Looking for the ultimate travel guide to Whistler for first timers? You’ve come to the right place! This blog post will outline everything you need to know before your trip. We have you covered from where to stay, what to do, and where to eat. So whether you’re a ski enthusiast or just looking for a winter getaway, read on for the best tips on making the most of your time in Whistler!
First and foremost, if you’re planning on hitting the slopes, Whistler Blackcomb is the undisputed destination for winter sports fans. With two mountains covered in snow, there’s plenty of terrain to explore. And when it comes to lodging, there are plenty of options to choose from depending on your budget. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, there are several elegant hotels at the base of the mountain. But if you’re on a budget, don’t worry – there are also several affordable options nearby.
Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, it’s time to start exploring! In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Whistler is also home to boundless hiking and trails.
Best Time to Ski in Whistler
The most popular time to ski in Whistler is between December and February. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in November or early December. The snow quality is usually great during these months and there are fewer people on the slopes.
Another great activity to check out is the Whistler Village Gondola. This gondola takes you from the base of the mountain all the way up to an observation deck with stunning views of both mountains. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike down instead of taking the gondola back down.
And finally, no trip to Whistler would be complete without indulging in some après-ski activities. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the village where you can relax after a long day on the slopes. So whether you’re looking for a casual pub or a more upscale dining experience, Whistler has you covered.
Travel Guide To Whilster Summer Activities
Whistler is a great destination year-round, but it really comes to life in the summertime. From April to May, you can enjoy picnics and outdoor festivals. And in June, the weather is perfect for hiking, biking, and golfing. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, consider taking a scenic walk through one of Whistler’s many parks. Lost Lake Park is a personal favourite and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch on a sunny day. And of course, no trip to Whistler would be complete without spending some time on the world-famous Whistler Village Gondola. This gondola takes you from the base of the mountain all the way.
How To Get To Whistler
Whether you’re driving or taking public transit, getting to Whistler from Vancouver is easy. The drive takes about two hours and the scenic route is definitely worth it. If you’re taking public transit, several buses make the trip from Vancouver to Whistler every day. The journey takes around three hours. Whether you’re looking for a winter wonderland or a summer escape, Whistler is the perfect destination. With so much to see and do, you’ll never be bored. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Travel Guide to Whistler: Traveling to whistler can be done by car or bus, taking about two to three hours depending on traffic.
The closest major airport is Vancouver International (YVR) with a 2-hour drive; Bellingham International Airport (BLI) and Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) are 3 hours and 5 hours’ drive away respectively.
Getting Around Whistler
The Village Stroll is a safe, pedestrian-only walkway that links Whistler Village’s shops, restaurants and hotels.
Most of the attractions in Whistler are located within walking distance of one another or can be easily reached by taking the free Whistler Shuttle.
There are also several car rental companies in Whistler if you want to explore beyond the village limits.
Travelling in and Around Whistler
Walking: Whistler Village is very pedestrian-friendly with a safe walkway called The Village Stroll.
By Shuttle: There is a free shuttle that runs throughout the day and evening between Whistler Village and Creekside.
By Car: You can rent a car from one of the many rental companies in Whistler.
Valley Trail
The Valley Trail is a great way to get around Whistler. It is a car-free boardwalk network that connects various neighborhoods, lakes, and scenic points.
Biking: There are many biking trails throughout Whistler Village and the surrounding areas.
Whistler Village gives way to a beautiful natural environment that can enchant your senses.
The Valley Trail is a place that any tourist who comes to Whistler must visit. It has peaceful neighbourhoods, refreshing lakes and captivating sights.
This is a traffic-free path, where you can explore over 40 kilometres of the serene areas of the city and its parks.
You can also engage in recreational activities like jogging, going on bicycle rides, rollerblading and skating in the path between Function Junction and Emerald.
Winter sports are also highly popular in Whistler, and certain sections of this trail are left open for fat biking and skiing. It is, without a doubt, one of the most attractive places in Whistler.
Travelling By Bus
When travelling in Whistler, the public transport system ensures that you can go wherever you want, with very little trouble. The bus service is outstanding, and the free shuttles available during certain seasons are very convenient for all travellers.
BC Transit runs the bus services, and these bus routes run through different popular spots such as the Village, Creekside, and Cheakamus. Transit vehicles also always contain storage room for skiing equipment.
Make sure to bring change with you; the cost of a single trip is $2.50 CAD. There are also 10-ticket bundles, day passes and monthly passes that you can benefit from.
Keep in mind that transit timetables can alter based on seasonal demand, so double-check ahead of time. You may also download BC Transit’s Rider’s Guide for easy reference.
Lost Lake Park, the Upper Village and the Marketplace are places to which the free shuttle service is available so that you can get to these places quickly and without delay.
Travelling By Taxi
If you prefer to have a personal ride and prefer not to wait for the bus, you can book taxis to take you around the city. They have everything from sedans to minivans, all at your service!
Renting a bike
If you would like to travel around the serene neighbourhoods with the wind blowing in your face, a bike is the best option for you! It is the most efficient way to get around the city.
Different types of landscapes require different kinds of bikes, and you can choose between cross-country bikes, dual suspension racers, and smooth wheels.
Traveling By Car Or Motorcycle
Although cars are not required for commuting in Whistler, visitors can take advantage of the plentiful parking spaces.
More information on parking can be found here. While skiing and snowboarding are undoubtedly the most popular activities in Whistler, the region has much more to offer.
This guide to Whistler maps out the best nature excursions, spots for pampering, and distinctive cultural offerings to get you excited for Whistler’s full potential.
What Can You Do In The Snow?
Snow is an exciting prospect for those who love winter and winter sports. The mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb are the perfect destinations for activities like skiing and snowboarding, and they’re filled with fluffy white snow. If you appreciate winter sports, a visit to Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort is a must. The ski resort is a much more enjoyable experience since we understand that standing in line at these ski rental stores during peak season can be aggravating.
You can hire skis and snowboards if you want to try them. This service provides in-room fittings and delivers directly to your room!
You can hire a Whistler ski guide to show you the best places on the mountain to ski and keep you out of the dangerous parts of the mountain.
It’s a good idea to hire a guide even if you’re an experienced skier; these specialists know the terrain very well and can show you the best Whistler ski spots based on temperature and climatic conditions. If you are an experienced skier with an adventurous spirit and prefer to ski off the beaten path, Whistler backcountry guides can securely lead you down the less travelled road. If you are the cautious type and don’t want to sprint down the slopes on wooden strips, there are lots of other options!
To begin with, there are quite a sleigh rides, whirling snowmobile tours, snowshoeing trips, and never-ending snowball fights.
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is considered as a stairway to paradise since the ride is breathtaking, and the vistas will stay with you for a long time.
Between Whistler and Blackcomb mountain, the world’s longest and highest lift rises to help you catch the view of this magnificent landscape.
If you’re not afraid of heights, you may take an 11-minute ride in a unique glass-bottomed gondola to take in the sights.
If you want to experience more top-down views, you can also opt for Whistler Floatplane Tours and Whistler Helicopter Tours.
Whistle’s Food Tasting Tour
Among the many Whistler Restaurants, Whistler Tasting Tours, established by Skai Dalziel and Joe Facciolo, provides a unique experience of eating local food. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a specialty dessert, you’ll be guided to the best of local cuisine by enthusiastic gourmets.
You’re wrong if you believe the breweries and Okanagan wines are the main attractions. You’ll have the opportunity to talk to many restaurant owners and chefs and learn about their backstories.
Experiencing Culture and Art
Whistler’s cultural depth may be overlooked if you are distracted by the luxurious resorts and hotels.
There is lots of history and art to be found beyond all the city’s scenic beauty!
Keep a lookout for the following:
- Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center – Learn about the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations peoples whose ancestral lands have now been converted to prominent tourist attractions that you enjoy.
- Whistler Film Festival – Canadian indie films, film musicians, and favourites of different genres are honoured
- The Audain Art Museum – this place is the proud owner of 19th-century Northwest Coast masks, Emily Carr’s most significant works, and spectacular photo art.
- Whistler Museum – learn about the town’s history and see how it all began at the Whistler Museum.
- Maury Young Arts Center – You can engage in creative classes and entertainment here.
- Valley Lumina- this takes you to Cougar Mountain’s mysterious world.
A Journey to Joffre Lakes
This lake is a shiny expanse of blue where you can find two glacier lakes, nestled among spruce trees and arching peaks. The roar of ice tumbling from the Matier Glacier up above may be heard in the silence.
Having Fun Off The Slopes
- Canada’s diverse winter sports and Whistler’s old forests provide activities that can genuinely make your soul sing for joy.
- Whistler Sliding Center — in the world’s fastest ice track, get a taste of the Olympic Winter Games. All you have to do is lie down and slide and enjoy the burst of adrenaline.
- Superfly Ziplines – a three-hour thrill ride that takes you above ground and lets you experience suspension bridges, ziplines, treetop platforms, and ground pathways that all combine to create the ultimate thrill.
- Treetop Excursion – This is a 3.5-hour adventure that takes you high above the trees.
- Whistler Mountain Bike Park – A must-see for adrenaline junkies! Ride down 80 kilometres of trail, which includes everything from peaceful forest strolls to diving over cliff sides.
Pampering Retreats
By far the most well-known for a pampering retreat is the Scandinavian Spa Whistler. From Finnish saunas and thermal waterfalls to leisurely lounging in the solarium, this spa offers Nordic-inspired spa treatments to help you relax.
These are other spas you can go to:
Glacier Day Spa
- Aviva Wellness Massage Spa
- Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa
- Vida Spa at Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Enjoy the après-ski
Après-ski is unquestionably a vital part of Whistler’s skiing culture. Eateries offer late afternoon bargains to cater to the energetic audience, from sophisticated restaurants to taverns and bustling cafés. You can even go dancing at Garfinkel’s.
Tips To Follow When Travelling Whistler
- Look for a place to stay that meets your requirements. While staying in the heart of Whistler Village is appealing, those visiting with children should consider Creekside or Upper Village instead.
- Use the secret code to receive better lodging deals and save about 15% of the advertised price.
- The Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb, which are two independent mountains.
- Tipping is customary, so keep some money aside for the purpose of tipping. Unless the service was exceptionally bad, make sure to tip between 15% and 20%.
- Whistler is not just a ski resort- you can experience hiking routes, glistening lakes, and enrapturing mountains that await visitors in the summer. There are also golf courses and a weekly farmer’s market, for all those interested.
- Lift tickets can be purchased in advance or as a vacation package. If you do that, you can save quite a lot of money