Whistler tours

Things to do in Whistler

Whistler, Canada, stands as a curious blend of rugged natural beauty and cultivated luxury. You wander through the village, where the air is crisp and the mountains loom large, their peaks often shrouded in a mysterious mist. The place has an energy, palpable yet difficult to pin down. Your guide, with a wealth of local knowledge, transforms what could be a mere visit into something deeper. There’s a walking tour that takes you to vantage points with views that are, frankly, worth more than a moment's pause. The food and wine offerings are a pleasant surprise, with local delicacies like artisan cheeses paired with the sometimes surprising, yet often delightful, wines of British Columbia. Navigating the popular spots without delay, you find yourself experiencing Whistler in a manner that feels both privileged and intimate, a connection not just with the landscape but with the very essence of the place. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Whistler. Explore Whistler your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Whistler tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Whistler for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Join a local guide to look for black bears from a safe distance along Callaghan Valley backroads, then ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola to alpine meadows where you might spot hoary marmots near Harmony Lake. In fall, walk the Cheakamus River to watch salmon runs and eagles, or snowshoe quiet forest trails in winter to read fresh tracks. City highlights tours: Follow the Village Stroll for iconic stops like Olympic Plaza and the Fitzsimmons Creek bridges, with time for a bakery or coffee break your guide recommends. Add quick scenic detours to the Train Wreck suspension bridge and Brandywine Falls, or visit Function Junction for a craft tasting at Whistler Brewing and local art studios. History tours: Explore Indigenous stories at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, then compare them with early ski and logging tales at the Whistler Museum. Visit 2010 Winter Games sites such as the Whistler Sliding Centre and Whistler Olympic Park, or step into restored heritage cabins at Rainbow Park on Alta Lake. The Village is easy to cover on foot, and local buses link neighbourhoods, trailheads, and Function Junction; for farther sights or to fit more into your day, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your guide to arrange private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Whistler inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour through Whistler and let a local guide show you the neighborhoods that make this mountain town unique. - Whistler Village: The heart of the action, offering pedestrian-only walkways lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Families and groups will enjoy its lively atmosphere and easy access to outdoor activities. - Upper Village: A quieter alternative to Whistler Village, featuring luxury accommodations and access to some of the best ski lifts. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat with easy access to slopes. - Creekside: This neighborhood is a hidden gem for cultural tourists interested in the history of Whistler. Enjoy its laid-back vibe, great dining options, and the original gondola base. Day trip ideas from Whistler Staying in Whistler sets you up for quick day trips and laid‑back tours along the Sea to Sky, where short walks, waterfalls, and small towns swap big lifts for simple, good views. Squamish and Shannon Falls Provincial Park: Drive about 60 kilometres south for an easy forest path to one of B.C.’s tallest waterfalls, a waterfront stroll with mountain views, and cafés and breweries in a low‑key outdoor town, great if you want short hikes, scenery, and a taste of local climbing culture without committing to a big trek. Brandywine Falls Provincial Park: Just 20 minutes south of Whistler, a flat trail leads to a high viewpoint over a volcanic canyon and a powerful waterfall, so photographers, families, and geology fans get a high reward for very little effort. Pemberton and Nairn Falls Provincial Park: Head 30 kilometres north to farm country for roadside produce in season, an easy riverside hike to a churning canyon, and wide valley views, which suits you if fresh food, mellow walks, and open landscapes sound better than busy village streets. Callaghan Valley and Alexander Falls: Turn west from Highway 99 to quiet forests, lakes, and a tall tiered waterfall, with hiking in summer and excellent snowshoe and cross‑country options in winter, a good pick if you prefer calm trails and wildlife signs over crowds. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Whistler most travellers miss.