What to Do in Pemberton, British Columbia: 13 Epic Activities

Located just two hours outside of Vancouver, Canada, Pemberton is a little town that has managed to slip under everyone’s radar. With a population of about 3,400 people, this small community is focused on simply enjoying and preserving nature – whether that’s by hiking to waterfalls or picking your own produce. And when deciding what to do in Pemberton, you can simply join in on the small-town fun! Without further ado, here are 13 incredible things to do in Pemberton, British Columbia.

Go on a Picturesque Horseback Ride

Start your time in Pemberton by befriending a horse on a horseback riding tour. With the help of your new animal friend, you’ll get to explore Pemberton like never before – whether that’s hiking up mountains, through trees, or across rivers.

Copper Cayuse Outfitters is the most popular guided horseback riding tour company in Pemberton. They offer all sorts of horseback riding tours of varying lengths. So whether you’re looking for a one-hour tour or an overnight excursion with your new horse pals, they can make it happen.

Explore Nairn Falls Provincial Park

Just about every list of things to do in Pemberton, British Columbia includes Nairn Falls Provincial Park – and for good reason. Situated along the lovely Green River, this park is most well-known for its three-kilometer hike to Nairn Falls. This 36-meter cascade is definitely an incredible sight to see.

Go for a Hike at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

But Nairn Falls Provincial Park isn’t the only park that’s worth a visit. Located just thirty minutes away, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park has one of the most iconic hikes in Pemberton, the Joffre Lakes hiking trail.

This 9.4-kilometer hike is home to three gorgeous lakes framed by snow-capped mountains and thriving evergreens. Your jaw will literally drop at how stunning the views are. So while it’s decently long and quite steep, the trek is definitely worth the effort.

*Note: If you plan on parking at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, be sure to reserve a free Day Use Pass in advance.

Take Part in Slow Food Cycle Sunday

Slow Food Cycle Sunday is one of the coolest things to do in Pemberton because it speaks to the heart of this little British Columbia town. Every August, loads of local farmers come together for this event with the purpose of connecting people with the food that they eat.

To participate, all you need is a bike – which you can rent from a local bike shop if you don’t have one of your own. Then, you’ll set off on a 50-kilometer bike journey on Pemberton Meadows Road. Along the way, you’ll get to stop, shop, and snack at loads of local farms. Bandit Farms, Pemberton Natural Beef, and Helmer’s Organic Farm are just a few of the most beloved. Don’t forget to stop every now and then to take in the beautiful mountain views too!

As the event has grown, it’s not just farmers and restaurants who have decided to participate. During your bike ride, you may see a few other surprises, like artists, crafters, and other local creators.

Pick Your Own Fruits and Veggies at North Arm Farm

When deciding what to do in Pemberton, picking your own produce at North Arm Farm should definitely make the list. This family-run farm features all sorts of u-pick produce throughout the year, like strawberries, pumpkins, squash, peas, radishes, and so much more.

And if you’re craving some farm fresh food after your produce-picking adventure, North Arm Farm has that covered too! The small farm kitchen serves up some tasty favourites like pulled pork sandwiches with farm slaw and ham paninis with fresh seasonal vegetables.

Experience the Araxi Longtable Dinner

If you couldn’t already tell from the u-pick farms and the Slow Food Cycle Sundays, Pemberton is really into the whole idea of farm-to-table. And while there are a couple of farm-to-table restaurants in town, the coolest farm-to-table experience in Pemberton is definitely the Araxi Longtable Dinner.

While it does cost a pretty penny ($249 per person, plus tax and tip, to be exact), the Araxi Longtable Dinner is a one-of-a-kind dining experience. This four-course family-style menu features dishes made with the best British Columbia ingredients, along with the perfect local wines to pair with them.

And while the food is one highlight, the location is another. This longtable dinner takes place outside amidst the thriving plants of North Arm Farm. And snow-topped Mount Currie sits in the background to make the scene even more picture-perfect.

Dine and Sip at Mile One Eating House

Just about every list of what to do in Pemberton, British Columbia features Mile One Eating House. This fantastic eatery is a local hotspot known for its fantastic burgers and sandwiches. Try their stump grinder burger, their gomae tuna sandwich, or their locally renowned mac and cheese – all of which are made with local ingredients, along with the rest of the menu. And pair it all with one of their incredible craft beers.

In case you don’t want to leave this delicious local food behind, Mile One Eating House also has a market filled with local ingredients and easy-to-prepare meals too. Sounds like it’s time to prepare yourself a Mile One Eating House-worthy dinner at home!

Pop by the Pemberton Distillery

As you eat and drink your way through Pemberton, you won’t want to miss the Pemberton Distillery. Opened in 2008, Pemberton Distillery has been transforming the famous Pemberton potato into high-quality spirits for over a decade. Making everything from gin to vodka to whiskey and beyond, this local distillery has loads of spirits for you to sample and purchase.

To make things even better, this family-owned distillery is committed to only using locally grown, organic produce to make its spirits. In other words, you can feel good knowing that you’re getting the best products and supporting the best businesses around.

Soak Up the Sun at One Mile Lake Park

If you’re visiting Pemberton in the summer, you’ll definitely want to add One Mile Lake Park to your itinerary. This breathtaking park is the ideal place to go for a swim, enjoy a waterfront stroll, paddle out on a kayak, or simply soak up the sun.

And while summer is the best time to visit this Pemberton attraction, One Mile Lake Park is still worth a visit, even if the weather isn’t warm. As a matter of fact, in the winter, the whole lake completely freezes over! It transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for ice skating, pick-up ice hockey, and all sorts of winter sports.

*Pro Tip: There’s actually a trail that connects Nairn Falls Provincial Park to One Mile Lake Park, so you can enjoy both spots on the same day!

Trek to Pemberton Creek Falls

Although Nairn Falls is the most popular waterfall in Pemberton, it’s certainly not the only one. This Canadian town is also home to Pemberton Creek Falls, a stunning 61-meter cascade that’s often dubbed “the waterfall that no one knows about.”

Since it’s so under the radar, it can be difficult to find information on this hike. Luckily, we’re here to help! You’ll find the start of the trail towards the end of Eagle Ridge Drive. From there, there are a couple of route options, but you’ll eventually find a set of small buildings and the path will become a little more clear. In total, it should be a little less than two kilometers, out and back.

Peruse Local Goodies at the Pemberton Farmers Market

While you already know that you can pick your own fruits and veggies at local farms, you can also grab some at the Pemberton Farmers Market. This seasonal market runs from the beginning of June until the end of October, and it features dozens of local vendors. In addition to fresh produce, you’ll also find booths selling everything from freshly baked bread to sweet and salty kettle corn to local honey.

Take to the Skies with Cayoosh Expeditions

But you don’t have to stay on land to have fun in Pemberton. Take to the skies on a paragliding adventure with Cayoosh Expeditions! On these tandem flights, your pilot will navigate you through the winds and over the most scenic parts of Pemberton. From mountain peaks to greenery-filled valleys, there’s so much to see on this birds’-eye-view adventure.

Check Skydiving Off Your Bucket List with Whistler Skydiving

While you might’ve expected paragliding to be the wildest activity on this Pemberton bucket list, we’ve saved the best for last. Why not head up on the air one more time for a once-in-a-lifetime skydiving experience? With Whistler Skydiving you can experience the ultimate thrill while taking in stunning views of Pemberton Valley and the surrounding mountains.

And there you have it! Exactly what to do in Pemberton, British Columbia. We hope you find a way to incorporate at least a few of these epic activities on your Pemberton trip. And if you do, let us know in the comments!

Worked up an appetite after a big day of activities? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Pemberton, BC!