Spring & Fall Activities in Whistler, BC

Spring and Fall in Whistler bring all of the magic of the outdoors with none of the crowds. While you may need to be nimble in which equipment you bring, depending on the snowpack and the forecast, you will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the longer days.

In the spring, when the snow starts to disappear, the skunk cabbage in the valley brings the black bears out of hibernation. It’s the perfect time to hop a bike and cruise the valley trail in hopes of spotting one of these magnificent creatures, which are often seen on the local golf courses. Spring also brings the higher water levels to the lakes and rivers, so it is the best time to canoe the river of Golden Dreams or to take in a white-water rafting trip on the Green River.

With fall, comes the cooler days and the opportunity to take in those longer hikes or bike rides that the summer temperatures did not afford. Shorter hikes or bikes for the family may include Train Wreck or the Cheakamus Forest, an area just south of the village that is a wealth of trails. While there, be sure to stop by Function Junction to visit one of the local bakeries for some amazing pastries and fine coffee. For the very fit and adventurous, Function Junction is also the access point to one of the finest mountain biking alpine trails in North America, the Lord of the Squirrels climb and descent. Starting at the Flank Trail, you can climb 5,000 feet through old growth forest to alpine vistas far away from the valley floor. From here, you’ve earned your descent and can choose one of the many single-track trails throughout the network to get you back to a well-deserved fresh IPA from one of the local breweries in the neighborhood.