Whistler, located in Canada's British Columbia, is a natural year-round playground for every age. Although this beautiful mountainous country is known for the skiing, many come for its natural beauty as well. While there are hundreds of things to do while vacationing in Whistler BC, here are the top five unique things you may want to put on your calendar, for fun no matter what the season. 1. Bald Eagle Viewing - Bald eagle viewing is quickly becoming one of Whistler's most popular activities. One can jump on a tour bus and be taken 45 minutes south of Whistler to Brackendale, the world's highest concentration of bald eagles. The best time to take in these birds is from November to February as it is during this time the birds do their fishing. Perching themselves on nearby trees, the eagles patiently wait for fresh salmon that are swimming in the Squamish river. Catch these magnificent birds with your camera as they swoop in for the catch. Some tours include a narrated walking tour and binoculars. Dress warmly and bring your camera and binoculars. 2. Fishing - Fishing is a year round sport in Whistler. The Squamish/Whistler area is one of the best and most favorable places to fish on the West Coast. Here you can catch rainbow trout, Dolly Varden char, cutthroat trout, steelhead, and five species of salmon If you like fishing in the winter, wild steelhead, trout and char are plenty. The winter fishery on both the Squamish and Lilloett river systems are considered world class and many fly anglers come here specifically to enjoy this fishery. When fishing in Whistler, the locals know the best spots, so hire a guide to help you to these hidden fishing holes. Many fishing guides will also help you organize everything beforehand like obtaining your fishing licenses, securing canoes or boats, and choosing what types of flies or lures to buy and use. 3. Golfing - Whistler is known to provide some of the best golfing experiences around. With top-rated, award-winning golf courses, nine lakes, two winding creeks, rich rolling greens and magnificent vistas, it is no wonder golf is popular here. When golfing in Whistler during the summer, be sure to visit the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club and Nicklaus North Golf Course. 4. Mountain Biking - Whistler is world famous for its mountain biking. There are hundreds of mountain bike trails throughout the Whistler valley area. Whether you are looking for a trail that will challenge your technical skills or are just looking for a scenic ride, Whistler has it all. There are more than 160 kilometres / 100 miles of singletrack trails, 80 kilometres / 50 miles of doubletrack trails and they are all free. If you would prefer to join others who also love bicycling there are a variety of guided tours, from half days to full, women only to family trips. Why go alone when there are other bicycle enthusiasts who visit this area annually? Are you a heavy-duty adventuress? Then you might like Whistler's downhill treks. Two express chairlifts will take you and your bike up to the top where you can speed downhill as fast as you are technically capable. Over 200kms of trail are served by the chairs. These trails range from training runs for novice riders to high-speed cruisers. As for the bike itself, no worries, there are many to choose from in the rental department. There are bicycles built for downhill, uphill, straightaway and highway. Rentals start at $40. 5. Zipline Adventures - Experience the next best thing to flying with Whistler's zipline tours through Ziptrek. What could be more exhilarating than flying through the air over old-growth forests, green valleys and Whistler's wildlife than on a zipline? Choose from either ziplining in a seat on Cougar Mountain or using a harness to sail between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Children are welcome too and can ride tandem with a professional Ziptrek guide. For those of you who want to fly like an eagle, as the old song goes, you might want to try Ziptrek's newest Eagle Tours. Ziptrek's Eagle Tour is comprised of five ziplines connected by treetop suspension bridges and multiple sky-high viewing platforms. Platforms are heated, providing comfort while viewing dramatic landscapes from up to 200' above the valley floor. 6. Canoeing/Kayaking - Dip your paddle into the serenity of Whistler's countless rivers and lakes and drift away. Most of Whistler's lakeside parks provide canoe and kayak rentals for all day or just an hour. For canoeing or kayaking, it is best to come during the summer. A trip along the River of Golden Dreams is a must for anyone wishing to experience Whistler in its most natural setting. Nestled in the Whistler Valley this river is a small, generally slow moving flat-water river, which winds its way from Alta Lake to Green Lake. There are also numerous alpine lakes hidden throughout the valleys and around every mountain bend. Bring your own canoe/kayak or rent one. Hire a guide or go on your own. Options are plenty here. The benefit of participating in a guided tour is the discovery of secluded areas that are only known to the locals. The ocean bays and inlets around Squamish on Howe Sound and the rapids of Mamquam River are popular adventure playgrounds for ocean and river kayakers as well. So what are you waiting for, Whistler BC is ready for you, no matter what time of the year.
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