Waterside camping near Whistler with fishing

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just like to get outdoors, you’ll find lots to do in Whistler, British Columbia’s top outdoor mountain resort. From hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, zip lining, and rock climbing in summer to skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and bobsledding in the winter months, Whistler has it all, just a two-hour drive from Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99). Campers have options at Whistler, too, whether you prefer glamping in a yurt or cabin, parking in an RV site, or pitching a tent in the backcountry with views of the glacier-topped peaks.

The best time to camp, hike, and mountain bike at Whistler is May through early October. Fall is especially nice, with somewhat fewer crowds and vibrant color in the trees. May and June are often less busy, too, although they tend to bring more rainy days. Snow typically starts to fall in November and lingers at high elevations into summer. Whistler-Blackcomb normally opens for the ski season around the U.S. Thanksgiving week and closes in April.

• Several bus companies can take you between Vancouver and Whistler, from either the airport (about 2.5 hours) or downtown (two hours).
• Whistler has grocery stores, craft breweries, and lots of shops that rent gear for outdoor activities year-round. Businesses in the Function Junction neighborhood south of Whistler Village are more oriented to locals, as are stores in Squamish, 45 minutes to the south by road.
• Bears are common in and around Whistler—secure your food and anything else that might attract wildlife.

• Experience the tranquil beauty of the Canadian wilderness when camping near Cheakamus Lake. Surrounded by old-growth forests and snow-capped peaks, the Cheakamus Lake camping experience offers serene hiking trails and opportunities for quiet reflection by the turquoise water's edge.
• Delve into the heart of British Columbia's wilderness by camping near Garibaldi Lake. The Garibaldi Lake camping experience is a stunning blend of turquoise glacial waters, verdant forests, and breathtaking mountain views that make it a hiker's paradise.