What Not to Miss on Canada Day in Whistler

While Canada is a great destination to visit at any time of year, there’s something extra special about spending July 1st – Canada Day, in the country of maple syrup, ice hockey, and Tim Horton’s.

While you’ll find celebrations taking place across the country, the resort of Whistler, BC, knows how to throw an epic celebration on this special day. Here’s our guide to spending Canada Day weekend in Whistler, and a host of activities you can check out all summer long.

Try Axe Throwing

What better way to celebrate the country of the lumberjack, than by hurling axes at a big wooden target? Grab some friends and head to Forged Axe Throwing, where your Canadian hosts are sure to have you hitting bullseyes in no time. They’ll even teach you some authentic Canadian slang. Whether you’ve thrown before or are brand new to the sport, you’ll see why axe throwing really is one of the best Canada Day activities in Whistler.

Learn about Canada’s Indigenous history…

Get cultured at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre where you’ll take a journey back in time to learn more about this country’s Indigenous history. Browse permanent and temporary exhibits from the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations and check out the authentic gifts in the first nations gift shop.

Enjoy a lakeside BBQ

A BBQ by the lake is a quintessentially Canadian way to spend a sunny afternoon. Pick up a portable BBQ, along with burgers, buns, and chips, and join the locals at one of the many lakeside parks. Take your swimsuit and a towel so you can cool off with a dip in the refreshing lake.

Rip through the backcountry

For something memorable and packed with adrenaline, head on a Whistler RZR tour through the picturesque backcountry. You’ll take in the stunning scenery as you hurtle over dirt tracks, past glacier-fed lakes and old growth forests.

Go sightseeing on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is an essential family sightseeing experience for any time of year, but particularly during the months of summer. The gondola is a 4.4-kilometre/2.7mile, 11-minute journey that connects the high alpine terrain of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Take in the stunning views of the forests and mountain peaks while taking plenty of selfies along the way.

Drink a Caesar (adults only!)

This northern take on a Bloody Mary consists of vodka, clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, and is the Canadian drink of choice. You’ll find the region’s best Caesars at the Garibaldi Lift Company and Dusty’s BBQ. Top it off with snacks such as pickles, celery or onion rings. Yum.

Eat a Poutine

This national dish is made up of fries and cheese curds piled high and topped with gravy. This rather indulgent delicacy seemingly tastes even better after a few celebratory drinks. Head to the Southside Diner for a breakfast poutine, classic poutine or one topped off with buffalo chicken fingers if you’re really hungry!

Attend the Canada Day Parade

The parade in Whistler Village is a surefire way to get into the festive spirit. Expect the pedestrian Village Stroll to be heaving with revelers dancing and celebrating in their fancy Canadian costumes. It’s a perfect way for families to spend the afternoon, and the street performers and bizarre outfits will keep the kids entertained.

Attend an Outdoor Summer Concert

Head over to Olympic Plaza over the Canada Day weekend to attend the first of the Summer Concert Series. Enjoy live music as the sun goes down behind the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, as a host of live acts perform for a crowd adorned in red and white! The last few years have featured a number of impressive performers including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

Head out on a magical night walk

When the sun sets on Canada Day, head out on the magical Whistler Night Walk, or The Vallea Lumina as it's also known. Journey the 1.5 km of mysterious trails that will lead you through an enchanting coastal rainforest. The luminescent journey is everything you'd expect from a real-life fairy tale. The Night Walk runs throughout the summer months and there are special rates for youth while children under five go free. Overall, it takes between 50 and 80 minutes to complete but allow around two hours to make time for transportation to its hidden location.

You won't want to miss the epic Canada Day Holiday celebration in Whistler!