How to Spend THREE DAYS in Whistler in the Winter: The Best 3-Day Itinerary

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Planning a winter trip to Whistler? You’re in for something special!

Whistler is beautiful at any time of year, but winters here are especially magical. The scenery looks incredible when it’s blanketed in snow. When we lived in Vancouver, we would come to Whistler all the time during winter, partly for activities like snowshoeing and snowmobiling but also just to enjoy the cozy, festive atmosphere. 

So after spending many happy weekends in Whistler, we’ve come up with the perfect 3-day winter itinerary to ensure that you get the most out of your time here. From epic views to ice skating, we’ve covered it all, so grab your gloves and let’s get into it!

Itinerary Overview

Getting around Whistler in winter is a (cold) breeze! The main village is completely pedestrian-friendly, so you can walk almost everywhere without ever needing a car. Most of the action happens along the Village Stroll, which stays beautifully lit all season and is regularly cleared of snow to ensure it remains walkable at all times.

If you’re staying a little farther out, there are free Whistler Transit shuttles that run regularly between the Upper Village, Creekside, and Whistler Village. Taxis and rideshares are also available, although prices can spike during busy times. Driving isn’t really necessary while you’re here, but if you’re arriving via car, then make sure you’ve got winter tires because they’re mandatory on the Sea to Sky Highway between October and March.

Day 1: Start your Whistler adventure with a sightseeing tour of the snow-covered lakes and forests. In the afternoon, go snowshoeing or snowmobiling, and end the day with a stroll through Whistler Village.

Day 2: Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for sweeping mountain views and then spend the afternoon relaxing at the Scandinave Spa, before a gourmet progressive dinner in the village.

Day 3: Start the day with crepes and then a winter walk along the Valley Trail or Lost Lake before amping up the adrenaline with a zipline adventure. Then, end your trip with a classy nightcap at the Fairmont Chateau. 

Day 1

Breakfast – Purebread 

Purebread is located right in Whistler Village, and it’s the perfect place to kick off your first morning here. This beloved bakery opens at 8 am, giving you enough time to grab a coffee and a pastry to go before your tour begins at 9 am. I highly recommend the raspberry ricotta muffin or the goat’s cheese and caramelized onion scones. If you love starting your day with good coffee and a treat, you might find yourself coming back to this spot again (and again) before your trip is over!

Morning – Go sightseeing! 

This sightseeing tour of Whistler is perfect for first-time visitors. Choose the 9 am departure and enjoy a relaxed, informative introduction to Whistler with a friendly local guide. You can join a small group or opt for a private tour if you want something a little more personalized. 

When we did this tour, we loved how it allowed us to slow down and soak in Whistler’s stunning scenery while learning about the area’s history, culture, and hidden gems. Our guide, Ryan, knew Whistler inside and out and even helped us plan out the rest of our trip! 

During the winter, the itinerary changes a little, so you won’t visit Lost Lake, but don’t worry, because you’ll have the chance to walk the trail on day three! However, your guide will add in some fun additional stops to make up for it, like a visit to the Whistler Brewing Company. 

Visiting the Creekside Village (Whistler’s OG ski resort) during the winter is also extra special, as it’s so much more atmospheric at this time of year. The Green Lake Lookout is also breathtaking in the snow, and Alta Lake in Rainbow Park freezes. I don’t know about you, but I always get such a kick out of seeing a frozen lake!

The tour mixes easy walks, cultural stops, and beautiful viewpoints, making it a fantastic way to get your bearings on your first day here. I’m really not surprised that it has hundreds of 5-star reviews!

Book this sightseeing tour here, with FREE cancellation!

Lunch – Hunter Gather

This morning’s tour ends at the Whistler Olympic Plaza at around 12 pm—just in time for lunch! So when hunger hits, head to Hunter Gather, which is just a 6-minute walk away. It’s a local favorite spot, and we’ve been here countless times because we just can’t get enough of the brisket sandwiches. The poutine is also ideal after spending a winter morning outdoors – it does originate from one of the colder parts of Canada, after all!

Option 1: Afternoon – Hit the trails with a pair of snowshoes

If you love exploring winter forests, don’t miss the chance to snowshoe along the Medicine Trail this winter! Snowshoeing is so much fun, and it’s such a quintessentially Canadian activity to try. In the colder parts of the country, a lot of locals use them for both practical and recreational reasons during the winter! 

Make sure you go for the 2:30 pm option when booking this tour. It lasts for 3 hours, so you’ll wrap up around 5:30 pm, and the starting point is just a 10-minute walk from Hunter Gather. If you have some extra time before the tour starts, you can always take a little stroll around Whistler Village in the meantime.

When the tour begins, snapping on snowshoes for the first time can feel a bit weird, but it won’t take you long to get the hang of it. And before long, you’ll be distracted by the beauty of the Medicine Trail anyway! Going with a guide makes this experience stress-free, as you don’t have to worry about losing the trail and wandering in the wrong direction.

The Medicine Trail is an old trapper’s route that winds through the towering forest, and exploring it in the snow really feels like stepping into Narnia. But it’s not only breathtaking, it also boasts a really interesting history. As you explore, your guide will teach you how the trappers relied on the forests’ plants for survival. They’ll even make you a fresh cup of tea from the herbs to warm you up en route.

This tour is such a fun way to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Whistler’s backcountry, and a great way to learn about the area’s history. It’s a slower paced adventure, so it’s just the thing for when you need a bit of a break from the more high-adrenaline winter activities. 

Read hundreds of 5-star reviews and book your spot on this snowshoe tour here!

Option 2: Afternoon – Explore Whistler’s backcountry by snowmobile 

If you’re looking to amp up the adventure this afternoon, this snowmobile tour is an absolute must! You’ll definitely need a tour to try out snowmobiling (unless you’re arriving with your own snowmobile in tow!), and this is the top-rated option in town.

The tour kicks off in Whistler Village, and we suggest booking the 2:30 pm option for this itinerary. The closest meeting point is about a 20-minute drive from downtown, so leave plenty of time for that. Snowmobiling lasts for about 2 hours, so you’ll wrap up at about 4:30 pm and be back in town just before 5 pm. 

Winter gear is provided, which is super handy, so you’ll don snow pants, boots, gloves, and more before you set off into the scenic backcountry. Your guide will teach you how to operate the snowmobile safely before you hit the trails. Then once you’re off, you’ll weave through frosty forests and up into high alpine bowls for jaw-dropping views of Whistler Blackcomb, Black Tusk, and Mount Fee. I cannot stress enough how beautiful it all looks when blanketed in snow! 

The tour is well-paced, with plenty of stops to pause and take in the beautiful scenery. If you want to go faster, your guide can make that happen, but there’s also no pressure if you’re not much of a speed demon. 

You’ll need a valid driver’s license to drive a snowmobile, and to be at least 19 years old – the legal driving age in Canada is older than in many other countries! However, kids over five and teens can still ride alongside an adult.

You can book your snowmobiling adventure here, with free cancellation!

Dinner – Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar 

After you get back from your snowshoeing or snowmobiling adventure, head for dinner at Araxi. It’s just a 4-minute walk from the base of the gondola, which makes it nice and convenient. Araxi is an upscale spot that’s known for its fresh seafood, but it has other options as well if that’s not your vibe! It’s also very popular, so I strongly recommend making a reservation in advance (you can do so here).

Evening – Explore Whistler Village

Whistler Village is such a charming area, so this evening, spend some time checking it out! It’s especially lovely in the winter when it’s lit by fairy lights and the gabled alpine lodges are covered in snow. I always think it looks like the front of a Christmas card! We’ve got a few ideas for what to get up to here this evening:

Ice skate at the Olympic Plaza

To really get into the spirit of Whistler Village, ice skating at the Olympic Plaza is a must! It’s a big outdoor rink where you’ll find half of Whistler skating in the evening. There’s always a wholesome atmosphere, and with rink admission costing just $6 CAD per adult (plus $7 CAD for skate rental if you need them), it’s also an affordable evening activity. It’s open until 8:30 pm from late November to March, and we always have a great time skating here.

Go shopping

There are about 50 stores in Whistler Village, from stylish clothing and jewelry stores to souvenir shops and even a super cute handmade sweater store. In fact, it’s one of my favorite places to go shopping!

Play some games

Ready for a challenge? Head to Escape! Whistler for a fun escape room adventure right in the heart of the Village. The puzzles are so creative and imaginative – they never fail to impress me! It’s such a fun way for families and groups to spend an evening in Whistler Village.

Enjoy a drink 

We love the Dubh Linh Gate Irish Pub because it offers classic après-ski vibes, even in the middle of the summer. It combines the lively fun of an Irish pub with a spacious Canadian patio – what’s not to love? We always have such a great time here!

Day 2

Breakfast – Lift Coffee Company

This morning, grab a quick breakfast at Lift Coffee Company. They make amazing sandwiches, delicious donuts, and super fluffy brioche. It opens at 7 am and is just a 10-minute walk to the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. You can enjoy a relaxed morning at Lift, as the gondola doesn’t open until 10 am. So you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your breakfast and some of Whistler’s best coffee.

Morning – Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Kick off your day with one of Whistler’s most iconic experiences: the Peak 2 Peak Gondola! In winter, the ride feels just like floating through a snow globe! On the way up, you’ll be able to see snow-covered mountains and forests in every direction, and the views only get better once you get to the top. It looks amazing up here during winter! 

You can save money by purchasing your gondola tickets in advance. We always prefer this as it saves us time waiting in the queue once we arrive!

The gondola is generally open from 10 am during the winter months, so there’s no big rush to be up and out early this morning. Then, when you arrive at the summit, take your time exploring the lookouts, and maybe head to the cafe to grab a hot chocolate while you soak up the scenery. Most people spend 2-3 hours up here just taking it all in. During the winter, the highlights include:

• Take in the 360° views – The viewing platforms offer unbeatable panoramas of Whistler and Blackcomb blanketed in snow.

• Walk the Skybridge – This is a short but thrilling stroll that offers an incredible vantage point over the valley below!

• Snowshoe the trails – There are some marked winter routes at the top, although you’ll need to organize rentals back in Whistler Village, as you can’t rent them at the top of the gondola. We like walking to the massive Ilanaaq the inuksuk sculpture!

• Warm up at the Roundhouse Lodge – We’ve got lunch planned after the gondola ride, but it’s still worth stopping here to enjoy a snack or a drink with a view in the warm before you head back down.

Lunch – Peaked Pies

After the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, head to Peaked Pies on Main Street for a quick and delicious lunch – are you sensing a theme today? It’s a 12-minute walk or 4-minute drive from the bottom of the gondola, and their elevated meat pies are out of this world. They have unusual flavors, like kangaroo, and you can have your pies “peaked,” which means that they come with a small mountain of peas, gravy, and mashed potatoes on top. Yum! 

Afternoon – Relax at the Scandinave Spa

After an adventurous morning, it’s time to relax in style at The Scandinave Spa. It’s just a 6-minute drive from Whistler Village, but it feels far removed from any civilization. It’s so peaceful here! 

Visiting is a treat at any time of the year, but I find it to be extra special during the winter. There’s something about the contrast between the cold air and the warm pools and saunas that just feels rejuvenating. The massages here are incredible, too!

I’d recommend booking your spa experience in advance, just to make sure you get the relaxation package you hope for! Plan on getting here around 1:30 or 2 pm, and head out by 4 pm at the latest to give yourself enough time before dinner. If you’re not renting a car in Whistler, you can always grab a taxi from town. Some hotels even offer a free shuttle service to the spa!

Dinner/Evening – Wine and Dine

After an action-packed day, it’s time to unwind and indulge! Whistler boasts some world-class restaurants, and tonight you’ll experience the best of them on a progressive dinner tour. It’s truly an incredible experience. 

The tour begins at 4:45 pm, which sounds early, but you’ll take it slow and work through a lot of food before wrapping up around 8 pm. It’s the ideal way to stay warm on a winter’s night! 

This was such a memorable travel experience. The lineup of restaurants changes often to keep up with Whistler’s hottest spots, so no two tours are exactly the same. One staple, though, is a stop at the legendary Bearfoot Bistro, which is home to a 15,000-bottle wine cellar. Here, you’ll even get the chance to saber a bottle of champagne, which is a skill I still brag about to this day.

Throughout the evening, you’ll enjoy incredible dishes like fresh salmon, perfectly cooked steaks, and unique seasonal creations, all prepared by some of Whistler’s best chefs. It’s a fantastic way to sample a range of Whistler’s restaurants, bars, and dessert spots all in one night. And once the tour ends, you’re welcome to stay at the final restaurant for a cozy nightcap if you’d like – cheers!

Spots fill up quickly—secure your spot at this top dining experience here!

Day 3 

Breakfast – Crêpe Montagne

Crêpe Montagne is a French-style sit-down brunch spot in North Whistler Village. We love coming here for their delicious crepes, which come in both sweet and savory varieties, and they also do a huge range of eggs Benedict. Personally, I like the croissant eggs benny! It opens at 8 am and I’d recommend getting there anywhere from 8 to 9 am, just to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy breakfast and get to this morning’s activity.

Morning – Scenic Walk Along the Valley Trail 

Lost Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Whistler area, and in my opinion, it’s the most beautiful! In the winter, it freezes over, and it looks absolutely stunning. The trails around the lake are groomed each night, so this is the perfect place to come for a snowy morning walk. This spot offers gorgeous views of Blackcomb Mountain, so bring your camera with you.

You can actually walk from Whistler’s Upper Village to Lost Lake via the Valley Trail. The Valley Trail will go past Blackcomb and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, then run into the Lost Lake PassivHaus. From there, it’s pretty straightforward to walk to Lost Lake Park.

You can walk or snowshoe on the path, as it’s pretty well-maintained for winter use. It takes about 30 minutes each way – perhaps slightly longer if you’re still practicing using snowshoes! I’d recommend departing for this experience around 9 or 10 am to give yourself plenty of time to walk there, take in the views, and do some more exploring around the lake.

Lunch – Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill

All of that fresh air certainly works up an appetite, so head to Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill for a hearty lunch before this afternoon’s tour. Depending on how long you spend exploring around Lost Lake, it will be anywhere from noon to 1 pm. Garibaldi’s is towards the southern end of Whistler Village, so you can either head straight here or stop by your hotel to switch gears and take a break!

They serve up fantastic burgers alongside classic Canadian poutine – I mean, you’ve got to eat poutine at least once while you’re in Whistler! Plus, this spot is right next to the meeting point for this afternoon’s tour, so it’s super convenient.

Afternoon – Zipline through the Whistler Wilderness 

This afternoon, get your adrenaline pumping with one of Whistler’s most thrilling activities. This 5-course zipline course is so much fun, and it’s even more incredible during the winter because you get to admire the frosted, sparkling landscape from above.

Book the 3:10 pm option if possible. It lasts for 2.5 hours, so you should be done just before 6 pm. 

The course winds through an old-growth temperate rainforest, and the views are absolutely stunning. There are five ziplines in total, as well as suspension bridges and lots of viewing platforms where you can pause and take it all in. You don’t need any ziplining experience to do this tour, and the guides are seasoned pros, so they’ll ensure you feel safe and confident throughout.

Ziplining always delivers a great adrenaline rush, but doing it through a frozen forest just takes the experience to another level entirely. This is such a unique way to experience Whistler’s wintery beauty, and it includes transport from the town to make life easy. No wonder it has well over a thousand 5-star reviews – read them here!

The only thing to note is that this tour is very popular, and it often sells out during the winter as lots of other zipline courses cease operation. Be sure to snap up your spot sooner rather than later.

Reserve your spot on this top-rated zipline tour here with free cancellation!

Dinner – Caramba

It’s your last night in Whistler, so you’ve got to have dinner in style. And after an exciting afternoon, I’m sure you’ll have a pretty big appetite, so head to Caramba to satisfy your cravings. It’s an incredible Italian-style bistro, and we make a point of eating here every time we’re in Whistler. The pizzas are just amazing, so that’s what we usually go for, but they also serve big bowls of fresh pasta and juicy steaks. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

Evening – Relax with a nightcap and mountain views at the Fairmont Chateau

If you’re ready to wind down after a big day on the slopes, head to the Mallard Lounge inside the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. This elegant spot is one of my favorite places to end an evening –  I mean, who doesn’t want to have a drink in a castle?

And the Mallard Lounge is a dream come true during the winter. It has crackling fireplaces and comfy armchairs, and we love the warming winter cocktails. They’ve got gluhwein (delicious mulled wine), or the chocolatey Chilli Bang Bang Drink is my favorite!

Where to Stay in Whistler

Now that you’ve got your Whistler itinerary all mapped out, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! I always recommend staying right in Whistler Village so you’re close to all the best restaurants and shops. After plenty of visits, I’ve narrowed down the best hotels for every budget to help you find the ideal base for your trip.

Just a heads up, Whistler books up fast, especially in peak seasons. I highly recommend reserving your hotel early to lock in the best rates and availability. With that said, here are my top picks!

Luxury – $$$

For a luxury hotel in the heart of Whistler, the Whistler Village Suites is my top choice. For Whistler, it’s still a great value hotel and has a stunning indoor/outdoor swimming pool, plus a bar, several hot tubs, and a well-equipped fitness center. As for the rooms, they’re so comfortable that you might not want to leave the property. Some of the suites even have balconies with mountain views!

Prices range from $300 to $800+ CAD, depending on season and room size. You can check availability and reserve your stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Our go-to hotel in Whistler is the Adara Hotel. For us, it is the perfect mix of luxury and affordability with everything you need for a comfortable stay. They offer underground parking and are only a one-minute walk from the Whistler Stroll, so you can park your car and leave it while you explore Whistler Village.

They also have a beautiful outdoor pool and hot tub offering mountain views – perfect for relaxing in the evening. The loft rooms are our favorite, and most also offer mountain views from the upstairs patio. 

Rooms range from $150 to $300+ CAD per night. Book Adara Hotel on Booking.com here.

Budget – $

Pangea Pod Hotel is a stylish, budget-friendly stay in the heart of Whistler Village, perfect for travellers who want to be close to the action without the high price tag. This unique pod-style hotel offers sleek, modern sleeping spaces with privacy screens and secure storage, along with inviting shared areas like a rooftop bar, café, and guest lounge. It’s ideal for solo travellers or couples who plan to spend their days exploring and their nights crashing somewhere simple and comfortable.

Private pods with shared bathrooms start around $100 CAD per night, and you can check availability on Booking.com.

Check out all of Whistler’s accommodation options here!

Renting a Car in British Columbia

If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!

And if you’re planning to visit the Canadian Rockies during your trip, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!

In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!

Thanks for reading!

If you’re looking for a winter wonderland filled with outdoor adventure, Whistler is your place! We love visiting in winter, as the whole town has a completely different feel, and there is still so much to do. Three days is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the slopes, gondola, snowshoe, and have a cozy little getaway.

Before you go, don’t miss the rest of our Canada blogs. We have guides on the best places to visit and our favorite activities, no matter what season you’re visiting! Here are a few related blogs to help you plan an epic trip – cheers!

10 BEST Things to do in Vancouver (even in the colder months!)

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Banff in the Winter: The Best 3-Day Itinerary

10 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Banff in Winter