Active Pursuits

Biking

Whistler is world famous for its mountain biking. While many gonzo riders come from around the world to test themselves on the many technical trails, others come to enjoy the gentler pleasures of simply biking through the forest.

Some of the best mountain-bike trails in the village are in Whistler and Blackcomb mountains' Bike Park, which offers more than 200km (124 miles) of lift-serviced trails and mountain pathways with more than 1,200m (3,900 ft.) of vertical drop. The park has three access lifts and two jump areas; the trail system is labeled from green circle to blue square to black diamond. There's also the Air Dome, a 929-sq.-m (10,000-sq.-ft.) covered indoor mountain bike training facility with a huge foam pit, ramps, and a quarter pipe and half pipe. Per-day lift tickets and park admission are C$47 (US$47/£24) adults, C$25 (US$25/£13) kids ages 10 to 12.

If you're not ready for daredevil riding on the mountain, the 30km (19-mile) paved Valley Trail is a pedestrian/bicycle route linking parks, neighborhoods, and playgrounds around Whistler Village. For other biking trails, check out the comprehensive Whistler biking website at www.whistlermountainbike.com.

In summer, nearly every ski shop switches gears and offers bike rentals. You'll have absolutely no problem finding a bike to rent in Whistler Village. If you want to call ahead and reserve a bike, try Whistler Bike Company, Hilton Whistler Resort, 4050 Whistler Way, Whistler Village (tel. 604/938-9511). Prices range from C$30 (US$30/£15) per half-day for a commuting-style bike to C$60 to C$80 (US$60-US$80/£30-£40) per half-day for a high-end mountain bike.

Canoeing & Kayaking

The 2-hour River of Golden Dreams Kayak & Canoe Tour offered by Whistler Outdoor Experience, P.O. Box 151, Whistler, BC V0N 1B0 (tel. 604/932-3389; www.whistleroutdoor.com), is a great way to get acquainted with an exhilarating stretch of slow-moving glacial water that runs between Green Lake and Alta Lake behind the village of Whistler. Packages range from C$55 (US$55/£28) per person unguided to C$85 (US$85/£43) per person with a guide. Outdoor Adventures Whistler (tel. 604/932-0647; www.adventureswhistler.com) leads canoe trips down the Lillooet River. A guided, 3-hour sunset cruise in six-person canoes is C$109 (US$109/£55) for adults, C$59 (US$59/£30) kids ages 6 to 12.

Golf

Robert Trent Jones's Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club, at the base of Blackcomb Mountain (tel. 604/938-2092, or pro shop 604/938-2095), is an 18-hole, par-72 course. The 6,635-yard, par-72 signature course was selected in 1993 as Canada's best new golf course by Golf Digest magazine. Greens fees are C$69 to C$195 (US$69-US$195/£35-£98). A multiple-award-winning golf course, Nicklaus North at Whistler (tel. 604/938-9898) is a 5-minute drive north of the village on the shores of Green Lake. The 6,908-yard, par-71 course's mountain views are spectacular. Greens fees are C$125 to C$189 (US$125-US$189/£63-£90). The 6,676-yard Whistler Golf Club (tel. 800/376-1777 or 604/932-4544), designed by Arnold Palmer, features nine lakes, two creeks, and magnificent vistas. In addition to the 18-hole, par-72 course, the club offers a driving range, putting green, sand bunker, and pitching area. Greens fees are C$99 to C$159 (US$99-US$159/£50-£80).

Hiking

There are numerous easy hiking trails in and around Whistler. (Just remember -- never hike alone, and bring plenty of water with you.) You can take ski lifts up to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains' trails during summer, but you have a number of other choices as well. The Lost Lake Trail starts at the northern end of the Day Skier Parking Lot at Blackcomb. The 30km (19 miles) of marked trails that wind around creeks, beaver dams, blueberry patches, and lush cedar groves are ideal for biking, cross-country skiing, or just strolling and picnicking.

The Valley Trail System is a well-marked paved trail connecting parts of Whistler. The trail starts on the west side of Highway 99 adjacent to the Whistler Golf Course and winds through quiet residential areas, as well as golf courses and parks. Garibaldi Provincial Park's Singing Pass Trail is a 4-hour hike of moderate difficulty. The fun way to experience this trail is to take the Whistler Mountain gondola to the top and walk down the well-marked path that ends in the village.

Whistler Mountain's premier chairlift -- the Peak Chair -- remains open in summer for transport to the mountain's 2,182m (7,160-ft.) summit for alpine sightseeing and hiking. Called the Peak Adventure (tel. 866/218-9690 or 604/932-3434; www.whistlerblackcomb.com) tickets are C$30 (US$30/£15) adults, C$24 (US$24/£12) seniors and youths 13 to 18, and C$12 (US$12/£6) children 7 to 12. In addition to the exhilarating open-air chairlift ride, you see ancient glaciers, snowcapped peaks, dormant volcanoes, and the beautiful Coast Mountain Range. At the top, there are more than 48km (30 miles) of alpine hiking trails including the Peak Interpretive Walk; guided hikes are available.

Nairn Falls Provincial Park is about 33km (21 miles) north of Whistler on Highway 99. It features a 1.5km-long (1-mile) trail leading you to a stupendous view of the icy-cold Green River as it plunges 60m (196 ft.) over a rocky cliff into a narrow gorge on its way downstream. On Highway 99 north of Mount Currie, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is an intermediate-level hike leading past several brilliant-blue glacial lakes up to the very foot of a glacier. The Ancient Cedars area of Cougar Mountain is an awe-inspiring grove of towering cedars and Douglas firs. Some of the trees are over 1,000 years old and measure 2.5m (9 ft.) in diameter.

Horseback Riding

Adventure Ranch near Pemberton (tel. 604/894 5200; www.adventureranch.net) leads 2-hour horseback tours for C$65 (US$65/£33) from its Lillooet River-side ranch, 30 minutes from Whistler.

Jet Boating

Whistler River Adventures (tel. 604/932-3532; www.whistlerriver.com) takes guests up the Lillooet River from near Pemberton. The tour surges past large rapids, spectacular glacier peaks, and traditional Native fishing camps. Deer, bear, osprey, and spawning salmon are frequently seen. This 3-hour-long trip is C$99 (US$99/£50); kids 10 to 16 get a C$10 (US$10/£5) discount.

Rafting

Whistler River Adventures offers five different day trips on local rivers, ranging from a placid all-generation paddle to a roaring white-water adventure. Four-hour paddle trips on the Cheakamus River are gentle enough for families (C$89/US$89/£45 adults, C$69/US$69/£35 kids ages 10-16, and C$44/US$44/£22 kids ages 5-9), while the 8-hour round-trip Squamish River white-water trip is for those seeking an adrenaline high (C$154/US$154/£77 adults, C$144/US$144/£72 kids 10-16). All trips include equipment and ground transport. The 8-hour trip includes a salmon barbecue lunch.

Zip-Lining

One of Whistler's newest thrills is the year-round steel zip-line rides offered by Ziptrek Ecotours (tel. 866/935-0001 or 604/935-0001; www.ziptrek.com). Zip-lining involves gliding along a suspended steel cable using a pulley and climbing harness at speeds up to 89kmph (55 mph). Guided tours include zip-line rides that range in height and length from 24 to 610m (80-2,000 ft.), spanning 11 hectares (27 acres) in the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, an area of untouched coastal temperate rainforest. The new adrenaline-pumping Eagle tour drops 20 stories and ends in Whistler Village itself. Tickets are C$98 (US$98/£49) adults, C$78 (US$78/£39) seniors and youths 14 and under. For those not up to zip-lining, Ziptrek also offers TreeTrek, a network of suspended boardwalks, aerial stairways, and bridges at heights of over 24m (80 ft.) in the tree canopy. Tickets are C$39 (US$39/£20) adults and C$29 (US$29/£15) seniors and youth 14 and under.

Activities for Kids

At the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the Adventure Zone offers a kid-centric collection of activities in a circuslike atmosphere. Activities include horseback riding, minigolf, bungee trampolines, flying trapeze, wall-climbing, gondola rides, spinning human gyroscopes, zip-lining, luge rides -- and more. A five-adventure pass costs C$39 (US$39/£20); visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com for more information.

Based at Blackcomb Mountain, the Dave Murray Summer Ski Camp, P.O. Box 98, Whistler, BC V0N 1B0 (tel. 604/932-5765; www.skiandsnowboard.com), is North America's longest-running summer ski camp. Eight-day junior programs cost about C$1,750 (US$1,750/£875) mid-June to mid-July (lodging not included; day camp lessons cost C$185/US$185/£93).

Spas

Spas are definitely a growth industry in Whistler. Nearly all the large hotels now feature spas, and a number of independent spas line the streets of Whistler Village. The Vida Wellness Spa at Chateau Whistler Resort (tel. 604/938-2086) is considered one of the best in Whistler. Open daily 8am to 9pm, it offers massage therapy, aromatherapy, skin care, body wraps, and steam baths. Another noteworthy hotel spa is The Westin Resort's Avello Spa, 400-4090 Whistler Way (tel. 877/935-7111 or 604/935-3444; www.whistlerspa.com), which offers a host of spa services as well as holistic and hydrotherapy treatments. The newest and swankiest is The Spa at Four Seasons Resort (tel. 604/966-2620), with 15 treatment rooms, a Vichy shower, yoga and fitness classes, and a vast assortment of luxurious treatments from mineral scrubs to wildflower baths. Solarice Wellness Centre and Spa, with locations at 4308 Main St. (tel. 866/368-0888 or 604/966-0888), and 4230 Gateway Dr. (tel. 888/935-1222 or 604/935-2222; www.solarice.com), is a highly atmospheric day spa with exotic-themed treatment rooms and a wide selection of beauty and relaxation treatments. The therapists at Whistler Physiotherapy (tel. 604/932-4001 or 604/938-9001; www.whistlerphysio.com) have a lot of experience with the typical ski, board, and hiking injuries. There are three locations: 339-4370 Lorimer Rd., at Marketplace; 202-2011 Innsbruck Dr., next to Boston Pizza in Creekside; and 4433 Sundial Place in Whistler Village.

Winter Pursuits

Dog Sledding -- Explore the old-growth forests of the Soo Valley Wildlife Preserve while mushing a team of eager Huskies. Cougar Mountain (tel. 888/297-2222 or 604/932-4086; www.cougarmountain.ca) offers a choice of dog-sledding trips, and if the weather and terrain permits, you may even get to drive the dogs yourself. A 4-hour trip Woof Pack tour costs C$280 (US$280/£140) for two people sharing a sled.

Ice Climbing -- Climb a frozen waterfall with Coast Mountain Guides (tel. 604/932-7711; www.coastmountainguides.com). Guides provide all equipment; beginners welcome. Climbs start at C$347 (US$347/£174) per person.

Sleigh Riding -- For an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride, contact Blackcomb Horsedrawn Sleigh Rides, 103-4338 Main St., Whistler, BC V0N 1B4 (tel. 604/932-7631; www.blackcombsleighrides.com). Giant Percheron horses lead the way and comfortable sleighs with padded seats and cozy blankets keep you warm. A number of tours are available, starting with basic half-hour rides for C$45 (US$45/£23) for adults, and C$25 (US$25/£12) for children 3 to 12. Longer rides and dinner sleigh-ride combos are also available.

Snowmobiling -- The year-round ATV/snowmobile tours offered by Canadian Snowmobile Adventures Ltd., Carleton Lodge (tel. 604/938-1616; www.canadiansnowmobile.com), are a unique way to take to the Whistler Mountain trails. Exploring the Fitzsimmons Creek watershed, a 2-hour tour costs C$119 (US$119/£60) for a driver and C$89 (US$89/£45) for a passenger. If you're up for more adventure, consider a nighttime snowmobile tour to a remote mountain cabin, where a fondue dinner awaits, for C$169 (US$169/£85). For experienced snowmobilers, there's an 8-hour tour to a real mining ghost town, with lunch in a still-operational miner's pub; cost is C$600 (US$600/£300) per person.

Snowshoeing -- Snowshoeing makes a great family outing; kids really enjoy the experience of walking on snow. Most ski rental outfits also offer showshoe rentals, so you won't have to look far to find a pair. If you want to just rent the snowshoes and find your own way around, rentals are typically C$15 (US$15/£7.50) per day. Outdoor Adventures@Whistler, P.O. Box 1054, Whistler, BC V0N 1B0 (tel. 604/932-0647; www.adventureswhistler.com), has guided tours for novices at C$69 (US$69/£35) for 1 1/2 hours.