On Outside’s new show “Along for the Ride,” comedian Brooks Wheelan learns that one bucket list is not enough for British Columbia’s alpine paradise
Published October 5, 2026 10:17AM
If you close your eyes and use your imagination to design the perfect alpine getaway—a nonstop montage of gorgeous views, downhill thrills of several flavors, a mountain town with charm and comfort—this too-good-to-be-true place would be Whistler, British Columbia. The dream is the reality here. Everywhere you look, there’s a new way to experience the alpine glory, with adventures for every speed, in every season.
That makes it the perfect setting for an episode of Along for the Ride, Outside’s new travel show that takes comedian Brooks Wheelan on a surprise itinerary every day. Luckily for Brooks (and you), there’s no wrong turn in Whistler. Whether you’re chasing thrills down the slopes, scaling summits, or exploring town, every direction leads to another unforgettable experience.
Pair World-Class Mountain Biking with World-Class Lodging
When you’re staying at the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Hotel, it’s easy to find inspiration for the day’s adventure. Voted Canada’s Best Ski Hotel a whopping 13 years in a row, this premium hotel is just as good anytime of year. Or, as Brooks says, “In the summer, it still rips.”
The best ripping happens just steps away at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, widely considered to be the best mountain bike park in the world. Four distinct mountain zones and more than 50 miles of riding on 70 different technical and freeride trails offer up plenty to love for riders of every level.
Even Brooks, a total newbie, was (arguably) at the level of a Whistler 10-year-old after just one day. And that’s saying something. If you’re also starting out, the Bike School will have you ripping around in no time. There are also progressive skills centers tailored to every ability, so intermediate riders can level up on iconic trails like A-Line and Dirt Merchant.
Climb High, 3 Ways
Want to see the views? Whistler adventurers can experience the heights by helicopter, via ferrata, and gondola.
If you’re searching for adventure off the beaten path, the Hidden Peak mountain bike trail is—fittingly—a bit harder to find. This nearly 5,000-foot descent is accessible only with the help of Coast Range Helicopters. Featuring everything from flowy singletrack to technical alpine terrain, it makes for an unforgettable all-day adventure with some of the most jaw-dropping views in the region.
Or earn your views by climbing Whistler Peak on a Via Ferrata Tour, which makes technical terrain accessible to anyone (at least 12 years old). Via Ferrata, or “Iron Way,” was invented by “some Italian dudes 100 years ago,” according to part-time historian Brooks. In the modern era, it makes for a unique and surprisingly accessible alpine adventure. No climbing experience needed: Guides help you scale cliffs and mountains using a pathway of fixed cables and metal rung ladders.
Prefer a more easygoing summit adventure? The Peak 2 Peak Gondola—the highest lift of its kind in the world—connects Whistler and Blackcomb peaks for a one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience. Once you’re up in the alpine, you can also experience the Cloudraker Skybridge, a suspension bridge atop Whistler Mountain, or explore the extensive network of hiking trails.
What goes up must come down, and when the day of adventure is over, you need a place to crash. If rest—and only rest—is on your mind, steer yourself toward the Pangea Pod Hotel. Rather than a conventional room, travelers here get a personal sleeping pod for a fraction of what a typical hotel costs. It’s a great choice for anyone who spends more time outside than inside and prefers meeting other travelers over holing up in a room. The hotel has great hangout spaces as well, like a rooftop patio, and dedicated gear and bike storage in a space called, naturally, the Toy Box.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping Before Hitting a Relaxing Reset
Steer yourself to Whistler Olympic Park for the best kind of historical reenactment. At the Whistler Sliding Centre, you can ride the same bobsled track used at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, still the fastest and steepest in the world. In summer, you can expect to reach speeds of up to 55 mph—a tad slower than winter ice but still fast enough to cause sparks in the front of the wheeled sled.
When your heart stops pounding, the spa at the Nita Lake Lodge will be waiting as the perfect way to slow down. Whistler’s only lakeside resort and spa is an ideal place to unwind after any adventure, with scenic rooms, world-class dining, and a slate of award-winning wellness offerings.
No matter what you do and where you stay, plenty of excitement is waiting for you in Whistler. Just remember: The best itineraries here are only guidelines, and the best trips are the ones that take you in new directions. As Brooks says after his Whistler adventure: “That’s a good trip—seeing stuff, pivoting, making the moves, and having fun.”
Plan Your Visit to Whistler
Whistler is Canada’s premier year-round mountain destination, where thrill runs deep. Just 90 minutes north of Vancouver, it offers a summer mix of alpine adventure, lakeside downtime, and vibrant village life—shaped by a mountain culture that continues to inspire travellers seeking something deeper.
