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Whistler is a tiny town in British Columbia, Canada, over an hour’s drive north of Vancouver. It was initially a logging community before becoming the home to Whistler Blackcomb, one of North America’s largest ski resorts.
Since then, Whistler has evolved into a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, luring them with winter sports like snowboarding and skiing and summer activities like hiking and bicycling. There are truly endless things to do in Whistler year-round!
While visiting this small resort town will undoubtedly be the highlight of your vacation, choosing where to stay in Whistler might be a bit of a challenge. After all, it sprawls across the valley. Whistler is spread across four main areas, each with its own character and providing a distinct type of holiday from the others.
That’s why I came up with this comprehensive guide to make it easier for you to choose the ideal location depending on your style and budget constraints.
Ready to go through the best areas and hotels in Whistler, Canada? Let’s dive right in!
Where are the BEST Areas to Stay in Whistler
Before deciding where to stay in Whistler, make sure to establish what you want to get out of your vacation first. This will help you narrow down the best areas in Whistler to stay in to make your holiday more memorable and fun.
Suppose you are a first-time traveler wanting to experience all of the town’s outdoor activities. In that case, Whistler Village is one of the best areas in Whistler for you. This is the beating heart of the town and the most urbanized area.
On the other hand, Whistler Center is distinguished by the beautiful Alta Lake and its surrounding parks. With an abundance of hiking and cross-country skiing trails and magnificent lake vistas, this area is a fantastic choice for tourists searching for a quieter alternative to the major tourist center.
If you’re in town for other recreational activities aside from skiing, Whistler North is your best bet. It offers visitors access to golf, bike trails, and an expansive lake, making it a perfect retreat for a summer holiday in Whistler.
Meanwhile, Whistler South is where travelers go to get away from the crowds while still having easy access to the slopes. Aside from offering a diverse selection of properties, this location features its own gondola that will take you up to Whistler Mountain.
Let’s take a better look at each of these neighborhoods in Whistler as well as the best hotels in each, shall we?
Related Read: Heading to Whistler in Autumn? Check our guide to all the best things to do in Whistler in the Fall!
Whistler Village
Set on the foot of the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, Whistler Village is a cross between an alpine community and an urban center. It is home to world-class boutiques, restaurants and bars, a multiplex cinema, concert venues, and two gondolas that will take you directly from the ground to the slopes.
As with any touristy center, Whistler Village offers crazy nightlife, top amenities, and lots of activities to do that you expect to find in a resort town.
But apart from the lively atmosphere and the ski-in/ski-out access, what I love most about staying in Whistler Village is that it is fully pedestrianized! Everything is within reasonable walking distance, so you can go wherever you wish on foot. The views are phenomenal no matter which way you look. In addition, the area was thoughtfully designed to blend in with the natural landscape surrounding it.
The majority of Whistler’s best hotels can be found in this cobblestone pedestrian-only village, too. However, be prepared to spend a lot on a hotel as prices tend to skyrocket during winter and summer. Some properties offer a terrific deal year-round, though.
Advantages of staying in Whistler Village:
- You will be at the heart of the action as all the main activities are located here.
- Most accommodation is just a short walk to either one of the gondolas.
- With the dozens of world-class shops and the breathtaking views around, selfie opportunities abound here.
Disadvantages of staying in Whistler Village:
- Given its popularity and central location, the Village isn’t the most affordable area to stay in Whistler.
- Getting a hotel reservation at peak times is difficult.
- Driving is not permitted, but paid parking is available.
- Once the gondola stops operating, it’s hard to get transportation in the Benchlands.
The Best Hotels in Whistler Village
$$$ – Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre
The Pan Pacific Whistler Village Center is a full-service, all-suite European-style hotel located within a five-minute walk from the Whistler Village chairlift. It features a breakfast buffet, complimentary wireless Internet access, and slope-side valet ski and bike storage.
While staying here, you can pamper yourself in the sauna, heated outdoor saltwater pool, or one of two outdoor hot tubs. Or, spend the day on the sundeck overlooking the mountains! Take advantage of the free in-resort shuttle, as well.
The hotel suites here come in various sizes, including studio, one, two, and three-bedroom options. These modern rooms have seating areas with fireplaces, a fully equipped kitchen, a balcony, and breathtaking mountain and city views. You can also enjoy a flat-screen cable TV and free local calls.
If you like to explore the surrounding area, Whistler Golf Club is a mere ten-minute walk away. The Whistler Tube Park is roughly 2.5 km (1.6 mi) from the property, as well.
Rooms start at $499 CAD per night.
Check prices and availability for the Pan Pacific Whistler here!
$$ – Adara Hotel
The Adara Hotel sits in a peaceful and central location in Whistler Village, just a short walk from the slopes and all stores and restaurants. It comes complete with free Wi-Fi, underground parking, ski and snowboard storage, and a year-round outdoor pool and hot tub. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk – oh, and did I mention fresh-baked cookies at reception daily?
We love to stay at the Adar Hotel whenever we are in Whistle because for us, it is the perfect combination of luxury and affordability. After a long day of exploring, a soak in their outdoor hot tub is just what the doctor ordered. You can’t go wrong with the mountain views from the pool area either.
Guest suites at the Adara Hotel are varied. Some have kitchenettes, fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, and large walk-in showers. I love the loft rooms that come complete with a patio on the second floor!
One of the best parts about this hotel has to be the location. It is located only a 1-minute walk from the center of Whistler Village. This makes it perfect for the Whistler Village gondola access, as well as conveniently located close to many of the best restaurants in Whistler.
A night’s stay at this hotel would cost around $197 CAD.
Check availability and prices at Adara Hotel here!
$$ – Whistler Village Inn & Suites
Featuring an in-house restaurant and a heated, year-round outdoor pool, Whistler Village Inn + Suites hotel provides nothing but warm service to all of its guests. In addition, it offers access to a fitness center and free Wi-Fi. And you can find a hot tub, a dry sauna, and a tour desk on-site, too.
There are over 80 elegant, contemporary rooms, lofts, studios, and suites to choose from, all with a mountain chalet atmosphere. They are fitted with fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a kitchen/kitchenette. The studios also include a seating space and a balcony with a view.
When exploring the surrounding area, you will find the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola just two minutes away from the property on foot making this one of the best places to stay in Whistler for skiing. Feel free to drive to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, both of which are only about a five-minute drive.
You can stay at Whistler Village Inn + Suites for as low as $177 CAD a night.
Check prices and availability for the Whistler Village Inn here!
$ – Pangea Pod Hotel
While the cheapest hotels in Whistler cost over $200 CAD per night during peak season, there is one genuinely budget-friendly accommodation option in town. The Pangea Pod Hotel is conveniently situated in the center of Whistler Village and about a ten-minute walk from the ski lifts.
It comes in a hostel dorm-style setting, providing double beds in “pods” grouped in suites with private bathrooms. They are a bit more private than hostel bunks, but you will still share the sleeping space. Bathroom facilities are also shared. If you’re concerned about security, fear not, as each pod can be locked individually and comes with a socket and a reading light.
This boutique hotel also offers a communal living area, craft beer, an espresso machine, and a rooftop bar. This will give you plenty of chances to meet other travelers.
If you like to explore, the Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas are only 650 feet away, while Alpha Lake Park is 3.8 km (2.4 miles) away. Other nearby attractions, such as Whistler Mountain Bike Park and Whistler Olympic Plaza, are within 160 m and 800 m of the hotel, respectively.
In terms of where to stay in Whistler if you’re on a budget, the Pangea is a top choice.
You can book the side-entry pods for couples here for $116 CAD a night.
Check prices and availability for the Pangea Pod Hotel on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.com!
Related Read: Looking for an epic road trip from Whistler? Check out the drive from Whistler to Kamloops, it may be short, but there are some really cool stops along the way!
Whistler Centre
Home to Alta Lake, Whistler Centre is often regarded as an extension of the village. It is made up of the prominent neighborhoods of Alta Vista, Blueberry Hill, Nesters, Brio, Whistler Cay Heights, and Whistler Cay Estates, all connected by the valley trail.
This area is most recognized for its abundance of recreational opportunities and convenient access to the village’s amenities. Because many of the homes in Whistler Centre are situated above the valley level, visitors and residents can enjoy stunning views of the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in the distance and the valley and golf course below.
Despite its proximity to the main village, Whistler Centre will make you feel as though you are in a quiet and secluded location in the middle of nowhere. It hosts a variety of cheaper accommodations, as well as more parking space too.
Advantages to staying in Whistler Centre
- Convenient location with immediate access to Whistler Village but not too far away.
- Close to Alta Lake, meaning plenty of lakeside activities to do.
- Nesters has its own retail complex that includes Nester’s Market, a favorite grocery among residents.
- Whistler Cay Heights is a short walk from Whistler Village and provides guests with convenient access to parks, lakes, and golf through the Valley Trail.
Disadvantages of staying in Whistler Centre
- If you’re staying in Alta Vista/Blueberry Hill/Brio, “walking distance” can still mean a long, long way.
- Although hotels tend to be cheaper than the village, they are still not the cheapest ones you can find in Whistler.
The Best Hotels in Whistler Centre
$$$ – Four Seasons Resort Whistler
Four Seasons Resort Whistler, the only AAA Five-Diamond property in Canada, offers you nothing but the highest-quality service in town. It comes complete with an outdoor heated pool, three hot tubs, mountainside dining, and complimentary Wi-Fi for all guests. This is a place to spoil yourself – perfect for couples honeymooning in Whistler or celebrating any special occasion!
A free shuttle is also available during ski season to take you to the Whistler Village and Whistler Mountain. But if you think that’s the best part, wait until I tell you that Four Seasons Resort Whistler also provides a highly customized 24-hour service! The concierge can organize personalized activities for you, creating a vacation tailored to your specific needs.
You can choose between 273 modern-rustic rooms and suites, all fitted with a flat-screen cable TV and a fireplace in the seating area. Your rooms also have views of the mountains, the forest, or the courtyard.
If you’re worried that there won’t be anything to see outside the hotel, you’ll be relieved to know that the Whistler Blackcomb ski lifts are only an eight-minute walk away. The Nicklaus North Golf Course is also about a seven-minute drive away.
The Deluxe King Room for two here costs about $500 CAD a night.
Check prices and availability at the Four Seasons Four Whistler.
$$ – Tantalus Resort Lodge
The Tantalus Resort Lodge sits on a four-acre landscaped property with picnic and playground areas, an outdoor heated pool, a sauna, and two hot tubs. Because of its family-friendly amenities, it has become a favorite year-round destination for travelers with kids.
When it comes to the suites, each one is appointed with a flat-screen table, a full kitchen, and free Wi-Fi. You can also enjoy a real wood-burning fireplace in the seating area and a private balcony with mountain or forest views.
If you’re visiting Whistler in the winter months, the Tantalus Lodge also provides a complimentary daily ski shuttle for the guests’ convenience. If you’re visiting during the summer months, feel free to spend your days in the tennis or beach volleyball court, picnic and BBQ area, and children’s playground.
If you’re up for a round of golf, the Whistler Golf Course is right across the street from the property. The Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas are also just a quick walk away, and a few steps from there, you’ll be in Whistler Village, where you can shop and dine.
You can book the two-bedroom suite here for $196 CAD a night.
Check prices and availability at the Tantalus Resort Lodge.
$ – Blackcomb Springs Suites by CLIQUE
Nestled on the slopes of Blackcomb Mountain, Blackcomb Springs Suites by CLIQUE is one of the few Whistler resorts that offers true ski-in and ski-out access.
It is an ideal spot to unwind after a day outside as it comes with an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. Other on-site amenities include a rental shop, ski storage space, underground paid parking, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. If you’re traveling with a pet, they are welcome at the resort for a surcharge.
Blackcomb Springs Suites by CLIQUE has a total of 186 warm and luxurious suites (make sure to pick one with the slope-side views!) All the rooms are well-appointed with a seating area, an HD TV, a kitchen, a separate dining area, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can head to Alpha Lake Park, located five miles from the property, or Whistler Olympic Park, which is 18 miles away. While staying here, you will also be pretty close to Whistler Mountain and Whistler Village.
For $183 CAD a night, you can book the studio with a full kitchen.
Check availability and prices for Blackcomb Springs Suites here!
Related Read: No matter where you’re staying in town, ziplining in Whistler is one of the top experiences to take in while you’re here!
Whistler North
Whistler North is home to some of the town’s oldest neighborhoods and has changed dramatically as Whistler has developed. It became a popular destination for residents and visitors due to its year-round recreational amenities, such as Lost Lake, the Nicklaus North Golf Course, the Meadow Park Sports Centre, and several bicycling and hiking trails.
The neighborhoods, consisting of Alpine Meadows, Green Lake Estates, Emerald Estates, Spruce Grove, and Rainbow/Baxter Creek, offer lots of green space and spectacular mountain views. With that said, if you’re thinking about where to stay in Whistler that is quieter and has mid-range accommodation options, Whistler North is most likely for you.
Another big perk of escaping to this area is no traffic! Staying away from Whistler Village keeps you out of the way of any traffic.
Advantages of staying in Whistler North:
- Alpine Meadows provides a variety of views of the Whistler Valley and direct access to the beautiful Valley Trail.
- Offers immediate access to the Nicklaus North Golf Course and Lost Lake.
- Features a private and quiet setting
- The location is ideal for getting to Whistler Village without being too far away.
Disadvantages of staying in Whistler North:
- You’re slightly away from the action since Whistler Village is roughly about 4 km (2.5 miles) away.
- Limited choices for dining and accommodation.
The Best Hotels in Whistler North
$$ – Nicklaus North
Nicklaus North is the ideal place to unwind after a day of skiing or hiking in the mountains. Despite being only a seven-minute drive from the center of Whistler, the location offers a calm and remote atmosphere, making it ideal for tourists looking to avoid the crowds.
This two-story holiday home provides free private parking, spacious communal areas, a beautiful patio, and a hot tub. It comes complete with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with the living area, kitchen, and dining room on the main floor.
The best part about staying at Nicklaus North is that you get exclusive use of the whole property. For around $993 CAD per night, you can host your family vacation here and enjoy the view of the creek and mountains poking through the trees views from the porch/backyard area or go golfing at the Nicklaus North golf course or disk golfing at Whistler Disc Golf nearby. The property sleeps up to 12 people!
Note: A 4-night minimum is required here.
Check availability for Nicklaus North here!
$ – Riverside Resort
Nestled in more than 40 acres of land and surrounded by breathtaking green space, Riverside Resort lets guests experience Whistler naturally all year long! It features free Wi-Fi in all public areas, snowshoe rentals, an on-site café, and an on-site market, where you can buy snacks, drinks, and RV and camping supplies. You can also find a volleyball court, BBQ facilities, and a kids’ playground on the premises.
Riverside Resort has a wide range of rooms to suit all seasons and budgets. You can choose from cozy Log Cabins, private Walk-in Tent Sites, RV Sites, and unique Yurts. All cabins and yurts include a dining and seating space, and all heated rooms have a private entrance.
While staying at Riverside Resort, there are tons of activities for you to enjoy. You can relax in the spa or play a match of beach volleyball with your new neighbors. There are also facilities available for skiing, zip-lining, and mountain biking. If you wish to explore Whistler’s bustling core, the resort also provides a complimentary shuttle service to Whistler Village.
Rates here start at $90 CAD per night, so it’s also one of the best budget-friendly places to stay in Whistler.
Check prices and availability for the Riverside Resort here!
Whistler South
With its blend of old and new vibes, Whistler South is home to a variety of gorgeous lakes, hiking and biking trails, and some of the best hotels in Whistler. It consists of nine neighborhoods, namely Creekside, Function Junction, Bayshores, Cheakamus Crossing, Nordic Estates, Kadenwood, Spring Creek, Westside, and Pinecrest/Blacktusk.
Creekside is considered the focal point of this area. Here, you can find the Creekside Gondola, a few shops and restaurants, and Whistler’s only gas station. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to take the historic train rides from the Whistler Railway station in Creekside.
Function Junction is also one of the best areas in Whistler for visitors looking to escape the wild crowds of Whistler Village and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere instead. This neighborhood has an artsy feel to it, with plenty of fabulous restaurants and shops. It is just around ten minutes away from Whistler Village and is easily accessible.
The rest of Whistler South is primarily residential, with numerous houses and vacation rentals.
Advantages of staying in Whistler South:
- Still has that rustic atmosphere that drew Whistler’s first skiers in the 1960s.
- Allows visitors access to the mountain without passing through the main village.
- Offers great prices since the area is somewhat off the beaten track.
- Kadenwood features breathtaking views and ski-in/ski-out access to Creekside.
- Nordic Estates is well-serviced by public transportation.
Disadvantages of staying in Whistler South:
- Food, retail, and accommodation options are limited.
- You’re a long way from Whistler Village’s bustling nightlife.
The Best Hotels in Whistler South
$$$ – Nita Lake Lodge
The Nita Lake Lodge is conveniently located under 2,000 feet from the Whistler Mountain and Creekside Gondola and there is a free shuttle provided by the lodge that will take you to Whistler Village.
For how small of an area South Whistler is, Nita Lake Lodge will give you the best combo for lake views paired with luxury. The lodge sits right on Nita Lake so you’re sure to have long-lasting memories if you book a room with a view! Imagine it snowy and frozen during the winter or taking out of their free kayaks or paddleboards in the summer.
Go for a swim in the heated outdoor pool or soak in the hot tub while admiring the view.
You can book studios or 1 or 2 bedroom suites and each room here includes a 2-person soaker tub, a rainfall shower, heated flooring, and a gas fireplace. The studios also include a kitchenette.
The dining situation here isn’t to be overlooked! The Den and Cure Lounge serves impressive west coast cuisine and their ingredients are sourced from the accommodation’s own rooftop garden as well as local farms, hunters, and fisheries.
For more casual food options you can request packed lunches or grab deli sandwiches, homemade pastries, and ice cream from Fix Cafe.
As you can see, everything about this property is desirable! The price for a studio with a view is $379 CAD.
Check prices and availability for Nita Lake Lodge here!
$$ – Evolution Whistler
Sitting within walking distance of the Creekside Express Gondola, Evolution is a modern condo-style accommodation provider for families of all sizes. It features kid-friendly facilities, such as a media room with daily movie screenings and a game room with Nintendo Switch consoles.
There is also an outdoor heated swimming pool and two hot tubs on-site, as well as a dry sauna and a eucalyptus steam room. While you can find no restaurants here, you have plenty of dining options within a quick walk from the property.
You can stay in either a one- or two-bedroom suite, both of which are fitted with fireplaces, full kitchens, and separate living and dining areas. Other in-room amenities include a private bathroom, a personal washer and dryer, air conditioning, and cable TV. However, the best feature I love about the rooms in Evolution is the private balcony, where you can enjoy a view of either the pool, the quiet street, or the mountain.
The one-bedroom suite here costs $214 CAD per night.
Check prices and availability for Evolution here!
$ – Whistler Lodge Hostel
Tucked away in the woods between Whistler Village and Creekside, the Whistler Lodge Hostel is the perfect base for budget backpackers looking for a great place to stay in Whistler. It gives guests an authentic mountain lodge vibe with its on-site sauna, hot tub, large outdoor deck and patio, shared kitchen, and terrace with BBQ facilities. You can also find a communal games room lounge on the property, as well as free parking, free Wi-Fi, and a vending machine available 24/7.
Housed in a charming chalet-style property built in 1965, this 42-bed hostel provides mixed dorm rooms and private bedrooms with a common bathroom. Guests staying in the dorm rooms have access to a shared bathroom with hot showers and towels. All bunk beds feature LED lights, power outlets, and mirrors, and free steel storage lockers are also supplied.
You can stay here for as low as $99 CAD per night.
Check prices and availability for the Whistler Lodge Hostel here!
Things to do While You’re in Whistler
While you’re in Whistler, be sure not to miss out on some of the best activities in the area! Below, I have just listed a glimpse of my favorite things to do in Whistler to add to your Whistler itinerary!
- Go ziplining – There are many epic ziplining tours in Whistler with the most incredible mountain and forest views! The Sasquatch is just as mighty as it sounds. Not only is it the longest zipline in North America but it also descends 2,133 (7,000 feet). It is only one line though so if you’d rather ride several lines or go for something less intense there is also the Eagle which departs from the same location! The tour features five different ziplines, including a 732 m (2,400 ft ) zipline with a 30-story descent – still a thrilling time!
- Brandywine Falls – The nature all around Whistler is stunning and the 70 meters (230 feet) Brandywine Falls surrounded by rough cliffs is not one to miss! This is a really short hike – only about 15 minutes one-way starting from the parking lot. It’s accessible from April to October and you’ll cross a wooden footbridge, some train tracks and head through the forest until you make it to the first viewing platform.
- Ride an ATV/buggy – One of our very favorite tours in Whistler was a buggy tour! In our small 4-wheel utility vehicle, we zoomed the mountain tops and admired all of the panoramic views (when we weren’t splashing in the puddles, that is!) If you prefer to go on an ATV tour in Whistler, that is possible too with the same company. The buggy tour is $325 CAD whereas the ATV tour costs $169 CAD.
- Scenic flight – Although fun, scenic flights around Whistler are not cheap but are 100% bucket worthy! There are a few different options here but the most unique options are the scenic helicopter flight with a mountain landing and a seaplane flight that departs and lands from the water! The helicopter tour includes a 20-minute flight and a 15-minute glacier landing on Rainbow Mountain for the cost of $325 CAD. On the seaplane flight, you’ll be in the sky for 30 minutes and it costs $199 CAD. Whichever you choose both options have mindblowing views of mountains, glaciers, and lakes!
Don’t get Caught without Travel Insurance!
We never travel without travel insurance! We’ve had a few instances during our travels when one of us has ended up in the hospital, and travel insurance has saved us thousands of dollars over the years!
SafetyWing is our go-to insurance, we both have policies with them whenever we travel.
They offer travel medical insurance that’s super affordable (only $45 USD per 4 weeks!)The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once you’ve left your home country – we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport.
We’ve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and we’ve been reimbursed for countless expenses when we’ve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!) While most travel insurance companies left people stranded, SafetyWing fully reimbursed us for our last-minute, pricey flights!
Also, because it is so affordable, there really is no excuse not to take out a policy. Check prices and get a quote online here with SafetyWing (you can even take out a policy if you’re already traveling!)
Thanks for reading!
Whether you’re looking forward to a winter ski holiday or a quiet summer retreat, figuring out where to stay in Whistler will be among the top decisions you have to make. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with the low down on each of the best areas in Whistler to help you better plan your stay in this winter wonderland.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out a few of our others on this area! Here are a few favorites:
BEST cafes & coffee shops in Whistler