Why Whistler isn't just for mountain bikers - how to have a gravel or road adventure in Whistler

In the summer, Whistler is the perfect place for your next cycling trip, with great road riding and gravel bike-friendly singletrack. There are wide, open tarmac and gravel roads into the mountains with spectacular vistas and singletrack trails though the forests that are gravel bike-friendly.

So although it’s British Columbia’s premiere ski resort and has the world's number one rated mountain bike park, there's still plenty to attract the road and gravel bike rider.

You do not need a car when visiting Whistler. It’s very easy to explore on two wheels with an endless network of paved and gravel trails connecting Whistler's neighbourhoods, parks and lakes.

With an attractive Canadian Dollar exchange rate too, here’s why you should make Whistler your road or gravel cycling destination in 2025.

Gravel roads and woodland singletrack

Whistler’s green graded trails offer flowy singletrack riding through the woods that’s great for gravel bikers.

The Lost Lake trail network is a popular choice, with a swim in the gorgeous mountain lake once you arrive. The trails are easy to reach from Whistler Village, while there are wide gravel paths and numerous options to explore off onto singletrack.

Around 8km south of the heart of Whistler, the Cheakamus area offers both gravel roads and trails to explore. Many of the routes head up the Cheakamus River, so there’s more gentle grading and a cool breeze from the water on hot days.

If you are looking for something longer, the Sea to Sky Trail offers 180km of off-road riding from Squamish through Whistler and on to D’Arcy. Take in the whole route or part of it to view landmarks including the Brandywine Falls and Green Lake.

And quiet roads into the mountains

If you’re more into road cycling, Whistler offers some great rides along mountain valleys and climbs into the mountains. Many of the more major roads have been upgraded, with a wide shoulder and quieter side roads offer some challenging ascents.

Probably the most popular ride in Whistler, the route up the Callaghan Valley takes cyclists to the Whistler Olympic Park, site of the Nordic events for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Another option is the gentle downhill run from Whistler to Pemberton. It’s only 32km, but there’s a total of 645m of climbing on the way back to Whistler.

Once in Pemberton, you can tack on a 50km loop heading to Pemberton Meadows, with 129m of altitude gain and great valley views of the mountains. At the end of the quiet tarmacked road, it turns to well-graded gravel if you fancy going further.

Other recommended road rides include the 51km out-and-back ride to Squamish and the Tour De Whistler, a 52km ride exploring around the town with 1,300m of elevation gain.

The star attraction for road cyclists is the 122km RBC Gran Fondo, which takes place on 6th September this year. Starting in Vancouver’s beautiful Stanley Park, it heads on closed roads up to Whistler and is the largest Gran Fondo event in North America. There’s a 55km option if you want something shorter and a 152km Forte route should you want to go long.

Superb bike-friendly accommodation in Whistler

Many of Whistler’s hotels and lodges provide bike-friendly features, including secure, monitored storage, bike wash and tuning stations and laundry. You can choose between full hotel service and self-catering, with features including pools, hot tubs, wood burning stoves and barbecue areas.

There’s a friendly community of cyclists in Whistler from spring through to autumn, ready to share your adventures – and a post-ride beer or two.

As an all-year resort, Whistler offers a huge array of off-bike activities too. From hiking through breathtaking alpine trails to paddling across one of five stunning lakes, teeing off at a championship golf course, and indulging in world-class dining in the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly village—Whistler is your all-in-one summer escape.

Whistler offers a fantastic summer experience for the road or gravel cyclist and, with a great exchange rate to the Canadian Dollar, your money will go further in Whistler. Bring your own bike or rent from one of Whistler Village’s many bike shops.

Currently, Whistler is offering a promo for guests. Stay for 5+ nights and receive a $250 Activity Voucher. Visit whistler.com/bike to start planning your trip.