Last Updated April 2, 2024
One of the largest and most popular Gran Fondos in North America, RBC Gran Fondo Whistler returns for its 14th year in 2023. Rated by Strambecco as one of the best road cycling events in the Northwest and one of the best overall cycling events in Canada, this event is unique because it’s a point-to-point from Vancouver to Whistler and offers beautiful landscapes and a clear, traffic-free passage along the Sea to Sky Highway. The team at RBC Gran Fondo delivers a world-class experience from start to finish.
Event & Course Info
For a road cycling aficionado, the allure of events blending both challenge and scenic splendor is irresistible. The RBC Gran Fondo Whistler, set against the stunning backdrop of Vancouver, Canada, perfectly embodies this allure. Commencing from the lush canopy of Stanley Park in Vancouver and extending over 76 miles to Whistler Village, this ride showcases a symphony of nature. Crossing the majestic Lions Gate bridge and cruising the famed Sea-to-Sky highway, cyclists are rewarded with unparalleled vistas before arriving at the final perch, Whistler. With the expansive Pacific Ocean to one side and the magnificent mountain ranges to the other, the scenery—like the glimpses of the Sunshine Coast—is simply awe-inspiring.
There are three primary options, starting with the crown jewel Gran Fondo event. This classic route spans 76 miles and challenges riders with a formidable 7,546 feet of elevation. Kicking off at 7 am, there are five strategically placed rest stops for refueling. A unique twist to this route is the option to participate in the Classic Bikes Category, adding a vintage twist. Participants are invited to mount their classic bikes—those crafted before 1987—and tackle the standard Gran Fondo route. Facing the same distance, this 6,234-foot ascent intertwines the thrill of nostalgia with the rigor of endurance.
For riders looking for an epic challenge, the Forte route is calling your name. Covering 95 miles and a staggering elevation of 10,170 feet, this segment begins an hour earlier at 6 am. Beyond the standard Gran Fondo trajectory, cyclists encounter an additional 2,871-foot Category 1 climb up the North Shore’s Cypress Bowl Road to the Cypress Mountain ski area before a thrilling descent joins them back up with the Gran Fondo riders to Whistler.
The Medio route is a less challenging option, originating and culminating in Whistler, this 34-mile route, climbing 2,740 feet, is ideal for families and riders of diverse skill levels. With e-bikes welcomed, it’s an inclusive event.
Finally, there is also a team-based challenge, St. Regis Cup Teams Race, covering distances akin to the Gran Fondo. Teams, consisting of 5-8 riders, ensure that camaraderie and spirited competition are at the forefront.
Riders have a dedicated lane with zero traffic the whole way – the only day in the year this happens. You and 5,000+ others will be inspired by an army of supporting volunteers and spectators, as well as the super popular on-course live bands and DJs. The impeccable support throughout deserves a special mention. From well-stocked rest stops to on-the-go mechanics, and even the specialized Classic and Forte categories, every cyclist’s style and need is catered to.
But the journey’s end is merely the onset of festivities. Whistler’s Celebration Plaza transforms into a hub of celebration from 10 am to 5 pm, complete with live music and gourmet delights. For the younger participants, the CyclingBC’s HopOn program offers engagement, and for those in search of some post-ride pampering, Alta Classe provides a lavish VIP experience, massages included.
In essence, the RBC Gran Fondo Whistler isn’t merely a ride; it’s an annual pilgrimage celebrating the heart of cycling passion.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Accommodations are plentiful in both Vancouver and Whistler, and you’ll most assuredly want to make a weekend of this exceptional event. The RBC Gran Fondo Whistler organizers’ well-supported and organized event extends to providing a variety of travel services for riders who need transport to or from Vancouver/Whistler, especially for the VeloSpoke Bike Expo on Friday and the event’s conclusion on Saturday. VeloFix is the official mechanical support partner and can help you get your bike set up and packed back up after the event for shipping. Other local bike shops in Vancouver include West Point Cycles, The Original Bike Shop, and Obsession.
Vancouver is a stunning city known for its natural beauty, including mountains, the ocean, and Stanley Park, which spans 1,000 acres. It offers top-notch dining, shopping, and entertainment, boasting a friendly, safe, and eco-friendly environment ideal for walking and cycling. It offers a wide variety of hotel options as well as vacation rentals that cater to a wide variety of needs. Be sure to scope out Eater’s essential restaurant stops while you are in town.
Just two hours north, Whistler, a leading mountain resort, provides an unforgettable experience with its pedestrian-only village and array of activities. Recommended hotels include Summit Lodge, the Listel Hotel, and Crystal Lodge, while there are also many vacation rentals to choose from in the area for those who prefer to have a home-like experience, as well as unique camping options in the broader Whistler area. The mountain town has a great culinary scene that caters to every taste, so be sure to visit some of these popular spots.
Early September in British Columbia offers a brilliant blend of late-summer warmth and the subtle hints of the approaching fall, making it the perfect time for an outdoor enthusiast to explore the natural wonders of Vancouver and Whistler.
Nestled between the shimmering Pacific Ocean and the imposing Coastal Mountains, Vancouver is a gem that beckons the active traveler. Some popular activities include cycling around Stanley Park’s famous Seawall. Stretching over 5.5 miles (8.8 km), this path offers panoramic views of the city, mountains, and ocean. The well-maintained path, flanked by centuries-old cedar trees and the gentle sounds of waves, provides a serene backdrop that gets the heart racing for all the right reasons. For those who want to get up close and personal with Vancouver’s marine environment, kayaking in English Bay is a must. The bay’s calm waters make it accessible for both beginners and seasoned paddlers. Finally, known as “Mother Nature’s Staircase,” the Grouse Grind is a challenging 1.8-mile (2.9 km) ascent up Grouse Mountain. While it’s a thigh-burning workout, reaching the summit rewards you with unparalleled views of the city below. Plus, there’s the added bonus of a gondola ride back down!
North of Vancouver, Whistler offers mountain magic and provides a contrasting alpine setting. As the snow recedes each summer, Whistler transforms into a mountain biker’s paradise. The Bike Park has trails for all skill levels, from winding green runs for beginners to challenging black diamond trails that test even the most experienced rider’s mettle. While not as physically demanding, the Peak-to-Peak Gondola experience is not to be missed. Linking Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb, it’s the world’s highest lift of its kind and offers jaw-dropping views of the valleys, forests, and lakes below. Lastly, trail runners will appreciate running through the alpine meadows, with the snow mostly gone by early September, they come alive with a riot of colors. The High Note Trail, starting from the top of Whistler Mountain, is a favorite among trail runners. It provides a challenging terrain amid a beautiful alpine setting with views of the iconic Black Tusk in the distance.
Related Events
The team at RBC Gran Fondo also produces a world-class gravel event, XFONDO, in June, and another premier road cycling event in Canada is Gran Fondo Badlands, which is part of the TransRockies Race Series. For the multi-sport athletes out there, check out other best-in-class events in Canada, such as Kettle Mettle Dirty Fondo, which is a Gran Fondo World Tour – Gravel Series event, part of the Triple Crown Gravel Series and rated by Strambecco as one of the best Gravel Grinders in the Pacific Northwest. Alternatively, mountain bikers will enjoy the TransRockies Single Track 6 from TransRockies Race Series, one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Northwest or the TranSelkirks Run, an epic trail running event from the same producers.
