackcomb Way). The course is highly recommended.

Pemberton and Nairn Falls

Pemberton is a small community located about half an hour north of Whistler. Just before Pemberton is Nairn Falls Provincial Park which is a really nice park with a campground, hiking trails, river and waterfalls. It’s a great place for camping, walks through the forest and using as a base for exploring the area.

Camping at Nairn Falls Park — Camping at Nairn Falls

Joffre Lakes

If you’re staying in the Whistler area for a number of days in the summer, if you drive up past Pemberton you’ll come to Joffre Lakes. There is a park there where you can hike up to the lakes and even to the glacier.

The first lake is just minutes away, the second and third lakes are more serious hikes (but even children can do them if prepared), and the glacier is for more serious hikers (so pack and dress appropriately).

Note: Dogs are not allowed at Joffre Lakes. They used to be, but not anymore.

Ziplining, Lights Attraction and Other Activities in Whistler

The Whistler region has a couple of places where you can go ziplining. We’ve done the circuit at Superfly Ziplines and highly recommend it. The place is just ten minutes from Whistler Village and it’s run by The Adventure Group (TAG).

At the same venue as Superfly Ziplines is Vallea Lumina. It’s a lights walk attraction through the forest that’s open pretty much year-round. It’s also pretty cool. Also at the same place are RZR All Terrain Vehicle Tours and ropes course adventures at the Aerial Obstacle Course. In winter, there are also Snowmobiling Tours.

Whistler Snowmobiling — Snowmobiling with TAG Whistler

Between Vancouver and Whistler

There are numerous amazing places to visit on your way up to Whistler from Vancouver. Best places to check out include Britannia Mines, Shannon Falls, Stawamus Chief, Sea to Sky Gondola, Alice Lake and Porteau Cove, all of which are located along the spectacular (on a sunny day) Sea to Sky Highway. Another nice place for a stop is Murrin Provincial Park which is located between Britannia Beach and Squamish.