The best Whistler snowmobile tours and rentals
Whistler snowmobile tours are a fun way to experience the town over the winter season and are one of my top recommendations when it comes to what to do in Whistler in winter.
Booking a snowmobile tour in Whistler is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore its snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and old growth forest dusted with snow. More than just a sport, snowmobiling is an exhilarating adventure that combines high speeds with beautiful nature (though some snowmobile tours offer things at a slower pace too!).
Unlike snowshoeing in Whistler, you won’t get quite as out of breath while snowmobiling, and you’ll be able to cover more terrain much faster, allowing you to really explore Whistler’s backcountry
If you’ve never tried snowmobiling before, you’re in for a treat. Even if you’re complete beginners or first time riders, there are numerous snowmobiling tours in Whistler that cater to all skill levels, allowing everyone to experience the thrill.
Below you’ll find more information on the best snowmobile tours in Whistler as well as some information on where you can rent a snowmobile in Whistler if you’re an experienced rider. Then pack your valid driver license, wrap up warm, and get ready to snowmobile adventure which is one of Whistler’s best winter activities!
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Best Whistler snow mobile tours
Whistler Wilderness Run Snowmobile Tour
- Price: $271.95 per person
- Duration: 3 hours
- Tour includes: Snowmobile rental, guide. There’s an optional Yukon breakfast upgrade
- Meeting Point: Carleton Lodge, 4280 Mountain Square #17
- Where to book: Online in advance through Viator
- Advanced tour best for: Intermediate riders and adventurous beginners ready to go fast!
The Whistler Wilderness run snowmobile tour in the Callaghan Valley area of Whistler offers an unforgettable snowmobile tour.
During this tour, you’ll ride through the areas that featured in many of the events in the 2010 Winter Olympics, tide past frozen lakes and head up into the deeply snow-covered hillsides.
With your guide and the rest of your small adventure group, you’ll have plenty of chances to take a break and admire the views of the Coastal Mountain Range.
You can also upgrade your tour to be served a traditional Yukon breakfast feast of eggs and pancakes, potatoes, and bacon dripping with real Canadian maple syrup, cooked over a wood stove, and served in a rustic cabin.
People who have experienced this tour have only high praises to offer. From first-time snowmobilers describing their experience as “super fun” and “amazing,” to guests appreciating the professional guidance ensuring they felt safe throughout the adventure. The breathtaking views coupled with the thrill of snowmobiling have made this an experience highly recommended for all seeking snowmobiling adventures.
Though this tour is rated as intermediate it is suitable for adventurous beginners too due to the mix of moderate terrain.
Callaghan Cruiser Snowmobile Tour
- Price: $271.90 per person
- Duration: 3 hours
- Includes: Snowmobile rental, guide.
- Meeting Point: Carleton Lodge, 4280 Mountain Square #17
- Where to book: Online in advance through Viator
- This family tour is best for: Beginners and families
The Callaghan Cruiser tour, run by the same company, has a few subtle differences.
On this snowmobile tour in Whistler, you’ll journey out to a deserted gold mine site in the Callaghan Valley which closed in the 1980s. The majority of people who visit Whistler don’t even know it exists!
Your snowmobiling expedition starts with a helpful training session, geared towards making sure everyone is comfortable and confident on their snowmobiles. Your guides will remain with you throughout the tour to make sure you have a blast!
As you pilot your snowmobile through the majestic forest, keep an eye out for wildlife that may dart in and out of the snow-laden trees. I’ve seen a bobcat while cross-country skiing in this area, so you never know!
Soon you’ll come out of the forest and get a chance to see some of the incredible views around you.
You’ll have some time to explore the abandoned site and learn more about it before heading back onto your snowmobile for the rest of the trip.
Previous participants found the tour super fun and states that they had the chance to ride fast while also enjoying the views. One guest even said it was the highlight of their USA and Canada trip, saying that this tour, without a doubt, is a must-try experience when in Whistler!
This snowmobiling tour is best for first-timers and families as it runs at a bit of a slower pace than the above tour.
Ride Whistler snowmobile rentals
* Snowmobile rentals are only for experienced snowmobilers with backcountry knowledge and gear *
- Cost of snowmobile rental: from $495 CAD
For those seeking the thrill of piloting their own snowmobile through the picturesque Whistler landscapes, Ride Whistler based in Pemberton, BC, has you covered with their impressive fleet of rental snowmobiles.
Ride Whistler offers the new 2023 Polaris 850 PRO RMK or KHAOS RMK for rental, which are considered some of the top mountain snowmobiles on the market. Perfectly equipped for deep powder, boondocking, jumping, and any other snowy challenges you might encounter, these powerhouses ensure you get the most out of your Whistler snowmobiling experience.
Each rental comes fully equipped with a helmet if you don’t have your own and a full tank of fuel. You also have the option to add avalanche gear to your rental for an additional fee of $25. But, if you have your own avalanche safety gear you can save the money and bring it.
If you’re staying in Whistler and can’t get up to Pemberton, you can also arrange for them to drop off the snowmobiles in Whistler, Rutherford, or Hurley for $75 per sled.
In addition to offering rentals, Ride Whistler also organizes clinics to refine your snowmobiling skills and tours to explore the beautiful Whistler terrain. These can be great fun if you’re a local looking to get into snowmobiling in Whistler, or looking to do something extra special during your trip to British Columbia!
Where to snowmobile in Whistler BC
Whistler is a fantastic place to go snowmobiling, with beautiful mountains, open trails, and glaciers perfect for both beginners and experienced riders. Here are a few of the best places you won’t want to miss.
Rutherford Creek
Rutherford Creek is a must-visit spot for snowmobiling in Whistler. This well-loved location can be reached via the Rutherford Creek Trail and features a whopping 23 kilometers of smooth, well-maintained paths that extend across the Appa Glacier.
Plus, it’s packed with ice valleys, caves, and crevices that are really cool to explore!
Brandywine Valley
Brandywine Valley is another great area for snowmobiling near Whistler, especially if you’re looking to push things a bit further.
This area is known for its high cliffs and lots of trees. Plus, you’ll find alpine bowls, forests at high altitudes, and glaciers dotted along the trail, making it a thrilling ride for those who are up for the challenge.
Callaghan Valley Whistler
The Callaghan Valley is another top spot for Whistler snowmobiling. Known for its wide open spaces and fantastic snow conditions, it offers a unique blend of scenic trails and challenging terrain, perfect for a day of fun-filled adventure.
The area is rich in wildlife and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making for a truly immersive experience in nature.
Hurley Pass
Hurley Pass is an absolute favorite among local snowmobilers. Located a little further from Whistler, it offers vast areas of untouched powder, making it a dream come true for backcountry snowmobiling.
From high alpine bowls to forest trails, Hurley Pass offers a little something for every level of snowmobiler.
Remember, before heading out to any of these locations, it’s important to check the local conditions and regulations. Always prioritize safety and respect the environment you’re enjoying.
FAQs about snowmobiling in Whistler
What do you wear to snowmobiling Whistler?
Final thoughts on the best snowmobile tour Whistler offers
This guide to snowmobiling in Whistler has covered some of the best tours on offer for beginner snowmobilers and those that are more advanced or looking for a real adventure.
If you’re a beginner or traveling with kids, the Callaghan Cruiser is the best option, and if you’re looking for speed then the Whistler Wilderness Run is the tour to book.
Check out this guide for more things to do in Whistler other than skiing, or learn more about the best Whistler lakes and Whistler waterfalls to explore; you might even find some more while you’re out exploring Whistler by snowmobile!
And, if the snowy scenery has piqued your interest in Whistler in summer, be sure to come back and try these fun activities in Whistler in summer such as ATVing in Whistler!
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Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
