20 FUN Things to do in Whistler When it Rains

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If you’re anything like us, you want to visit Whistler for all of the fantastic outdoor activities. You know, lounging by the lakes, ziplining, and hiking. But what about when it rains?

Well, the reality is that there’s still an average of 10 rain days per month during the summer in Whistler, and quite a bit more during the spring and fall. Sometimes, this just means a quick shower, but we think it’s wise to have some rainy day activities in mind – hence this blog post. 

We lived in Vancouver, which is just two hours down the road from Whistler, and we came here all the time, so, of course, we experienced our fair share of rain. But the good news is that there are plenty of fun activities to keep you busy until the sun comes back out again! 

Things to do in Whistler When it Rains

1. Ride the world’s longest gondola

If you’ve done any research on Whistler before, you’ve likely heard of the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. It is the highest and longest unsupported lift in the entire world – it’s impressive, to say the least. 

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is interesting because it runs from the top of Blackcomb Mountain, across the valley, and connects to the top of Whistler Mountain. So you need to first take a separate gondola up one of the mountains to reach the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and take another gondola to get back down. The views from this height are as beautiful as they sound, it took my breath away the first time I saw it – and that’s not just the fear of heights talking!

You can only ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola in the summer, as it is only for skiers and snowboarders who hold a lift pass during the winter. But once the snow melts, it’s used for sightseeing and is a super popular attraction. This is a great rainy-day activity because you’ll be in the enclosed gondolas for the majority of the experience. It makes it a bit more enchanting when those stunning rain clouds hang over the mountains. 

A one-day pass is called the Summer Alpine Experience Ticket and is $75 CAD when you buy it online ahead of time. This gives you access to all three of the sightseeing gondolas. But if you plan on going on these gondolas more than once, it might be in your best interest to pick up the Summer Alpine Experience Pass, which gives you unlimited access to all the gondolas for $130 CAD. It’s important to note that it’s way cheaper to buy these tickets online than in person!

Check the times and dates available for the Peak 2 Peak Gondola here!

Related Read: Driving to Whistler from Vancouver? Check out our guide to the best stops on the drive to make this quick route a full adventure!

2. Go on an ATV or buggy tour

Instead of shying away from the bad weather, embrace it! That’s what we did on this buggy tour in Whistler and it made the experience so much more fun! We went shortly after it had rained and splashed through mud puddles and we didn’t care about getting dirty. But in all honesty, it was much better because we weren’t getting dusted out the entire time. 

Neither of us had driven a buggy before, but it’s essentially like an ATV with a cage around it and is a bit bigger, so it feels more secure. After we were given instructions and felt comfortable, we took off climbing mountains that gave us spectacular views of the Callaghan Valley below. 

The best part, of course, was ripping around the trails and splashing through puddles and streams. We had so much fun going for it and enjoying the thrill. We had three hours of buggy exploration, and we were soaked by the end but had smiles plastered on our faces – it couldn’t have been better! This tour is $335 CAD for two people.

This tour has hundreds of 5-star reviews – check them out and book your spot here. 

If you’re looking for a proper ATV experience, the company we went through also runs this top-rated ATV tour! It follows the same route and policies as the buggy tour mentioned above, but it’s on a quad. We loved our experience with this group, and would highly recommend it to any traveler. This ATV tour is $209 CAD per person.

Get ready for a thrill and book this ATV tour in Whistler before you go!

3. Try whitewater rafting

Similar to the previous tour, if you’re already going to get wet in the rain, might as well hop on a raft and find some whitewater! We’ve been whitewater rafting all over the world and have definitely gotten rained on, so we can say from experience that this is a great rainy-day activity. It might even make it more fun!

Whitewater rafting is a popular activity in Whistler because the Green River has some nice and easy Class II and III rapids. That’s enough to make your heart race a bit, but you won’t need any technical skills to navigate – that’s why the guides are there anyways! 

This 2-hour tour is the best whitewater tour in Whistler. They have been running for 20 years, so they definitely know what they are doing! This tour also provides all equipment (life jackets, rafts, paddles, etc) and a shuttle service so you won’t have to deal with transportation logistics when you get off the river. But the real stand out is the guides, who are so fun and ensure your safety – the time really flies by!

You can join this tour from mid-May to September for $163 CAD.

Book this tour in advance with FREE cancellation options here!

4. Enjoy a beer at Whistler Brewery

Is there anything more cozy than enjoying a pint of craft beer on a drizzly day? I don’t think so! We often find ourselves at Whistler Brewing Co. when the weather turns sour, as there are lots of big tables to have a pint, play a game, and wait out the storm.

Nearly all of their brews are good, but I love the Forager Pale Ale and on a cold day, the Chestnut Ale hits the spot, as it’s made with that sort of weather in mind! Best of all, these craft beers are very reasonably priced at $7 CAD for a pint. They also have a range of options for 6-packs or growler fills to take home.

If you find yourself here around lunch or dinner, they have a big menu. We split the “as big as your face nachos” and they weren’t lying – they were huge (and delicious)! 

You can stop in for their daily happy hour from 3-8 pm or during their regular hours from 12 pm to 8 or 9 pm, depending on the day of the week. Cheers!

5. Test your skills at axe throwing

Axe throwing is a newly popularized activity, and it’s all over Canada. You don’t have to be some sort of lumberjack or outdoorsman to enjoy axe throwing, they make it a whole experience – think bowling, but with axes! 

We decided to join this axe-throwing guided experience to get the hang of it, but it was actually easier than it sounds! They gave us a safety briefing and let us have a few practice throws, then we were off and running … well I mean chucking axes at targets (no running with an axe please).

You keep score and take turns throwing just like bowling, and it can get pretty competitive! And if you’re wondering if it’s a safe activity, it certainly is. The companies take precautions and you stand clear of the throwing zone. Even kids 10 years and older are allowed to throw. 

People typically do this for an hour or so, making this an ideal indoor activity regardless of the time of year or weather. Plus, it’s an authentic Canadian experience! This one-hour experience is $45 CAD, available Monday through Friday. There are multiple times available throughout the day too!

Book your axe-throwing experience in advance here!

Related Read: Love having someone else plan your activities? Here are our favorite tours in Whistler, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy.

6. Wine and dine!

If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie like we are, you will absolutely love Whistler’s restaurant scene. There are a surprising amount of fine dining and upscale restaurants for how small the town is, our favorite being the Bearfoot Bistro. They know what high-quality means with their food and drink offerings!

We tried their 4-course tasting menu on a date night, and it featured Wagyu beef, Perigord truffles, and Berkshire pork. It was some of the best food we’ve had in Whistler! If you don’t have the time or budget for dinner, you can still enjoy their happy hour from 4:30-5:30 pm for oysters and cocktails! They also have a massive champagne cellar with over 20,000 bottles of wine – you have to check it out!

But if you’re after a really classy experience, I highly recommend this Finer Things Dinner Tour. It starts at the Bearfoot Bistro and they even give you a chance to saber a wine bottle, which is what they are known for. You’ll then enjoy a 4-course meal and a wine-tasting lesson. For dessert, stop by Rogers Chocolates (an upscale and innovative dessert spot) and then have a nightcap at one of Whistler’s top cocktail bars. 

This is a great way to experience Whistler’s fine food scene. It is $194 CAD per person and you can upgrade to include alcoholic beverages, otherwise, they are at your own expense. 

This tour has 100+ 5-star reviews – add this to your itinerary and book here!

Related Read: For more evening plans, check out our list of the best activities to do in Whistler at night!

7. Visit a museum

While Whistler is a haven for outdoor adventure, there are quite a few cultural activities too. Visiting a museum is the perfect rainy day activity, and it gives you a chance to learn about the area you’re exploring. Whistler and British Columbia hold a lot of fascinating history and I always find it valuable to learn how this city got to be what it is today.

There are three main museums in Whistler and each is a bit different. 

• Audain Art Museum – For our art lovers out there, this museum is a great spot. It’s constantly rotating exhibits and has a unique architectural design that integrates the nature outside the building. We spent a few hours exploring and bought our tickets online here for $22 CAD. They are open Thursday to Monday, 11 am to 6 pm.

• Whistler Museum – This museum is central to the history of Whistler! This popular vacation spot wasn’t always this way, so learn about how it grew into the world-class ski town it now is. Admission is by donation (around $5 CAD is the recommended rate) and it’s open Friday to Tuesday, 11 am to 5 pm. Thursdays are their late nights, open until 9 pm!

• Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center – British Columbia has a rich history of First Nations people. This cultural center is a great way to learn about the Skw̲xw̲ú7mesh and Lílw̓at First Nations culture, there is a great guided tour that happens at the top of every hour. They also serve traditional-styled food at the Thunderbird Cafe! Visit Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm for $20 CAD.

8. Join a distillery tour

Craft breweries aren’t the only things that stand out in BC, there is also a growing distillery scene! For those who enjoy cocktails, spirits, and the whole distilling process, I’m happy to inform you that Montis Distilling is only 15 minutes outside of Whistler, in the trendy neighborhood of Function Junction.

We visited on this distillery tour, which took our experience to the next level by giving us a behind-the-scenes tour of Montis Distilling. It included liquor tastings, so we could sample all of their creations, and it came with a charcuterie box – the perfect pairing! My personal favorite was the Alpenglow Gin, but all were super tasty!

This tour is made even more convenient by providing pick up and drop off from Whistler Village or you can request hotel pick up, so you don’t have to worry about catching a taxi back to the hotel after your drinks. Plus, they gave us special deals at The Raven Room, which just so happens to be our favorite cocktail bar in Whistler! 

This tour is 2 hours long, begins at 5:30 pm, and is only offered Fridays and Saturdays. It’s the perfect way to get the party started! You can book this experience for $88 CAD, which includes all your alcohol tastings (there will be a lot, trust me!) and transportation. 

Book this highly-rated Montis Distillery tour here!

9. Visit Brandywine Falls

You can visit Brandywine Falls while you’re staying in Whistler, or if you’re driving from Vancouver to Whistler! It’s just a 15-minute drive outside of Whistler Village and is a short hike, but an easy addition to any itinerary. 

The “hike” is an easy 5-minute walk where you’ll find the stunning 70-meter (230-foot) waterfall. If you’re visiting while it’s raining, the waterfall will be even more powerful! There is a secondary lookout about another 20 meters (66 feet) down the trail where you can also see Garibaldi Lake and the sweeping valley below. 

You’ll spend 20-30 minutes here, depending on how long you like to gaze at the scenery. So while it’s a quick stop, it’s still super fun and a must-visit in my book. Especially if it’s pouring, you can enjoy the outdoors, then go warm up with an indoor activity back in the city!

10. Enjoy tacos and tequila at The Mexican Corner

Margaritas, tacos, mariachi music – what more could you ask for out of dinner? The Mexican Corner is one of the best restaurants in Whistler, serving up authentic Mexican food that is spicy and flavorful. We love the atmosphere, it’s vibrant and colorful and made us feel like we were back in Mexico for a bit. 

Their menu is all good, we tried as much as we could! The fresh guacamole with jalapeños, queso dip, chicken enchiladas that were so creamy, beef barbacoa tacos, and Baja cauliflower Tacos – I still dream about these dishes today. I appreciate how you can order just one taco instead of a set, so you can try multiple flavors. They also have a wide selection of top-shelf tequila and mezcal, so getting a margarita or paloma is a must! 

This is a super popular spot because it’s so tasty, so there is usually a wait. I recommend booking a table in advance! The service was phenomenal, the vibe was good, and the food was even better – it was a fantastic experience. 

11. Give indoor rock climbing a try 

Indoor rock climbing is a ton of fun – I think it’s one of those things that people get addicted to, like CrossFit or SoulCycle! So why not try it out while it’s raining in Whistler? There’s a fantastic indoor climbing wall here at Whistler Core Climbing and Fitness. 

You can buy a walk-in climbing pass for $23 CAD per person but do try to avoid the after-work rush as they sometimes stop accepting walk-ins to make sure that locals get their turn. Outside of that, you should be able to just rock up, and there’s a shoe and harness rental package for $10 CAD, so no worries if you don’t have your own equipment. 

The main reason we think that this spot is so great, though, is because the staff are so friendly and encouraging to first-time climbers. There’s no snobbery here, just a welcoming community.

12. Visit the Whistler Sliding Centre

Whistler hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, and while you might have missed the big events, you can still witness (and experience) some Olympic-style sports at the Whistler Sliding Centre! This is where you can try out classic sliding sports, like bobsled, skeleton, and luge. 

It’s open year-round, and honestly, we had a lot of fun exploring the venue and learning about the history of these sports. From October to March, you can actually see the athletes practicing on the track! I was so impressed at how fast they were going, they were like a flash as they sped by. 

You can experience this adrenaline-pumping thrill with this 1.5-hour bobsled experience. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert, you get to ride with a professional pilot and can reach speeds of 125 km/hr (78 mph). This is a 4-person bobsled, so after your orientation, you and your group can hop in the sled and get going. They will even call out your team name on the loudspeaker, so it’s basically like you’re a pro yourself!

This experience has raving reviews and the crew is excellent, so it’s really memorable! It is available during the winter months, so if you’re in town at the correct time, book this experience for $219 CAD. 

During the summer you can try a bobsled with wheels, also piloted by a professional bobsledder. This is a similar experience to the winter one and offers the same thrills. If it’s a sprinkling outside, you might get a little wet, but it’s all part of the fun! This summer bobsled experience is $135 CAD.

Book the winter bobsled experience or the summer bobsled with wheels here!

13. Ride the Sasquatch!

Whistler is also home to the longest zipline in North America! The Sasquatch® Zipline is a whopping 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long and exceeds 100 km/hr (62 mph). 

Hear me out – this is actually a great rainy-day activity! You are only outside for a few minutes in total. The waiting platform is covered, and the gondola to reach the platform is covered too. The zipline itself only takes a few minutes, and you’ll be having so much fun you won’t even notice you’re getting wet! 

You can read our full experience and tips for the Sasquatch® Zipline here!

The zipline is open from June to mid-October. Tickets are $147 CAD and they have multiple start times throughout the day. Take it from me, this experience is extremely popular so book your tickets in advance! They offer free cancellation 24 hours beforehand too.

Check the details, hundreds of positive reviews, and book your spot here!

14. Party!

Whistler draws in a lively crowd, so you’re sure to find a party here! Best of all, it doesn’t matter what time of year you’re visiting, as Whistler is perfect for those Apres Skiers in the winter and travelers looking for a good time the rest of the year. There are tons of bars whether you’re looking for a relaxed spot or a club with DJs and a dance floor (which are plentiful)!

The Longhorn Saloon & Grill and Merlin’s Bar and Grill are patios turned into a dance floor, with high spirits and great drinks! Dubh Linn Gate and Buffalo Bill’s Bar & Grill are more chill spots, perfect for chatting with a friend, playing pool, or relaxing without the loud music blaring in the background. 

But for those looking for a real party, we have a few recommendations. Apres Apres is in the Blackcomb Lodge, it has a dance floor with an excellent DJ, and it is a more upscale joint than your average club. 

Garfinkel’s Whistler is where you go to dance the night away! This is Whistler’s best nightclub, it’s a lively crowd and there’s always good vibes. The bartenders are fast, we never have to wait too long for a drink, and if you get there around 10 pm, you won’t have to wait in the entrance line too long. You can also reserve booths and get bottle service if you’re celebrating!

Whistler also hosts a weekly bar hop, which is a fantastic way to make friends while traveling. This bar hop happens every Friday and Saturday, and you’ll hit 4 different bars and clubs. It also includes skip-the-line entry at each club, five free drinks, and free pizza for $89 CAD. 

15. Eat at the $5.95 Restaurant and Pub

Not everything in Whistler has to cost an arm and a leg. This town is always on the more expensive side, except for El Furniture Warehouse. This restaurant is a hidden gem and serves up amazing food at a reasonable price. It used to be referred to as the $5.95 pub, but thanks to our pal inflation, prices have increased over the years. But – it’s still affordable!

El Furniture Warehouse’s prices range from $7.45 to $9.75 CAD for full meals (cocktails are a little more expensive). They have typical pub fare like poutine, nachos, burgers, and more, but I’ve never had anything bad! In fact, they turn the mundane exciting – I had their grilled cheese made with brie and cranberries and it was amazing!

This is a great lunch spot in Whistler – just hang out, enjoy some food, and don’t worry about the budget!

16. Try an escape room 

I don’t know about you, but I love an escape room. They’re so exciting and I always feel such a sense of achievement when I manage to get out in time. And fortunately, Escape! Whistler has some excellent rooms to lock you in on a rainy day. 

There are six different games on offer, ranging from beginner to advanced, so there’s something for families, first-timers, and true puzzle masters. The games last for 45 minutes, which I think is the perfect amount of time because it keeps the pace nice and snappy. 

The rooms are designed for groups of 2 to 6 players, and prices vary from $38-$40 CAD per person, depending on the size of your group. I think they do the puzzles very well here because they’re enough to challenge you but not so difficult that they’re impossible to solve. 

17. Treat yourself at Scandinave Spa

How about a bit of luxury while in Whistler? The Scandinave Spa is the idealistic place for relaxation, equipped with thermal pools, cool baths, massages, and more! We love coming here to soothe our achy muscles after skiing or to warm up a bit. 

A unique aspect of this spa is that they don’t allow cell phones in the baths and ask you to be quiet throughout your stay to maintain the tranquility of the venue. When they say relaxation, they certainly mean it! I love their eucalyptus sauna, and they also have a cedar and Finnish sauna. If you need a break from the activities, there is a rest area with lounge chairs, hammocks, solariums, and a yoga studio. 

A full-day pass is $180 CAD during peak season (November through March) and $135-$145 CAD the rest of the year, depending on the day. But, with this price comes all of the services, plus mountain views!

18. Go shopping

Shopping is the easiest go-to activity when it’s raining! There are a surprising amount of clothing and jewelry stores in Whistler, so it’s easy to pass an afternoon by hopping from shop to shop. 

As far as clothes stores go, I love Aritzia for trendy women’s clothes, The Beach has casual surfer vibes, and the Oracle has a unique jewelry collection. Cool as a Moose is a great Canadian souvenir shop and Amos and Andes is a locally-made sweater shop – how neat!

There are a handful of food-based shops too. David’s Tea sells a variety of teas, as you can guess from the name! Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory sells lots of yummy chocolates. We also like to stop by COWS Ice Cream, where they use a family recipe to make ice cream with milk from Prince Edward Island! The ice cream is the highlight although we also got a kick out of all the cow-themed merch.

19. Enjoy breakfast at Portobello

Regardless of the weather, breakfast at Portobello is an essential addition to your itinerary. You’ll be able to smell Portobello before you even see it, with freshly baked pastries and coffee roasted at Counter Culture Coffee Company (another worthwhile stop!). 

They offer made-to-order sandwiches, waffles, breakfast bowls, and bagels. You can visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, but I think breakfast is their best! I mean maple bacon waffles, what else could you ask for? 

If you visit later in the day, there’s a full bar, featuring local beers and specialty cocktails. I took a peek at their dinner menu and saw smoked brisket, and I’m sure it’s delicious. They are only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday though, that’s why I recommend stopping in for breakfast! They open at 7 am every day of the week.

20. Spoil yourself with a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Staying at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a bucket list item, and with so many amenities on-site, you won’t even need to leave the property to have a luxurious vacation!

There are 6 restaurants, two heated pools, luxury rooms, and of course, world-class views. Any room is sure to be posh, but if you can score the Fairmont Gold Room or even the Fairmont Gold Penthouse Suite, you’re in for a true treat! This would be great for a honeymoon in Whistler, in my opinion. I also love their wellness center, which offers facials, massages, and more. 

If you do decide to leave the hotel, you are just steps away from ski lifts, perfect for a winter holiday. Lost Lake is a 4-minute drive away and is one of the best swimming spots during summer. 

The Fairmont Chateau is certainly not a budget hotel, rooms range from about $400 CAD to $2,000 CAD per night depending on the season and type of room you book. This is one of those luxury stays that you’ll remember for a long time to come! 

I recommend booking your stay at the Fairmont Whistler as far in advance as possible to secure the lowest rate and best availability. Plus, when you book with Booking.com, you can secure your room and access free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Whistler, BC

There are tons of choices when it comes to hotels in Whistler, below are some of my very favorites:

Adara Hotel – Our Top Choice

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-$300 CAD. You can check prices, availability, and book Adara Hotel on Booking.com here.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites – $$$

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 are very nice and for groups, they have 2-bedroom apartments. Some of the suites even have balconies with mountain views!

So whether you’re looking for a place to stay for your very special honeymoon or just fancy an ultra-relaxing vacation, it doesn’t get much better than this! Rooms here at the Whistler Village Suites start at around $300-$400 CAD and you can check availability here on Booking.com.

The Listel Hotel Whistler – $$

The Listel Hotel is a beautiful place to stay in the heart of Whistler. It has an almost unbeatable location close to the village and to the gondolas, which is convenient if you are planning to ski! I still consider it a budget option for Whistler, but the hotel has lots of luxuries, including a spa, restaurant, and bar.

Rooms here at The Listel on average cost $200-$300 CAD per night, so to grab the best deal, I recommend checking availability ahead of time! You can do so here on Booking.com.

Hi Whistler – $

For those travelers on a budget, the Hi Whistler is one of the few 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 $52 CAD, while private rooms start at around $152 CAD per night. You can check availability on Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Those are just a few of the many amazing places to stay in Whistler – check out our blog for more info.

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!

Thanks for reading!

Don’t let a little rain spoil your vacation! There is so much to do in Whistler when the weather is bad, some of the activities are even more fun with a bit of a drizzle. Hopefully, this list will provide plenty for you to do, so you can enjoy Whistler as much as we do, no matter what the weather is like when you visit.

Thanks so much for reading our blog! If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our other Canada blogs. For some travel inspiration and tips, here are a few more resources that might be useful.

WHISTLER ITINERARY – How to Spend 1, 2, or 3 Days in Whistler!

9 Things to Know BEFORE Booking Via Ferrata in Whistler

Where to Stay in Whistler for Skiing