The Province

Seeking Adventures in Whistler

Fall is a great time to take in Whistler’s creative side

- DEE RAFFO

Whistler is a playground for the adventurou­s. Whether you’re drawn to speed, the steep stuff, kicking up some mud, or taking a plunge— there’s a pulse-racing experience waiting for you in the mountains.

Starting on the water, all that’s between you and the rapids is your paddle, some rubber, and a good guide. The Adventure Group (TAG) has three options: take the Cheakamus River for a mellow approach, the Green River for bouncy fun, or the Elaho-Squamish River if you’re a thrill-seeker after a challenge. Wetsuits are provided because let’s face it, you’re going to get wet.

Swap water for earth, and take on an ATV tour on Blackcomb Mountain or out in the wilds of the Callaghan Valley with Canadian Wilderness Adventures. Splash through muddy puddles, pick up some speed on the straights, and weave your way over the roots and rocks, and then stop to take in the stunning vistas as your heart rate attempts to go back to normal.

Moving through the elements, feel the wind through your hair as you take a plunge over a raging, glacial river with Whistler Bungee, or make like an eagle through the trees with ZipTrek. The ultimate zipline experience in North America is the Sasquatch, one monster line that’s over two kilometres long. From soaring eagle to mountain goat, try your hand at a half-day of rock climbing or opt for the Via Ferrata route where you scale a vertical metal ladder up the side of Whistler Mountain.

If you’re ready to get some air, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is the perfect place to get some—as long as you can nail the landing. With programs for the first-timer to the pro, it’s time to get your full-face helmet on and explore the trails that range from green to double black. There’s nothing like a self-powered, white-knuckle ride to make you feel like you’ve earned that après bike beer.

From two wheels to two feet, there are over fifty kilometres of hiking trails to explore up in the alpine. Hikers looking for a good three- to four-hour leg stretch should take a look at either the High Note Trail on Whistler Mountain, with its breathtaki­ng views of Black Tusk, or Blackcomb Mountain’s Decker Loop, with views of Overlord Glacier.

It’s time to bring your adventurou­s spirit to the mountains—come and play!

See whistler.com/activities for more.

 ??  ?? PHOTO BY MIKE CRANE COURTESY TOURISM WHISTLER
PHOTO BY MIKE CRANE COURTESY TOURISM WHISTLER

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Canada