Getting Here
By Bike
- Recreational Bike Trails: Tourism Whistler
By Air
By Land
- Driving Directions: Tourism Whistler
More Details
World-Renowned Heights
Whistler’s year-round bird watching hotspots stretch from down amongst the lakes, climbing high to the inspiring peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The trails and amenities make it one of the most accessible spots in the province to see higher-altitude species like Sooty Grouse and the adorable Canada Jay.
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1Shadow Lake Interpretive Forest229 Sea-to-Sky Hwy, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L0
Explore the marsh and second growth coniferous forest surrounding Shadow Lake and watch for owls, waterfowl in autumn, a variety of warblers in the summer, and much more. Signs along the interpretive trail help to describe the history of the forest. (Info courtesy of Karl Ricker, Whistler Naturalists)
Field Notes
Exploring the Sea to Sky Bird Trail
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2Green Lake8070 Mons Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B8
Follow the paved Valley Trail around the south western side of the lake, either starting from Meadow Park or the Nicklaus North Golf Clubhouse. Swans, loons, and grebes can be seen out on the water of this turquoise colored lake, and the delta at Fitzsimmons Park is great for viewing shore birds during the summer. (Info courtesy of Chris Dale, Whistler Naturalists)
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3Rainbow ParkValley Trail, Whistler, BC V0N 0A0
Located at the northern end of Alta Lake, Rainbow Park is a popular summer destination. For birding, follow the paved Valley Trail from the park up to the Emerald Forest Trailhead and either continue towards the Golden Dreams Conservation Area or head back to Rainbow Park. Along the lake there is a viewpoint where you can watch for Common Yellowthroats, Merlin, and depending on the season, American Dippers. (Info courtesy of Heather Baines, Whistler Naturalists)
If you’re lucky, you might even have a grouse (or family of them) cross your path!
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4BReD - Organic Sourdough206-2067 Lake Placid Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0B6
100% plant-based and vegan-friendly, this coffee shop and bakery is known for its sourdough bread, delicious cinnamon rolls, and a host of other baked goods. They plant a tree for every coffee sold and just hit a milestone of planting 40,000 trees with their charity partner.
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5Table Nineteen at Nicklaus North8080 Nicklaus N Blvd, Whistler, BC V8E 1J7
Situated at the Nicklaus North Golf Course in a glacier fed lakefront setting with towering mountains. Enjoy modern, refined main dishes and share plates.
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6Creekside Market2071 Lake Placid Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0B6
Classic grocery offering fresh produce, deli meats and cheeses, baked goods, and other grab-and-go food items.
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7Fix Café2131 Lake Placid Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0B2
Nestled within Nita Lake Lodge, this cafe serves up fairtrade, organic coffees and teas, as well as homemade soups, sandwiches, and fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies.
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8Rendezvous Lodge4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Located at the top of the Blackcomb gondola, the lodge boasts beautiful views of both Whistler Mountain and the valley below to enjoy while you refuel and recharge.
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9Roundhouse Lodge4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Located at the top of the Blackcomb gondola, the lodge boasts beautiful views of both Whistler Mountain and the valley below to enjoy while you refuel and recharge.
Après Birding Cooldown
Whistler Village is not just the beating heart of this alpine community, it’s the perfect rest and relaxation centre to recharge in between outdoor adventures.
Keep an eye on your food – Clark’s Nutcrackers and Canada Jays can be quite sneaky opportunists!
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10Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V8E 0Y3
Learn about the art, history and culture of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. Hourly guided tours, interactive exhibits, and a cafe that features Indigenous-inspired dishes.
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11Whistler Blackcomb4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Alpine hiking trails with incredible views are easily accessible by gondola (lift tickets required). On both mountains, choose from short, family-friendly strolls on wide paths to more advanced hikes. Summer is the optimal time for birding adventures on the mountains. Olive-sided Flycatchers, various raptors, and White-tailed Ptarmigan are only a few of the birds that can be seen at these heights. As the winter moves in, there are less birds and skiing or snowshoe equipment is required to move about. (Info courtesy of Karl Ricker and Jim Wharin, Whistler Naturalists)
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12Thunderbird Café4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Located in the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, this cafe features an Indigenous-inspired menu selection of affordable daily specials made with fresh, local ingredients and a selection of specialty coffee drinks.
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13Lift Coffee Company4293 Mountain Square, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Located right across from the Whistler Village Gondola, enjoy gourmet coffees, artisan sandwiches, and delicious smoothies. Sit outside on their large heated patio.
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14Moguls Coffee House4208 Village Square #202, Whistler, BC V8E 0G3
Cozy coffee shop housed on the first floor of the Blackcomb Lodge serving coffee from Agro Roasters, fresh baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and more
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15Mount Currie Coffee Company103-4369 Main St, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Sustainable coffee served by authentic mountain-loving people. This friendly coffee shop offers the classic specialty coffees, as well as baked goods and a good selection of breakfast items.
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16Crêpe Montagne4368 Main St #116, Whistler, BC V8E1B6, Main St, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Cozy, charming French crêperie with both sweet and savory options. They also serve other classic breakfast fare as well as cheese and meat fondues, and Swiss raclette.
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17Portobello4599 Chateau Blvd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Breakfast bowls, sweet and savory options, and breakfast sandwiches all served in a rustic, modern space with an open kitchen.
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18Elements Urban Tapas & Wine Bar4359 Main St #102B, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
A bustling brunch hub serving classic breakfast fare such as eggs benny, frittatas, and a range of brunch cocktails.
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19The Green Moustache Organic Cafe4340 Lorimer Rd #122, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Fresh and healthy food that’s 100% organic and plant-based. Salads, wraps, hearty soups, and a range of cold pressed juices and smoothies are available to fuel you up for a day of birdwatching.
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20Naked Sprout Café4433 Sundial Pl #1, Whistler, BC V8E 1G7
Bright and cozy cafe serving healthy, organic dishes, from smoothies and juices, to homemade soups and ramen bowls.
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21The Mallard Lounge4599 Chateau Blvd Unit 205, Whistler, BC V8E 0Z5
Casual, refined dining at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Canadian and West Coast inspired food, creative cocktails, and live entertainment.
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22The Raven Room4299 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
An ever-changing menu of creative libations and conscious, leveled-up locally sourced eats, all served in a stylish spot within the Pan Pacific Village Centre Hotel.
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23Alta Bistro4319 Main St #104, Whistler, BC V8E 1B1
Seasonal-focused alpine dishes with roots in modern French cuisine. Enjoy the casual atmosphere of their industrial-chic space and ever-changing menus.
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24Hunter Gather101 - 4368 Main St, Whistler, BC V8E 1B6
Easygoing gastropub serving classic pub farem and BC craft beer and wine. Their laidback patio seating with picnic tables is perfect for sunny days or warm evenings.
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25The Whistler Grocery Store4211 Village Square, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Curated assortment of grocery items for cooking or making your own meals, or grabbing snacks and goodies to take out on the trails.
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26Fresh Street Market4330 Northlands Blvd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Fruits, veggies, cheese, and more! Check out their fantastic deli counter for hot meals and soups to go, sandwiches, and salads.
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27The Deli by Picnic Whistler4368 Main St #113, Whistler, BC V8E 1B6
The go-to place for all charcuterie needs. Get one of their beautifully crafted charcuterie boxes or try their assortment of sandwiches and vegan wraps. Other deli snacks include a variety of cheeses, pickles, crackers, and meats.
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28Purebread4338 Main St #122, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
This family bakery is creative with baked goods. Enjoy sweet and savoury pastries, assorted desserts, breads, cakes, and more.
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29Amos & Andes4321 Village Gate Blvd #2, Whistler, BC V8E 1H3
This cozy sweater shop in the heart of Whistler carries Cowichan inspired sweaters, winter accessories, and a variety of summer-worthy fits.
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30Armchair Books4205 Village Square, Whistler, BC V8E 1H4
Before heading out birdwatching, stock up on outdoor resources, such as local bird and nature guides, maps, and more.
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31Whistler Foto Source4154 Village Green Unit 4, Whistler, BC V8E 1H1
For bird or nature photographers, this local shop carries cameras, lenses, and more accessories to make sure you’re ready to capture the perfect moment while out on the trails.
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32Escape Route113-4350 Lorimer Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 1A5
One-stop-shop for all outdoor-related gear, helping you be prepared for the ever-changing climate and conditions of alpine birding hikes.. Rentals available.
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33Ecologyst4338 Main St #125, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
Sustainable, BC-made clothing perfect for summer weather or the variable alpine climate.
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34Overnight accommodations.
Whistler offers a diverse selection of accommodations, which means you will find the perfect place to call home during your stay. Choose from charming mountainside townhomes, full-service hotels, secluded alpine homes and fully equipped condominiums.
Explore More
First and third Saturday of each month