Side-by-Side Off-Roading Whistler: Drive Cougar Mountain

You're behind the wheel of a machine built for terrain that stops regular vehicles.

Side-by-side off-roading on Cougar Mountain near Whistler puts you in the driver's seat of a powerful 4x4 all-terrain vehicle for a guided backcountry tour over creeks, boulder climbs, and wild terrain. You choose between a 2-hour Wilderness run or a 2.5-hour Backcountry option. Both include a professional guide, D.O.T. certified helmet, goggles, and a safety demo before you start. Children must be at least 6 years old and 4 feet tall. All drivers need a valid, unrestricted driver's license and closed-toe shoes.

Options for this experience

2 options

From CA$ 311.84 per group, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

2-hour wilderness ride, 2-seater 12:00 Guide in English Duration is 2 hours: 10 minutes to get set up with gear, a 20-minute safety and demo session, and 1.5 hours of driving time. 2-seater side-by-side: book per vehicle, with a maximum of 2 guests per vehicle. A valid driver's license must be shown at check-in for the driver; learner's permits are not accepted.

2.5-hour backcountry ride, 2-seater 09:00 and 14:00 Guide in English Duration is 2 hours 30 minutes: 10 minutes to get set up with gear, a 20-minute safety and demo session, and 2 hours of driving time. 2-seater side-by-side: book per vehicle, with a maximum of 2 guests per vehicle. The driver must show a valid driver's license at check-in to drive; learner's permits are not accepted.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Side-by-side off-roading adventure

• Check in at base camp
• Meet guide and get gear
• Complete safety and demo session
• Drive over rugged terrain
• Splash through puddles
• Visit breathtaking viewpoints
• Take photos with crew
• Return to base camp

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the tour.
• D.O.T. certified full-face helmet and goggles.
• safety briefing and vehicle demo before departure.
• access to Cougar Mountain backcountry terrain including creek crossings, boulder climbs, and viewpoints.

Times

• Every day 09:00 12:00 14:00

Last departure this season: 15 Nov

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Before you book

Group Up to 2

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Book up to 12h before

Ages From age 6

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by The Adventure Group

Prices and times updated today

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The experience

What separates this from a passenger ride is that you're controlling the machine. You check in at base camp, meet your guide, get fitted with a helmet and goggles, and run through a safety briefing and demo before the tour starts. Then you're driving, not watching someone else drive. The guide leads the way, but you're the one deciding how hard you push through the creeks, how fast you take the climbs, and how you line up for the viewpoints where you stop to take photos with your crew.

The terrain is what makes this real. Boulder climbs, creek crossings, puddles, and rugged backcountry mean the machine is working the whole time, and so are you. Experienced drivers can push harder. The guide adjusts the pace to the group. You'll spot local wildlife, hit viewpoints that don't come from a parking lot, and feel the difference between a road and actual wilderness. The 2-hour Wilderness option covers the main highlights. The 2.5-hour Backcountry goes deeper into the backcountry for drivers who want more technical terrain and more time on the machine.

The operation runs in all weather: wet, muddy, dusty, or all three. Wear closed-toe shoes and dress for conditions. The guide and helmet are provided. Tour duration shifts a bit depending on group size and how efficiently everyone moves, but you're looking at a morning or early afternoon commitment. You need a valid, unrestricted driver's license (no learner's permits), and if you're bringing a passenger, they sit beside you in the same machine. One vehicle per booking if you're sharing the drive.

Top questions

Can I drive a side-by-side off-roading tour in Whistler if I've never done this before?

Yes. The safety demo and guide instruction cover everything you need, and the tour adjusts to your comfort level. All drivers must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license and be comfortable handling a powerful machine on uneven terrain, but experience off-roading is not required.

What's the difference between the 2-hour Wilderness and 2.5-hour Backcountry options?

The Wilderness option covers the main highlights and scenic stops over 2 hours. The Backcountry option runs 2.5 hours and takes you deeper into more technical terrain with additional challenging features like steeper boulder climbs and more remote viewpoints.

Can my child ride along as a passenger on the side-by-side?

Yes, children can ride as passengers if they are at least 6 years old, 4 feet tall, and fit into an XXS helmet. They sit beside the driver in the same machine.

Do I need to bring my own helmet and safety gear?

No. A D.O.T. certified full-face helmet, goggles, and all required safety gear are included. You must wear closed-toe shoes, which you provide yourself.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather conditions: wet, muddy, dusty, or any combination. Dress appropriately for the conditions. The mud and water are part of the experience.

How many people can fit in one side-by-side machine?

Each machine seats 2 people: a driver and a passenger. If you're going solo, you drive alone. If you're bringing someone, they ride as your passenger in the same vehicle.