Whistler Travel Guide
Whistler is one of those rare destinations that’s just as incredible in summer as it is in winter. Nestled in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, this alpine town is North America’s largest ski resort. In this post, I outline what there is to do, eat and see whether you go for a day or a week.
Is Whistler a Day Trip from Vancouver?
Yes, technically you can do Whistler in a day from Vancouver. It’s about a two-hour drive each way (four hours round trip) if traffic is light. But realistically, it makes for a long day, especially if you’re trying to pack in activities.
I recommend staying at least one night, either in Whistler itself or in nearby Squamish to make the most of your visit. I’ve stayed at the Pan Pacific in Whistler in the past and really enjoyed it. You’ll find most of the hotels in Whistler are set up like little studio apartments with full kitchens, as many visitors stay for an extended period to ski and this help keeps costs down. Squamish is about 45 minutes away and is a much larger city offering some more accommodation (and tons to do in it’s own right).
How to get from Vancouver to Whistler
Rent a car
The drive up the Sea-to-Sky Highway is one of the most scenic routes in Canada. I definitely recommend renting a car as it provides the most flexibility, especially once you’re in Whistler itself (and if you plan to go to specific hike or lake trailheads outside of the town center).
Take a bus
Options are available from both Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and downtown Vancouver. Skylynx runs from both locations and costs between $45-85 roundtrip depending on the pickup destination. Epic Rides also services the region and offers a wider variety of pickup spots within Vancouver itself (helpful if you are not staying downtown).
Rideshare like the locals
Services like Poparide offer affordable and social ridesharing options.
Activities Whistler is famous for
Skiing and winter sports
As already mentioned, being one of the biggest ski resorts on the planet means that you can never be bored skiing here and there’s something for everyone. My favorite way to ski Whistler is to do a day on Whistler Peak and a day on Blackcomb Peak.
On Whistler Peak, my favorite part of the resort is the high alpine areas of Symphony and Harmony lifts, and in particular, Symphony Amphitheater and Flute Bowl areas. I’m a fan of wide open bowls with off-piste, choose your own adventure terrain, away from the crowds. If the snow has been good, I like the Peak to Creek run, which is the longest ski run in North America at almost 7 miles long! Watch out though, the bottom of the run melts out in the spring (you do cross over 5,000 feet of elevation change, so that’s to be expected). On Blackcomb, I ski almost exclusively runs off of 7th Heaven – aptly named for it’s beautiful views and gorgeous skiing.
Winter Tip: If you’re driving up, park at Creekside Gondola. Not only is parking free, but it’s also the first major lot you’ll hit coming from Vancouver, allowing you to avoid Village traffic.
If downhill skiing isn’t your cup of tea, try Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing at the Whistler Olympic Park or Lost Lake Trails.
Mountain and Road Biking
I don’t mountain bike, but the people I know who do are obsessed with Whistler. Every summer, the resort opens one of the mountains for mountain biking, and there are special mountain bike trails for all skill levels. You can rent all the gear you need there, or bring your own. Prepare to get muddy!
If you like to do regular road biking, there is the extensive Valley Trail system.
Hiking
My favorite thing to do is hike, so here are some of the top trails to explore (you can also check out the designated Whistler hiking guide here):
High Note Trail (Whistler Mountain)
- Distance: 11 km / 6.8 mi
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Trail Type: Loop
- Highlights: Epic views of Cheakamus Lake, alpine meadows, and panoramic ridgelines.
Overlord Trail (Blackcomb Mountain)
- Distance: 3.7 km / 2.3 mi
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Highlights: Views of Overlord Glacier, wildflowers, and access to Garibaldi Provincial Park.
Whistler Train Wreck Trail
- Distance: 2.6 km / 1.6 mi
- Duration: ~40 minutes
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Highlights: Forest walk, suspension bridge, and colorfully graffitied boxcars along the river.
Cheakamus Lake Trail
- Distance: 7.7 km / 4.8 mi
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Highlights: Tranquil lake views, old-growth forest, ideal for a peaceful hike.
Some other hikes that are a little further afield but popular and beautiful that I can’t get enough of are:
Things to do beyond sports
- Sightseeing Gondola Pass: Ride the gondolas between Whistler and Blackcomb for incredible mountaintop views (available during the ski season Nov-May only).
- Scandinave Spa: Spend a day soaking in outdoor baths surrounded by snow-covered pines.
- Village Activities: Shop, dine, and explore the pedestrian-only Whistler Village.
Where to Eat in Whistler
Whether you’re après-skiing or refueling after a hike, Whistler has some excellent food options.
Mekong – Southeast Asian Kitchen & Bar
Located in Creekside, Mekong serves bold, flavorful Southeast Asian dishes. It’s the sister restaurant to Vancouver’s award-winning Maenam.
La Cantina Tacos – Nester’s Plaza
Surprisingly some of the best tacos in the region! Great for casual, affordable eats with plenty of dietary options.
Forecast Coffee
A Whistler original. Enjoy excellent coffee, house-made desserts, and a cozy atmosphere.
Pasta Lupino
A cozy spot in the Village for homemade pasta, sauces, and hearty Italian comfort food.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Whistler?
- Winter: 3–4 days if you’re skiing to fully explore both mountains.
- Summer: Also 3–4 days. Mix in hiking, biking, lake days, and sightseeing.
- Fall/Spring: A weekend getaway is perfect. Less crowded, peaceful, and ideal for relaxing at the spa or enjoying off-season hiking.
Whistler 1-day Itinerary
If you’re crunched for time and only have one day, this is what I recommend, any time of year. While of course I recommend staying long, this should help give you a taste of what this beautiful place has to offer:
- Get up early from Vancouver (hit the road by 6am), and drive the scenic 2 hours to Whistler. Park in the main village area.
- Buy a sightseeing pass (or ski pass – cheaper if you buy in advance, if you’re going in the winter).
- Hike the High Note Trail, ski for the day, or just ride the gondola for the views depending on your athletic ability.
- Grab a late lunch at La Cantina Tacos. If you’re not the designated driver, grab an apres at Dusty‘s, a Whistler institution before heading out.
I also recommend stopping at some of the beautiful waterfalls along highway 99. For more information, check out my Sea to Sky Highway Itinerary to supplement the above.
