8 Unique Outdoor Adventures Near Vancouver to Experience This Winter

Dogsledding in the Callaghan Valley near Whistler

Dogsledding in the Callaghan Valley near Whistler. Photo credit: Canadian Wilderness Adventures

While Vancouver’s mountains might be best known for skiing, that’s not the only thing to do here in the winter. Our city offers so many other winter outdoor adventures, some of which are truly special. Here are our picks for the most unique Vancouver outdoor adventures you’ll want to try this winter. 

 


Ride an Olympic Bobsled

You’ve probably seen bobsled races on TV during the Olympics, but did you know you can ride in a bobsled near Vancouver? Whistler hosted the bobsled events during the 2010 Winter Olympics and their track is open to the public. You’ll climb into a 4-person bobsled with a trained pilot and hurtle down the track, hitting speeds up to 125km an hour! Book your ride through the Whistler Sliding Centre, a non-profit organization that helps future Olympians train in bobsled, luge, and skeleton. 

People riding in a bob sled at the Whistler Sliding Centre

Riding in a 4 person bobsled. Photo credit: Whistler Sliding Centre.

 

Climb a Frozen Waterfall

Have you ever wanted to climb a frozen waterfall? It might seem extreme, but with the help of expert guides, some crampons, and an ice axe, even beginners can make it a reality. Book a trip with Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures. They’ll lead you to an icy waterfall near Squamish or Whistler, supply all the safety gear, and coach you up the wall. 

A woman ice climbing near Whistler

Ice climbing near Whistler. Photo credit: Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures

 

Drive Your Own Dog Sled

Go dashing through the snow in a dog sled. After a professional musher helps you harness up a team of adorable sled dogs, you’ll ride in a cozy sleigh and eveb have a chance to drive the team yourself. Contact Canadian Wilderness Adventures to book a trip through the old-growth forests of the Callaghan Valley near Whistler. 

Dog sledding near Whistler

Dog sledding near Whistler. Photo credit: Canadian Wilderness Adventures

 

Zip-Line Through the Snowflakes

Fly through the air as snowflakes fall around you. Zip-lining isn’t just a summer activity! Bundle up warm, then strap into a harness at one of three Vancouver-area zip-line parks. Adrenaline junkies rejoice – some of these zip-lines will have you soaring at speeds of over 100km an hour! In North Vancouver, book a zip-line tour with Grouse Mountain. If you’re heading to Whistler Superfly Ziplines or Ziptrek can get you flying.

Riding the Superfly Ziplines near Whistler

Zip lines in winter. Photo credit: Superfly Ziplines

 

Explore the Lights of Vallea Lumina on a Night Walk

Walk through a snowy forest turned into a magical experience with lighting, video, and special effects. Montreal’s Moment Factory has transformed an area of old-growth forest near Whistler into a truly unique multimedia experience. Participants walk through the landscape at night as the forest tells them a story that unfolds throughout their journey. You can book a forest walk and shuttle bus to the Vallea Lumina site with The Adventure Group.

Vallea Lumina

Photo credit: Vallea Lumina

 

Ride a Snowmobile to Mountain Views

Cruise through the forest, glide over frozen lakes or explore the backcountry on a snowmobile. It’s an easy way to go deep into BC’s wilderness while getting a bit of an adrenaline rush as you drive a powerful machine. Don’t forget your camera to capture the spectacular mountain views. Both Canadian Wilderness Adventures and The Adventure Group offer snowmobile tours in the Whistler area.

Snowmobiling in the Callaghan Valley near Whistler

Snowmobiling in the Callaghan Valley near Whistler. Photo credit: Canadian Wilderness Adventures

 

Bungee Jump into a Frozen River Canyon

Add in a snowy scene, and bungee jumping can seem almost serene. Well okay, there’s not much serenity to be found in plunging 50 meters off a bridge, but the winter wonderland around you might distract you from your fear of heights! Whistler Bungee offers jumps all winter long from their bridge over the frozen Cheakamus River. 

Whistler Bungee

Photo credit: Whistler Bungee

 

Snowshoe to Yummy Fondue

There’s something pretty special about enjoying warm fondue in a snowy landscape. It’s even more special when you snowshoe through a dark and icy forest by headlamp to arrive at your snack location. You can take a snowshoe fondue tour at Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain or Mount Seymour on Vancouver’s North Shore. 

Full moon over a snowy forest

Photo credit: Grouse Mountain

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