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In Whistler there is loads to do.... whether it's bars or shopping which take your fancy in the car free village. Whistler Village is actually more of a town – there are over 200 shops and 90 restaurants. Unlike most of the other resorts in North America, Whistler Village is right at the bottom of the mountain This gives the resort much more of a European feel and means there is no long daily commute to the bike park and trails.

Whistler is the perfect place to improve your mountain biking.  British Columbia is probably the best known place for mountain biking in the world!  The Village is a purpose built resort two and a half hours from Vancouver in the Coastal mountains of British Columbia. Whistler Village is right at the bottom of the mountain - something which is very unusual in Canada and means that the lifts are right in the heart of the town. The Peaks guys will often head to the bars at the bottom of the slopes for a few beers and legendary Canadian wings and ribs after a day in the bike park or out on the trails.

The Village is car free meaning it is easy to walk around the town. There are numerous shops in Whistler selling mountain bike gear (and we have arranged a special Peak Leaders discount in some stores). Some items are cheaper than the UK - just beware of limited time before you start the course and excess baggage charges on flights going home!

The surrounding mountains in Whistler are truly stunning and are home to incredible wildlife, the most famous being black bears. Enormous efforts are made to help animals and humans live side by side including bear proof bins and replanting certain foliage for the bears to feed on. Don't be nervous though as bears are used to bikers and keep out your way! Marmots are also very common in Whistler. They live in colonies high up in Alpine areas and have a distinctively loud warning whistles. This lead to people referring to the animals as 'Whistlers' and is where Whistler Mountain originally received its name.

The Kokanee Crankworx Freeride Mountain Bike Festival is on during the 7th-15th August in Whistler. It's an 8 day festival featuring mountain biking's most talented riders from each gravity led discipline. The events happen at Whistler Bike Park.  Peak Leaders have organised for you to take part as a volunteer, as part of the 2nd Whistler Mountain Bike Instructor Development Camp package, helping out at the festival - getting you up close and involved in all the action!

Photo Dom Wrapson

On days off there is loads to do – don't miss out having a barbeque then heading to Lost Lake to swim. If you fancy even more adrenaline off the hill check out Ziptrek eco-tours, bungee jumping, summer luge, etc....or you could try your hand at some more relaxing activities...try fishing, bear watching, golf, dine at 6000ft, or indulge your weary muscles with a spa or massage

The Meadow Park Sport's Center is a 5 min bus ride from the Village center. It incorporates a gym, swimming pool, fitness classes and an ice hockey rink. (It's worth going down there to check out the local's matches which happen a few times per week.) Buses run regularly and they do good prices for locals membership.

The best place for all of the current info is The Pique – Whistler’s local newspaper.

Make sure you leave enough time to visit Vancouver one of the world's most spectacular - and BC's largest – city. Vancouver was recently named the Most Liveable City in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit. You can visit downtown Vancouver easily and cheaply by bus to watch the Vancouver Canucks ice hockey matches or hop on one of the small passenger ferries. The ferries cruise through False Creek to Vancouver the Island which is famous for its year-round indoor farmer's market, boutique micro-brewery, street buskers, artisan studios and live theatre.