Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the town of Whistler, British Columbia boasts some of the best skiing in North America. Whistler was part of the 2010 Winter Olympics, but it also offers great summer outdoor adventure, including hiking, whitewater rafting and wildlife viewing. Several campgrounds offer RV and tent campers both rustic camping and full hookups located close to all of the outdoor activities.
Getting There
For those traveling by car or RV, Whistler lies 77 miles north of Vancouver along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The drive takes about two hours since the road winds through the mountains. Some people choose to fly into Vancouver International Airport, then rent a car. Shuttles are also available from the airport to Whistler. Visitors can also take Perimeter's Whistler Express Bus, with 11 daily round trip departures.
Public Campgrounds
Whistler is located close to beautiful Garibaldi Provincial Park, which provides a variety of campsites for both RV campers and tent campers. Elfin Campground remains open year round, while Garibaldi Lake and Taylor Meadows both open in May. You may also stay in one of the other campgrounds, including the Helm, Singing Creek or Cheakamus Lake campgrounds. All of the campgrounds feature walk-in accessible campsites, which are particularly helpful if you plan to bike, backpack or rely on a shuttle for transportation. Fires are not allowed in Garibaldi due to the extreme fire danger.
Private Campgrounds
Whistler offers a variety of private campgrounds that cater to RV and tent camping. Whistler RV Parks & Campgrounds offers 102 RV sites with full hookups. Riverside RV Resort & Campground offers full-service sites located about one mile from Whistler Village. Riverside caters to both RV and tent campsites with on-site features, including an 18-hole putting course and adventure tours.
Activities
No trip would be complete without a hike on Whistler Mountain after taking the tram to the top. You may opt to spend a day on the lake; nearby Wayside Park offers canoe and kayak rentals. You can also enjoy heli biking or whitewater rafting through Playwhistler, a company that makes all the arrangements for your adventure. The area also features an array of golf courses, many with wildlife milling about. Garibaldi Provincial Park offers five trail heads--ranging from easy to challenging--along the western edge of the Park. Two of the trails allow bicycles, including the Diamond Head and Cheakamus Lake trails.
Preparation
If plan to bike in Whistler, bring a bike helmet, as they are required in the entire province of British Columbia. You'll need to bring your own water on all hiking trails, or plan to filter or treat any water you take from streams or lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Garibaldi is situated in bear country, so plan to hang your food from a tree if you cannot put your food, coolers and toiletries in a locked car. Consider carrying bear spray when hiking in the area. Groceries, gas and camping supplies are available in Whistler.
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