Whistler Snowmobile Tour: Backcountry Wilderness Ride

Ride thickly forested trails and frozen lakes in Whistler's rugged backcountry

The Whistler Wilderness Run is a guided snowmobile tour through intermediate backcountry terrain in British Columbia, where you ride forested trails and explore frozen lakes with a professional guide, helmet, gloves and goggles included. The 3-hour experience (round trip) covers transportation, gear, training and ride time. Riders must be at least 10 years old as a passenger or 19+ with a valid driver's license to operate a snowmobile. Drivers under 25 must present their license at check-in. A Release of Liability form is mandatory for all participants, and parents or guardians must sign for anyone under 19.

The experience

The tour starts with a shuttle to the staging area, where you'll get fitted with a helmet, gloves and goggles before a guide walks you through the snowmobile controls and safety basics. Once you're ready, you head out into the backcountry: thickly forested trails wind through the BC wilderness, and when conditions allow, you'll cross frozen lakes. The guide leads the way and sets the pace, so you're riding terrain that matches an intermediate skill level without having to scout the route yourself.

The 3-hour round trip includes the training time and the return shuttle back to the start, so the whole experience is contained in that window. You'll need to bring warm, layered clothing (a winter jacket, snow pants, ski goggles, winter gloves and winter boots), though the operator has limited outerwear available if you're missing pieces. The maximum combined weight for a snowmobile is 375 lbs, and if you're riding with someone else, a separate booking is required. Just note their name in the special requirements box so the operator can group you together.

A professional guide who speaks conversational English leads the tour, and there's one adult guide per group of up to seven snowmobiles. You'll need to sign a Release of Liability and Waiver Form before you ride. If you're under 19, a parent or guardian must sign on your behalf. The operator runs in all weather, so dress for the conditions. If you're driving, you must be 19 or older with a valid driver's license equivalent to a BC Class 5 or Class 6, and anyone under the legal driving limit for intoxication in British Columbia is not permitted to participate as a driver or passenger.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the group.
• helmet, gloves and goggles.
• round-trip transportation to and from the staging area.
• safety training before the ride.
• 3 hours of ride time through forested trails and frozen lakes.
• GST tax.

Options for this experience

2 options

Single RiderUp to 1 people · Guide in English · Available from 4 Jan 2027Individuals operating their own snowmobile must be 19 or older and hold a full, unrestricted license (the equivalent of a BC Class 5 license).

Double RiderUp to 2 people · Guide in English · Available from 4 Jan 2027Two adults riding one snowmobile together

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 4 Jan 2027

Book up to14h before

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Paid on siteCA$ 35

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Canadian Wilderness Adventures

Is this one for you?Book the Single Rider option if you want to control the snowmobile yourself and navigate the backcountry at your own pace within the guide's route. Choose Double Rider if you'd rather ride as a passenger or share the machine with a companion. Intermediate riders or anyone with ATV or motorcycle experience will find the terrain and speed appropriate. If you're new to snowmobiles, the pre-ride training covers the basics, but expect to be comfortable handling a machine in winter conditions.

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Top questions

Can I ride as a passenger if I don't have a driver's license?

Yes, passengers can be as young as 10 years old and at least 48 inches tall. You don't need a license to ride as a passenger, but you must sign a Release of Liability form, and if you're under 19, a parent or guardian must sign it for you.

What's included in the 3-hour tour time?

The 3 hours round trip covers transportation to and from the staging area, gear fitting (helmet, gloves, goggles), safety training on the snowmobile, and the actual ride time through the backcountry trails and frozen lakes.

Do I need my own winter clothing, or is it provided?

You should bring your own warm, layered clothing: winter jacket, snow pants, ski goggles, winter gloves and winter boots. The operator has limited outerwear available to borrow if you're missing any pieces, but bringing your own gear is strongly encouraged.

What's the difference between a Single Rider and Double Rider booking?

A Single Rider booking is for one person on a snowmobile. A Double Rider booking is for two people sharing one snowmobile. If you're traveling with someone on a separate booking, note their name in the special requirements box so you can be grouped together.

What experience level do I need for this tour?

The Wilderness Run is suited to intermediate riders or anyone with experience on similar machines like ATVs or motorcycles. The guide provides training before you ride, but you should be comfortable with that level of terrain and machine control.

Is there a weight limit for the snowmobile?

Yes, the maximum combined weight for a snowmobile on the Wilderness Run tour is 375 lbs (170 kg). This applies to the total of all riders and gear on a single machine.