The Whistler/Pemberton valley is a soaring pilots dream come true. Studded with 9,000-foot peaks and a valley floor only a couple thousand feet above sea-level, it is not uncommon to have 10,000-foot altitude gains. The views from these heights are simply stunning, with glacial ice fields and granite peaks as far as the eye can see. Bald eagles and red tailed hawks abound in this area, and can often be seen just a few feet away soaring in the same thermal.

When you get high enough, Howe Sound inlet (about 60 miles/100 km away) is easily visible, and under the right conditions even Vancouver can be viewed (100 miles/160 km). You can go for a tandem flight on a paraglider or a sailplane, or ride a helicopter to the highest peaks, camp overnight and fly down in the morning. The views of this beautiful valley and the surrounding mountain peaks will simply take your breath away.

Pemberton flying site is located on Mt. McKenzie overlooking the beautiful Pemberton Valley, just north of Pemberton village and 20 minutes north of Whistler. The flying season in Pemberton is from April to October. To access the site, travel east on Highway 99 out of Pemberton and turn north just after crossing the bridge over the Lillooet River on the road to D’Arcy. Turn left (west) at the power lines. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required.

Whistler flying site on Blackcomb Mountain is accessed via the ski lifts at the world-renowned Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, located on the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99).

Nearby Regions & Towns

Clubs and Associations

  • West Coast Soaring Club