Backroads Whistler
Based on 230 reviews
Ray Cushenan
a year ago
Prices have increased sharply in the last 5-6 years since the previous time I had done this, so it was an expensive day out for our large group.
However the experience is amazing. Beautiful views. Teamwork. Nice cool water on a hot day. Some slow rapids over shallows and sometimes the need to get out and push. You’ll get wet and you’ll love it. Make sure you do it on a warm day for most enjoyment.
Melanie Tam
7 months ago
During our babymoon to Whistler, we wanted to do some lake activities but thought kayaking would be too strenuous for me. So we found Backroads, which offers pedal boating, which was the perfect activity. At $110/hour, it's more expensive than taking a kayak or a canoe (which I believe is $99) and doesn't seem as popular (there were only 2-3 pedal boats). We got there on a Friday at around 10:30 in the morning and it seems the most popular option was the kayak. But pedal boating was perfect for us.
First, you go to the kiosk and put down a credit card. Then, you head over to a shed to pick up your life jacket, and depending on which boat you're taking, the crew will let you know the instructions and where to go. We took the boat for about an hour, which was enough time for us to go around the lake with some breaks in between. When you're done, you row back to where you launched, return your life jacket, and go close out the bill.
Overall, it was kind of pricey but it was a fun experience being out on Lake Alta.
Tip - no parking lot. There's only residential street parking, which wasn't plenty but we were still able to nab a spot at that hour. Bathrooms are actual stalled bathrooms and are pretty clean.
Elana
8 months ago
We had a fantastic guided paddle on The River of Golden Dreams in late June. Because of an anticipated change in weather, we requested an earlier date and they were able to accommodate us. (Thank you!) The staff welcomed us at Lakeside Park and our AMAZING guide, Alice, outfitted us with the equipment we needed. Once on the water, she put her expert eye on our paddling technique and, based on our curiosity, offered us on-the-spot lessons to improve. Throughout the paddle, she prepared us for any hazards and pointed out particularly interesting things (eg beaver lodges and sweeping vistas). She shared stories of her history on the water (you should ask if you meet her!) and we were inspired by how she paddled her canoe — it was like an extension of her body. Now that she introduced me to the river, I feel confident in hiring boats from Backroads Whistler and enjoying the river self-guided. Fabulous company, beautiful land and excellent guiding. Thank you!
Erik Kaas
3 years ago
Always nice to kayak the river and get picked up at the end. Water levels are low so had tendon a portage, but the scenery was worth the effort. Lots of beaver dams along the way.
gaurav gill
7 months ago
Amazing experience with expert people to guide and help you how to paddle. If you are first timer and want to go for boating I would definitely recommend this place.
Thanks