Getting Here


By Bike

By Land

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.

Sooty grouse
 Birding
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    Shadow Lake Interpretive Forest
    229 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

Regarded as one of the world’s best road trip routes, Highway 99 stretches 377 kilometers from the US border northeast to Cache Creek, BC. But it’s at the northern tip of Howe Sound, in view of the towering Stawamus Chief Mountain, that the Sea to Sky corridor of this coastal route earns its namesake.  Exploring…
Read
 Birding
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    Green Lake
    8070 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)

Rainbow Park
 Birding
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    Rainbow Park
    Valley 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!

 Cafe
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    BReD - Organic Sourdough
    206-2067 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.

 Food

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!

Canada jay
 Birding
Exploring the Sea To Sky Bird Trail
 Birding
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    Whistler Blackcomb
    4545 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)

 Cafe
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    Thunderbird Café
    4584 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.

Thunderbird Café by Blake Jordensen / Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre
 Cafe
White-tailed Ptarmigan
 Food
American dipper
 Food
Rainbows in Whistler
 Food
 Shopping
Capturing the moment in Whistler
 Shopping
 Accommodations
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    Overnight 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.

Bald eagle

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Take a self-guided tour in Whistler

Discover the area’s natural wonders

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Take part in the Whistler BioBlitz
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Join the Whistler Naturalists' monthly bird walk

First and third Saturday of each month

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Visit the Whistler Farmers' Market

Sundays from May through October

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Discover new trails

With Whistler’s Hiking & Biking Map

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