Whistler
The famous slopes and sights of Whistler await the active and nature-loving traveler alike. Check out one of Canada's most beautiful destinations.
Whistler Travel Guide
Situated in British Columbia’s magnificent Coast Mountains, Whistler is a renowned resort that hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 2010 and it is also utterly synonymous with excellent skiing for folks of all abilities so do not worry if you are not an Olympic gold medalist slalom skier!
Visitors flock here year-round to enjoy its spectacular natural surrounds. In the summer months, active pursuits include hiking, zip-lining, para gliding, mountain biking and bungee jumping and in winter, the Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains offer superlative skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and snowboarding opportunities.
No matter when you visit Whistler, you’re in for a treat. Adventure enthusiasts love the summer sports on offer – in the warmer months, many travel here to enjoy river rafting, camping and fishing for salmon and trout in the rivers and lakes. When it’s cold, Whistler’s skiing is renowned, thanks to a superb ski terrain that includes over 200 marked runs as well as access to Whistler Olympic Park, now a popular winter sports venue.
Superb resort facilities in and around Whistler Village include excellent spas to relax in, a wide selection of restaurants and bars and a never-ending assortment of entertainment when night falls. Whistler really has it all. It’s a year-round fun and fabulous resort experience.
As far as outdoorsy parts of Canada are concerned, there are few that match Whistler for its combination of exceptional slopes to ski on, trails to trek (if weather permits) and options to kick back in luxurious hotels when you're not attacking the mountains. Definitely a top British Columbia location!
The views of Whistler from skiing gondolas and the peaks they connect are incredible!
Best time to visit: Visit any time of the year. If you want to avoid the crowds, come in the fall, before peak season starts.
Best Area for Sightseeing: The resort and its surroundings are a delight to explore. See Things to do in Whistler, below, for some ideas of what to do and where to go.
Shopping in Whistler: Whistler Village is full of pedestrianized walkways lined with shops offering every type of retail therapy, from ski equipment and souvenirs to high fashion.
Food & Restaurants in Whistler: This popular resort offers a wealth of dining options where you can sample local and global flavors. Weekend brunches are popular, as are wine-tasting tours to sample stunning British Columbian wines.
Nightlife: Apres Ski life in winter, and after dark parties in summer are the order of the day in this vibrant resort. Make sure to enjoy the Whistler Club Crawl on a Thursday or Saturday night.
Things to do in Whistler:
- Take a snowmobile tour and enjoy the winter wonderland around you.
- From December to late March on a Sunday night, head for Whistler Blackcomb’s Fire & Ice Show, a spectacular event where the resort’s finest skiers and snowboarders jump through a ring of fire.
- Learn all about British Columbia’s history at the Audain Art Museum.
- In summer, enjoy white water rafting.
- Search for bears on a Whistler Bear Viewing Tour.
- Seeking adventure? Why not enjoy zip-lining on a forest tour?
- Enjoy a picnic overlooking spectacular Alexander Falls.
Best way to get around: In summer, hire a car. You can also use the public bus system called the Wave (Whistler & Valley Express), which also transports your skis, snowboards and bicycles.
Best Area for Families: Creekside Quieter than the village, Creekside boasts a number of family-friendly places to stay, shops and restaurants as well as great ski-in, ski-out options.