Celebrate the Olympics in Whistler: Viewing Parties, Thrilling Rides, and Iconic Legacy Sites
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, delayed to 2021, officially began on July 23. Whistler is buzzing with excitement as Canada fields its largest Summer Olympics team since 1984—371 athletes, including 40 medalists and 95 from British Columbia.
With our history as host of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Whistler offers unique ways to connect with Olympic spirit this summer.
Watch the Olympics at Whistler Olympic Plaza
Gather on the vibrant green lawns of Whistler Olympic Plaza to catch the Tokyo 2020 action—339 events across 33 sports from July 23 to August 8, 2021. Canadian stars like sprinter Andre De Grasse, swimmer Penny Oleksiak, wrestler Erica Wiebe, trampolinist Rosie MacLennan, golfer Brooke Henderson, and soccer icon Christine Sinclair lead the charge.
This plaza hosted 2010 medal ceremonies for Whistler events and remains a hub for summer concerts, festivals, and winter ice activities. The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) sets up large screens with highlights and replays starting July 23. Pick up takeout from nearby eateries and settle in.
Experience Summer Bobsleigh on the World's Fastest Track
At the Whistler Sliding Centre, trade ice for wheels with Rolling Thunder—a guided summer bobsleigh ride reaching speeds of 90 km/h on the Olympic track. Learn more in our guide, Rolling Thunder: Whistler’s Summer Bobsleigh Experience. Book ahead via Whistler.com (available until September 5, 2021); physical requirements apply.
Even without riding, visit daily from 9 AM to 4 PM for free self-guided tours and track maps at Guest Services.
Insider Tip: Youth (12-18) ride free with a paying adult—perfect for families.Follow Olympians' Footsteps on Guided Tours
Discover Whistler's Olympic legacy with expert-guided sightseeing. Whistler Valley Tours offers a comprehensive minivan journey: Green Lake's ghost town, hidden mountain and lake views, Function Junction breweries, Whistler Sliding Centre, Creekside Olympic Rings (visible from Dave Murray Downhill), and Whistler Athletes Centre.
Or try the Whistler Olympic Park Combo Sightseeing Tour by Whistler Photo Safaris, blending Olympic sites with bear viewing in exclusive areas. Fun fact: This park was the first Olympic Nordic venue combining cross-country, ski jumping, and biathlon stadiums.
Explore Olympic History at Whistler Museum
Delve into Whistler's Olympic journey at the museum behind the library—spoiler: it took persistence to win the 2010 bid!
Read local Olympians' reflections from 2010 in 2010 Recollections: Local Olympians Remember the Winter Games. Today, athletes train at the Whistler Athletes Centre for Beijing 2022.
Toast Like an Olympian with Local Brews
Skeleton gold medalist Jon Montgomery's legendary beer chug lives on. Sample Whistler Brewing Co. and Coast Mountain Brewing—found in Function Junction (10 minutes from Village) but poured village-wide. Watch games at Tapley's Neighbourhood Pub, Cinnamon Bear Bar & Grille (Hilton), Braidwood Tavern (Four Seasons), or Roland's Pub (Creekside).
Insider Tip: Visit in October for Craft Beer Month!This summer, stay longer and save more—room rates drop with extra nights (7 nights from $109 CAD/night). Includes a free adventure voucher worth up to $100 off activities.
