Looking for places to go and things to do when team building in BC? This list of venues and activities can get you started.
British Columbia is home to some of Canada’s best meeting and recreation areas. From the vibrant city of Vancouver, the charm of Victoria, and the epic scenery of Whistler you can find the right meeting location for any group or event.
In Vancouver you have the international feel of a large city with endless options for meetings, food, culture, arts and entertainment.
Victoria has such charm. You can access culture and museums, great meeting locations and not far from the city amazing outdoor recreation options.
Whistler is world famous as one of the largest ski resorts in the world. On top of this you have multiple options for group meetings and events at some of the best hotels and resorts available. Whistler is known for the epic skiing, but there are so many other things to do in the area.
This area is truly a four-season destination with all you need for a great family holiday, a recreational adventure or a great team meeting or conference.
Summit Team Building is Canada’s Premier Team Building company and delivers programs throughout Canada and internationally. We have been delivering programs in these areas for over 30 years so who better to give you a tour of the area. Below is some information based on our years of experience.
Top 3 Venues in Whistler
If you want to impress your meeting participants and really make them feel special, take them to Whistler. Most people think about Whistler for the winter and the skiing, but Whistler can offer a great experience any time of the year. There are many great meeting and conference venues in Whistler, below are our top 3 favourites.
Fairmont Whistler – Located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain this stunning and luxurious venue offers all you could need for an amazing retreat, meeting, event or conference. They can host large groups and small and have many great food options for your group. Being right at the base of the mountain offers easy access to the ski hill in the winter and hiking trails, activities and shops in the summer.
The Westin Whistler – Located in the Whistler side of the village the Westin can provide you with a great meeting and event experience. All rooms, services and food are top quality all around. The Westin has a great spa for after meeting relaxation and is just a short walk from all the shops of Whistler and the main gondola.
Four Seasons Whistler – A beautiful venue with all you need to host a spectacular event or meeting. This luxury full service resort is centrally located and has easy access to all that Whistler has to offer.
LEARN MORE: Whistler Team Building Activities
Top 5 Venues in Vancouver
You can find it all in Vancouver. The city has a strong international feel and can provide a wide variety of accommodation, meeting venue, dining, entertainment, culture and recreation. There are so many great options to choose from, but the below are our top 5.
Fairmont Pacific Rim – voted #1 hotel in Canada this venue offers stunning views of Vancouver harbour and the mountains. With great meeting options, top notch food, a rooftop pool and a spa you will have all you need for a great meeting or conference.
Fairmont Waterfront – a short walk from the Fairmont Pacific Rim the Fairmont Waterfront offers all that you need for a spectacular meeting, event or conference.
Shangri-La – this trendy and luxury venue is in the heart of downtown Vancouver and close to anything you need to host an amazing event.
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver – stay in the heart of the entertainment district close to the sea and the mountains. Located on the False Creek waterfront this venue is close to it all and will provide a great location for your next meeting.
Wedgewood – one of the finest hotels in Vancouver and located in the heart of the city this venue will be a huge win for your next meeting or conference.
Top 3 Venues in Victoria
Being the capital of BC, Victoria has so much to offer from waterfront, outdoor recreation, gardens, museums, arts and culture. There are many great locations to host a meeting in Victoria and below are our favourites.
Fairmont Empress – built in 1908 as one of the grand Canadian Pacific Railway hotels the Empress is a Canadian National Historic site. This venue will impress and inspire. All you need for a great meeting or conference can be found here.
Grand Pacific – located in the heart of downtown Victoria this hotel can offer a great meeting venue that is close to everything that Victoria has to offer.
Oak Bay Beach Hotel – this luxury boutique style hotel is located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Oak Bay offers one of the mildest year-round temperatures in Canada and has some many great outdoor opportunities from hiking and exploring the tidal pools on the beach. It is also a great spot for a meeting or conference with great meeting space and dining options.
RELATED: Why Team Building is Important in 2023
Top 5 Team Building Programs to be Delivered
When hosting a team meeting or conference in the Whistler, Vancouver or Victoria area many groups are looking for active and engaging team building events as well as learning and development. Some of our most popular team building programs include.
Whistler Team Building Activities
Your adventure will begin with a motivational/educational keynote or our Conquering Everest team building program led by Scott Kress (President of Summit Team Building, EMBA Professor, 51st Canadian to summit Everest, certified Polar Guide, Royal Geographical Society Fellow). This will get your group excited to achieve their own summit as we head up the mountain to the Whistler Via Ferrata, Sky Walk or Glacier Ascent. If you are looking for learning, team bonding, adventure, fresh air and memories that will last a lifetime this is the program for you.
This full day program starts with a keynote workshop, a team development workshop or a leadership development workshop custom built to help your team achieve their goals. After lunch the group continues their team building with a facilitated mountain adventure with the Via Ferrata, the Sky Walk or the Glacier Ascent.
Prepare for a full-day team building adventure with breathtaking views, fresh air, and lasting team bonding. Take the gondola up the mountain to access the amazing mountainside hiking trails. Experience team building activities and discussions as you hike through the amazing mountain scenery. Wrap up your adventure on the Whistler Skywalk. Lunch included.
This learning and development program will present team or leadership development content in an environment that will make it even more powerful. This full-day program begins with a gondola ride up the mountain to access the amazing mountain hiking trails. As we hike through the spectacular mountain scenery we will take breaks along the way to engage in team challenges, content presentations, and team discussions that will be insightful, memorable, and applicable. Wrap up your learning adventure on the Whistler Skywalk. Lunch included.
SEE ALL OF OUR TEAM BUILDING OFFERINGS: team building activities, training workshops, motivational keynotes
A fully custom and ultimate experience. Take your team to the next level with leading edge leadership and team development content and do it in the most amazing classroom on earth. Hiking, mountaineering, helicopter, ice cave, mountain hut and so many more options.
When Scott engages his audiences with audacious tales from his Everest climb or his trek across Antarctica to the South Pole, you will be entertained and captivated by his experiences. Challenges and change were abundant, the goals were big, and perseverance and grit to overcome adversity were needed. Scott seamlessly ties his stories into reaching professional and personal goals. The tools he used to find success in his adventures are relevant for teams to achieve high performance in the workplace. Scott wears three hats in his inspiring keynotes; international adventurer and guide, inspiring storyteller, and leadership and team training facilitator with 20+ years experience and education.
Whistler Adventure Add on Options
Via Ferrata: Once harnessed up you will ascend a series of rock steps, ladders and cables to climb to the summit of Whistler Peak. This activity requires average fitness and does include exposure to heights.
Sky Walk: clip your harness onto the safety line and follow your guide on a spectacular walk along the cliff edge and across bridges and mountain features. This activity requires average fitness and does include exposure to heights.
Glacier Ascent: With harness, crampons and ropes you will ascend the Alpine Bowl in the same style as big mountain explorers.
Additional Places and Things to Do in BC to Help Build Your Team
Summit offers many great team building options to give your team and meeting the boost they need, but there are also many other great options in the area.
Whistler
WhistlerBlackcomb – one of the largest and best known recreation areas in the world, the resort of WhistlerBlackcomb has so much to offer in all seasons. Skiing is the reason this area became world famous, but you can also find amazing hiking and biking trails on the mountain, in the valley and in the surrounding areas. Whistler is often known as the birthplace of downhill mountain biking.
Zip Trek – with the longest and fastest zip line in the world Zip Trek is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. When you take a tour here you are guaranteed to have an amazing time, but you will also learn so much about the local ecology from your friendly tour guide.
Golf – if you are a golfer this area offers some of the most spectacular courses in the world. Playing beside the stunning coastal mountains will not soon be forgotten.
Adventure Sports – there are so many adventure sport options and one of our partners is Mountain Skills Academy. They can take you on a great back country tour, a stunning hike on the mountain, a climbing adventure or a climb of the Whistler Via Ferrata.
Vancouver
Stanley Park – this 1000 acre park is located right on the water and hosts great hiking, biking and walking trails, beach access, cultural and heritage spots.
Granville Island – this shopping area located right beside the ocean is a great place to explore for food, clothing, gifts and culture.
Vancouver Aquarium – located in Stanley Park this amazing spot is home to so many amazing exhibits. You can spend hours upon hours exploring here.
Seaplane Tour – take a tour of the local area by seaplane. Take off and land in the Vancouver harbour and explore the city, sea and mountains by air.
Whale Watching – take a whale watching tour and learn all about the Vancouver area marine environment.
Victoria Team Building Ideas
Afternoon Tea – this historic site offers their famous afternoon tea that will be an experience to remember.
Botanical Beach – explore this area at low tide and you will be amazed with he variety of sea life.
Pacific Rim National Park – consisting of Long Beach, the West Coast Trail, and the Broken Group of Islands, this National Park provides days worth of exploration, education and inspiration.
Cathedral Grove – located in MacMillan Provincial Park Cathedral Grove is home to the most accessible stand of giant Douglas Fir trees on the island. You will be in awe of this natural wonder.