WHISTLER

Travel reviews
4.1 / 5 - 215 reviews

What to do

  • Noteworthy
  • Worth the detour
  • Must see

WhistlerWhistler is a resort town about two hours from Vancouver. Nestled high in the southern Pacific Ranges of British Columbia's Coast Mountains, Whistler offers exhilarating outdoor adventures and activities year-round and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada.

Best known for its world-class ski slopes, Whistler also boasts golf courses, tennis courts and many hiking and biking trails with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.


Whistler Village

Villade de WhistlerLocated at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, Whistler Village is the central neighbourhood of the town of Whistler. There's always something to see and do, and the sights and sounds change with the seasons. With its magnificent scenery and panoply of outdoor activities of all kinds, the Village will be your gateway to adventure! Relax and enjoy the friendly Whistler atmosphere and unique mountain culture!

To get to Whistler Village, you can take the free Route 5 shuttle from the Gondola Transit Exchange (Blackcomb Way, Whistler) to Upper Village. Otherwise, the village offers pay parking (Day Lots 1 to 5). Whistler Village and Village North are easily explored on foot.


Picnic at Lost Lake Park

Situated at tranquil Lost Lake, this secluded park offers a sandy beach, pristine swimming waters and more and is within walking distance from Whistler Village. It is a perfect spot to recharge your batteries or to enjoy a quiet picnic. After lunch, hike one of the many trails and drink in the spectacular mountain scenery.

The free Route 8 shuttle will take you to Lost Lake in July and August, when there is no parking at the lake. The shuttle leaves from the Gondola Transit Exchange (Blackcomb Way, Whistler), where you can park in one of the nearby pay parking lots (Day Lots 1 to 5). RV parking is available in Day Lot 3.


Seaplane tour

Survol en hydravion - WhistlerEnjoy a bird's eye view of breathtaking Garibaldi Provincial Park. This popular scenic flight will take you over majestic glaciers, dizzying mountain peaks, volcanic formations and alpine meadows surrounding the turquoise waters of Lake Garibaldi. And if you watch carefully, you may spot a wandering black bear feeding on wild berries, or mountain goats looking for a salt marsh. This is sure to be a high point in your Western Canadian adventure!

Open every day from May to October.


Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Télécabine Peak 2 PeakThe Peak 2 Peak gondola, which links Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in about 11 minutes, is not your average gondola ride.  A feat of engineering, it boasts the longest unsupported lift span in the world (3.024 kilometres) and is the highest lift of its kind with an elevation of 436 metres. The special glass-bottom gondola is a thrilling experience that offers stunning 360-degree views of Whistler Village, mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers and forests. Open year-round.

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola terminal can be reached via the Whistler Village Gondola (4309 Skiers Plaza, Whistler). The gondola runs daily from late May to mid-September, and Saturday-Sunday only from mid-September to mid-October. 


VALLEA LUMINA

Legend tells of a hidden trail leading to a secret valley... Moment Factory brings the forests of Whistler to life, enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape with a multimedia light show to create a magical world. Experience the wonder of this immersive night walk as a fascinating tale of mystery unfolds around you.

Open every evening in summer and Thursday-Monday from November to April for a winter experience. Tickets can be purchased online. Shuttle service is provided from Gateway Bus Loop.

NEARBY


GARIBALDI PROVINCIAL PARK AND GARIBALDI LAKE

Discover the natural beauty of this provincial park, which is named after its towering 2,678 metre peak, Mount Garibaldi. With more than 90 km of trails, the park is known for its stunning scenery and its endless hiking opportunities.

Garibaldi Park is open year-round, but some services are limited in winter. Five park access points are located along HWY 99 (the Sea to Sky Highway) between Squamish and Pemberton.


JOFFRE LAKES

This provincial park is known for the turquoise blue waters of its three lakes: Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre Lakes. Their striking, saturated blue colour is caused by “rockflour” – or glacial silt – that is suspended in the water and reflects green and blue wavelengths of sunlight. The snow-capped peaks behind Lower Joffre Lake are visible from an easily accessible viewpoint 500 metres from the parking lot. If you continue towards Middle Lake and Upper Joffre Lake, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging. The full hike is a 7.7 km round trip.

The park is open year-round, but some services are limited in winter. Reservations mandatory. 


Sea to Sky Gondola

Sea to Sky GondolaBritish Columbia's "Newest Attraction", the Sea to Sky gondola lives up to its name, transporting visitors high above the coast for a thrilling adventure and stunning vistas.

Your adventure begins with a 10-minute gondola ride to 885 metres above sea level. The ride up to the summit provides sweeping views of Howe Sound, the majestic coastal forest and surrounding mountains.

Once at the top, many other adventures for all ages await. You will have access to a wide array of outdoor experiences including the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, picnicking, a café terrace, rock climbing and many hiking trails.

Discount with online purchase.


Brandywine Falls

Brandywine FallsTwenty minute from Whistler along Highway 99 you will find Brandywine Falls, a spectacular 70 metre waterfall, is located within Brandywine Falls Provincial Park.

The waterfall is best seen from the viewing platform, which also presents some marvelous views of Daisy Lake and the surrounding mountains. The 30-minute round trip hike to the viewpoint is easy and well worth the effort!

Where to eat

  • $ Inexpensive
  • $$ Moderate
  • $$$ Upscale
  • $$$$ Fine dining

La Cantina Urban Taco Bar ($)

La Cantina is the place to go for the best tacos in a variety of forms, as well as delicious burritos, soups and salads. Also offers gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. A must for lovers of Mexican food!

 



Sushi Village Japanese Cuisine ($$)

This local favourite offers a range of Japanese cuisine including soups, salads, sushi, Teriyaki dinners and hot pots. There's something for everyone!

 



Creekbread ($$)

Creekbread specializes in gourmet organic pizza cooked in a wood-fired stone oven. With its delicious food and friendly atmosphere, it will be a favourite for the whole family.

 



Araxi Restaurant & Bar ($$$)

Voted the best restaurant in Whistler, dinner at Araxi is a gourmet pleasure every visitor should experience! With its menu entirely built around regionally-sourced ingredients (right down to the fish and seafood) and a very extensive wine cellar, Araxi is a favourite with locals and visitors alike!

 



Rimrock Cafe & Oyster Bar ($$$-$$$$)

Consistently ranked among the top restaurants in Whistler, the Rimrock Café is a Whistler icon. Its chef and owner Rolf Gunther has clearly found a winning formula, offering a unique fine dining experience in a rustic elegant atmosphere typical of mountain resort towns. The menu features Pacific Northwest cuisine with seafood, fresh fish and game.

Festivals calendar


Crankworx Whistler Mountain Bike Festival

Dates: end of July - beginning of August

Annual celebration of downhill mountain biking with world-class competitions, demonstrations, extreme events and more. Huge crowds of spectators gather to watch the many events in each year’s line-up: youth races, men's and women's events, professional enduro races, and more.


World Ski and Snowboard Festival

Dates: mid-April

This annual celebration of Whistler's unique mountain culture combines music, art and snow sports for 10 memorable days of non-stop events and action on and off the slopes.


GO Fest Whistler’s Great Outdoors Festival

Dates: end of May

Celebrate Whistler’s great outdoors with 4 days of events and activities. From music and art to educational activities and sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy.


Whistler Village Beer Festival

Dates: mid-September

Whistler Village Beer Festival is 7 days of fun and good beer. The main event is held at Whistler Olympic Plaza and features 60 craft breweries with more than 120 beers and ciders.

Map

When to visit

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Climograph

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Travel reviews

Travel reviews

4.1 / 5 according to 215 reviews
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A rather artificial town, built around skiing with little else to offer

John Bartlett Tuesday September 26, 2023

Great fun especially for families!

Molly Anderson Friday July 14, 2023

Picturesque and colourful town

Phillip oswald Oswald Wednesday July 12, 2023

Whistler is so neat and tidy, but has a lot going on. Lots places to eat and party, similar to Banff. Shops to keep you browsing for those who must. Very friendly atmosphere, eating alfresco was a treat.

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