Discover the beautiful surroundings of Whistler!
Whistler is a gem in the west of Canada. The town is famous for its large ski resort, and the Winter Olympics were held here in 2010. As you stroll through the town, you'll still see traces of this. In addition to being a popular winter sports destination, Whistler also boasts stunning nature, making it an impressive summer destination as well. The town is surrounded by towering mountains, lush forests, and expansive lakes. Whistler is the perfect destination to actively explore the breathtaking nature of Canada.
How to get there?
From Vancouver, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Whistler by rental car. The town is also easily accessible by bus from Vancouver, taking roughly 2 hours. You can conveniently book bus tickets through Busbud. If you’re traveling to Whistler by bus, keep in mind that nature areas are located further from the town. You’ll need to cover these distances using a local bus, taxi, or Uber.
Best time to travel
The best time for a ski holiday in Whistler is from November to May. We visited at the end of April, and much of the snow had already melted. High in the mountains, skiing was still fine, but fewer slopes were open.
The best time to explore Whistler in summer weather is from May to September. Temperatures are most pleasant then, and there’s less rainfall. July and August are peak season and therefore very busy. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit in May or June. We visited in April and experienced mixed weather—one day it rained, and the next day the sun was shining.
Where to stay?
Whistler is a true ski village with plenty of charming lodges. If you look a bit further outside the center, you’ll find more vacation homes. We stayed in the center at Bear Lodge and had a spacious apartment.
What to do in Whistler?
There are plenty of fun things to do in the area. Keep in mind that you’ll need to drive a bit to reach most attractions. Having a rental car is ideal, as it gives you the most freedom. We recommend setting aside at least three full days for Whistler. We’ve listed the best tips for you!
1. Hike or bike through Lost Lake Park
Lost Lake Park is a half-hour walk from the center of Whistler. It’s a large park where you can enjoy hiking or biking through nature. You’ll find various hiking and mountain biking trails there. Click here for a nice 4-kilometer hiking route (about 2.5 miles) around the lake. If the weather is nice in summer, you can take a refreshing dip in the lake. You can also go for longer hikes in the surrounding area. The Whistler Visitor Centre is happy to provide you with explanations and a map of all the options in the area.
2. Admire the stunning view from the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
About an hour’s drive from Whistler, you’ll find the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. This is a 100-meter-long bridge (about 328 feet) with surroundings that look like a Windows background. The bridge offers panoramic views of the area. To reach the bridge, you take a gondola from the base of the mountains. Once you’re in the mountains, you can walk across the bridge and enjoy some food and drinks at the restaurant. There are also several trails you can hike, with beautiful viewpoints along the way to take in the scenery. The Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is open year-round, but some trails may be closed when there is heavy snow. You can find the opening hours and buy tickets on the Sea to Sky Gondola website.
3. Ski or snowboard through the mountains!
Whistler is the place to have an amazing winter sports holiday. The area consists of two mountains: Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler Mountain. In and between these mountains, you’ll find plenty of slopes. Even in April and May, you can often still ski and snowboard high in the mountains. On the Whistler Blackcomb website, you’ll find all the information you need about slopes, lift passes, and lessons.
4. Mountain bike or hike through the mountains!
In winter, Whistler is a perfect winter sports destination, but there’s plenty to enjoy in summer as well. You can take the gondola to the top of the mountains and hike while enjoying the stunning views. It’s also a popular area for mountain biking enthusiasts. Here, you’ll find all the information you need for mountain biking through the mountains, and here you can access various maps for hiking.
5. Explore the Whistler Valley Trail
The Whistler Valley Trail connects various neighborhoods in Whistler. The Valley Trail connects to the Sea to Sky Trail and is part of the Trans Canada Trail, which links thousands of communities across Canada. You can bike, run, walk, skateboard, or rollerblade along the trail. Here you’ll find the map and more info!
Tip: Be careful of bears along the way! They are most active early in the morning or late in the evening and may cross the trail.
6. Visit the Alexander Falls
The Alexander Falls are a 20-minute drive from Whistler. The impressive waterfalls are 43 meters (141 feet) high. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, several sports were held here. The waterfall is easily accessible by car, and the viewpoint is located near the parking lot.
7. Fly through the mountains on the longest zip line in North America!
The highest zip line in North America is located between the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The zip line is over 2 kilometers (about 1.24 miles) long, and the views are breathtaking.
8. Explore Whistler from above in a seaplane or helicopter!
The nature of Whistler is breathtaking! With a seaplane or helicopter, you’ll fly over rugged mountain peaks, impressive glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. You’ll see Whistler from a different perspective and spot places that are hard to reach on foot. A flight in a seaplane or helicopter also gives a big dose of adrenaline!
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