Paddling the River of Golden Dreams

Whistler is better known for the winter activities, but in summer months, with the famous mountains towering above you, the weather is so warm. Nothing beats cooling off on top of or in the water. This paddle is a picturesque, great way to experience something different in the ski capital.

The paddle is dead easy. Even if it is your first time in a canoe, you should be able to do this. Just don’t try to stand up in the canoe, as you’ll probably tip it. In the spring the water runs a little faster, and in the summer the only obstacles are people floating down river in floaty toys trying to escape the heat of the day.

When we went, we paddled a canoe from Alta Lake, the largest in Whistler, through the River of Golden Dreams ending in the spectacular green glacier-fed lake aptly named Green Lake.

If you go earlier in the morning or very late in the evening you might be able to see beavers along the river banks working away, but not during the day. Otters and birds are able to be spotted during the day however.

Once you're done, there are tons of places to quick back and grab a bite or a few beers. Whistler has more pubs than anything. My favorite is the saki margarita at Sushi Village in the center of Whistler, but it’s hard to beat the views at the Edgewater Lodge on Green Lake where you finish your canoe paddle.