Whistler is one of the best things to do in British Columbia for a long weekend or a multi-week vacation, and I’ve been visiting every spring for the past 15 years. My in-laws have a timeshare there, so going up to Whistler in April has become an annual tradition for our family. I’ve also visited in summer and winter over the years, which means I’ve gotten to experience the village across every season and figured out which activities actually deliver and which ones aren’t worth the time.
This guide covers the best things to do in Whistler, BC, across all four seasons, plus where to stay, where to eat, and a sample 3-day itinerary. Whether you’re coming up from Vancouver for a weekend, going on a weekend getaway from Seattle, or planning a longer Canadian Rockies-style trip, this guide will help you build a Whistler itinerary worth coming back for.
Planning Your Trip to Whistler
Here are some common questions about booking a trip to Whistler.
How do you get to Whistler?
Whistler is about 75 miles north of Vancouver, BC. The most scenic way to get there is by driving the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) from Vancouver, which takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and stops. If you’re coming from Seattle, plan on about 4 hours total (assuming smooth border crossing). You can also fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and rent a car, or book a shuttle service like Epic Rides or YVR Skylynx for the drive up.
How many days do you need in Whistler?
I recommend at least 3 days in Whistler to really enjoy the area. With one day, you can hit the village, ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, and have a nice dinner. With 2-3 days, you can add a hike, mountain biking or skiing depending on the season, a spa visit, and a day trip to Pemberton or along the Sea to Sky Highway. A full week works well if you’re skiing in winter or want to mix outdoor activities with serious downtime.
What is the best time of year to visit Whistler?
It depends on what you want to do. Winter (December through March) is peak ski season with world-class snow and a festive village atmosphere. Summer (June through August) is the best for hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, and outdoor patios. Spring (April through May) is my personal favorite because the crowds thin out, you can still ski in early spring while also catching the village transition to warmer weather, and lodging prices drop significantly. Fall (September through November) is the quietest season with stunning fall colors and shoulder-season prices, though some activities scale back between seasons.
Is Whistler worth visiting if you don’t ski?
Absolutely. While Whistler is famous for skiing, the village and surrounding area offer plenty of year-round activities that have nothing to do with the slopes. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola gives non-skiers stunning alpine views, the Audain Art Museum and Whistler Museum are excellent rainy-day stops, the Scandinave Spa is one of the most relaxing experiences in North America, and there are dozens of hiking and biking trails accessible directly from the village. Summer in particular is excellent for non-skiers.
Do you need a passport for Whistler?
Yes. Whistler is in British Columbia, Canada, so US travelers need a valid passport (or an enhanced driver’s license accepted at the Canadian border). Make sure your passport doesn’t expire within six months of your visit, as Canadian border officials can deny entry if it’s close to expiring. Everyone in your travel party needs their own passport, including kids.
Is Whistler expensive?
Whistler can be expensive, especially during peak ski season (Christmas through New Year, plus weekends in January and February) when hotel rates spike and restaurants book out fast. That said, there are ways to make it work on a budget. Visit in shoulder season (late April, May, October, November), look for vacation rentals or condo options, and check out cheap eats in Whistler for budget-friendly food options. Coffee shops, breweries, and casual restaurants in the village offer great food for half what you’d pay at fine dining spots.
19 Best Things to Do in Whistler, BC
Here are some of the best activities to do during your trip to Whistler.
1. Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is one of those Whistler experiences I’ve done countless times and never get tired of, and it’s the activity I recommend most to friends who are new to Whistler. The gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and holds the Guinness World Record for the longest and highest unsupported gondola lift in the world, stretching 2.7 miles between the two peaks.
You’ll get jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and the village far below. In summer, you can hop off on either side and access hiking trails, and in winter, it’s how skiers cross between mountains in a single day without going back down to the village. Both ends have lodges, restaurants, and viewpoints where you can grab lunch. I’ve met my husband and oldest son at the top several times just for lunch, and then take it back with my youngest for entertainment.
You can buy tickets at the base in Whistler Village or book ahead online. I recommend booking in advance during peak season, as the lines at the ticket office can get long.
Many travelers also pair Whistler with a few days in Vancouver. If you’re planning the Vancouver portion, my 3 days in Vancouver itinerary covers what to do, where to eat, and where to stay before you head north.
2. Hike the Train Wreck Trail
The Train Wreck hike is one of my favorite easy hikes in the Whistler area, and I’ve done it both solo and with my kids. The trail leads through pretty forest scenes, over a fun suspension bridge across the Cheakamus River, and then to the main event: graffiti-covered train cars that have been sitting in the forest since a 1956 train derailment.
The first time I took my kids here, my oldest son was three and could do most of the trail himself with a piggyback ride on the last stretch back. The trail is about 1.5 miles round-trip with minimal elevation gain, which makes it manageable for families with younger kids. The graffiti art on the train cars is a real highlight, and the suspension bridge is a fun moment for kids in particular.
Park at the Train Wreck trailhead off Cheakamus Lake Road, about 7 km south of Whistler Village. There’s no entrance fee, which makes it one of the better free things to do in Whistler.
3. Swim at Meadow Park Sports Centre
Meadow Park Sports Centre is a spot my family had driven past for years without stopping until a rainy morning finally pushed us inside. It turned out to be the perfect rainy-day thing to do in Whistler with kids. The pool is large, and my 4-year-old was able to stand up in the shallow half. There’s a fun whirlpool section, a small lazy river, and a family hot tub that’s kept at a temperature kids can actually enjoy.
The family changing rooms have showers, which made it perfect for getting ready for the road before we headed back to Seattle. It’s also one of the more affordable indoor activities in Whistler, especially if you’re traveling with kids and looking for a way to burn off energy on a rainy or cold day.
Meadow Park is about 5 minutes north of Whistler Village. Plan on 2-3 hours if you really want to enjoy everything, or shorter if you’re just doing a quick swim before checkout.
4. Wander Whistler Village
Wandering through Whistler Village is one of the easiest things to do in Whistler when you don’t have a fixed plan. The entire core is car-free, with shops, restaurants, breweries, art galleries, and bakeries lining the cobblestone walkways. It’s also unusually well laid out: you can cross from one end to the other in about 15 minutes, which makes it easy to bounce between activities. I actually love doing different loops every night after dinner to burn off some extra energy.
Some of my favorite stops are the local coffee shops, Cows Ice Cream, the smaller boutiques, and the patios that come alive for après-ski in winter and outdoor dining in summer. The Olympic Plaza in the village often has live music or other events.
I always recommend doing a slow loop of the village on your first afternoon to get a feel for where everything is.
5. Eat at Cows Ice Cream
Cows Ice Cream is a Canadian institution and absolutely worth the stop in Whistler Village. They make their ice cream fresh, and the flavors are creative without being weird. Over the years, I’ve worked my way through most of them, and my favorites are Fluff ‘n Udder, Gooey Mooey, and Messie Bessie, all of which are rich and indulgent.
We typically stop at Cows multiple times per trip because the flavors rotate and there’s always something I want to try again. They don’t have indoor seating, but there are benches outside in the village, which is part of the appeal when the weather is nice.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is the easiest after-dinner thing to do in Whistler. You can let them pick a flavor and then take a slow walk through the village while you all enjoy it.
6. Relax at Scandinave Spa
Scandinave Spa is one of the most relaxing experiences I’ve had anywhere in North America, and I make a point to go every time I’m in Whistler. The 20,000-square-foot facility features Scandinavian-style outdoor baths, Finnish dry saunas, eucalyptus steam baths, and a thermal waterfall, all set in a forested setting just outside the village.
What sets it apart from a regular spa is the “quiet” rule: no talking or phones outside the locker room. Everyone is silent, soaking in the baths, moving between the hot and cold pools. I’ll admit it was a little strange getting used to at first, but I actually look forward ot it now.
Book your reservation in advance. Peak ski season fills up fast, and even shoulder season weekends can sell out. Plan on spending at least 2-3 hours to get the full experience.
7. Visit the Audain Art Museum
If you’re looking for indoor things to do in Whistler when the weather isn’t cooperating, the Audain Art Museum is a perfect choice. I happened to visit on opening day years ago, completely by accident, and I’ve been back multiple times since. The collection focuses on British Columbia art and is world-class for a small mountain town museum.
You’ll find an extensive collection of First Nations masks from the 18th and 19th centuries, Emily Carr paintings, contemporary BC artists, and rotating special exhibitions. The building itself is a striking modern wooden structure with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that frame the surrounding mountains. The art and the architecture together make this one of my favorite stops in town.
Admission is $15 per adult. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday, which is worth noting if you’re planning your trip around it. Plan on 1-2 hours to see everything.
8. Stop by the Whistler Museum
The Whistler Museum is small but worth the stop, especially if you’re curious about how the village transformed from a remote wilderness into one of the world’s most famous ski resorts. The exhibits cover the area’s Indigenous history, the early ski pioneers, the 2010 Winter Olympics, and current local conservation efforts.
It’s a quick visit (most people spend 30-45 minutes here) and works well as a rainy day stop or an easy break between outdoor activities. The hands-on displays are a hit with kids, who tend to gravitate toward the wildlife and Olympic exhibits.
The museum is on Main Street, right next to the public library, and donations are appreciated, though not required. It’s easy to combine with a stop at one of the nearby coffee shops in Whistler afterward.
9. Drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway
The Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) from Vancouver to Whistler is one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest, and after 15 years of doing it regularly, I still notice something new every trip. The route runs 75 miles along the coast of Howe Sound, climbing into the mountains and passing waterfalls, viewpoints, and small towns along the way.
Worth-stopping highlights along the route include Shannon Falls Provincial Park (a 335-meter waterfall right off the highway), Britannia Mine Museum (a National Historic Site with an underground mine tour), and the Tantalus Lookout (a panoramic viewpoint with views over the Tantalus mountain range).
About halfway, Squamish is worth a quick stop for lunch or a hike at the Sea-to-Sky Gondola. If you’re combining this with a longer Canadian road trip, my Vancouver to Whistler drive guide covers each stop in detail.
Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours for the drive itself, plus another 1-2 hours if you want to make a few stops. If you’re starting in Vancouver, give yourself a day in the city before driving up. My guide to things to do in Vancouver in the summer covers the best food, parks, and neighborhoods to explore.
10. Try Local Beer at Whistler’s Breweries
Whistler has a small but solid craft brewery scene, and visiting at least one of them has become a tradition for our family trips. The three main breweries are Whistler Brewing Company, Coast Mountain Brewing, and High Mountain Brewing Company, each with its own personality and beer style.
Whistler Brewing Company is about 10 minutes south of the village and worth the short drive. They have a wide range of beers (I always get the Bear Paw Honey Lager), plus ciders and gluten-free options. Coast Mountain Brewing is right next door and specializes in oak-barrel and sour beers with an outdoor covered patio.
High Mountain Brewing Company is in Whistler Village and our usual first-night stop after the drive up. They have solid beers (I get the Lifty Lager every time), good food, and one of the most kid-friendly atmospheres in town. The thing my kids actually look forward to is the model train running on a track above the bar area, which keeps them entertained for at least half the meal.
11. Mountain Bike at Whistler Bike Park
Whistler Bike Park is one of the most famous mountain bike destinations in the world, and even if you’re a beginner like I was the first time I came, there’s something here for you. The park features trails for every skill level, from gentle paved paths perfect for kids to advanced lift-served downhill runs that draw professional riders.
I tried mountain biking here for the first time years ago with zero experience, and I was able to get the hang of it on the flatter trails. There are plenty of bike shops in the village to rent gear, and many offer beginner lessons that include trail guidance for the day. The park operates from May through October, so it’s primarily one of the better summer things to do in Whistler.
If you’re not ready for the downhill park, the Lost Lake trails and the paved Valley Trail through the village are excellent alternatives for casual riders and families.
12. Hike to Nairn Falls
Nairn Falls is just north of Whistler near Pemberton, and it’s one of those hikes that delivers more than you’d expect from the small effort it takes. The trail is about 1.5 km each way through a forested path that follows the Green River, ending at a viewpoint where you can see the falls plunging 60 meters over rock formations into a turquoise pool below.
I did this hike for the first time last year and was surprised by how scenic the falls themselves were, plus the bonus that the trail is easy for kids. It’s a flat, well-maintained path with no elevation gain, making it doable for almost anyone. The viewpoint at the end has railings, so it feels safe for families.
Parking is at the Nairn Falls Provincial Park lot. Plan on 45 minutes to an hour for the round-trip hike, plus time at the viewpoint to take in the falls.
13. Go Ziplining with Ziptrek
Ziplining with Ziptrek is one of the most fun things to do in Whistler in summer, and I’ve done it multiple times because I always end up bringing visiting friends here because it’s a thrill. The tours run year-round (yes, including winter) and let you zip across the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, with views of Fitzsimmons Creek below.
Ziptrek offers four different tour options at different difficulty and price levels. The Bear Tour is the family-friendly option with four ziplines. The Eagle Tour is more advanced, featuring five ziplines and larger drops. The Sasquatch Tour is Canada’s longest zipline at over 2 km. Each tour includes a safety briefing, a harness, a helmet, and two professional guides who handle all the technical aspects.
The Sasquatch in particular is wild, with a 30-story descent and views over the entire valley. I always recommend booking ahead, especially in summer when tours sell out. It’s one of the first activities I ever did in Whistler, and I recommend it to all new visitors.
Book a Ziptrek Zipline Tour in Whistler
- Ziptrek Zipline Adventure in Whistler – Choose between two tour options on a small-group zipline experience through the old-growth temperate rainforest, with panoramic views and professional guides. Best for travelers wanting an adrenaline-pumping activity with safety briefings included.
14. Explore Alpha Lake Park
Alpha Lake Park is a hidden gem and one of my favorite quieter things to do in Whistler. It’s about 10 minutes south of Whistler Village, which keeps it less crowded than the more central spots but every bit as scenic. The park has a small lake, a swimming beach, a playground, and a paved trail that’s perfect for kids on bikes or scooters.
I’ve taken my kids here on multiple trips. They ride bikes along the paths, play on the playground, and on one visit, we even saw bear paw prints by the lake (which made for an exciting moment, though no actual bear sighting). The lake itself is calm and warm enough to swim in during summer, and the playground is well-maintained and never seems crowded.
To get there, drive south on Highway 99 past Nita Lake Lodge and follow the signs. If you’re at Nita Lake, stop at Fix Cafe beforehand for coffee and pastries to bring with you, which is what we always do.
15. Take a Day Trip to Pemberton
Pemberton is about 30 minutes north of Whistler and has become a family tradition on every spring trip. The town has a quieter, more rural feel than Whistler and makes for a perfect day trip when you want a break from the village’s energy.
Our routine is always the same: we drive up to Mount Currie Coffee Co. for a morning latte and pastry, then head to the Pemberton Skate Park where my kids can ride their bikes and scooters while my husband actually skateboards.
After that, we head to The Beer Farmers for lunch on their massive outdoor patio. The views from there are unreal: rows of tulips in spring, mountains in every direction, and kids running around freely on the grass. The vegetarian poutine and burgers are our regular orders, and the kid-friendly atmosphere makes it easy to spend a few hours.
The whole loop takes about 4-5 hours and is one of the most underrated things to do near Whistler. If you’re already coming up from Vancouver, my weekend getaways from Vancouver post has more day trip ideas in the area.
The full Pemberton day trip takes about 4-5 hours and is one of the most underrated things to do near Whistler. If you’re up for a longer Canadian road trip, my Vancouver Island road trip covers another favorite multi-day adventure in BC.
16. Skate or Catch Music at Whistler Olympic Plaza
Whistler Olympic Plaza is the heart of the village, named for its role in the 2010 Winter Olympics, and it’s a different experience depending on when you visit. In summer, the plaza hosts the Whistler Concert Series, featuring free outdoor concerts by local and international artists. In winter, the plaza becomes a public ice skating rink, with on-site rentals available.
I’ve spent time at the plaza in the summer during the concerts, and it’s such a fun way to spend an evening. Locals and visitors fill the space with picnic blankets and drinks from the village restaurants, and the mountain backdrop gives every concert an alpine amphitheater feel. It helps that the village playground is right next to it in case the kids get a little antsy.
If you’re visiting in winter, ice skating is free if you bring your own skates, or there’s a small rental fee. Either season delivers, and the plaza is central enough that it’s easy to fold into any village wandering.
17. Ski or Snowboard at Whistler Blackcomb
Skiing or snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb is the activity Whistler is most famous for and the most popular thing to do in Whistler in winter. It’s one of the largest ski resorts in North America with over 200 runs, 36 lifts, and over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain across two mountains. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert powder hunter, there’s terrain to match your skill level.
I’ve made many trips here. My husband and I often split up: he skis the more advanced runs with our oldest son while I take a beginner ski lesson on Whistler Mountain. Recently, I’ve been taking both beginner ski lessons and advanced snowboard lessons to improve my skills, and the instructors here are amazing. Lessons start at $140 per person and book up fast in peak season.
Lift tickets are pricey at the gate. The cheapest option I’ve found is buying a multi-day pass online ahead of your trip. There’s a local trick: buy lift tickets at the village 7-Eleven for a small discount, which can save you a few dollars per ticket. You also get a discount when you buy in advance online.
If you’re spending time in Vancouver before or after Whistler, my guide to things to do in Vancouver in the winter covers indoor and outdoor activities that pair well with a ski trip.
18. Try the Ketel One Ice Room at Bearfoot Bistro
The Ketel One Ice Room at Bearfoot Bistro is one of the most unique things to do in Whistler in winter and one I always recommend to first-time visitors. It’s the world’s coldest vodka tasting room at -32°C, and you wear a parka they provide to keep warm while you sample different vodkas from around the world.
Even if you don’t drink vodka, the experience is worth it for the novelty. The room is built entirely from ice, and the photos you’ll get inside are very Instagram-worthy. Sampling sessions last about 30 minutes, and the bartenders are knowledgeable and entertaining about the different vodkas. Although I now like vodka more than I did when I did this in my 20s, it was still a really fun experience.
I always recommend booking dinner at Bearfoot Bistro afterward. The restaurant is one of the best in Whistler, with stellar Pacific Northwest cuisine, a famous wine cellar, and additional experiences such as champagne sabering and chef’s table seating.
19. Brunch at Crepe Montage
Crepe Montage is my go-to breakfast or brunch stop in Whistler. The small restaurant in the village serves what I think are the best crepes in British Columbia, both sweet and savory, plus other breakfast items if crepes aren’t your thing. It’s honestly one of my favorite crepe places I’ve ever had.
The downside is the line. Because it’s small and highly sought after, there’s almost always a wait, especially on weekends and during peak ski season. I recommend going as early as possible (right when they open) or waiting 30-45 minutes during busy times.
The crepes themselves are worth it. The savory options include eggs Benedict, crepes, and various ham-and-cheese combinations, while the sweet options range from Nutella and banana to more elaborate dessert-style crepes with fruit, whipped cream, and ice cream.
3-Day Whistler Itinerary
Here’s a sample 3-day itinerary that hits the highlights I’d recommend for a first trip to Whistler.
Day 1: Arrive in Whistler Village
Drive up the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver in the morning, stopping at Shannon Falls Provincial Park along the way for the short walk to the viewpoint. If you have extra time, the Britannia Mine Museum or a quick coffee stop in Squamish are both worth the detour.
Aim to arrive in Whistler in the early afternoon. Check into your hotel, drop your bags, and head to Whistler Village for a slow wander to get your bearings. Stop at Cows Ice Cream for a scoop on your walk through, grab a coffee at one of the village cafes, and pop into the boutiques to see what catches your eye.
For dinner, head to High Mountain Brewing Company. It’s our go-to first-night spot after the drive, with solid beers (the Lifty Lager is my regular order), a kid-friendly atmosphere, and the model train running above the bar that always entertains my kids. If you’re up for a nightcap afterward, the patios along the village stroll come alive in any season.
Day 2: Hit the Trails or the Slopes
Wake up early and head to Crepe Montage for brunch. Get there right when they open since the line gets long fast.
After brunch, the rest of the day depends on the season and your interests. In summer or shoulder seasons, ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for mountain views and access to hiking trails on both peaks. Add the Train Wreck Trail in the afternoon if you have energy left. In winter, spend the day skiing or snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb.
In the evening, treat yourself. Book a session at the Ketel One Ice Room at Bearfoot Bistro before dinner at the restaurant itself. The vodka tasting in the ice room is one of the most memorable experiences in Whistler, and Bearfoot’s Pacific Northwest cuisine is excellent.
Day 3: Day Trip and Wind Down
Spend your morning either at the Audain Art Museum (if it’s a rainy day or you want something indoors) or drive up to Pemberton for the full-day trip routine: Mt. Currie Coffee, the skate park, and lunch at The Beer Farmers with mountain views and a kid-friendly patio.
Back in Whistler in the afternoon, head to Scandinave Spa for 2-3 hours of soaking in the Scandinavian baths, saunas, and steam rooms. There’s no better way to unwind muscles after a few active days, and the quiet rule makes it genuinely meditative.
Have a final dinner in the village (Cows Ice Cream as dessert is non-negotiable in our family), pack up, and either head back to Vancouver in the evening or stay one more night before the drive home.
Where to Stay in Whistler
Whistler has lodging for every budget and style, from family-friendly condos to luxury hotels. My family stays at the Cascade Lodge during our annual April trip, but I’ve also stayed at the Four Seasons over the years for special occasions and have spent enough time in the village to know which areas work best.
The closer you stay to Whistler Village, the easier everything is. You can walk to restaurants, the gondolas, and most activities without needing a car. Properties in Whistler Village are the most convenient, but also the most expensive. Properties in Upper Village and Whistler Creekside are a short shuttle ride or a short walk away, but are often a bit cheaper.
Here are three solid options across different price points.
Where to Stay in Whistler
- Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village – Central village location with a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, gas fireplaces in rooms, and a 5-minute walk to the gondolas. Best for budget travelers who still want to be in the heart of the village.
- Cascade Lodge – Condo-style suites with full kitchens, fireplaces, and outdoor hot tubs in a quieter location just outside the main village. This is where my family stays every spring, and the suite-style setup is ideal for families and longer trips where you want to cook a few meals.
- Sundial Boutique Hotel – Adults-focused boutique hotel right in the village with rooftop hot tubs, mountain views, and modern suite-style rooms. I had the chance to visit when it first opened and it’s a great pick for couples wanting a stylish village stay.
If you’re traveling with extended family or a larger group, vacation rentals in Whistler are also a strong option since you can split costs and have a kitchen for meals. Check VRBO for condos in the village and surrounding areas.
After 15 years of annual trips, I’m still finding new things to do in Whistler. Whatever season you’re visiting, pack flexibility into your itinerary and leave room for a few unplanned stops.
