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Have you been dying to visit British Columbia’s gorgeous resort mountain town? We don’t blame you!
We actually lived in Vancouver for a while and visited Whistler on many occasions for both day trips and weekend getaways. We managed to do a lot of tours and activities during our time there and completely fell in love with the area.
Tours are the best way to maximize your time in Whistler and since we’ve made the journey many times, we know all of the must visit stops along the way. So we’ve gone ahead and narrowed down the four best Whistler tours available from Vancouver so that you don’t have to waste your time or money on a tour that’s just not worth it!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour of Whistler From Vancouver
If you’re ready to book your Whistler adventure right away, look no further! This full-day tour from Vancouver visits some top highlights in the area while also giving you lots of free time to explore Whistler Village.
We love that this tour gives you 4 full hours of free time in Whistler so that you can really get a taste of this charming mountain town. It also includes a ride on the scenic Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish and a visit to a beautiful waterfall – it doesn’t get any better than that!
It is also one of the more affordable tours to Whistler at only $199 CAD per person, which we think is a great deal for the full-day adventure you get – if you don’t believe us, just check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
Secure your spot on our favorite tour and get FREE 24 hour cancellation!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour of Whistler From Vancouver
- The BEST Tours to Whistler from Vancouver
- Why book a tour to Whistler from Vancouver?
- Where to Stay in Whistler, British Columbia
- Transport to Whistler from Vancouver
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
The BEST Tours to Whistler from Vancouver
1. Whistler, Sea to Sky Gondola, & Shannon Falls Tour
This group tour of Whistler is the perfect day trip from Vancouver! You can choose to be picked up from your hotel in downtown Vancouver or meet the group at Canada Place like we did. We hopped on a comfortable bus and hit the road along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway where you can see, you guessed it, sea-to-sky views and incredible sights with every turn!
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler takes about 90 minutes, but this tour provides ample stops to stretch your legs, take photos, or use the facilities. The first stop was at the Sea to Sky Gondola where you’ll head up the mountain to witness mesmerizing views over Howe Sound and the coastal rainforest below before arriving at the Summit Lodge. From here you will have time to explore, go for a quick hike, or even walk over the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge (my favorite part!).
Next, we headed to Whistler Village with 3 hours to explore. You will not be short on things to do in Whistler and if you’re not sure where to start, your guide will provide many great recommendations on how to spend your free time. We’re certain you’ll leave here and immediately start planning your return vacation!
The last stop on the tour is at Shannon Falls Park where we got to walk through the towering rainforest along the boardwalk to the base of Shannon Falls – the third-highest falls in all of British Columbia!
You can expect this tour to take roughly 10 hours from start to finish, costing around $230 CAD per person. With an enthusiastic tour guide the whole way along and so much to see and do, we think this is an ideal day trip from Vancouver, suitable for the whole family!
Check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and secure your spot here!
Related Read: If you are based in Vancouver, read up on the best hotels and hostels in Vancouver before you book a room!
2. Squamish and Whistler Full-Day Tour
This full-day tour is quite similar to the one above, as it combines a visit to Squamish’s Shannon Falls and Sea to Sky Gondola, with a visit to Whistler Village. Both of these itineraries hit up the best spots in the area making them very popular, so it’s nice to have a couple of options in case one tour is booked up!
This tour includes hotel pick-up in Vancouver and from there you will travel down the famous Sea to Sky Highway all the way to Shannon Falls Provincial Park. Shannon Falls is stunning at a whopping 1,105 feet (336 meters) – make sure you have your camera ready!
Next, you will arrive in Squamish where you will ride the incredible Sea to Sky Gondola (one of our favorite things to do in BC!). Starting at sea level, you’ll rise up to 2,900 feet (885 meters) while getting unbeatable views of the Howe Sound and the coastal mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, we saw some eagles last time we visited!
What stands out about this tour is that you get 4 hours to explore Whistler Village, which is longer than the previous tour mentioned. This makes it a great option for first-time visitors or those wanting to thoroughly explore the area without feeling rushed. You will have enough time to shop, hit up some restaurants, or even try something more adventurous such as ziplining! Believe me, Whistler has so much to offer you won’t struggle to fill your time.
This highly-rated tour (check out the glowing reviews here) tour lasts about 11.5 hours, so it’s a long day, but it’s worth it for all of the adventures you get to have! At only $199 CAD per person, it is more affordable than the previous tour and includes transportation, the Sea to Sky Gondola ticket, and a knowledgeable guide.
Make sure to book your spot in advance here before it sells out!
3. Whistler Day Trip by Seaplane
Seaplanes are exactly what they sound like – a small plane that is able to land and take off from the water. If you haven’t had the pleasure of going on one before, you really should – the journey between Vancouver and Whistler is absolutely stunning, but nothing compares to seeing the incredible lakes and mountain ranges from the air!
This seaplane tour combines a beautiful seaplane ride to and from Whistler, with a full day of exploring Whistler Village. Not only do you save on travel time than if you went by road, but you also get to enjoy the unbeatable views along the way.
The day starts at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre where you’ll enjoy a scenic 35-minute flight and land at Green Lake in Whistler. From here you can either hop on the free shuttle into the village or do what we did and take a scenic half-hour bike ride there instead!
You then have until 6 or 7 pm (depending on the departure time you choose) to enjoy all Whistler has to offer before you need to be back at the seaplane terminal to fly back to Vancouver. We highly recommend doing the Peak to Peak Gondola ride while there. It takes you from the peak of Whistler Mountain over to the peak of Blackcomb Mountain for some truly spectacular views!
This tour costs at $521 CAD per person and runs daily, but it’s important to note that the seaplanes can’t fly in bad weather. This is why we really like booking with Viator because you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if the weather looks dicey. But don’t worry if your trip does get canceled due to weather you can transfer to a different day!
Book your spot on this memorable seaplane tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Private tour: Whistler day trip from Vancouver
Take away all the hassle of organizing your own trip to Whistler and book this private day tour from Vancouver. We understand that large group tours aren’t for everyone and sometimes you just want to go solo or enjoy the trip as a family, so a private shuttle tour with a guide is the way to go!
The tour begins at a departure time of your choosing with pick-up by your guide anywhere in Vancouver or the surrounding area. You will ride in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter Passenger Van right through Stanley Park and along the Sea to Sky Highway where you can sit back and absorb the breathtaking landscapes.
The first stop is the Squamish Adventure Centre where you can stretch your legs and grab a coffee before making the rest of the journey to Whistler. Once in Whistler, you will have about 4 hours to explore and do as you please. The local guides are full of great recommendations on things to do, such as the Scandinave Spa or ziplining!
Personally, some of our favorite things to do are going for a bike ride, enjoying a beer at Whistler Brewery, or relaxing at one of Whistler’s beautiful lakes! There are tons of spots in Whistler to grab a bite to eat so make sure you enjoy a nice dinner out before the drive back to Vancouver.
The day ends with a stop at Shannon Falls on the way back to Vancouver where you can stroll along to the viewing platform watching the water cascading down the cliff front.
The cost of is private tour varies from $380-$480 CAD per person depending on the number of people going. There is a minimum of 4 people to book and a maximum of 15. It books up quickly in the summer months, so be sure to secure your spot in advance so you don’t miss out!
Book your private Whistler tour here today!
Related Read: The autumn colors in Whistler are spectacular, so I highly recommend visiting Whistler in the fall!
Why book a tour to Whistler from Vancouver?
If you are wondering why you should book a tour to Whistler from Vancouver, here are a few reasons! Whistler is one of those must-visit places in BC, but if you’re short on time, a day trip tour gets you there and back quickly, while giving you a taste of what makes Whistler special.
For one, it’s a lot easier than attempting to make your own way there. If you are exploring the area on vacation, booking a tour takes the stress away from you. Unfortunately, renting a car in Vancouver is expensive so while it’s convenient to drive yourself, it’s pretty pricey!
Also if you are limited on time in Vancouver, booking a tour to Whistler will mean you can see all of Whistler’s top attractions, in just one day!
Of course, I always suggest staying in Whistler for a few days if you have the time because it’s the best way to see the area. However, if a day trip from Vancouver is the only thing that makes sense for your travel plans, then it’s still a fantastic way to see Canada’s most famous mountain village!
If you need more reasons to book your trip, check out our blog on why visiting Whistler is worth it!
Learn more about our favorite Whistler tour from Vancouver here!
Where to Stay in Whistler, British Columbia
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Whistler, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! I recommend booking your accommodations as early as possible, as Whistler is a very popular destination. Here are my favorite places to stay!
Luxury – $$$
For a luxury hotel in the heart of Whistler, the Whistler Village Suites is my top choice. For Whistler, it’s still a great value hotel and has a swimming pool, 3 hot tubs, a bar, a fitness center, and a restaurant. The rooms a very nice and for groups they have 2 bedroom apartments. Some of the suites even have balconies with mountain views!
Prices range from $300 to $800+ CAD depending on season and room size. You can check availability and reserve your stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
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
Rooms range from $150 to $300+ CAD per night. Book Adara Hotel on Booking.com here.
Budget – $
For those travelers on a budget, the Hi Whistler is one of the only budget options. Although a hostel, the place is very clean and comfortable and they also have private rooms. They also have Cheaky’s Café which serves coffee, snacks, meals, beer, cider, and wine. It’s a great place to meet travelers and enjoy your time in Whistler.
A single bunk in a mixed dorm room averages $56 CAD or if you’re traveling with a group you can book out a private dorm.
Transport to Whistler from Vancouver
If you do want to stick around in Whistler a little longer (and I don’t blame you!), then there are plenty of other transportation options for you.
I really like booking something in advance so I know exactly how I’m getting to Whistler from Vancouver and to secure my spot (things tend to sell out quickly in the warmer months!). These are the best shuttle and bus options, including private transport if you’re traveling in a group or with family.
Vancouver Airport to/from Whistler
If you are heading to the gorgeous town of Whistler straight from the Vancouver Airport, save yourself the stress of aimlessly trying to find the taxi rank at the airport by booking this shuttle bus service.
Their airport stop is located at the international airport arrivals on Level 2. From here you can put your luggage on board and enjoy a relaxing 3-hour drive to Whistler. They stop off at Squamish on the way and then will take you directly to either Creekside Village or right next to the Whistler Visitor Center.
At only $79 CAD one-way, this is one of the most affordable methods of transport to Whistler from Vancouver Airport. It often sells out during busier times of the year, so make sure to book your travel dates online ASAP.
Downtown Vancouver to/from Whistler
Save yourself the hassle of renting your own vehicle in Vancouver and get from the city center to either Whistler or Squamish by coach! This service has frequent departure times and leaves from Melville Street in the center of Vancouver.
The coach has onboard WiFi and toilet facilities so if you are traveling as a family you won’t need to make frequent stop-offs for those with small bladders!
For a one-way coach journey, prices start at $47 CAD, with its drop-off locations in Whistler being the Whistler Visitor Center or at Creekside Village. This is a popular way to get to Whistler, so make sure to book your seats on the coach in advance.
Vancouver Airport to/from Whistler by Express Shuttle
If you would rather opt for a smaller vehicle over a large coach, why not book this express shuttle service from the Vancouver airport to Whistler?
The shuttle goes from Vancouver International Airport Arrivals on Level 2 straight to Whistler without stopping in Squamish on the way making the journey quicker at around 2 hours.
The shuttle starts at $98 CAD which includes a baggage allowance of one large piece, one hand luggage, and either a set of skis or a snowboard per person with a $15 CAD charge for any extras. Grab a seat on this hassle-free shuttle by booking online here.
Private charter bus service from Vancouver to Whistler
If you’re traveling to Whistler from Vancouver in a group or as a family, this private bus service is the way to go. Not only does it save you the hassle of trying to navigate around public transport routes, but it also saves you the cost of renting your own vehicle.
As it’s a private shuttle, you can arrange for it to pick you up in Vancouver and drop you off in Whistler, wherever is more convenient for you. It is also ideal if you have extra luggage or skis that you might have to pay an additional fee for on a coach.
The shuttle cost is $499 CAD with a maximum of four people, which is pretty affordable when you consider that on other methods of transport, you will have to pay per head. You can book this private charter online here!
Vancouver to/from Whistler scenic flight
Travel to Whistler from Vancouver in style aboard this scenic flight! For around $252 CAD one way, you can skip out on all the on-road time and see the beautiful landscapes from a bird’s eye view!
Meet at Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, hop on your seaplane, and enjoy 40 minutes in the air before landing at Whistler’s Green Lake where you can take the free shuttle into Whistler Village.
If you have heaps of luggage and ski equipment, this might not be the transport method for you but they do allow a guaranteed 20 lbs with additional luggage at an extra cost, providing they have the space.
Book a spot on this scenic flight to Whistler online here!
Book your return flight from Whistler to Vancouver here!
Related Read: If you’re staying in Whistler for a few nights, make sure to check out our blog on the best places to stay!
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Thanks for reading!
Whistler is a gem of a mountain town that’s totally worth exploring while you’re in British Columbia. Because it’s SO close to Vancouver, you can easily book a great tour that will take you there and back in a day to see the highlights. Or grab a shuttle from Vancouver and stay as long as you like!
Hopefully, this guide to the best tours from Vancouver to Whistler has given you lots of options for your trip. If you are planning to travel across the country, make sure to check out my other blogs about Canada here. Or if you’re sticking around Vancouver and Whistler, here are a few blogs I think you might like!
5 BEST Ziplining Tours in Whistler + Pros and Cons of Each Tour
33 EPIC Things to do in Vancouver in Summer
Sea to Sky Gondola vs Peak 2 Peak Gondola
15 Best Things to do in Whistler, British Columbia in Winter