Not often associated with seniors, Whistler is British Columbia’s hub for adventure seekers. Indeed, there are two million annual visitors who come for the outdoor activities and mountain sports – but this doesn’t mean that Whistler is only for young people! There’s a lot to enjoy in town and in the surrounding areas for older adults, too, and it doesn’t all require a twenty-something’s level of fitness.
To speak to that point, this is our guide for seniors looking to enjoy this gorgeous part of British Columbia.
Walk Around the Whistler Village
This area within the resort town remains beautiful all year long, and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Whistler Village has plenty of places to wine and dine as well, not to mention stores where you can shop for souvenirs (like the Maury Young Arts Centre for unique arts and crafts, just off the Village Stroll). You’ll also find spas and massage clinics, ideal for some rest and relaxation.
Take the Cultural Connector
For art and culture enthusiasts, the Cultural Connector is absolutely imperative during a trip to Whistler. Basically, it’s a scenic pathway that connects several arts and cultural centres. Other than the Maury Young Arts Centre, it also leads to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Audain Art Museum, Whistler Public Library, Whistler Museum, and Lost Lake PassivHaus – all among the most fascinating places in town to visit.
Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Many people seek high elevation in Whistler so as to enjoy the views. And while Whistler does have some easy and moderate trails to cover (such as the track to Joffre Lakes), the best way to see it all without a difficult hike is with a bird’s-eye view. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola affords you the opportunity to enjoy such a view. Seniors can conveniently take a ride from Whistler Village or the Upper Village and enjoy incredible looks out over the village, and the surrounding peaks, lakes, forests, and glaciers that make up the surroundings.
Go Birdwatching
For an easy birdwatching trail, head to the Lost Lake with your binoculars and camera. Some of the birds you can hope to see include horned larks, white-tailed ptarmigan, sooty grouse, and Clark’s nutcracker. Alternatively, if you want to try a different vantage point for encountering the local wildlife, the viewing platform at the Alta Lake is a terrific option. Here you can see spotted chickadees, swans, and waterfowl.
Hit the Golf Course
Going golfing is the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature and beauty and get a bit of exercise while you’re at it. Early morning or late afternoon tee times are ideal at Whistler’s golf courses. As for where specifically to golf, you can choose from several local favourites: the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club, Nicklaus North, and Whistler Golf Club. You can also head north of Whistler, to Pemberton, for the beginner-friendly course at Big Sky Golf Club.
Have a Casino Night
While you won’t find a casino in Whistler, there are nearby gaming centres that make for fun day trips. Online gambling is legal and thriving in Canada, and that can draw some attention away from land-based casinos. For that matter, it’s something worth remembering in case you get a rainy day and need something to do in your hotel room! But even with a thriving online industry, the brick-and-mortar casinos continue to attract players, and often seniors looking to socialise. You can head to Chances Casino after an excursion in Squamish, or visit Vancouver’s Edgewater Casino.
Go on a Historical Tour
A historical tour awaits just a two-hour drive away in Lillooet, where settlers once mined for gold and jade. It was actually British Columbia’s first jade mine, and is commemorated by a fascinating Jade Walk. Early settlers used these precious gemstones as hunting tools because of their hardness and density, and you can learn far more about its uses and significance to the area at the Lillooet Museum and Visitor’s Centre.
Perfect for Seniors
So there we have 7 really great Whistler activities perfect for seniors but we’ve hardly scratched the surface! Regardless of your age or fitness level, Whistler is home to a wide variety of ways in which you can seek adventure and explore beautiful British Columbia. And remember to check out this handy home modification guide that will help you age-in-place when you get home.
To learn more about things to do in Whistler, check out our post titled: A Guide To The Top 5 Things To Do In Whistler In 2019.