Biking with Kids in Whistler

Biking With Kids in Whistler: A Family Adventure Guide –

Whistler isn’t just a playground for adults and hardcore downhillers — it’s also an incredible and welcoming place to introduce kids to the joy of biking. Biking is part of daily life for many families that call Whistler home and others that come visit. Whistler is built for family adventure, and there’s no better way to experience it than from the seat of a bike.

Whether your crew is just starting out or ready to take on some singletrack, Whistler offers the perfect ride for every age and stage.

Here’s your guide to biking with kids in Whistler—where to go, what to pack, and how we can help make it awesome.

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Why Whistler is Perfect for Family Rides

Whistler’s extensive valley trail network, beginner-friendly mountain-view trails, and bike-friendly infrastructure make it a top spot for family cycling. Add in stunning lake views, forested paths, and lots of snack stops, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a day your kids will remember (and beg to do again).

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Best Rides for Kids in Whistler

The Valley Trail (All Ages)

Spanning from one end of the municipal to the other over 46 kilometers, this paved multi-use path winds through Whistler’s neighborhoods, lakes, and parks—perfect for tots on training wheels or families with bike trailers and ride on kid seats. Pedal from lake to lake, check out the Viewing Platforms and stop for ice cream in Creekside or Whistler Village.

Kid Tip: Stop at Meadow Park for a splash pad playground break!

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Lost Lake Trails (Ages 6+)

Once your little riders are comfortable on dirt, the Lost Lake trail network is the next step. Smooth singletrack like Tin Pants or Molly Hogan lets kids build confidence in a beautiful, low-stress environment.

Pro Tip: These trails are also great for parents jogging alongside or with on bike kid ride seat on the easier loops.

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Whistler Fitzsimmons Bike Park (All Ages)

Located near Fitzsimmons Creek, between Whistler and Blackcomb village the Whistler Fitzsimmons Bike Park provides a fantastic opportunity to improve skills and gain confidence for everyone in the family. From run bikes on the shaded Pump track to sending the river bed XL dirt jump lin;, the area provides great viewing and social gathering opportunities. Add in the Whistler Skate Park (the second largest in Canada with the total skateable area of over 4,600 square metres (50,000 square feet)) in the same area and you have hours of entertainment for everyone.

Pro tip: The area is a great morning activity before getting busy for the day

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Cheakamus Crossing (Ages 7+)

Escape the village and head to the local’s secret multiuse trails in the Cheakamus Trail Network. WIth family friendly single track either side of the river with the MacLaurin’s Crossing Suspension Bridge providing the crossover point, the area caters to a range of riders, from beginners to advanced. 

A highlight for the more advance young rippers is the Far out / Flashback community-driven project. Developed and completed in 2024 by the Whistler Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA) it spans approximately 10 kilometers up to Cheakamus Lake and notably, it is designed to be suitable for adaptive mountain biking.

For run bike fun, the Whistler’s BMX track located in Bayly Park in the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood offers endless rollers and nearby Cheekys cafe offer a coffee stop for parents.

Pro tip: Explore the Train Wreck; derailed train cars covered with graffiti.

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Whistler Bike Park – Family Friendly Zones (Ages 5+, with experience)

Yes, even the legendary Bike Park has a space for young shredders! The Fitzsimmons Zone features beginner trails like EZ Does It, with wide berms and gentle grades. The Skills Development Zones are designed for riders to practice and hone their skills in a controlled environment. They offer features like small jumps, berms, and technical sections, catering to various proficiency levels.

Pro tip: Lessons or a family guide can help your kids level up safely and have a blast doing it.

Need Gear? We rent kids’ bikes and protective gear—just drop by the shop!

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Tips for Biking With Kids

• Keep it fun. Make frequent stops to explore, snack, or skip rocks by the lake.
  
• Pack the essentials. Water, sunscreen, band-aids, and some gummy bears go a long way.
  
• Gear up properly. Helmets are a must. We also recommend gloves and padded shorts for longer rides.
  
• Rent or upgrade locally. Growing kids = fast-changing gear needs. We’ve got a full fleet of kids’ bikes and trailers ready to roll.
  

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See You on the Trails!

We love seeing families ride together. Whether you’re here for a weekend or the whole summer, Arbutus Routes is here to help you make the most of your ride—with kids in tow.

Swing by the shop in Whistler Village, give us a call, or book online—let’s get your family out riding!

Happy pedaling!