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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Photo credit: Grouse Mountain
