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Canoeing and Kayaking
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Whistler may be best
known as a ski resort, but its holiday origins are tied
to the string of jewel-like lakes scattered through the
valley. The first visitors to the area came up by train
to fly-fish, swim and canoe at a string of lodges, the
most famous of which was Alex and Myrtle Philip's Rainbow
Lodge on the shores of Alta Lake. When you enjoy the
waterways of Whistler you are sharing some of the same
pleasures as its earliest pioneers. Would you like to try a sport that can take you to some of the world's most magical places? Are you willing to challenge yourself at a personal level that will take you beyond your wildest imagination? Well then, welcome to the sport of kayaking. Whistler has no shortage of water to choose from. Flat water courses are on Alta Lake at Wayside Park. With 9 rivers in the area, instructor's are able to gear each adventure to meet the specific needs and abilities of your group. Introductory courses are offered 7 days a week; a 1-day intro, a 2 or 3-day introduction to kayaking, and a 6-day course and everybody learns to roll. We include kayak equipment, a gourmet lunch and transportation during the courses. Thing you must have are good swimming skills, a swimsuit or shorts, a towel and warm clothing for afterwards. One of the most delightful experiences at Whistler is paddling your own canoe or kayak down the River of Golden Dreams. A popular canoe/kayak tour starts at Lakeside Park, crosses Alta Lake and heads down the River of Golden Dreams. It takes a couple of sharp bends, then meanders through the wetlands of Meadow Park before flowing into Green Lake. On the way you may encounter beavers, a black bear or two, ducks and geese.
Whitewater Tours Wildwood
Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain [ Home | Accommodations | Rates | Facilities | Reservations | Driving Directions | FAQ | Contact Us ]
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The word kayak comes from the Eskimo word
quaja and refers to the canoes developed by aboriginal
peoples who settled Greenland, the Arctic, the shores
of Hudson Bay coasts, Alaska and the northeast tip of
Asia. Traditional kayaks were constructed from frameworks
of driftwood and/or animal bones bound together with gut
that was covered with sealskin. Throughout the 1950's -
70's when recreational kayaking became popular, river
kayaks were made from fiberglass. Only in the past 15
years or so have they been made from plastic, evolving
into small sleek kayaks we see at Whistler. They are
designed for spinning, surfing and playing with the
changing features of a river. With the new advanced
technology, river kayaks can carry you into rapids where
angels fear to tread. But first things first, learn to
handle the double-bladed paddle, to brace, turn and
do the "Eskimo" roll on the lovely calm surface
of Alta Lake. Soon you'll be able to make a kayak dance
on water and read the flow of a river like a book.