RCB GRANFONDO WHISTLER: RIDE, RECOVER & CELEBRATE IN WHISTLER

Few bike rides earn their views quite like RBC GranFondo Whistler.

The ride from Vancouver to Whistler takes cyclists along the legendary Sea to Sky Highway, trading city streets for ocean views, forested stretches and mountain climbs before finishing among the energy of Whistler Village.

It is challenging. It is scenic. And once your legs forgive you, it is a pretty spectacular way to arrive in Whistler.

RBC GranFondo Whistler has become one of British Columbia’s signature cycling experiences, bringing thousands of riders, supporters and spectators together for a celebration that stretches well beyond the finish line.

If you are planning to ride, cheer from the sidelines or simply make a Whistler getaway out of the event, here is what to know.

MORE THAN A RIDE FROM VANCOUVER TO WHISTLER

The classic Gran Fondo takes riders approximately 122 kilometres from Vancouver to Whistler, following the Sea to Sky corridor north through some of the most recognizable scenery in British Columbia.

Riders leave Vancouver behind before making their way alongside Howe Sound and into the Coast Mountains. It is the kind of route where the scenery does its best to distract you from the climbing.

A traffic-free lane, supported rest stops, mechanical assistance, enthusiastic volunteers and plenty of fellow cyclists help turn the journey into much more than a long day in the saddle.

And waiting at the other end? Whistler.

Crossing the finish line is only part of the experience, with riders arriving to a Village full of supporters, food, entertainment and well-earned celebrations.

CHOOSE THE RIDE THAT WORKS FOR YOU

You do not have to tackle the same challenge as everyone else.

RBC GranFondo Whistler offers several ride categories designed for different abilities, ambitions and definitions of “fun.”

Gran Fondo

The signature ride connects Vancouver and Whistler along approximately 122 kilometres of the Sea to Sky Highway. Expect a full day of climbing, descending and unforgettable mountain scenery before rolling into Whistler Village.

Forte

Looking for more?

The Forte adds an additional mountain challenge to the traditional Gran Fondo route, giving experienced riders extra distance and elevation before reconnecting with the main course on the way to Whistler.

This one is for cyclists who look at a mountain and think, we should probably ride up that too.

Medio

The Medio offers a more approachable way to experience GranFondo energy without riding all the way from Vancouver.

At approximately 55 kilometres, the route starts and finishes in Whistler and takes riders into the Callaghan Valley before returning to the Village. It is a great option for recreational cyclists, groups and riders looking for a shorter challenge.

Course distances, categories and route details can change, so riders should always check the official RBC GranFondo Whistler website when registering.

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE THE RIDE

Part of the GranFondo experience happens before anyone clips into their pedals.

Rider programming typically includes package pickup, the VeloSpoke cycling expo, event information and opportunities to connect with other cyclists before the main ride.

If you are travelling to participate, give yourself enough time to get organized before event day. Review your rider information, confirm your transportation plans, prepare your nutrition and make sure your bike is ready for a long day on the Sea to Sky.

This is not the morning to discover your tire has been slowly losing air all week.

CROSSING THE FINISH LINE IN WHISTLER

There is something particularly satisfying about arriving in Whistler under your own power.

Once riders cross the finish line, the focus shifts fairly quickly from cadence and climbing to food, drinks and celebrating.

The finish area in Whistler Village brings riders and supporters together for post-ride festivities, entertainment and plenty of opportunities to compare stories from the course.

And because you are already in Whistler, there is very little reason to make your finish-line celebration a short one.

STAY A LITTLE LONGER AND LET YOUR LEGS RECOVER

After spending hours riding through the Coast Mountains, Whistler makes a very good argument for staying put.

Grab something substantial to eat, find a patio, wander through the Village or give your legs exactly what they have been asking for and do absolutely nothing for a while.

Once you have recovered, there is plenty more to explore. Walk the Valley Trail, visit the Audain Art Museum, head up the mountain, book a spa treatment or simply enjoy a slow morning in the Village.

Turning GranFondo into a Whistler getaway also means you can celebrate the accomplishment without immediately thinking about the drive home.

Your quads will thank you.

COMING TO CHEER? THERE IS PLENTY TO DO

You do not need a race bib to have a good GranFondo weekend.

For friends, partners and families travelling with riders, Whistler offers an easy mix of activities while cyclists are out on the course.

Spend the day exploring shops and cafés, walk or bike the Valley Trail, enjoy one of the Village patios or find a spot to join the finish-line crowd as riders arrive.

Once everyone is reunited, you have the rest of Whistler at your doorstep for dinner, drinks and post-ride celebrations.

GETTING AROUND WHISTLER DURING GRANFONDO

With thousands of cyclists travelling along the Sea to Sky Highway and into Whistler, event day can come with traffic changes and delays.

If you are driving, plan ahead and check official traffic information before travelling. Riders returning to Vancouver should also review bike and passenger transportation options in advance, as event shuttle services can fill up.

Once you arrive in Whistler Village, things get much easier.

Whistler is made for exploring on foot or by bike, with the pedestrian Village Stroll and Valley Trail connecting restaurants, shops, attractions and neighbourhoods throughout the resort.

Park the car, put the keys away and enjoy being here.

WHERE TO STAY FOR RBC GRANFONDO WHISTLER

After riding all the way to Whistler, the last thing you want is another journey just to get back to your room.

Located in the centre of Whistler Village, Crystal Lodge gives riders, support crews and spectators an easy home base for GranFondo.

From the finish-area celebrations, you can make your way back through the Village, safely store your bike and start working on the most important stage of the day: recovery.

Hotel guests have access to complimentary bike valet, making it easy to securely store your bike without trying to negotiate it into your guest room after a very long ride.

Then there is the outdoor heated pool and hot tub, ready when your legs decide they have done quite enough for one day.

Staying at Crystal Lodge also puts Village restaurants, cafés, patios and shops just steps away, so once you are checked in, there is little reason to get back in the car.

Why Riders Stay at Crystal Lodge

• Located in the centre of Whistler Village
• Easy access to finish-area celebrations
• Complimentary bike valet for hotel guests
• Outdoor heated pool and hot tub
• Steps from restaurants, cafés, shops and patios
• Convenient access to the Valley Trail
• Comfortable rooms for a well-earned post-ride recovery
• A walkable location for riders, families and supporters

MAKE GRANFONDO A WHISTLER GETAWAY

RBC GranFondo Whistler may begin with the bike, but it does not have to end at the finish line.

Come for the challenge, stay for the celebrations and give yourself some time to enjoy the destination you worked so hard to reach.

And when you finally put your feet up, Crystal Lodge will be right here in the centre of the Village.

To plan your RBC GranFondo Whistler stay, contact our friendly Reservations Team at 1.800.667.3363 or [email protected].