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Is Whistler Worth Visiting? My HONEST Review from a Vancouver Local!

Is Whistler Worth Visiting? My HONEST Review from a Vancouver Local!

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You know that feeling you get when you visit a city for the first time and you can tell it’s special? That’s Whistler. As Vancouver locals (and ski enthusiasts), we have visited this mountain town loads of times over the years. It undeniably has a very distinct vibe from anywhere else in Canada.

In this blog, I’ll break down the pros and cons of this iconic town and give you an honest review of what to expect. I’ll tell you what makes Whistler stand out from other places in BC and if it’s worth visiting – even if you don’t plan to ski. So let’s jump right into it!

Is Whistler Worth Visiting?

Daniel and Bailey take a selfie at the Whitler Olympic rings in Whistler Town
Whistler is amazing!
Bailey walks along the Skybridge at the top of the gondola in Whistler, BC
Get the best view of Whistler on the Skybridge!

Let’s cut to the chase, yes, Whistler is incredible and absolutely worth visiting! It looks like one of those little towns you see in snowglobes but in real life, and that’s just the start!

A quick image search of Whistler will have you feeling as snug as a bug in a rug. I am in love with the simple, yet beautiful architecture of the town with the backdrop of Whistler Mountain and Tremor Mountain. If you visit during the winter, the snow-lined streets will leave you completely enchanted.

But it’s not all looks. It’s a great destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike! Summer or winter, rain or shine, there are plenty of activities here. I’ll dive more into this later.

Pros of Visiting Whistler

Bailey walks through Whistler Village
Walking through Whistler Village!

1. Beautiful mountain town 

I don’t know if there’s much more I can say that I haven’t already about how pretty it is here so I’ll keep it short. Whistler is ridiculously beautiful! Both summer and winter offer unique beauty and will have you wowed the entire time. My recommendation? Visit once in the summer and once in the winter to experience them both!

2. A vibrant downtown area with tons of food, drink, and shopping 

I’m a sucker for a cute downtown and good shopping. So lucky for me (and you if you’re like me) Whistler checks both of those boxes. Follow up your shopping spree with loads of great restaurants (see our top restaurant guide for ideas), craft beer, or some good coffee and you have one heck of a downtown scene.

3. Home to one of Canada’s best ski resorts 

Whistler Blackcomb is one of Canada’s best ski resorts which is why people come from all over the world to experience it. The ski runs are well-maintained and an absolute blast to go down. They offer lessons for beginners and have a fantastic tube park for all ages. If you’re up for it, they even offer heli-skiing!

Bailey and Daniel at El Furniture Warehouse having beers in Whistler, BC
Whistler is a fun and safe party town!
Tacos at the Mexican Corner in Whistler, BC
The tacos at The Mexican Corner are so good!

4. Safe for tourists 

Whistler is small and community-focused with approximately 14,000 year-round residents. Crime is rare, and people genuinely look out for and take care of each other and the tourists who visit. We’ve always felt very safe here.

5. Tons of wildlife viewing opportunities 

Who doesn’t love spotting wildlife? Whistler is a great place to see animals like eagles, marmots, deer, and bears, just to name a few. They are quite literally everywhere, and you’re sure to see several on your trip. Just don’t feed any of the wild animals you spot! 

6. Only 90 minutes from Vancouver 

Getting to Whistler is a breeze since it’s so close to Vancouver. This is a huge bonus if you’re flying in since you won’t have to spend hours sitting on a bus to actually start your vacation. I will go over how to get to Whistler from Vancouver in a little bit.

7. Can explore without a car 

Anywhere that’s walkable automatically gets extra brownie points in our book. Whistler is easy to explore on foot which makes getting around no issue at all. For reference, we like to stay at the Adara Hotel which is only a 6-minute walk from both the Blackcomb Lodge and one of our favorite restaurants, The Mexican Corner.

Cons of Visiting Whistler

Bailey with the Whistler Olympic rings in Whistler Town
It can be hard to get a picture without other people in it!

1. Very busy in peak summer and winter 

With epic views, amazing things to do, and incredible food, the tiny town of Whistler can get packed with tourists quickly. If you visit in the peak of summer (July through August) or winter (December through March) expect lots of people and long wait times for popular restaurants. Make reservations in advance!

2. Expensive place to visit

There’s no way around it, Whistler is an expensive mountain getaway. It definitely isn’t somewhere I recommend going if you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip! While there are ways to cut costs on your vacation, it will still cost you a pretty penny. 

3. Weather can be unpredictable 

The weather here can go from good, to bad, back to good, and then somewhere in between at any given time. There is a joke that Whistler is a 4-season resort because you can experience all of the seasons in a single day. Check the forecasts, pack appropriate clothing for all situations, and be prepared for plans to change if the weather person isn’t completely accurate in their forecast.

4. Activities are very seasonal 

A lot of our favorite things to do in Whistler are restricted to either one season or another. For example, the Sasquatch® Zipline is only available from June to September. So people visiting in the winter months will miss out on this or vice versa for winter activities not available during the summer. This means you have to visit at least twice, once in the summer and once in the winter!

When is the Best Time to Visit Whistler?

Summer

Tantalus Lookout  near Whistler BC
Tantalus Lookout near Whistler, BC

When the snow melts, Whistler transforms into a magical mountain paradise. Whistler is an outdoor lover’s dream year-round, but during the summer, there are events and activities galore.

The weather is perfect and for the most part predictable (still be prepared for anything) and summer-exclusive activities are in full swing. We love hiking and spotting wildlife, but read our full guide on Whistler in summer that’s full of ideas!

Peak tourist season during summer is July through August so we recommend going either September or June if possible. Fewer people mean lower prices!

Related Read: Another one of our favorite summer destinations in BC is White Rock, a popular beach town that’s full of local gems.

Winter  

Mountain views from Whistler Blackcomb in winter
Look at all that fresh powder!

If cozying up with some hot chocolate or a craft beer after a day on the slopes sounds like the dream, then Whistler during the winter is your dream come true. 

Just because the area is under a blanket of snow doesn’t mean there aren’t some amazing things to do! Actually, some of my favorite activities only happen in the winter. I’m biased toward skiing, but snowmobiling and snowshoeing are just as fun or we have 30+ other things on our Whistler winter guide!

The Whistler Blackcomb Resort is usually open by December with maximum mountain snow coverage from January through March. This is the best time to take part in all the fun winter activities! 

How Many Days Should I Spend in Whistler?

Ideally, 3 to 4 nights in Whistler is perfect for us, and that’s what we would recommend for you, too. It’s a nice balance of things to do, relaxing, and not breaking the bank on your vacation. 

Over years of visiting during both summer and winter, we have put together the best Whistler itinerary you can find to help you plan the perfect trip. We cover accommodation, places to eat, things to do, and more! 

How do you get to Whistler from Vancouver?

View out the windscreen of a car on the Sea to Sky Highway at sunset
The Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler is stunning!

Shuttle

Shuttles are the quickest and easiest way to get to Whistler from the Vancouver Airport. I prefer to take shuttles because they just make everything more convenient. Depending on the size of your group, we have different recommendations 

If it’s just you or you and another person, this Whistler Express Shuttle makes direct trips to Whistler from the airport daily at both 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. It’s quick, easy, and comfortable with tickets for only $98 CAD.

If you have a larger group (4 to 14), save money, and have a more flexible pick-up time from the Vancouver airport with this Private Charter Service to Whistler. A minivan for 4 people costs $499 CAD per group while their large shuttles can accommodate your party of up to 14 people for $609 CAD.

Bus

Just as comfortable as a shuttle, but more budget-friendly, this Whistler Shuttle Bus is a great option for groups, couples, or solo travelers. While it takes a little bit longer to get there (about 3 hours) tickets are only $79 CAD and there are multiple departures throughout the day starting as early as 7 am and going as late as 6 pm.

Rental Car (Drive) 

If price isn’t a problem and you’re looking for the best and most flexible way to get around, car rental is the way to go. When we lived in Vancouver, we would make the drive up to Whistler often, and we have some great stops we recommend you see along the way.

While renting a car isn’t cheap, it’s usually not as expensive as most people think. We recommend using Discover Cars for a car rental or keeping it simple and going with an airport car rental service.

Best Tours to Whistler from Vancouver

To skip the hassle of arranging your own transportation, you could take one of these tours to Whistler from Vancouver. We’ve picked only the best tours to highlight based on our experiences so that you won’t waste time or money and can just focus on enjoying your time in Whistler!

1. Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola tour

Daniel and Bailey take a self at Shannon Falls on the Sea to Sky Highway
Shannon Falls!
The Sea to Sky Gondola travels up the mountain near Squamish in BC, Canada
On the way up!

This group tour of Whistler is the perfect day trip from Vancouver! Meet at Canada Place and hop on your tour bus ready to ride along the Sea to Sky Highway where you can see, you guessed it, sea-to-sky views and incredible sights with every turn! 

The first stop-off on the tour is at Shannon Falls Park. We loved walking through the towering rainforest along the boardwalk to the base of Shannon Falls. 

Hop back on the bus and enjoy the ride to the Sea to Sky Gondola where we witnessed mesmerizing views over Howe Sound and the coastal rainforest below before arriving at Summit Lodge. This is one of my favorite parts! From here you will have time to explore, go for a quick hike, or even walk over the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge (which I consider a a must-do). 

The Sea to Sky Gondola is only a short ride from Whistler where you can enjoy some free time in Whistler Village. With three hours of free time, it is a great taster and we are positive you will leave wanting to book a week-long vacation here! 

You can expect this tour to take roughly 10 hours from start to finish, and prices start at $230 CAD during the summer. We had an enthusiastic tour guide the whole way along and got to see and do so much. We think this is an ideal day trip from Vancouver, suitable for the whole family! 

2. Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola tour (including Squamish)

Bailey stands on a viewing platform at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola with a mountain backdrop in Squamish, BC
Just admiring the view from the Sea to Sky Gondola!
Views of Whistler town from the gondola
Up the Whistler Gondola, we go!

The Sea to Sky Gondola is one of our all-time favorite things to do in British Columbia, and this tour combines a gondola ride with a day trip to Whistler

The tour includes hotel pick-up in Vancouver and from here you will travel down the famous Sea to Sky Highway all the way to Shannon Falls Provincial Park. Shannon Falls is the third tallest waterfall in BC!

Next, you will arrive in Squamish where you will ride the incredible Sea to Sky Gondola. We’re always blown away by the unbeatable views of Howe Sound and the coastal mountains from up here. Don’t think this is only an activity for warm weather, in the winter the view looks like something from a Christmas card! 

The last leg of the journey drops you in Whistler where you will have four hours to explore. Wander around the village, visit the Olympic Plaza, and grab something to eat. We particularly love stopping by Peaked Pies for a quick bite! Then just hop back on the coach and relax on the journey back to Vancouver.

This tour costs $199 CAD per person including hotel pick-up and drop-off as well as your ticket for the Sea to Sky Gondola. It also spends slightly longer in Whistler than other tours, so it is perfect for first-timers who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Whistler before! 

3. Whistler day trip by seaplane 

View of Stanley park from the float plane traveling out of Vancouver towards Whistler, BC
Bye Vancouver!
View from the window of a plane on our way to Whistler from Vancouver
The flight is so amazing!

The journey between Vancouver and Whistler is absolutely stunning no matter your method of travel, but the incredible lakes and mountainous regions are really best seen from the air! 

Seaplanes are exactly what they sound like – a small plane that can land and take off from the water. If you haven’t had the pleasure of going on one before, you really should! We had the most incredible experience!

This seaplane tour combines a beautiful flight, with a day trip to Whistler from Vancouver! Not only do you save on travel time, but you also get to enjoy the unbeatable views along the way. 

We met at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre in the morning for our 35-minute flight and landed at Green Lake in Whistler. From here you can either hop on the free shuttle into the village or make use of the free bike rental. This tour is only offered from May-September. You then have until 6:40 pm to enjoy all Whistler has to offer before you need to be back at the seaplane terminal. 

This tour starts at $499 CAD and can’t be completed in bad weather. This is why we really like booking the seaplane flight with Viator because you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance 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!

While we did find taking off from the water scary at first, once you are in the air, all the fear goes away and it truly was one of our favorite tours we did!

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.

10 Best Things to do in Whistler 

There are so many great activities to try in Whistler that we’re really just scratching the surface by listing 10 here. For more ideas, see our full list of 30+ things to do in Whistler.

1. Go skiing or snowboarding 

Backcountry skiing at Whistler
Backcountry skiing at Whistler

I know this one probably goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway – hitting the slopes is absolutely one of the best things to do in Whistler! Blackcomb Moutain is Whistler’s winter pride and joy, with over 200 different runs, 3,307 hectares (8,171 acres) of terrain, and 36 different lifts.

These statistics might sound daunting, especially for a beginner, but the truth is they have great beginner runs too, and offer lessons. The fact that Blackcomb suits everyone makes it one of the busiest ski fields in Canada seeing over 2 million visitors annually.

My personal favorite thing about Blackcomb is that some of the lifts start right from Whitler Village. Many hotels in Whistler are perfectly located for skiing. That means that you can walk straight out of your hotel, to a coffee shop, and then onto the ski lift all in one breath. It’s so easy and convenient!

The Whistler ski season typically runs from November to March and various passes are available including single-day passes, multi-day passes, and season passes. Lift passes start at $269 CAD, and it’s best to book in advance as they offer early bird discounts!

A quick note from me! The queues here for rental gear can get pretty long (cutting into your precious skiing time!) so if you need rental gear, a great alternative is to book your rental in advance online to avoid the hassle the morning of.

2. Hike Joffre Lakes

Bailey and Daniel take a photo together at 2nd Joffre Lake
At Joffre Lake!
Reflection of the mountain at Middle Joffre Lake
Such a beautiful place

If you know me, then you would know that I love stunning alpine lakes (almost more than traveling itself!) Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to visit many blue lakes situated high up in the mountains. With that said, Joffre Lakes just outside of Whistler is one of the best I’ve ever seen!

Just picture it – stunning mountain peaks, a glacier, turquoise lakes, and a beautiful pine forest. Yep, I know what you’re thinking… where do I sign up?

The Joffre Lakes trail is easily one of the most popular hiking trails in all of British Columbia and the main trail leads to not one, but three lakes – the lower, middle, and upper lakes. They’re all stunning, but my personal favorite is the middle lake.

The hike to the furthest lake (which is the upper lake) took me around 2 hours and is 3.7 km (2.3 mi) long each way. The trail is steep almost the entire way, and it’s recommended you allow 3 hours to hike up, according to the signs on the trail. The hike back down is quicker as it is all downhill.

At the start of the trail, there is a large parking lot and another one a minute down the highway. Although they are pretty big, they often fill up before lunchtime, and you aren’t allowed to park on the road. My recommendation is to arrive before 9 am to start the hike. This way you can easily get parking as well as avoid the bulk of the crowds. Sometimes there are free shuttles that will take you from an overflow lot, but this isn’t always the case.

Honestly, I can’t recommend the Joffre Lakes hike enough. If you do only one hike around Whistler, make it Joffre Lakes!

Joffre Lakes Day Pass: In order to enter Joffre Lakes Trailhead between most of May to November a free day pass is required for each person in your group. You can get your pass on the day-use pass website two days before your visit, starting at 7 am. Simply print it or download it to your phone from your email. If you are camping, this is not required (just have your campground reservation with you).

3. Go ziplining

Daniel at the top of the Sasquatch Zipline in Whistler known as one of the longest
The Sasquatch zipline!
Two people come down the Sasquatch Zipline as seen from the bottom
What a rush!

We’ve been ziplining before, but when we saw the Sasquatch® zipline in Whistler, we just knew we had to try it! It’s the longest zipline in North America at over 2 km (1.2 mi) long. Now that is impressive! This huge zipline reaches speeds of well over 100 km/hr (62 mph).

The last time we were in Whistler, we tackled this high-flying experience – you can read our full review of the Sasquatch®here, but the short version is that it was an adrenaline rush!

This zipline experience starts at $147 CAD and can typically be done from June to September. It is only one zipline, but trust me, it’s epic! We recommend booking in advance as times can sell out during the summer.

If the Sasquatch sounds a bit too extreme for you, other ziplines are still fun to try. I would recommend the popular Eagle Tour, which departs from the same location. It isn’t quite as dramatic as the height and length of the Sasquatch, but has its own unique thrills on 5 different ziplines and 4 treetop bridges. It lasts between 2.5 and 3 hours, and because it is a longer tour than the Sasquatch, it costs a little more at $179 CAD. ® zipline

4. Ride the Peak to Peak Gondola

Daniel and Bailey pose for a selfie on the Peak to Peak Gondola in Whistler, BC
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola!
View out the window of the Peak to Peak Gondola in Whistler, Canada
What a view!

You may have been on a gondola before, but I can guarantee you haven’t ridden one as long as the Peak 2 Peak Gondola in Whistler. This HUGE gondola holds the world record for not only the longest gondola at 4.4 km (2.7 mi) but also the highest and longest unsupported span of any lift in the world. That’s three world records all in one!

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects the top of Blackcomb Mountain with Whistler Mountain. It spans across the valley and offers some of the most beautiful views we’ve ever seen. To ride this gondola, you must first take the gondola up from Whistler Village. From up there, you can connect to the Peak 2 Peak and then ride the other gondola back down.

In the winter, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is reserved for skiers and snowboarders, so to experience it you’ll need to purchase a lift pass. However, in the summer, the gondolas are open for sightseeing! Just purchase your pass for about $85 CAD, which gives you full-day access to all of the sightseeing gondolas, including the epic Peak 2 Peak!

Regardless of the fun ride up, it’s more about the views from the top! Once you reach the top, some of the best things to do (in our opinion) are:

  • 1. Walk the Skybridge – The Skybridge is the main attraction and entry is included in your ticket price. For those afraid of heights, you may want to skip this, but if you can stomach the bridge, you can walk out to a beautiful viewpoint.
  • 2. See the Snow Walls – It’s a short walk from the top of Blackcomb Mountain to reach these famous snow walls that can reach up to 12 meters (40 feet) in height. You have to see it to believe it (and before they melt!)!
  • 3. Lakeside Loop – This short but beautiful hiking trail leads to Blackcomb Lake. We like to picnic here and admire the stunning color of the lake!
  • 4. The Skywalk – Walk along cliffs and across steep bridges while connected to a safety harness on this awesome guided tour! This is a popular option with families who have kids ages 8 and up and of course, the sights you’ll be shown by your guide are phenomenal. It costs $139 CAD or $219 CAD if you add on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola tickets (which you will need to reach the starting point).

Hot Tip: If you have time, wait for the special glass floor gondola on the Peak 2 Peak. This glass-floor gondola cart comes around every 15 minutes or so and offers a special view for riders. We rode on it, and it was really cool to see what was beneath our feet as we crossed the valley!

Related Read: For more spectacular views, see our comparison of the best gondolas in Vancouver.

5. Relax lakeside

The dock at Lost Lake on a calm day in Whistler
The dock at Lost Lake in Whistler

For both visitors and those living in Whistler, hanging out at one of the town’s beautiful lakes is a must! There are three main lakes around Whistler all within walking distance from the town center – Green Lake, Alta Lake, and my favorite, Lost Lake are accessible via easy walking trails through the surrounding forest.

I personally have visited them all and loved each one for their own unique reasons.

  • Lost Lake: On a sunny day, Lost Lake becomes the best place in town to relax on the beach and have a swim, but beware it is cold, around 12°C (54°F) even in the summertime! It’s also the closest to Whistler and on a hot day, it’s a great place to catch some rays even if you can’t bear to get in the water.
  • Green Lake: Green Lake is much larger than the others. From the opposite side of the lake across from Whistler, I love the stunning views of the mountains. It’s not as popular to swim here, though, and it is the furthest from town.
  • Alta Lake: I love Alta Lake because it is very quiet and peaceful. With that said, it’s not as well connected to town via the many trails, and much of the lakefront property is privately owned.

Truthfully though, if you’re visiting Whistler then checking out one (or all three!) lakes is definitely one of the best activities. And in the winter, going for a snowy walk around an ice-covered lake is a magical way to explore a winter paradise.

6. Rent a bike and explore 

Biking is easily one of the best activities to do in Whistler. We rented bikes for a few hours and explored some of the lakes around Whistler that I mentioned above – and it was awesome!

What makes this activity so popular is the fact that the bike trails around Whistler can just about get you anywhere. It only takes a few hours to explore the closer trails to town and many are paved, making for an easy ride.

In particular, the Whistler Valley Trail is one of the most popular, and it stretches 46 km (29 mi) long and connects to parks, lakes, and neighborhoods. You don’t need to worry too much about finding the perfect route as bike rental companies have maps and can give you great advice on where to go depending on what you want to see.

We rented our bikes from Summit Sport right in town. They had really good mountain bikes for riding around town and were very reasonably priced at $14-$20 CAD per hour or $55 CAD for the day.

To make things a little easier on the legs, you can also try out eBikes! They are one of our favorite ways to be active when we need a more relaxing type of day. In particular, this awesome e-Bike tour covers much of the greater Whistler area, including the three major lakes, all three golf courses, a real bear den (fingers crossed you’ll see some bears along with it!), and lots more. As far as numbers are concerned, you’ll ride for 27 km (17 mi) but it will be more enjoyable than it is a struggle! Tours are $162 CAD and you can read the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!

7. Go ATVing 

bailey poses on an atv in whistler
Woohoo!
An ATV shoots through the water in Whistler, BC
What a blast!

One of our favorite tours in Whistler was a buggy tour! In our small 4-wheel utility vehicle, we cruised the mountain tops in the Callaghan Valley taking in panoramic views (when we weren’t splashing in the puddles, that is).

We did this specific buggy tour and loved every minute of it. Although neither of us had ever driven a buggy before, plenty of instruction was provided before we hit any of the serious trails, which made us more confident and amped to begin!

The buggy vehicle is pretty much like an ATV, except it was slightly larger and had a cage around it. We both could comfortably sit side by side, as opposed to an ATV where one rider must sit in the back. And if you were wondering, these buggies can go up to 97 km/h (60 mph).

We decided to take turns being the driver and on Daniel’s turn there was a super fun off-roading section across small streams and rivers where he decided that it would be a good idea to race at full speed straight into a puddle – we were soaked and couldn’t help but laugh!

Near the end of our 3-hour ride, our guide brought us up to the top of the mountain and took some scenic photos of us before we headed back down, which we really appreciated. Tickets for this buggy tour cost $335 CAD (per buggy of 2) and we aren’t the only ones who loved it – there are hundreds of positive reviews for this tour!

If you prefer to take an ATV tour in Whistler, that is possible too. This specific ATV tour is our pick as you’ll spend 3 hours exploring the rugged wilderness of the Callaghan Valley. The off-road track goes through streams and forests, and there are some epic viewpoints overlooking the valley. Tickets for this ATV tour are $209 CAD.

8. Whistler Farmers’ Market 

Walking through the Whistler Farmers Market
The Whistler Farmers’ Market.

If you happen to be visiting Whistler on a Sunday between May and October, then you’re in luck! The Whistler Farmers’ Market operates every Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, showcasing the best homemade and freshly grown items the area has to offer.

When I was last there they had a selection of fresh fruits and veggies, handmade crafts and clothing, and lots of food trucks! To me, this is the perfect place to visit for your Sunday lunch or even just for an afternoon snack!

You can find out more information about the market in Whistler, including vendors and the location, on their website.

Related Read: If Banff is up next on your itinerary, see our guide to all the best stops between Whistler and Banff.

9. Try snowmobiling

Snowmobiling in Whistler
Photo credit: Canadian Wilderness Adventures

Snowmobiling in Whistler isn’t only exciting, but it is also very scenic – just imagine a winter wonderland filled with snow-covered mountains and pine trees! And on a snowmobile, you can cover lots of ground easily, allowing you to see even more.

It’s best to join a snowmobiling tour as it’s very unlikely you’re arriving with your own snowmobile (if you are, then congrats!). This Callaghan cruiser snowmobile tour is a great option that goes through the Callaghan Valley to the abandoned NorthAir gold mine. You’ll also visit an open area known as a play area that’s perfect for seeing just what a snowmobile can do.

In total, the tour is 3 hours long and is filled with interesting information, breathtaking views, and of course, a ton of excitement. While not a cheap activity, costing around $283 CAD, it’s bound to be a highlight of your trip.

10. Have a beer at Whistler Brewing

At Whistler Brewing drinking a beer
Drinking craft beer at Whistler Brewing!

If you love craft beer as much as I do, then you simply must visit Whistler Brewing Co. This small craft brewery makes a selection of tasty beers, and they are all very well-priced! The brewery is located to the south of Whistler. Although a little out of the main area of town, this is a great Whistler activity rain or shine! In fact, it even made our list of the best rainy day activities in Whistler!

A 20-ounce beer costs $8 CAD, and there is a huge range to choose from. You can also get growlers or six-packs of beer to take with you. We had lunch here and shared the “as big as your face nachos”. This dish really is huge, and it’s certainly a lot bigger than your face.

If you’re a real craft beer lover (like we admittedly are), then we recommend a craft beer tour. That way, you can experience all the best beer without having to worry about a designated driver. In particular, I recommend this Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience because not only will you visit craft breweries but we also enjoyed the visit to Montis Distilling to sample their small-batch spirits. It’s perfect for those of you who are coming in groups with different taste preferences.

If you’d like to snack on something during the tour, we added on a curated charcuterie box or just wait until the end of the tour to take advantage of an exclusive food and drink discount at Raven Room which is one of Whistler’s coolest cocktail bars. The cost per adult is $88 CAD.

Where to Stay in Whistler

Our room at Adara Hotel in Whistler, BC
Our room at Adara Hotel had a suite below it and a bedroom upstairs!
Bailey on our balcony with a view at the Adara, Whistler
The view and pool were our favorite!

As you can imagine, Whistler is a mountain town filled with great hotels. These are our favorites for a range of budgets:

Luxury – $$$

For luxury travelers, I obviously love the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, but another option slightly cheaper is the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre. Its location is perfect because it’s only 250 meters from the closest gondola/chairlift. On top of that, it has all the luxury facilities you’d expect such as a heated, outdoor pool and two hot tubs with mountain views, a fitness center, a spa and wellness center, as well as an included breakfast. Oh, and all suites have a full kitchen!

Suites start at $200-$400 CAD depending on the time of year. Reserve your suite at the Pan Pacific here.

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 favorites and most also offer mountain views from the upstairs patio.

Rooms are typically in the $200-$250 CAD range, but we’ve snagged the best deals when booking a room at Adara a couple months in advance on Booking.com.

Budget – $

For budget travelers, Pangea Pod Hotel is a great option. It’s a basic hotel with pod-style rooms with clean, well-looked-after facilities. The location is also really good right in the heart of Whistler Village. One thing to note is this is not your typical hotel and it does lack privacy due to the style of rooms. However, for location and price, it’s the best low-cost option.

These pod-style rooms start around $125 CAD – even in the peak summer season! It’s also easy to book on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Those are just a few of the many amazing places to stay in Whistler – read our full blog for more info!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel and Bailey take a selfie at a viewpoint on an ATV tour in Whistler, BC
Thanks for reading!

As you’ve probably already realized, we absolutely think that visiting Whistler is worth it! The town is so cozy, and even when it’s not ski season, there’s still plenty to do here. There’s a reason we keep coming back again and again.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you plan your own visit to Whistler. Before you go, be sure to check out more of our blogs about BC’s West Coast. Here are a few related blogs to start with:

11 FUN Things to do in Whistler at Night

How to Plan the MOST ROMANTIC Whistler Honeymoon

The BEST Granville Island Food Tours + Our Personal Review!

22 BEST Places to Visit and See on Vancouver Island