Whistler

Whistler Travel Guide

Whistler, BC, is a world-renowned mountain resort town nestled in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, famous for its breathtaking scenery and exceptional outdoor activities. Best known for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler offers year-round adventures, including skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and mountain biking, hiking, and golfing in the summer.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Whistler, BC, depends largely on the type of activities you're interested in.

• Winter (December to March): This is the peak season for skiers and snowboarders, as Whistler boasts some of the best slopes in North America. The village is vibrant and full of energy during this time, but it's also the busiest and most expensive period.

• Summer (June to August): If you're more into hiking, mountain biking, golf, or enjoying the mountain scenery without the snow, summer is ideal. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the area's lakes and trails.

• Shoulder Seasons (April to May and September to November): These times offer fewer crowds and potentially lower prices. Spring brings melting snow with opportunities for late-season skiing, while fall offers beautiful foliage and excellent conditions for hiking and mountain biking before the snow arrives.

Getting to Whistler and Getting Around

Getting to Whistler

• By Air: The closest major airport to Whistler is Vancouver International Airport (YVR). From there, Whistler is approximately a 2-hour drive along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99).

• By Car: Renting a car at YVR or in Vancouver gives you the flexibility to travel to Whistler at your own pace. The drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway is renowned for its stunning ocean and mountain views.

• Shuttle Services: Various shuttle services operate between Vancouver and Whistler, offering convenient transportation directly from the airport or downtown Vancouver.

• By Bus: Regular bus services like Greyhound or Pacific Coach Lines offer transportation from Vancouver to Whistler, with multiple departures daily.

• Private Transfer: For a more comfortable and personalized option, private transfers can be arranged from Vancouver or YVR to Whistler.

• Helicopter or Seaplane: For a more scenic and expedited journey, helicopter and seaplane services are available from Vancouver to Whistler.

Getting Around Whistler

• Public Transit: Whistler and the surrounding areas are serviced by a comprehensive public transit system, making it easy to get around without a car.

• Walking: Whistler Village is pedestrian-friendly and designed for easy walking. Most hotels, restaurants, shops, and ski lifts are within a short walk from each other.

• Bike Rentals: During the warmer months, biking is a popular way to get around Whistler. The town has a network of bike paths and trails suitable for various skill levels.

• Taxis and Rideshare Services: Taxis and rideshare options are readily available for quick and convenient travel around Whistler.

• Shuttle Services: In winter, many hotels and resorts offer shuttle services to and from the ski lifts.

• Car Rentals: While not necessary for just exploring the Village, a rental car can be useful if you plan to explore more of the Sea-to-Sky region.

• Gondolas and Chairlifts: For accessing the mountains, Whistler’s gondolas and chairlifts are not only for skiers and snowboarders but also for sightseers wanting to experience the breathtaking mountain views.

Top 20 Attractions in Whistler

Whistler, BC, is a hub of adventure and scenic beauty, offering a wide range of attractions for all types of visitors. Here’s a list of the top attractions in Whistler:

1. Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort: One of the largest ski resorts in North America, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking and hiking in the summer.

2. Peak 2 Peak Gondola: Connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, this gondola offers stunning 360-degree views of the mountains, forests, and lakes.

3. Whistler Village: The heart of the resort, featuring a pedestrian-only village with shops, restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere.

4. Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre: A museum that celebrates the history and culture of the local Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations through exhibits, galleries, and live demonstrations.

5. Lost Lake: A serene lake located a short distance from Whistler Village, perfect for swimming, picnicking, and hiking.

6. Scandinave Spa Whistler: An outdoor spa offering a unique Scandinavian baths experience in a peaceful, natural environment.

7. Whistler Olympic Park: The venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics, now open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ski jumping in winter, and hiking and biking in summer.

8. Whistler Mountain Bike Park: A world-renowned bike park offering a variety of trails for all skill levels during the summer months.

9. Audain Art Museum: Showcases a permanent collection of artworks from British Columbia, including a significant collection of First Nations masks and contemporary art.

10. Garibaldi Provincial Park: about 1 hour from Whistler it is known for its natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and viewing the stunning Garibaldi Lake.

11. Whistler Sliding Centre: Experience bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge at this world-class facility.

12. Whistler Train Wreck Trail: An easy hike leading to a colorful train wreck, a popular spot for photography.

13. Ziptrek Ecotours and TreeTrek Canopy Walk: Offers zip-lining adventures and a canopy walk through the forest.

    
    

14. Brandywine Falls Provincial Park: Home to a spectacular 70-meter waterfall and several hiking trails.

15. Alexander Falls: A beautiful, easily accessible waterfall located just south of Whistler.

16. Green Lake: A stunning glacial-fed lake known for its distinctive green color, popular for canoeing and kayaking.

17. Whistler Public Library: An architectural gem, offering a quiet place to relax and a variety of community events.

18. Function Junction: A short drive from the village, this area offers art galleries, breweries, and unique shops.

    
    

19. Heli-Skiing and Heli-Tours: For an unforgettable experience, explore the backcountry with heli-skiing or scenic heli-tours.

    
    

20. Alta Lake: A popular spot for windsurfing, sailing, and swimming in the summer.

Top Activities to do in Whistler

Whistler, BC, is not just a destination; it's an adventure playground. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or someone who enjoys more leisurely pursuits, there's an abundance of activities to indulge in. Here's a list of the top activities to do in Whistler:

1. Skiing and Snowboarding: With Whistler Blackcomb being one of the largest ski resorts in North America, hitting the slopes is a must-do winter activity.

2. Mountain Biking: The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is a world-class facility, offering trails for all skill levels during the summer.

3. Hiking: Explore a range of trails, from easy walks around Lost Lake to challenging hikes in Garibaldi Provincial Park.

4. Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride: Experience the world-record-breaking gondola for breathtaking views of the mountains, forests, and lakes.

5. Ziplining: Fly through the air and over the forests on a thrilling zipline adventure.

6. Golfing: Tee off at one of Whistler's beautiful golf courses, designed by famous golf architects.

7. Spa Day: Relax at Scandinave Spa Whistler, enjoying hot baths, saunas, and massages in a serene setting.

8. Snowshoeing: Traverse the snowy landscapes with a snowshoeing excursion, suitable for all ages and abilities.

9. Cross-Country Skiing: Whistler Olympic Park has excellent trails for cross-country skiing, a legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

10. Ice Skating: Enjoy skating at the Whistler Olympic Plaza or at the Meadow Park Sports Centre.

11. Bobsleigh and Skeleton: Feel the rush of a bobsleigh or skeleton ride at the Whistler Sliding Centre.

12. Canoeing and Kayaking: Paddle in the serene waters of Alta Lake or Green Lake.

13. Bear Viewing Tours: Join a guided tour to observe black bears and other local wildlife in their natural habitat.

14. Cultural Exploration at Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre: Learn about the history and culture of the local First Nations.

15. Art Galleries and Museums: Visit the Audain Art Museum and other local galleries to appreciate regional and indigenous art.

16. Helicopter Tours: Take to the skies with a scenic helicopter tour over Whistler’s rugged landscape.

17. Fishing: Enjoy fly fishing in the rivers and lakes around Whistler.

18. Horseback Riding: Explore Whistler's backcountry on horseback, suitable for all experience levels.

19. ATV Tours: Adventure through the mountain trails on an ATV.

20. Yoga and Wellness Classes: Participate in a yoga class or wellness retreat in the mountains.

21. Whistler Farmers' Market: Browse the local farmers' market for fresh produce, artisan foods, and crafts.

22. Winter Tubing: Slide down snowy hills on a tube at the Whistler Tube Park.

23. TreeTrek Canopy Walk: Take a leisurely walk through the treetops on suspension bridges and boardwalks.

24. Food and Drink Tours: Sample local cuisine and beverages on a guided culinary tour.

25. Snowmobiling: Explore the backcountry terrain on a guided snowmobile adventure.

26. Rock Climbing and Via Ferrata: Experience rock climbing or the guided Via Ferrata climb on Whistler Mountain.

27. Stargazing: Join a stargazing tour to witness the spectacular night skies.

28. River Rafting: Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on one of the nearby rivers.

29. Sightseeing and Photography Tours: Capture the beauty of Whistler on a guided sightseeing or photography tour.

30. Aerial Obstacle Courses: Challenge yourself on aerial courses and rope swings at a local adventure park.

Where to Stay in Whistler

Choosing the best area to stay in Whistler depends on your preferences and the type of experience you're looking for. Each area offers its own unique advantages:

• Whistler Village: The heart of the action, Whistler Village is ideal for those who want to be close to restaurants, shops, nightlife, and the gondolas for Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Accommodations range from luxury hotels to condos and townhouses.

• Upper Village: Located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, this area offers a quieter atmosphere but is still within easy walking distance of Whistler Village. It's a great choice for ski-in, ski-out accommodations in the winter and easy access to summer hiking trails.

• Creekside: The original base of Whistler Mountain, Creekside is about a 10-minute drive from Whistler Village. It offers a more laid-back vibe, with its own gondola, shops, restaurants, and fewer crowds. This area is ideal for families and those looking for a quieter stay.

• Village North: Situated just north of Whistler Village, this area offers convenient access to the village's amenities while being slightly removed from the busiest parts. It's a great spot for those seeking quieter accommodations that are still close to everything.

• Blueberry Hill: For those seeking a more residential setting, Blueberry Hill offers peaceful accommodations away from the hustle and bustle. It's a short drive or a longer walk to the village, making it suitable for visitors with their own transportation.

• Whistler Creekside Village: A smaller, more laid-back alternative to Whistler Village, Creekside has its own set of shops, restaurants, and its own gondola. It's a good choice for those looking for ski-in, ski-out access without the busyness of the main village.

• Pemberton: About a 30-minute drive north of Whistler, Pemberton is a quieter, more rural area. It's a good choice if you prefer a more tranquil, countryside experience and don't mind the commute to the ski slopes and other Whistler attractions.

• Alpine Meadows: A residential area known for its beautiful homes and peaceful setting, Alpine Meadows is located a short drive north of Whistler Village. It's great for those looking for a more secluded stay.

• Function Junction: About a 10-minute drive south of Whistler Village, Function Junction is an industrial and artsy area with unique shops, breweries, and art galleries. It's a bit further from the main attractions but offers a different perspective on local life.

Travel Tips

Visiting Whistler is an exciting experience, and a few travel tips can enhance your trip, making it smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some key tips for visiting Whistler:

• Choose the Right Season: Decide on the best time for your visit based on your preferred activities. Winter is perfect for skiing and snowboarding, while summer is great for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor activities. Each season in Whistler has its unique charm.

• Book Accommodations Early: Especially during peak seasons (winter and summer), accommodations can fill up quickly. Book well in advance to secure your preferred lodging and possibly get better rates.

• Dress in Layers: Whistler's mountain weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions, whether you're skiing, hiking, or just exploring the village.

• Consider Travel Insurance: For outdoor activities, especially skiing or mountain biking, travel insurance that covers sports injuries is advisable.

• Rent Equipment Locally: If you’re planning to ski, snowboard, or mountain bike, consider renting equipment in Whistler to save the hassle of bringing your own gear.

• Explore Beyond the Village: While Whistler Village is a hub of activity, the surrounding areas, like Pemberton, Squamish, and the various lakes and parks, offer beautiful and often less crowded experiences.

• Use Free Village Shuttles: If you’re staying in or near the village, take advantage of the free shuttle buses to get around.

• Stay Hydrated and Sun-Protected: At higher altitudes, dehydration and sunburn can occur more quickly. Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

• Be Prepared for Altitude: Some people may feel the effects of the higher altitude. Take it easy on your first day to acclimatize.

• Try Local Cuisine: Whistler has a diverse food scene, from fine dining to casual eateries. Don’t miss out on the local and international cuisines.

• Respect Wildlife and Nature: Remember that you're in a natural habitat with local wildlife. Keep a safe distance from animals and follow Leave No Trace principles.

• Enjoy the Nightlife but Stay Safe: Whistler has a vibrant nightlife. Enjoy it responsibly and be aware of your surroundings, especially if walking back to your accommodation late at night.

• Book Activities in Advance: Popular activities like ziplining, guided tours, or spa visits can fill up quickly, so it’s wise to book these in advance.

  
  

• Be Prepared for Weather Changes: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Always check the weather forecast and be prepared with appropriate gear.