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For motorized boating in the Whistler valley, you can boat in either Green Lake or Alta Lake. If you are using motorized boats in Alta Lake, the bylaw states the boats must be under ten horsepower. Many people use motorized docks to float around the lake. Others use trolling motors on dinghies for fishing. Larger motorized boats are allowed on Green Lake. There is a boat launch at the north end of the lake. Many people use Green Lake for recreation, doing activities such as wake surfing, wakeboarding,  water skiing, and tubing. There is a no wake zone that you must pass through to access the south end of the lake, where more open water is available to put the bigger motors to use.

Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddle boards are legal to use on all lakes in Whistler. Time spent paddling around under your own power is a great workout and can get you places quickly. Alta Lake is the most popular lake for non-motorized boats. You can rent non-motorized boats out of Lakeside Park from Backroads Whistler. Their range of canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and paddleboards are almost always available for a river trip or hourly rentals on the lake. 

The canoe and kayaking in Whistler are super fun and pretty mellow. You can take canoes and kayaks down the River of Golden Dreams. The fun float down the river takes you from Alta Lake to Green Lake. The journey takes you through the wildflower-lined wetland. There is plenty of wildlife to see and one mandatory portage. You can rent kayaks or take guided tours to help you paddle down the river. If you rent from Backroads Whistler, a shuttle back to Lakeside Park or Whistler Village is included in your river trip. 

For whitewater excursions, multiple outfitters offer white water rafting in Whistler. Wedge Rafting takes you down the class two and three rapids of Green River. The tours start from Green Lake in Emerald and take you down Green River towards Pemberton. The river tour takes 2 hours round trip, giving the visitors the exciting thrill of paddling through white water rapids and down the exciting drops and weaves of Green River. In addition to guided tours, you can venture on your own to the many rivers if you have your own white water kayaking gear. Learn more in our Whistler kayaking article.