Adventure Activities in Whistler - Try if You Dare

If you are not the kind of person who chooses dare over truth in that old party game, you may want to find another place to visit. Whistler and its sister mountain, Blackcomb, are all about adventure. From zip-trekking to bungee jumping, mountain biking and river rafting, moving really fast over land and water is considered normal to the locals. If you'd like to experience a similar thrill, try an adventure activity in Whistler.

1. Zip-Lining

Strap yourself in, ladies and gentlemen, and let us push you off this ledge. No, not bungee jumping but zip-lining, a rather new adventure to Canadians, where people zip along, suspended from steel cables, far above the ground. To get a sense of what you will be doing, imagine a long steep gondola ride, but instead of sitting comfortably inside, you're outside, attached to the wire. Zip lines are life lines in many parts of the world and serve as quick and cheap ways for villagers to travel between mountain communities.

Here in mountain playground country, however, we do it just for fun. Choose the company according to where you want to glide. You can zip over forests and rivers, in rugged or less-rugged terrain. While it is true you just sit there as you zip along, we warn you this is not for the weak. A typical zip trek can go on for hours, and you can zip year-round.

Ziptrek Ecotours
Located inside the Carleton Lodge, across from the gondolas
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada V0N1B0
604-935-0001
866-935-0001
http://www.ziptrek.com/whistler-canada/tours

2. The Longest Run

In order to succeed at this adventure, you first have to demonstrate a love of burnt stew. Thankfully, you will not have to eat the stew but ski on it, as Burnt Stew is the first leg of the longest ski and snowboard run of your life. Imagine riding to the top of Whistler on a glorious sunny day. In this daring Whistler activity, expansive snow-peaked mountains surround you. And for an incredible 11 kilometers (seven miles) you ski/snowboard (and perhaps fall) down the side of one of the world's greatest mountains. That is like skiing from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park in New York City, but on a slope with jumps, moguls and crisp clean air.

3. Tommy Africa's

So, when was the last time you were surrounded by go-go dancers? We thought so. Whistler dare ideas like this will help you update your dance moves since you last hustled your way onto the club floor. It will also remind you of why you chose a party town for your vacation. Tommy Africa's, located right in Whistler Village, is the place to dance, enjoy a drink or two, and watch the (young) world pass you by. Mirrored disco balls, guest DJs and a whole lot of après-ski craziness is what you'll find here. It's best to just give in.

Tommy Africa's
4216 Gateway Dr
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4 Canada
604-932-6090
http://www.tommyafricas.com/
Nightly 10PM-2AM

4. Dog-Sledding

If you have ever dreamed of shouting mush-mush to a pack of dogs as you glide through the forest, this is your chance. Tourists come from the world over to give dog-sledding a try in the Canadian wilderness. There is something about the silence, freedom and simplicity of this adventure that makes it one of the most memorable outdoor activities Whistler has to offer. Professional guides help you along and you can choose fancy trips that include meals or bring your own. This is really unlike anything you can experience back home. You can enjoy sledding in summer and winter, one being slightly more comfortable than the other.

5. Spin Cycle Human Gyroscope

While it sounds like we made up this adventure, we assure you it really exists. Located within the aptly named Adventure Zone, this little gadget is what NASA uses to simulate space travel to astronauts. Strapped inside a giant ball, you and a friend will be turned around and around, head over heels, until you change your mind about ever wanting to head into space. Very highly recommend you gyro first and eat later. And if spinning on your head is not your thing, try the flying trapeze nearby, yet another great adventure activity in Whistler.

Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone
4545 Blackcomb Way
Whistler, BC VON
604-904-8134
http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/todo/summer/adventurezone/index.htm
Sun-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-8PM
Prices vary per attraction