Whistler offers two renowned mountains for skiing and snowboarding, Olympic and Paralympic venues for sliding and Nordic sports, as well as some of the best mountain biking in the world.
Whistler is unique in its ability to accommodate a four-wheel downhill chair on the accessible Village gondola to transport bikers to the Whistler Bike Park.
Accessible Activities
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has several examples of programs and community features that support community accessibility and provide access to various recreational activities including: municipal parks and facilities, 2010 Games legacies, cultural tours and public art.
Whistler Adaptive
Whistler Adaptive provides programming, equipment and coaching for 18 different para-sport disciplines. The program has become a leader in adaptive sports, not only in the province of B.C., but also in the country.
The program also provides support for people with disabilities wishing to participate in various recreational activities, including extreme activities like zip lining. Given that some of the recreational activities will require some modification or extra assistance, it is recommended that you book early to avoid disappointment.
Whistler Adaptive also recommends booking immediately after a lesson for the following lesson and even for the following year to ensure choice of instructor and equipment.
Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb’s mission is to create wonderful memories for their guests, again and again. All guests, regardless of ability, deserve the very best mountain experience possible. The linked information on mountain access is meant to assist individuals with disabilities to access the facilities and skiing/riding on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
Whistler Mountain is wheelchair-accessible with gondola service to the top of Whistler Mountain during winter and summer months. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is available for sightseeing tours only.
The Whistler Blackcomb website provides information to assist individuals with disabilities to access facilities and skiing/riding on the mountain.
For more information, call 1-800-766-0449 or 604-967-8950.
Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Hosts
The Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Host program offers free orientation tours daily, throughout the winter months. Mountain Hosts.
Whistler Sport Legacies
Whistler Sport Legacies is responsible for three of Whistler's 2010 Winter Games Venues: the Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler Olympic Park, and the Whistler Athletes' Centre.
These facilities were used during the Paralympic Games and have accessibility features.
Whistler Olympic Park is a particularly great destination for the entire family for all levels of ability and provides designated parking, accessible trails and an accessible lodge with accessible bathrooms.
Adaptive Recreation
Whistler offers endless opportunities for all kinds of unique experiences and adventures in fresh mountain air.
All Adaptive Recreation inquiries and bookings should be made through the Tourism Whistler website or at 1-800-944-7853.
Activity |
Adaptation |
Restrictions |
Able to bungee jump while in wheelchair. |
None |
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Superfly Ziplines is the only service provider that can accommodate people with mobility disabilities. Travel between platforms is with a trail rider(a passive device is used to sherpa an individual rider in singletrack terrain) and vehicle. |
Some of the platforms are not accessible. The connection between the ziplines is modified. |
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Currently limited to four-wheeled ATVs |
Requires hand function |
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None required |
Requires transferring out of a mobility device into a sled that is close to the ground |
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Cat Sit-Skiing |
Assistance required to transfer into the cab of the Snowcat. |
Must be a proficient sit- skier. |
None available |
Must be able to stand to transfer up and into the horse-drawn carriage. |
Municipal Parks and Trails
The below parks are listed in order from the south to the north of Whistler.
Park | Features | Details |
Alpha Lake Park |
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Alta Lake Park/Wayside Park |
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Alta Lake Boathouse |
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Alta Lake Art House |
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Lakeside Park |
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Rainbow Park |
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Florence Petersen Park |
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Lost Lake Park |
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Millennium Place |
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Spruce Grove Park |
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Spruce Grove Field House |
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Spruce Grove Baseball Diamonds |
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Meadow Park Sports Centre |
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Meadow Park Children's Water park |
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Meadow Park Diamonds/Tennis Court |
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Whistler Olympic Plaza |
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Municipal Facilities Available for Rent
There are a number of municipal facilities that are wheelchair accessible and available for rent:
- Myrtle Philip School
- The PassivHaus
- Spruce Grove Field House
- Whistler Olympic Plaza
- Whistler Public Library
Learn more about facilities and parks bookings.
Inclusive Playground
The 4,000 square-metre inclusive playground provides play opportunities for children of all abilities or parents with disabilities to allow side-by-side play with friends, families and caregivers.
Located on the perimeter of Whistler Olympic Plaza, the playground has become a gathering place for community and visitors alike.
See the Inclusive Playground in action in the Whistler Journey Video.