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Perry Mack
Whistler ATV 'Top of the World'
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Whistler ATV Tour
Whistler ATV Tour
We set out on the ‘Top of the World Tour’, which climbed high up into the alpine to over 5000’, initially on forest service roads. They were very easy to navigate and we actually passed one or two cars and a four wheel drive vehicle. Then the road became a trail, just wide enough for two ATV’s side by side, although we always rode single file.
We crossed streams, bridges and cattle guards and the air became cooler as we climbed higher. We rode aggressively – for fun – and experienced dusty trails and wet stream crossings. We were in it for the adventure.
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Story & Photos by Perry Mack
I was eye to eye with an extinct volcano, easily making this one of the most memorable excursions I’ve ever taken. Combining incredible views with excitement suited to your experience level and desire, the tour begins with an orientation of the ATV’s, followed by a short course in the parking lot to determine your skill level. This ensures that you’ll be comfortable on the ride and able to enjoy the great outdoors and awe-inspiring scenery to the fullest.
I was in Whistler for a meeting of the Recreational Vehicle Dealer Association of BC (RVDABC). Brian Yeates, from The Hitch Company, and I were both very comfortable navigating the short course and on this particular day it was just the two of us. Whistler ATV limits the size of the groups so everyone has the best experience possible – but this turned out to be an exceptionally small group.
We set out on the ‘Top of the World Tour’, which climbed high up into the alpine to over 5000’, initially on forest service roads. They were very easy to navigate and we actually passed one or two cars and a four wheel drive vehicle. Then the road became a trail, just wide enough for two ATV’s side by side, although we always rode single file.
We crossed streams, bridges and cattle guards and the air became cooler as we climbed higher. We rode aggressively – for fun – and experienced dusty trails and wet stream crossings. We were in it for the adventure.
Colin Richardson, our guide, stopped a number of times to see how we were enjoying the trip and to let us take a moment to absorb the fresh forest-scented air and points of interest like the hidden caches of snow lingering in the shadows of a hot August day.
The views from the top didn’t disappoint and were easily worth the price of admission. A helicopter tour wouldn’t provide you with any better views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains or Black Tusk (the extinct volcano) nor the glacially carved valley below.
We were ahead of schedule and had time to enjoy another trail tour – the Bushwacker Tour. Traveling back down the mountain we entered the coastal forest via single-track trails. It felt like we were entering a primordial rain forest, occasionally ducking under branches beneath the lush dark canopy of the surrounding trees.
Our three-hour tour was finished all too soon and we arrived back in the staging area to reluctantly park our ATV’s.
Whether you’re looking for a great family excursion on the Easy Rider Tour for beginners, or an outdoor adventure with the boys on the Top of the World Tour, this is one activity that is sure to please everyone.
If you or people in your group would like to enjoy the views and the outdoors without the adventure of ATVing – Whistler ATV also offers luxury Hummer Tours that will take you deep into the wilderness in a more ‘civilized’ manner.
For more information visit www.whistleratv.com or call (604) 932-6681.
Where to Stay
Whistler RV Park and Campground
55 Hwy 99 . Whistler, BC
(888) 222-2154 x 11
www.whistlerrvpark.com
Squamish Valley Campground & RV Site
12975 Squamish Valley Road . Squamish BC
(604) 989-9310
www.campsquamish.com