Whistler Zipline Experience: Ziptrek Bear Tour

About This Experience

The Bear Tour is Ziptrek's gentler zipline course in Whistler, aimed at families, groups and first-timers. You meet your guides and gear up, then a short shuttle takes you to a 33-acre site in the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. On the way up you pass close to the track built for bobsled and luge at the 2010 Winter Olympics, which is worth a look even if you have no plans to slide down it.

Before the first line you cross a suspension bridge to meet Big Doug, the oldest Douglas fir on the site. The course then runs four ziplines, from 400 to 1,100 feet long, zigzagging between the Blackcomb and Whistler sides of the valley over Fitzsimmons Creek. The forest here is old-growth coastal temperate rainforest, and the guides talk about its ecology and about the Whistler community as you go. Braver riders can try a run upside down.

Children can join from age 6. Riders need to weigh between 65 and 275 lb (29 to 125 kg), and children under 65 lb can zip in tandem with a guide, so tell the operator at booking if that applies. Anyone under 15 must zip with a guardian, and every rider aged 18 or under needs a guardian's signature on the waiver. The tour involves stairs and trail walking.

The whole tour takes about 2 hours 30 minutes, including the shuttle both ways. It runs in all weather, so dress for the day and wear closed-toe shoes, which are required. A GoPro camera rental comes with the tour, and you can buy the footage afterward if you want it. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

Highlights

• Four ziplines from 400 to 1,100 feet, zigzagging between Blackcomb and Whistler over Fitzsimmons Creek
• Old-growth coastal temperate rainforest on a 33-acre site in the valley
• A suspension bridge walk to Big Doug, the oldest Douglas fir on the site
• Up-close views of the 2010 Olympic bobsled and luge track on the way to the course
• Guides who explain the local ecology and the Whistler community
• The option to zip upside down

What's Included

• ✓ Professional tour guides
• ✓ Helmet and harness
• ✓ Round-trip shuttle between the meeting point and the zipline course
• ✓ GoPro video camera rental
• ✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Not Included

• GoPro footage (available to buy after the tour)
• Transport between Vancouver and Whistler

What to Bring

• Closed-toe shoes (required; open-toed shoes are not allowed)
• Clothing for the day's weather, since the tour runs rain or shine
• A parent or guardian to sign the waiver for any rider aged 18 or under

Good to Know & Caveats

• The tour operates in all weather conditions.
• Closed-toe footwear is required.
• Riders must weigh between 65 lb (29 kg) and 275 lb (125 kg).
• Children under 65 lb can zip in tandem with a guide; tell the operator at booking.
• Minimum age is 6, and riders must be at least 15 to zip without a guardian.
• All minors (18 and under) need a guardian's signature on their waiver.
• The tour includes stair climbing and trail walking.

Meeting Point

You meet your guides in Whistler to gear up, then take the included shuttle to the course and back; the exact check-in spot is on your booking confirmation. Hotel pickup is not listed.