Must do Mountain Bike Ride of the Month – Rotorua, New Zealand
Must do Mountain Bike Ride of the Month - Rotorua, New Zealand - Billy T to Roller
Overview
Whistler… perhaps the most famous mountain bike destination in the world. The ideal place for your next mountain bike holiday.
We have included interactive trail maps using Trailforks data, must do rides that you can sync to your Trailfoks app for GPS navigation, as well as our recommendations for the best places to eat, sleep and chill while you are visiting. Whistler is a hard place to cover completely as the riding is endless, this will get you off to an awesome start when planning your vacation!
Due to the massive volume of trails we do not cover the bike park in great detail… Basically, you can’t go wrong in the park and when visiting Whistler you should definitely plan on riding the park for at least a day. Your riding will progress, you will have more fun than you thought was possible and you will ride more downhill in one day than many people ride in a season.
Beyond the bike park we share some of the must-do trail rides in the valley. Most locals will agree that while the bike park is mind blowing, it is the rest of the trails in and around Whistler that are what actually make this the best place in the world for a riding vacation.
Here we are featuring just a few of our favorites. After you hit these gems you might just start to discover some of the others on your own. It’s simply impossible to cover all of the rides, but the ones we are sharing with you here in the ‘Must do Rides’ below are some of our favorites.
After riding there is a whole other world to explore: lakes, restaurants, shopping, other adventures and nightlife.
Have fun and prepare to start figuring out ways to relocate here!
Trail Map
We recommend that you download the Trailforks app (free in the app store for iOS and Android) to access this map on your smartphone and use your phone’s GPS to position you on the map while you are out mountain biking on the trails. This app can be used offline as long as you pre-load the maps ahead of time, making it an ideal option when traveling. We also recommend that you use the Trailforks App so that you can navigate with your phone’s GPS for the ‘Must do Rides’ below.
Whistler on Trailforks.com
Must Do Rides
Click on the rides below for more details and to sync the route to your Trailfoks app.
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Whistler Mountain Bike Park
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Lost Lake Trails – Beginner Route – Tin Pants – Whistler, BC
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Lost Lake Trails – Beginner Route – Donkey Puncher, Molly Hogan – Whistler, BC
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Lost Lake Trails – Intermediate Route – Whistler, BC
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Lost Lake Trails – Whistler – Beginner/Intermediate Riding area
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HiHi, Highline, Duncan’s Trail – Whistler, BC – Advanced Route
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A River Runs Through It – Whistler, BC – Advanced Mountain Bike Route
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Mega Descent from the Bike Park to Creekside Village- Whistler – Advanced Mountain Bike Route
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Micro Climate – Whistler – Advanced Route
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Kill Me Thrill Me – Whistler – Advanced Mountain Bike Route – 1 – 2.5+ hours
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Comfortably Numb – Whistler – Advanced Mountain Bike Route – 3 – 6+ hours
Bike Shops
Fanatykco
Fanatyko is an awesome shop with sales, service and rentals.
Website: fanatykco.com
(604)938-9455
Google Maps Location: Unit
Bike Co.
Website: bikeco.ca
(604)-938-9511
Google Maps Location: 101-4205 Village Square
Arbutus Routes
Arbutus Routes is a full service shop that has you covered for service, apparel, parts and accessories and that dream new Yeti.
Visit Website
(604) 935-7566
Google Maps Location:
Garbanzo Bike and Bean
Garbonzo Bike and Bean is located right at the bottom of the Whistler Gondola and is a full service bike shop with sales and service. A perfect shop to hit when you need quick repairs while riding the bike park.
(604) 905-2076
Google Maps Location: 4545 Blackcomb Way
Summit
Summit is located right at the base of the Whistler gondola. Super convenient for rentals as well as pesky emergency bike repairs when riding in the bike park.
Website: summitsport.com
1-866-608-6225
Google Maps Location:
Cross-Country Connection
The Cross-Country Connection is a cool outfit located at the Lost Lake trails. They offer rentals as well as lessons, guiding, a shop and even a cafe. The Lost Lake trails are a fun destination if you are not in Whistler for the bike park and are seeking some of Whistler’s gentler terrain.
Google Maps Location:
Evolution
One of Whistler’s classic shops located right in the heart of the Village. A smaller shop, but they offer everything you need and they have a really awesome selection of clothing.
Website:evolutionwhistler.com
(604) 932-2967
Google Maps Location: 4122 Village Green #8
Fineline
Fineline is a fantastic shop. It is also the only shop located in Whistler’s Function Junction area so if you’re in the South-West side of Whistler, this is the place to go. Often a bit less busy than the Village shops, so if you need really fast service they might be able to sort you out quickly.
Website: finelinewhistlernet.com
(604) 935-3463
Google Maps Location: 3-1040 Millar Creek road
Skis and Bikes
A good shop located near the IGA shopping complex.
Website: skiisandbiikes.com
(604) 905-4100
Google Maps Location: 4340 Lorimer Rd #126
Bike Rentals
Arbutus Routes
High Performance rentals including Downhill, Trail Bikes and Road Bikes from Yeti and Specialized.
Website: www.arbutusroutes.com
(604) 935-7566
Google Maps Location:
Rent a Bike
Fanatykco
Located right in the village. An easy location for rentals.
Website: fanatykco.com
(604)938-9455
Google Maps Location: Unit
Bike Co.
Website: bikeco.ca
(604)-938-9511
Google Maps Location: 101-4205 Village Square
Summit
Summit is located right at the base of the Whistler gondola, incredibly well located for rentals.
Website: summitsport.com
1-866-608-6225
Google Maps Location:
Rent a Bike
Evolution
One of Whistler’s classic shops, located right in the heart of the Village, an easy location for rentals.
Website:evolutionwhistler.com
(604) 932-2967
Google Maps Location: 4122 Village Green #8
Rent a Bike
Whistler Bike Park Rentals
Cross Country Connection
The Cross-Country Connection is a very cool outfit located right at the Lost Lake trails. A great place to spend the day if you are not in Whistler for the bike park.
Google Maps Location:
Rent a Bike
Commencal Canada
Commencal Canada is located in Squamish and has a full range of rental mountain bikes available ranging from downhill to enduro to trail bikes.
Call them at (604) 389-9569
Camps/Coaching
Trek Dirt Series
(604) 484-6238
Website: www.dirtseries.com
Book Now
Sweet Skills
(604) 966-8330
Website: sweetskills.ca
Book Now
Summer Gravity Camps
1.866.218.9679
Website: summergravitycamps.com
Book Now
Camp of Champions
1-888-997-CAMP (2267) or 1-604-938-3450
Website: campofchampions.com
Book Now
Cross Country Connection
The Cross-Country Connection is a cool outfit located right at the Lost Lake trails.
Google Maps Location:
Book a Lesson
Zep Techniques
1 (604) 938 3498
Website: zeptechniques.com
Website: zeptechniques.com
Guiding/Shuttles
Arbutus Routes
Arbutus Routes offers guided trips from 1/2 day to multi-day custom packages all led by our certified bike guides.
Website: www.arbutusroutes.com
(604) 935-7566
Google Maps Location:
Book a Guide
Sweet Skills
(604) 966-8330
Website: sweetskills.ca
Book Now
Big Mountain Bike Adventures
1.866.894.0220
Website: ridebig.com
Book Now
Blackcomb Helicopters
The coolest shuttle ever! This is who we use when we do heli-drops in the area. They do not offer guiding so you will have to find your own guide. The Rainbow heli-drop is popular and easily accessed by Blackcomb Helicopters – this is a challenging trail and we recommend hiring a guide for it.
(604) 273-5311 or (877) 273-5311
Website: blackcombaviation.com
Cross Country Connection
The Cross-Country Connection is a cool outfit located right at the Lost Lake trails. A great place to book your Whistler guiding.
Google Maps Location:
Book a Tour
Whistler Bike Guides
Owned by Grant Lamont, a Whistler cycling legend who is one of the original mountain bike pioneers of the region. Whistler Bike Guides offers guiding not only in Whistler but the entire Sea to Sky area.
1-888-902-1221
Website: http:whistlerbikeguide.com
Book Guiding
Tyax Adventures
Tyax Adventures offers float plane shuttles from Whistler to the Chilcotins and Tyax Lodge. This is the easiest way to access the back-country out there. It can be expensive, but it will be one of the best mountain bike adventures of your life.
250-238-0177
Weather
Video
Caffeinated
Pure Bread
One of our favorites for delicious, rich baked goods. A perfect after ride treat.
Google Maps Village Location |
Google Maps Function Junction Location |
The Fix
Awesome location in Nita Lake Lodge in Creekside. Tasty food and delicious coffee and slightly off the beaten track which can be perfect during busy days in Whistler.
Gone Eatery
Perfectly situated right in the middle of the village. They always have awesome sandwiches and delicious soup.
Mt. Currie Coffee Company
Fantastic coffee. Located across from 7-11 behind the IGA marketplace.
Lift Coffee Company
With locations in Function Junction and anther right at the base of the Whistler Gondola you are always able to find an awesome meal or coffee no matter where you are riding in Whistler.
Casual Restaurants
Pasta Lupino
A locals secret. Delicious, affordable, authentic Italian food. An awesome place for a casual meal or even a spontaneous date.
Sushi Village
One of the places you must hit when in Whistler. Always a locals favorite, located right in the village. Sushi Village can get very busy so perhaps consider a reservation. Expect awesome sushi and a super fun vibe.
Ingrid’s Village Cafe
We love Ingrid’s. Located right in the heart of the village, they are an awesome lunch spot with delicious sandwiches, soups and treats. They also make a fantastic schnitzel!
Alpine Cafe and Catering
Located in Alpine on the north/east side of town this is an perfect place for any meal and they even serve a fantastic all day breakfast. We like their outdoor patio where we can sit and watch our bikes.
Wildwood Pacific Bistro
The Wildwood has been a staple in Whistler for years, located right in the heart of the village, they might just serve the best breakfast in town.
Counter Service
Green Moustache
The Green Moustache is a vegan/raw food restaurant with awesome healthy food options and smoothies. A prefect place for a healthy quick recharge before or after riding. Located in the IGA marketplace complex and also in Function Junction.
Google Maps Location – IGA | Google Maps Location – Function Junction
Splitz Burger
Perhaps the most incredible burger experience you will ever have. You can literally add anything to your burger.. and we have tried it. Caution: It is possible to mess your burger up – We’ve learned that humus, pineapple, pickles, sprouts and BB-Q sauce do not go together very well.
La Cantina
La Cantina is an a fantastic taco bar with a funky vibe. Great location close to IGA marketplace.
Dups Burrito
Dups is an awesome little hole in the wall mexican food take out joint that is always packed with locals. Located close to IGA marketplace.
Samurai Sushi
Tasty, affordable and quick. Samurai Sushi is a great place to grab a meal and with locations on either side of town they are easy to get to.
Google Maps Nesters Location |
Google Maps Creekside Location |
Portabello Market and Fresh Bakery
A secret little jem located at the base of Blackcomb. Expect incredible sandwiches and fresh baked goods. A perfect place for lunch or morning treats.
Southside Diner and Deli
Another one of our Whistler favorites. The South Side Diner is one of the original restaurants in town and the place oozes character. Awesome food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Pubs
Whistler Brew Pub
Located right next to the Whistler Olympic Plaza the Whistler Brew Pub is a great place for a meal or a fresh brew. One side is a casual restaurant and the other side is a lively sports pub, all housed in an incredible timber frame building.
GLC
The original apres location. Perhaps you have heard of the GLC drop in the Whistler Bike Park? Well this is where it’s located. You can sit on their massive patio (with space around the edges to you can keep an eye on your bikes) and watch riders launch the drop while you enjoy your food or your favorite beverage.
Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub
This is a fun Irish pub. They also have great food and serve a good breakfast. Located right at the bottom of the Whistler Bike Park.
Longhorn Saloon
We would be remiss not to include the Longhorn… it’s not actually our favorite place, but it is really popular. Probably because it is impossible to miss. Full of scenesters and wanna be rock stars. Go here if you want. You will likely have an awesome time, but there are better places around… they just have the best location so they are busy.
Whistler Brewery
Such a great brewery and a really genuine experience. Located in Function Junction on the South/East side of town the brewery mostly attracts locals who live and work in this area. An awesome place to hit after you finish a ride in this part of Whistler.
Mallard Lounge
Technically not a pub, the Mallard is located in the Fairmont Whistler and is a super chill lounge that has incredible (but expensive drinks), live music and tasty snacks. If you are looking for a relaxing apres or evening away from the hustle and bustle of the village this is a great place to go and relax.
Rolland’s Creekside Pub
Rolland’s is a classic Whistler spot located in Creekside. A really genuine feeling pub and restaurant and a perfect place to relax after your day of riding.
Fancy Restaurants
Rim Rock
The Rim Rock is our favorite restaurant in Whistler… it might be our favorite restaurant anywhere. Located in Creekside. Expect a casual atmosphere, in a cozy wood framed dining area and some of the most incredible food you have ever tasted. We would describe it as a fusion of BC local foods, sea-food, wild game, asian and French.
Araxi
Araxi is located in the heart of the village and is a fun yet fancy restaurant. There is an awesome fresh oyster bar and incredible food and drinks on the menu.
Bearfoot Bistro
The Bearfoot is an incredible restaurant and is possibly recognized as the premier restaurant in Whistler (which is arguable as there are a handful in competition for this spot). We like the champagne cellar where you can sabre your bottle and then there is also the sub-zero vodka lounge. A culinary adventure and evening of fun awaits you here.
Deals
Looking for last minute deals? Here is a link to all of our available properties in Whistler, BC. This is always worth a click as you can find great deals here.
Mid-Range
Aava Whistler Hotel
One of the most bike friendly hotels in Whistler as this is the staging office and hotel for Crankworx. Reasonable prices and a fantastic location.
Adara Hotel
Well located right in the heart of Whistler Village.
The Coast Blackcomb Suites At Whistler
The Aspens
Located right at the base of Blackcomb mountain and backing onto ski runs, the Aspens is in an awesome location and you can often find really good pricing. There are a few companies that manage this property so if you are looking at booking click our link below but make sure to price out the other options by searching the “The Aspens Blackcomb” as there are about five companies that manage this property and pricing might vary. We do know that you can find great deals here.
Tantalus Resort Lodge
Another very friendly place for traveling mountain bikers to stay. This is the official accommodation of the super popular Summer Gravity Camps (SGC). Perfectly located close to the base of the Whistler Gondola.
Whistler Peak Lodge
Located right in the middle of Whistler Village. Easy walking distance to everything and perfect access point for all types of riding.
Luxury
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Located at the base of Blackcomb mountain, the Fairmont is one of our favorite luxury hotels in Whistler. It has a feeling of old world charm and is located close to the heart of Whistler Village, yet just far enough away (the base of Blackcomb mountain) that things feel a bit quieter and relaxed. The Mallard Lounge is one of our favorite chilled out apres locations.
Nita Lake Lodge
Nita Lake Lodge is located in Creekside on the shores of Nita Lake. It is a beautiful hotel in a quieter part of Whistler. Creekside is a short drive (or a shortish ride) to the main Whistler village and we suggest staying in Creekside if you want a more “locals” type experience. The bike park can now also be accessed from Creekside so staying in this part of town has become a more viable option if you plan on riding the park. Access to the rest of Whistler’s trail network is also easy from this location and some of the best trails in Whistler are on this side of town including the challenging Westside trails and the Whistler South/Function Junction trails.
Four Seasons Resort Whistler
One of the premier (if not the very best) hotel properties in Whistler. Located at the base of Blackcomb mountain in a quieter part of Whistler, but still very centrally located for all the riding in town, be it the bike park or pedal powered adventures in the rest of the valley.
The Westin Resort and Spa
A fantastic location within walking and riding distance of everything in Whistler. A wonderful hotel.
Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
Super location basically at the chairlifts for the bike park, about as central as you can get and some rooms have views of the bike park.
Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre
Sundial Boutique Hotel
Super location basically at the chairlifts for the Whistler Bike Park, about as central as you can get and some rooms have views of the bike park. The prices here can also be much better than some of the other luxury offerings in Whistler.
VIP Mountain Holidays
VIP Mountain Holidays specializes in booking unique accommodations and experiences in Whistler and they also offer a full concierge service. You dream it and they can help you make it happen. Make sure you use the booking code: RideSpots.
Unique/BNB
Golden Dreams B&B
Cedar Springs Lodge Bed & Breakfast
Belle Neige Suites: Whistler
Inn at Clifftop Lane Bed and Breakfast
Vacation Rentals
VIP Mountain Holidays
VIP Mountain Holidays specializes in booking unique accommodations and experiences in Whistler and they also offer a full concierge service. You dream it and they can help you make it happen. Make sure you use the booking code: RideSpots.
Contact VIP for Personalized Trip Planning
The Gleneagles Chalet
Large house for rent that sleeps up to 10 people in luxury. Located in an awesome neighbourhood, just a short drive or spin on your bike to the village.
Affordable Whistler Accommodations
Affordable Whistler Accommodations offers a variety of options throughout Whistler and they have a very high rating from customers.
Budget
HI Whistler
Hostel located in Function Junction on the south/west side of town.
Whistler Lodge Hostel
Hostel located just north of Creekside Village on the south/west side of town.
Southside Lodge
Hostel located in Creekside Village.
Alpine Lodge Whistler
Hostel located in Alpine on the north/east side of town.
Camping
Riverside Resort
Located just a few minutes away from Whistler Village, Riverside Resort offers RV Sites, Multi-Use Sites, Tent Sites, Cabins and Yurts. The only option for camping or RV stays in Whistler.
Swim/Beach
Lost Lake
Lost lake is an awesome place to finish your ride or spend an afternoon A favorite swimming hole in Whistler. There is also a dog friendly beach, a nude dock if that’s your thing (or if you just hate riding home in wet clothes). The lake is basically right in the middle of the Lost Lake trail network. Note – there is no parking at Lost Lake so you either need to be dropped off or walk or ride your bike to the lake.
Rainbow Park (Alta Lake)
This is one of the main beaches/hang out spots in Whistler in the summer and it’s always full of people having an awesome time. The water here also seems warmer than the other lakes in Whistler. Easily accessed if you are riding the Westside Trails or a River Runs Through It.
Wayside Park (Alta Lake)
A smaller more family oriented spot with fewer people and a chilled out vibe.
Alpha Lake Park
An awesome chillout spot located close to Creekside. This lake is a bit colder than Lost Lake or Alta Lake, but the vibe here is awesome (mix of families, kids, adults and teens all having fun). There is a nice dock that you can run out on and jump off of as well as a dog friendly area.
River of Golden Dreams
This is a fantastic creek to float down, but it is best to rent a canoe as the river is super cold and you won’t last long if you are in the water. Also expect to portage a few times as there are quite a few shallow sections. You will need to arrange a pick up at the other end.
Other Sports
Hiking
There are endless hiking opportunities in Whistler. We won’t attempt to cover them here as there are other websites that do this.
Skiing
The cool thing about Whistler is that you can ski well into the summer with their glacier skiing on Blackcomb mountain. Check out their website to find out more, but summer skiing often goes well into July each year (condition dependent). It is very possible to do a morning of riding and an afternoon of skiing… how many other places can you do that?!?
Golf
Whistler has three awesome golf courses. If you love to golf or someone in your group loves it then they will be super happy here.
Trail Running
With all the trails in town there is no shortage of awesome trails to run… if you like to run, bring your shoes and go explore or run one of our ‘must do rides’…
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
There are many lakes in Whistler and also the River of Golden Dreams. An afternoon SUP might be the perfect way to chill after your ride.
Activities/Attractions
Sea to Sky Air
Sea to Sky Air is a must do if you are itching to get some serious airtime while visiting the Sea to Sky corridor or if you just want to see this amazing place from the air. They offer scenic flights, air charters and flight training. They even have a float plane for remote lake and water access.
(604) 898-1975
Goggle Map Location: 46041 Government Rd, Squamish, BC
Website: www.seatoskyair.ca
Blackcomb Helicopters
This is who we use when we do helidrops in the area. They also offer all sorts of other adventures, scenic flights, transfers or whatever else you might need a helicopter for.
(604) 273-5311 or (877) 273-5311
Website: blackcombaviation.com
Bungee Jump
Such a crazy bungee location! We’ve jumped loads of times and still get scared every time! You leap right into a narrow canyon, if the jump itself doesn’t scare you then the sensation of flying past the canyon walls will. Do it, you know you want to…
Website: whistlerbungee.com
ZipTrek
The original zip line experience in Whistler. Located just up from the village and when you are riding in the bike park you will see groups on the lines that are close to the village.
Website: ziptrek.com
Rain Day
Whistler Rec Center – swim, gym, hot tub
This is an awesome and affordable option for a rain day in Whistler. The Whistler recreation center has squash courts, an ice rink, a fantastic pool with steam room and hot tub as well as an incredible gym for working out.
(604) 935-7529
Scandinave Spa
Wow… what else can we say. This place is incredibly relaxing. Perhaps more enjoyable in the evening especially in the warmth of the summer nights. You can also book a massage here and use your health care benefits to cover the massage (if you have them). Such a great place to relax and unwind. Note that there’s no talking allowed. Shhhhhhhh.
Print the voucher below for 10% off your admission to the baths (you must bring in a printed voucher, not just a screenshot on your phone).
(604) 935-2424
Website: scandinave.com
Whistler Village 8 Movie Theater
(604) 932-5833
Art Galleries
Whistler has a variety of really good places to check out local artists. You might not expect to find awesome art on a mountain biking trip, but you’ll be surprised at what you find in Whistler. We won’t provide any links here, but it is worth a quick Google search.
