Where is Backroads Whistler located?
Backroads is located in beautiul Lakeside Park, just minutes south of Whistler Village.

Do you offer group discounts?
Yes, Backroads offers group discounts. If you are prepared to gather a group of friends together for some fun, we are prepared to provide you with the benefits of your patronage.

Do you offer discounts for kids or seniors?
Yes, we believe getting kids out on activities such as the ones we offer is important and actively welcome seniors coming on our tours. We offer the following discounts to these groups:

a) Seniors ( 65 yrs.+) 10% off.
b) Children (under 12) 50% off.

What is included in a tour?
All equipment and a free shuttle (if required) are included in a tour package. This includes equipment such as life jackets, helmets, rain gear, an orientation and a personalized trip itinerary. Backroads Whistler has by far the best fleet in the valley

How long does it take to get to the trail head?

Where appropriate, the Backroads Whistler complimentary shuttle service is offered. The following times are a general guideline based on driving time:
- 4 minutes to the water front
- 0 to 25 minutes to bike trails. Most trails are accessible directly from the Backroads location.
- 0 to 45 minutes to the hiking trails. Most trails are within 10 minutes.

Do you offer custom or special tours?
Backroads has provided customized experiences and memories ever since we started in 1985. We have refined our list of activities to what most of our customers do most of the time. With notice we are happy to adjust itineraries and plan adventurous unique tours with you.

Why should I hire a guide?
Many people ask us this question, especially given that nature is out there and ready to be explored if you have the equipment. The best thing about guides is that they know all the secret spots in the Whistler mountains, rivers and forests - like finding that hidden waterfall or quiet secluded lunch spot with great views. If you just want to relax and enjoy your tour they can explain what you're seeing. If you want to challenge your skills and fly down a bike trail or improve your paddling they can turn from guide to instructor and tune up your skills. Our guides are first aid certified, certified in their sports and carry industrial quality VHF portable radios should we require assistance.

Do your trips operate in wet weather?
Certainly! Mountain weather can bring squalls followed by radiant sunshine. Canoe / kayaking down the river in the rain is a very fun experience and the mountain bikers love to splash and get muddy. Remember the song "Rain drops keep falling on my head..." ? You'll think you're crazy but once you're out in the rain you will be loving life.

We are prepared for all kinds of weather. Backroads provides, free of charge, the waterproof jackets necessary to keep you dry and warm clothing to keep you toasty.

What if I can't swim?
All our guests are provided with life jackets that are approved by the Canadian Department of Transportation. In the unlikely event that you should fall in the water our jackets will bring you to the surface. Our guides are trained in boat handling and safety as well as some that are trained life guards and instructors in these types of sports.

What if I haven't been in a canoe or kayak before?
Hiring one of our guides will get you straight in the canoe or kayak and quickly up the learning curve. Backroads offers tours for all abilities.

What if I'm not a very good (mountain) biker?
If you can pedal a bicycle then you are able to participate in a mountain bike tour or rental. There are plenty of smooth trails in the valley which enable you to enjoy Whistler. Our guides will put the "I love to mountain bike" look on your face.

What should I bring to go canoeing or kayaking?
Depending on the weather and activity we recommend 1) short sleeve t-shirts 2) short pants 3) comfortable shoes 4)suntan lotion 5) sunglasses 6) a hat and 7) a camera. As mountain weather changes quickly a warm sweater or wind shell and shell pants are a good idea. Food is not included in the tours unless prearranged so consider bringing a light snack and some water.

Learn more about our Canoeing and Kayaking Tours.

What should I bring to go hiking?
Sturdy walking shoes are best; sneakers or something with a bit of tread on the sole is recommended. Wear a t-shirt and shorts and bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Depending on weather bring a day pack with windbreaker pants and rain jacket if possible. Insect repellent is also recommended. For alpine hikes, be prepared and bring warm clothes and a hat.

Learn more about our Hiking and Walking Tours.

What should I bring to go leisurely mountain biking?
If you have your own shoes and pedals bring them and we will fit them to one of our bikes. Many of our guests also bring their gloves and bike helmet, however Backroads does supply helmets. We recommend you wear a T-shirt, shorts, running shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a windbreaker. For x-country mountain bike information please read FAQ # 15.

Learn more about our Mountain Biking Tours or Mountain Bike Equipment Rentals.

What should I bring to go x-country mountain biking?
In addition to the items listed above, in FAQ # 14, please bring any body armor that you normally use. Backroads can supply body armor in the event that you do not have any.

Learn more about our X-Country Mountain Biking Tours.

Are your walks too easy / your hikes too hard?
We customize and cater to your ability so you don't have to worry about a thing. We get a feel for your abilities when we meet and talk with you. We encourage you to inform us of your tour difficulty / ease expectations.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included in the tours. However, lunch can be arranged for pre-booked guests or we can suggest great places in to eat in Whistler.

How do I get to Whistler?

By Plane, from Vancouver: Contact Whistler Air ( 604-932-6615) and fly in style in a float plane and be here in 30 minutes.

By Rental Car, from Vancouver: Drive on Highway 99 North to Squamish/Whistler. Pass through Squamish and head on up to Whistler. Distance 142kms. Duration: 1hr 40mins. Try Hertz or Thrifty car rental services.

By Bus / Taxi / Limousine: There are a variety of bus lines and limousine services which operate from the city and the airport, which can drop you off at the bus loop in the center of Whistler Village. Sometimes a limousine is cheaper than a bus if you are traveling in groups of 5 or greater.

Blackcomb Taxi and Limousine
Phone: (604) 932-3399

Sea to Sky Taxi
Phone: (604) 932-3333 or 932-TAXI

Whistler Taxi and Limousine
Phone: (604) 938-3333

Perimeter's Whistler Express Bus
Perimeter's Whistler Express operates between the Vancouver International Airport and Whistler Resort. Rates and bus schedules vary depending on the season.

Do I have to paddle back up the river ?
No you do not, when you get to the end of the River of Golden Dreams, we have a shuttle bus to take you back to Lakeside park.

Learn more about our River of Golden Dreams Tours .