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- More than a winter destination
While Whistler in the winter is magnificent, Whistler shines as a mountain playground in the summer. In fact, the area first gained notoriety as a summer resort in the 1920s with the opening of a hunting and fishing lodge on Alta Lake (at the time, it took three days to reach the resort from Vancouver via steamboat and pack horse!). It also surprises many to know that the majority of Whistler’s more than three million annual visitors come during the summer.
As the snow melts, rolling expanses explored by snowshoe enthusiasts reveal four championship golf courses designed by legendary players such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Forested pathways that once housed groomed cross-country ski tracks transform into a network of family-friendly and single-track biking trails. Ski runs make way for alpine hiking and downhill-biking in the world famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park. And the five ice skating and hockey lakes are now a place for canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards. Not to mention swimming and lakeside relaxing.
Winter made Whistler famous but its natural beauty, diverse residents and limitless year-round offerings make it an original and unforgettable place. The list of summer offerings continues: ziplining, treetop adventures, fly fishing, ATV and RZR tours, e-biking, rock climbing and white water rafting is just the beginning of what summer in Whistler looks like.
- Whistler welcomes solo travelers
It's very difficult to spend time in Whistler and not meet people. It's just that kind of place.
Whistler’s pedestrian-only village stroll is the hub for shopping, dining, après and ultimately - socializing. Skiers and snowboarders, hikers, bikers and sightseers all flow into the area after their on-mountain adventures, creating an energetic atmosphere unique to Whistler.
With solo travel on the rise, Whistler has stepped up its game to make sure those arriving with just their suitcase (and maybe a pair of skis or bike) are welcomed and accommodated. Cue the opening of Canada’s first pod hotel on August 9, 2018, Pangea Pod Hotel. Situated in the heart of the Village, Pangea features well designed boutique sleeping pods, secure equipment storage, and multiple social spaces – including a rooftop patio – where guests can meet other pod goers and share a craft beer or two.
Other solo-friendly options include the 55-bed youth hostel run by Hostelling International, located in the Cheakamus Crossing neighborhood, a 10-minute drive south of Whistler Village. Within walking distance you’ll find Whistler’s iconic Train Wreck hike, craft breweries, axe throwing, and boutique shopping, food and coffee options.
Although solo travelers in Whistler normally end up joining a likeminded crew, here are our top five year-round recommendations for those seeking some quality time on their own:
- Relax and recharge with hydrotherapy at the Scandinave Spa. Tip: BYO book or journal for the sauna and relaxation areas.
- Go sightseeing on the mountain and ride Whistler Blackcomb’s Peak 2 Peak Gondola and Cloudraker Skybridge.
- Get cultural. Take a tour at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and learn about the local first nations, and view the impressive collections and beautiful architecture at the Audain Art Museum.
- Take a tour. Get the adrenaline going with a ziplining tour or bungee jump, explore old growth forests on a TreeTrek Canopy Walk, or - for the foodies - eat at Whistler's best restaurants with Whistler Tasting Tours.
- Shop, eat, drink, and soak up the atmosphere on the Village Stroll.
We also think there are some perks to flying solo in Whistler; get in more laps on the mountain by taking the singles line, snap up that final seat at the bar and get local tips from your server, and people watch from one of the many year-round patios.
- Whistler Presents: Outdoor Summer Concert Series
If there’s any excuse to get outdoors - making the most of the long daylight and balmy summer evenings - then Whistler will find it. In this case, it’s all about music.
Each year between July and September the Whistler Presents: Outdoor Concert Series hosts a number of outdoor performances, featuring a delightful smorgasbord of acts sure to get you singing, dancing and generally having a good time. Did we also mention they’re free to attend?
Concerts run most weekends over the summer and there’s typically something to suit everyone’s musical preferences. With a picnic rug and summer snacks on hand, locals and visitors of all ages gather on the big green lawn at Whistler Olympic Plaza in the Whistler Village, with the majestic mountains towering behind the main stage.
For the full calendar visit here.
- Whistler with a wheelchair
Whistler strives to continue to provide its residents and visitors with a seamless resort experience based not only on accessibility, but also on inclusivity. Accessibility is built into the Whistler Village with its pedestrian-only streets, paved access to the Valley Trail and proximity to transportation.
Following her visit to Whistler, writer, mother and wheelchair-user Codi Darnell shared her impressions of visiting Whistler with a wheelchair and young children – How a Family of Five Does Whistler With a Wheelchair.
Here are some of Codi’s observations about accessibility in Whistler:
- Accessibility wise, Whistler Village is great. Ramps and elevators are always there, even if they’re around a corner. Keep a look out for the standard blue wheelchair signs posted around the village, they often point in the direction of access.
- The Whistler Valley Trail is a wheelchair user’s dream in the sense that it is a fully paved, car-free trail that creates an accessible path to all things Whistler. From the village to outer neighbourhoods and golf courses to mountain bike trails, the Valley Trail takes you there.
- If you take anything away from this article, I hope it is the knowledge that Whistler is ready to accommodate people of all abilities. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, it is all possible.
- Dog-friendly Whistler
Whistler is the "dog-friendly"
capital of Canada, with dog treats at the local bank and five-star canine
hospitality throughout the resort. All the open space and mountain air, miles
of trails, dog-friendly activities and dog-friendly accommodation makes
Whistler the perfect destination for family holidays that include your four-legged
friend.
In summer, Whistler boasts
four parks with designated off-leash areas: ‘Arfa Park' at Alpha Lake (there is
also a designated dog dock!), Bayly Park, ‘Barking Bay' at Rainbow Park and
Lost Lake Park's Canine Cove. On top of that, exploring Whistler's Valley Trail
- the 40 km network of paved walking and biking trails - will surely tire your
furry friend out before they retire for the night at their pet-friendly hotel.
Speaking of
accommodation, many Whistler hotels are pet-friendly and welcome canine friends
with cuddles and treats, and in-room dog amenities, such as plush dog beds, dog
bowls, baggies, and dog towels are common. In a community that is passionate
about pets, dog sitting and walking services are available and customizable to
suit the activity needs of your dog.
When winter rolls
around, Whistler offers snowshoe and Nordic skiing adventures. Lost Lake Park offers
dog-friendly snowshoe trails - perfect for older dogs thanks to the slower pace
of travel. If you have a young or athletic dog, Nordic (cross-country skiing)
is the way to go and is offered at Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan
Valley, as well as the stretch of Valley Trail from Meadow Park to Rainbow Park.
It's obvious that Whistler
loves dogs and organizations like Whistler Animals Galore (WAG) serve as a
safety net for animals without a home. It's not unusual to see four-legged
friends tagging along with the locals and many of these unions were made possible
with the WAG Matchmaker program. It is one of many services WAG provides to
Whistler's furry friends.
Visit
here for more information about bringing your dog to Whistler.
- Fall Festival: Whistler Writers Festival
Since
its inaugural beginning in 2001 in a living room featuring one guest author and
20 participants, the Whistler Writers
Festival has grown to involve some 60 guest authors, and close to 2000
participants. The annual October event
celebrates the written word, bringing together top,
international and Canadian authors and publishers for a weekend packed with
readings, workshops, speaker panels, spoken word events, music and more. Avid
readers, aspiring writers and established authors alike will find something
special in the Whistler Writers Festival program.
- The Raven Room: one of Canada's 50 Best Bars
Restaurant & cocktail bar The Raven Room was welcomed to Whistler’s vibrant culinary scene in 2019, and in 2022 has made the list of Canada's 50 Best Bars at #35. Best-known for their ever-changing cocktail menu and delicious food menu served from 3 PM – midnight and drinks until 1 AM daily, The Raven Room focuses on sourcing local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients to cater to every dietary requirement. Food and drinks can be enjoyed on the patio whilst taking in the surrounding stunning mountain views. Locally owned and operated, the team of four co-owners brought their abundance of local experience from various renowned Whistler restaurants including 21 Steps and Bar Oso. The Raven Room is located in the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre hotel.
- Into the woods with Vallea Lumina
At sundown, Whistler’s Cougar Mountain comes alive in a unique and wondrous way. Your adventure is called Vallea Lumina, and it begins after dark at The Adventure Group’s base located about a 10-minute drive north of Whistler Village. As you embark on the 1.5 km hike through the old-growth forest at Cougar Mountain, you learn of two missing hikers. Be captivated by the interactive and emotive sounds and lights of the enchanted woods, as you search for clues along the way.
Vallea Lumina is the collaborative result of Whistler’s The Adventure Group and Quebec-based Moment Factory, a media company with specialization in immersive and special effect environments. Vallea Lumina uses a universal language, speaking to audiences of all ages and interests and bringing generations together using a clever combination of lights, videos, soundscape and scenography.
Vallea Lumina debuted in July 2018 and runs throughout the summer and winter. The illuminated 1.5 km long trail takes approximately 60 minutes to complete and the experience is suitable for explorers of all ages. A complimentary shuttle service is provided to transport visitors between Whistler Village and Cougar Mountain.
- Crankworx Whistler: the must-attend mountain biking festival
Mountain biking put down roots early in Whistler, British Columbia. In the 1980s, before there was a Crankworx , there was a vision for a man-made trail down dusty forest slopes, which was more commonly home to skiers. Riders in the Sea-to-Sky corridor slowly crafted trails, built jumps and used two wheels to cut lines along the steep camber of the forest. By the mid-’90s mountain biking was going mainstream, staking its claim in the 1996 Olympic Games, and diggers started work on the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. After the Park’s opening in summer 1999, the stage was set and the spark ignited. Crankworx officially launched onto the scene in 2004.
Since that first festival in Whistler, Crankworx has been ground zero for superhuman moments that’ve helped shape the sport of mountain biking, launching the careers of superstars, inspiring both recreational riders and up-and-coming pros, and relentlessly pushing the sport into the future.
Today the Crankworx World Tour has grown to a multi-stop international event, but every August the festival returns home to Whistler for 10 days of gravity-mountain biking competitions, kids' events, women’s programming, filmmaking and photography - not to mention an expo area with fleets of demo bikes to borrow. With disciplines like slopestyle, dual and giant slalom, enduro, whip-off and four separate downhill events, it is a great way to experience everything this sport has to offer.
The schedule of events is deep and colourful, and you don’t have to be a “mountain biker” to appreciate and enjoy the high energy festival. All the big contests and events are free to watch and there’s plenty of off- mountain parties and events to get amongst as well.
- Alpine experiences that will blow your mind
Ask any Whistler local if there’s one thing they should do when visiting the mountain town, and chances are they’ll tell you to make your way “up the mountain”.
Whistler Blackcomb is famed for its 3,000+ hectares of skiable terrain, mountain biking and hiking in summer, the Guinness World Record breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola, and since their opening in 2018, the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk.
Located at the top of Whistler Mountain, the Cloudraker Skybridge spans 130 metres from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge, high above the slopes of Whistler Bowl below. This is one for the thrill seekers, the bridge is formed by 101 steel modules that allow you to see beneath your feet. And if that doesn’t give you shaky knees, at the end of the bridge lies the Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk, a cantilevered walkway extending 12.5 metres out from West Ridge offering 360-degree views of the Coast Mountains, including Whistler’s iconic Black Tusk.
Connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the engineering marvel Peak 2 Peak Gondola offers a different but equally remarkable perspective of the Coast Mountain Range and valley floor. Since its opening in 2008, visitors have been wowed by its design and breath-taking views, making it an experience not to be missed.
Before descending down the mountain, celebrate the day on Whistler’s most impressive patio. The Roundhouse Umbrella Bar opened in 2018 and sits alongside the Roundhouse Lodge on top of Whistler Mountain, serving crafty cocktails and beers on tap paired with… you got it… alpine views.
All experiences are doable with a Whistler Blackcomb sightseeing or ski pass and an appetite for altitude.
- A different perspective: Whistler’s Cultural Connector
Many are familiar with Whistler for its adventure, shopping and breathtaking views, but behind Whistler’s majestic mountain backdrop are captivating cultural stories of people who settled here and shaped the resort into what it is today. Following the Cultural Connector – a self-guided hiking and biking pathway that links six significant cultural institutions in Whistler - is one of the best ways to explore the arts, history and stories of Whistler.
Start by discovering the stories, crafts and traditions of our local First Nation’s people at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Learn about the people and events that shaped our mountain culture at the Whistler Museum. Visit by the Whistler Public Library, Whistler’s community hub for locals, visitors, and seasonal workers; discover the diverse talent of local artists at the Maury Young Arts Centre; and drop by Lost Lake Passivhaus, home base of Team Austria during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Whistler’s newest cultural hotspot - the Audain Art Museum - is an impressive architectural attraction in itself. It houses the world’s finest collection of First Nations’ masks, a superb collection of Emily Carr paintings, works by some of Canada’s most internationally regarded contemporary artists and rotating special exhibits.
There is also plenty of natural beauty and public art pieces as you meander. The Resort Municipality of Whistler's Public Art Committee - founded in 1996 - regularly commissions pieces by local, regional and national artists to be constructed and built into the Whistler environment. So far 55+ pieces have been installed, including everything from metal sculptures and wood carvings to murals and collaborative ceramics, with many of these pieces are scattered along the Cultural Connector route.
- Alpine experiences that will blow your mind
Ask any Whistler local if there’s one thing they should do when visiting the mountain town, and chances are they’ll tell you to make your way “up the mountain”.
Whistler Blackcomb is famed for its 3,000+ hectares of skiable terrain, mountain biking and hiking in summer, the Guinness World Record breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola, and since their opening in 2018, the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk.
Located at the top of Whistler Mountain, the Cloudraker Skybridge spans 130 metres from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge, high above the slopes of Whistler Bowl below. This is one for the thrill seekers, the bridge is formed by 101 steel modules that allow you to see beneath your feet. And if that doesn’t give you shaky knees, at the end of the bridge lies the Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk, a cantilevered walkway extending 12.5 metres out from West Ridge offering 360-degree views of the Coast Mountains, including Whistler’s iconic Black Tusk.
Connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the engineering marvel Peak 2 Peak Gondola offers a different but equally remarkable perspective of the Coast Mountain Range and valley floor. Since its opening in 2008, visitors have been wowed by its design and breath-taking views, making it an experience not to be missed.
Before descending down the mountain, celebrate the day on Whistler’s most impressive patio. The Roundhouse Umbrella Bar opened in 2018 and sits alongside the Roundhouse Lodge on top of Whistler Mountain, serving crafty cocktails and beers on tap paired with… you got it… alpine views.
All experiences are doable with a Whistler Blackcomb sightseeing or ski pass and an appetite for altitude.
- Crankworx Whistler: the must-attend mountain biking festival
Mountain biking put down roots early in Whistler, British Columbia. In the 1980s, before there was a Crankworx , there was a vision for a man-made trail down dusty forest slopes, which was more commonly home to skiers. Riders in the Sea-to-Sky corridor slowly crafted trails, built jumps and used two wheels to cut lines along the steep camber of the forest. By the mid-’90s mountain biking was going mainstream, staking its claim in the 1996 Olympic Games, and diggers started work on the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. After the Park’s opening in summer 1999, the stage was set and the spark ignited. Crankworx officially launched onto the scene in 2004.
Since that first festival in Whistler, Crankworx has been ground zero for superhuman moments that’ve helped shape the sport of mountain biking, launching the careers of superstars, inspiring both recreational riders and up-and-coming pros, and relentlessly pushing the sport into the future.
Today the Crankworx World Tour has grown to a multi-stop international event, but every August the festival returns home to Whistler for 10 days of gravity-mountain biking competitions, kids' events, women’s programming, filmmaking and photography - not to mention an expo area with fleets of demo bikes to borrow. With disciplines like slopestyle, dual and giant slalom, enduro, whip-off and four separate downhill events, it is a great way to experience everything this sport has to offer.
The schedule of events is deep and colourful, and you don’t have to be a “mountain biker” to appreciate and enjoy the high energy festival. All the big contests and events are free to watch and there’s plenty of off- mountain parties and events to get amongst as well.
- Dog-friendly Whistler
Whistler is the "dog-friendly"
capital of Canada, with dog treats at the local bank and five-star canine
hospitality throughout the resort. All the open space and mountain air, miles
of trails, dog-friendly activities and dog-friendly accommodation makes
Whistler the perfect destination for family holidays that include your four-legged
friend.
In summer, Whistler boasts
four parks with designated off-leash areas: ‘Arfa Park' at Alpha Lake (there is
also a designated dog dock!), Bayly Park, ‘Barking Bay' at Rainbow Park and
Lost Lake Park's Canine Cove. On top of that, exploring Whistler's Valley Trail
- the 40 km network of paved walking and biking trails - will surely tire your
furry friend out before they retire for the night at their pet-friendly hotel.
Speaking of
accommodation, many Whistler hotels are pet-friendly and welcome canine friends
with cuddles and treats, and in-room dog amenities, such as plush dog beds, dog
bowls, baggies, and dog towels are common. In a community that is passionate
about pets, dog sitting and walking services are available and customizable to
suit the activity needs of your dog.
When winter rolls
around, Whistler offers snowshoe and Nordic skiing adventures. Lost Lake Park offers
dog-friendly snowshoe trails - perfect for older dogs thanks to the slower pace
of travel. If you have a young or athletic dog, Nordic (cross-country skiing)
is the way to go and is offered at Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan
Valley, as well as the stretch of Valley Trail from Meadow Park to Rainbow Park.
It's obvious that Whistler
loves dogs and organizations like Whistler Animals Galore (WAG) serve as a
safety net for animals without a home. It's not unusual to see four-legged
friends tagging along with the locals and many of these unions were made possible
with the WAG Matchmaker program. It is one of many services WAG provides to
Whistler's furry friends.
Visit
here for more information about bringing your dog to Whistler.
- Early festive feels and deals: twinkly lights and cozy nights
Visiting Whistler in early December means that you get all the festive feels, along with some great deals. Here’s some ways to embrace the early season in Whistler:
- Admire the festive lights: Check out the best of the lights with the free Go Whistler Tours app, which has three different self-guided routes that showcase Whistler’s festive lights. Also check out Vallea Lumina, an immersive multimedia night walk in the forest.
- Go ice skating and tobogganing in Whistler Village: enjoy the twinkling lights and mountain views while ice skating on the outdoor rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza, which opens on November 25. Right next door is Snow Zone, a tobogganing heaven for kids.
- Celebrate ski & snowboard season: the true gift of winter – hitting the slopes! Whistler Blackcomb is open for skiing, snowboarding and sightseeing from November 24.
Read more in our blog.
- Fall cycling event: RBC GranFondo Whistler
Whistler may be renowned for mountain biking, but it's no secret to
road cycling enthusiasts that Whistler and the surrounding Sea-to-Sky area
offers cyclists an abundance of smooth, recently upgraded highway routes featuring
picturesque views and challenging mountain climbs.
Each fall, cyclists are welcomed to the Sea-to-Sky highway, an incredibly scenic highway that
runs along the coast from Vancouver to Whistler and beyond, for the RBC
GranFondo Whistler. Founded in 2010 and having won numerous awards
since its inception, the event has been named "Best North American GranFondo"
by GranFondo Guide, the industry voice of all things GranFondo.
Today the event attracts over 5,000 riders and offers three distance
routes catering to recreational, advanced and elite level cyclists: the 122 km
GranFondo along the Sea-to-Sky corridor travelling from Vancouver to Whistler;
the 152 km Forte that adds a switchback climb of Cypress Mountain; and the 55
km Medio that starts and finishes in Whistler. Medio participants travel south
along the Sea-to-Sky corridor towards the Callaghan Valley, before looping back
and joining the main GranFondo field for a grand procession to the finish line
and post-race celebrations at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
There is no doubt the RBC GranFondo has placed
itself on the long list of must see (or do) events of the year in Whistler.
- Fall Festival: Whistler Writers Festival
Since
its inaugural beginning in 2001 in a living room featuring one guest author and
20 participants, the Whistler Writers
Festival has grown to involve some 60 guest authors, and close to 2000
participants. The annual October event
celebrates the written word, bringing together top,
international and Canadian authors and publishers for a weekend packed with
readings, workshops, speaker panels, spoken word events, music and more. Avid
readers, aspiring writers and established authors alike will find something
special in the Whistler Writers Festival program.
- Fall running event: Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra
Offering
a course filled with the colours of fall, a mountainous backdrop and cooler
temperatures perfect for running, the Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra has been a staple
October running event in Whistler since 2011.
The 50 mile (80 km) race is centred around Whistler Village and the
picturesque valley trail system, and is open to solo ultra-marathoners as well
as relay teams of 2, 4 or 8. This race caters to everyone, from first-time
relay participants to experienced ultra-marathoners, with distances ranging
from 7 km to 80 km. The 2-person and 4-person relays alternate 20 km legs while
the 8-person format alternates legs of approximately 7 km and 13 km. For solo ultra-marathoners, the
50 mile course is recognized as a qualifying distance for national team
selection. Come for the race and stay for the post-race party!
- Function Junction: Whistler’s up and coming neighbourhood
Whistler Village is no doubt the central buzzing hub, with plenty of
lively bars, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and lift access to both
Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, but stay there the entire time, and you will completely
miss the chance to discover another side of Whistler.
The Function Junction neighbourhood - located 10 minutes south of
Whistler Village - not only serves as Whistler's "industrial zone" but today is
a local's best-kept secret for top notch coffee, craft brews, baked goods, and
fun activities. To help plan your Function Junction day out, here is our
recommended itinerary:
10 am: First up - coffee. Drive or bus (they run regularly from
Whistler Village) to Function Junction and let the experts at CAMP
Lifestyle & Coffee Co fix your morning espresso. Peruse the locally,
ethically and sustainably sourced lifestyle products in their space and roast a
marshmallow on the open fire pit.
11
am: Next, stock up on lunch and treats. Stroll a couple of doors down to
Purebread Bakery if you're feeling indulgent, or, Olives Market has some
yummy to-go salads, sandwiches and soups, and Green Moustache can make an epic
organic juice, plant based lunch and raw dessert.
Noon: Time to explore.
The ‘Train
Wreck Hike' is one of Whistler's most unique spots. It's an easy 1-hour
round-trip walk, offering views of the flowing Cheakamus River and surrounding
forest area. Cross the picturesque suspension bridge and you'll find yourself
at the train wreck site - a handful of mangled railway boxcars bought to life
by public graffiti art, and the perfect spot to enjoy your packed lunch. Find
the trail head on Jane Lakes Road (map)
in Cheakamus - a 20-minute walk from Function Junction.
2 pm: The latest addition to Function Junction is a place where
you can throw axes - you are in Canada after all! Drop by Forged Axe Throwing
for a solo or group session where the hosts will have you hitting the bullseye
in no time.
3 pm: You've now earned yourself a beer. Both Coast
Mountain Brewing and Whistler Brewery are warm, welcoming, and offer seasonal craft
brews.
Getting there: You don't need a car to get to Function
Junction as busses run regularly from Whistler Village. In fact, we recommend
leaving the car behind for a greener, healthier and all-round more awesome
vacation.
- Golf’s top course designers make Whistler much more than a winter destination
With two massive mountains, plentiful snowfall and a wide variety of terrain, Whistler's reputation as a world-class ski destination is undeniable. Over the years Whistler's popularity as a summer destination has also grown, and today more than half of Whistler's 3-million annual visitors come when the weather is warm and the lakes are swimmable.
Here's something else you might not know: Whistler is a must-play golf destination.
Featuring four award-winning courses - each offering a unique playing experience and breathtaking mountain views - Whistler's golf courses are nothing short of spectacular.
• Located steps from Whistler Village, the Arnold Palmer-designed Whistler Golf Club features spectacular mountain views, and a relaxed atmosphere with rolling fairways winding around lakes, creeks and old-growth forest, home to black bear, coyote, beaver and an abundance of bird life.
• The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club offers mountain golf at its finest. Carved from the side of Blackcomb Mountain, this Robert Trent Jones Jr. design features an elevation change of more than 400 feet. Natural features such as exposed rock faces, mountain ledges, wildlife, ravines and waterfalls are the highlights of this classic mountain gem.
• Nicklaus North features a captivating location surrounded by mountains with impeccably manicured greens. Challenging par threes and distinctive Nicklaus bunkering are hallmarks of this par 71 championship course. This Jack Nicklaus Signature Design is the only golf course in the world to which Jack has been inspired to add his name.
• Big Sky Golf Club lies just 25 minutes north of Whistler at the base of the massive, snow-capped Mount Currie in the fertile Pemberton valley, offering a peaceful and serene setting for an outstanding round of golf. An award-winning design by Robert Cupp, Big Sky features bent grass from tee to green and Ravensdale sand bunkers to provide the finest in golf course conditioning.
Whistler's range of accommodations, restaurants and endless variety of activities makes it a summer destination for golfers and their families. In fact, juniors can tee up for free at all three village-based courses in Whistler (Nicklaus North, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, and the Whistler Golf Club) when accompanied by a paying adult. Grab the clubs and slather on the sunscreen...just don't forget it's BYOK (bring your own kids).
Whistler's golf season runs from when the snow has melted (early May) until mid-October.
- Honouring Whistler's Lil'wat and Squamish heritage
Whistler is situated in the shared, traditional territory of the Sk_wxwu´7mesh U´xwumixw (Squamish Nation, Coast Salish) and Li´l?wat7ul (Lil’wat Nation, Interior Salish) Nations and today is home to 14,000 permanent residents from around the globe.
In July 2008, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) opened its doors to share these two Nations’ cultural knowledge with the world, inspiring an understanding and respect amongst all people. With over 30,000 square feet of space, the family-focused centre includes a Class A museum gallery, theatre, gift shop and café, and is located in Whistler’s Upper Village. The SLCC embodies the spirit of partnership between two unique Nations who wish to preserve, grow and share their traditional cultures. Outside of the SLCC, Whistler maintains its longstanding relationship with the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations through cooperative initiatives that share both their cultures through authentic Indigenous tourism experiences.
When travelling along the Sea-to-Sky Highway – the road that connects Vancouver and Whistler – take part in The Cultural Journey program, a free audio tour that allows travellers to get a glimpse of the region’s rich history as a traditional hunting, trading and sacred territory for both the Squamish and the Lil’wat Nations. As you wind your way north between mountains and ocean, stopping at the designated pullouts is a must-do. Breathtaking vistas provide backdrop to information kiosks, placed at areas of cultural significance along the route. This self-guided, travel-through-time history lesson (disguised as the ultimate family day drive!) culminates 7,200 feet elevation atop Whistler Mountain at the Salish Welcome Figure (located next to the Peak-2-Peak Gondola) carved by local master carver, Xwalacktun (Rick Harry). A map of The Cultural Journey can be found here.
- Into the woods with Vallea Lumina
At sundown, Whistler’s Cougar Mountain comes alive in a unique and wondrous way. Your adventure is called Vallea Lumina, and it begins after dark at The Adventure Group’s base located about a 10-minute drive north of Whistler Village. As you embark on the 1.5 km hike through the old-growth forest at Cougar Mountain, you learn of two missing hikers. Be captivated by the interactive and emotive sounds and lights of the enchanted woods, as you search for clues along the way.
Vallea Lumina is the collaborative result of Whistler’s The Adventure Group and Quebec-based Moment Factory, a media company with specialization in immersive and special effect environments. Vallea Lumina uses a universal language, speaking to audiences of all ages and interests and bringing generations together using a clever combination of lights, videos, soundscape and scenography.
Vallea Lumina debuted in July 2018 and runs throughout the summer and winter. The illuminated 1.5 km long trail takes approximately 60 minutes to complete and the experience is suitable for explorers of all ages. A complimentary shuttle service is provided to transport visitors between Whistler Village and Cougar Mountain.
- Local tips for skiing in Whistler
As the base of snow builds in the mountains, locals and visitors are getting out for early season turns and looking forward to the long season ahead. If you are planning to ski Whistler Blackcomb this season, here are some insider tips and favourite areas from those who know the mountains best – the locals.
- Mike Douglas, professional skier + filmmaker: “My favourite place to ski on the hill is the Peak Chair on a sunny, powder day because the show from the lift line is almost as good as the skiing is.”
- Taylor Godber, professional snowboarder: “On a pow day, you just can’t beat riding from Peak Chair down to Creekside with a crew of friends; the routes down are endless, which is a big part of the allure.”
- Katrina Strand, athlete and owner of Strand Training: “My favourite place to ski on the hill is off Spanky’s Ladder on Blackcomb. On a powder day, there’s nothing quite like the steep and deep turns you’ll get there.”
- Nickie Mabey, owner of Maybe Ski: “On a powder day, I love to explore a little further afield. Whether it’s hiking up Flute and Oboe over by Symphony, or heading into Blackcomb’s backcountry at the top of the T-Bar, you can escape to find powder and ski fresh lines all day.”
- Stephanie Redmond, co-owner of the Raven Room: “Over the years, I’ve found that slowing down to connect with nature and community on a deeper level has become more important to me in Whistler. For me, that looks like sunny laps on 7th Heaven followed by a mountain-top picnic on Blackcomb with friends.”
- Ian Macintosh, professional skier + CSGA guide: “My go-to ski lap has got to be Khybers. Hard to find, and you definitely need a local to show you the way, but on a pow day it can’t be beat.
For more, visit our blog. You’ll find some repeat favourites along with unique options, showing the real benefit of the expansive terrain offered by the largest ski resort in North America – something for everyone.
- More than a winter destination
While Whistler in the winter is magnificent, Whistler shines as a mountain playground in the summer. In fact, the area first gained notoriety as a summer resort in the 1920s with the opening of a hunting and fishing lodge on Alta Lake (at the time, it took three days to reach the resort from Vancouver via steamboat and pack horse!). It also surprises many to know that the majority of Whistler’s more than three million annual visitors come during the summer.
As the snow melts, rolling expanses explored by snowshoe enthusiasts reveal four championship golf courses designed by legendary players such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Forested pathways that once housed groomed cross-country ski tracks transform into a network of family-friendly and single-track biking trails. Ski runs make way for alpine hiking and downhill-biking in the world famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park. And the five ice skating and hockey lakes are now a place for canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards. Not to mention swimming and lakeside relaxing.
Winter made Whistler famous but its natural beauty, diverse residents and limitless year-round offerings make it an original and unforgettable place. The list of summer offerings continues: ziplining, treetop adventures, fly fishing, ATV and RZR tours, e-biking, rock climbing and white water rafting is just the beginning of what summer in Whistler looks like.
- Reconnect in Whistler's forests
Whistler is home to a plethora of stunning forests which can awake the senses and relax the body. Forest Bathing Therapy is a powerful preventative and healing medicine. By taking in the forest atmosphere we can boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure and stress while increasing happiness, energy, focus, intuition and improve sleep. The Canadian Wilderness Adventures team are offering a guided journey into Whistler's own majestic old growth Medicine Trail.
Guests can learn from Cultural Ambassadors about local flora and fauna found along the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre's interpretive forest walk, the Salish Stroll. This tour will be offered in place of the regular hourly guided tour and is included in the museum admission fee.
The magical forests come to life at night with the Vallea Lumina Night Walk on Cougar Mountain. Inspired by Whistler's natural beauty and local culture, the multimedia light trail speaks to audiences of all ages using a combination of emotive lights, videos, soundscape and scenography. Guests are transported to another world, with plenty of opportunities to touch, play, explore and engage with the environment. The illuminated 1.5km long trail takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.
- Scenic spots: Whistler waterfalls, lakes, rivers & rocks
Spring and fall are great seasons for outdoor adventure low in the valley, whether you’re enjoying a sunny fall day or braving some rain with added protection from the trees. Here are some suggestions for small hikes to get your fill of fresh air and beautiful scenery.
- Rainbow Falls - start from the Rainbow Lake trailhead on Alta Lake Road for a 1.4 kilometre round-trip to a beautiful waterfall.
- Crater Rim & Loggers Lake - located in Cheakamus Crossing, this 4.5 kilometre round-trip trail takes you to a lake within a long-extinct volcano.
- Sugarcube Hill - this trail, which is located between Cheakamus Crossing and Brandywine falls, can be done on foot or on a bike. The route includes rolling forest trails, lookouts, a bridge crossing over icy blue water, and the weird and wonderful basalt columns of Sugarcube Hill.
For more details on these hikes and more suggestions, visit our blog.
- Stinky's on the Stroll
Longtime local bartender Jeremy Peterson opened Stinky's on the Stroll in 2019, located just up from Whistler Olympic Plaza. Jeremy, or Stinky, as he is affectionately known, was a fixture of Whistler's bar scene for 24 years before putting his experience into his own sports bar offering local beers and a simple menu featuring a handful of signature items.
- The beauty of fall in Whistler
Seasons only change for the better in Whistler, and fall is
no exception. The beauty lies in its vibrant natural colours, the
possibility to make it as laid-back or action-packed as you like, and the great
value offered on dining and accommodation. Here are our top six things to do in
Whistler this fall:
1.
Get
creative and cultural. Fall is bursting with creative, musical, and heritage events for Whistler's annual
Fall for Arts program - a
celebration of art and adventure in Whistler. Discover local First Nations
history and culture at the Squamish
Lil'wat Cultural Centre, and the works of renowned BC artists and special
exhibits at the Audain
Art Museum.
2.
Be
adventurous, rain or shine. Get your adrenaline pumping with a zipline tour high above the valley or
an ATV or UTV adventure
through old growth forest, mud and puddles (trust us, they're perfect
conditions for it!).
3.
Admire
the autumn leaves. See Whistler's forests and rivers transform along the
vast network of hiking and biking trails. Favourite
fall hikes include the unique and family-friendly Train Wreck, Cheakamus
Lake, Brandywine Falls, and Garibaldi Lake.
4. Recharge. Enter into deep relaxation with a
hydrotherapy spa experience at the Scandinave Spa
or body treatment at one of Whistler's many spas.
5. Eat and
drink, for less. Take advantage of incredible multi-course fall dining
specials offered by some of Whistler's top restaurants.
6. Try
something new.
Like axe throwing, e-biking and fishing, or work your
way out of an escape room.
- The Raven Room: one of Canada's 50 Best Bars
Restaurant & cocktail bar The Raven Room was welcomed to Whistler’s vibrant culinary scene in 2019, and in 2022 has made the list of Canada's 50 Best Bars at #35. Best-known for their ever-changing cocktail menu and delicious food menu served from 3 PM – midnight and drinks until 1 AM daily, The Raven Room focuses on sourcing local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients to cater to every dietary requirement. Food and drinks can be enjoyed on the patio whilst taking in the surrounding stunning mountain views. Locally owned and operated, the team of four co-owners brought their abundance of local experience from various renowned Whistler restaurants including 21 Steps and Bar Oso. The Raven Room is located in the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre hotel.
- Two wheels only: the rise of Whistler’s bike scene
Aerial maps of Whistler in summer look something like an ant farm; except those travelling dots are hikers, runners and, most of all, bikers. The valley and surrounding mountains are crisscrossed with trails - hundreds of kilometres of them - with options for just about everyone looking for a two-wheeled adventure.
As the number one lift-accessed downhill bike park in the world, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park lures downhill enthusiasts from all over the world, in search of dirt, adventure and adrenaline. The Park features over 100 expertly-crafted trails spread throughout four mountain zones, including every downhill rider’s bucket list trail – Top of the World – dropping from the Peak of Whistler Mountain, and the addition of Creek Zone in 2018, which added five new trails and 15 km of trail inventory to the Bike Park.
New to the downhill world? Do not fear. Whistler Blackcomb’s Bike Park 101 program gives novices the instruction and encouragement they need for their first time, including proper stance and body position, elementary downhill bike control, park etiquette and even how to load your bike onto a moving chairlift.
Ladies looking to surround themselves with fellow female riders can sign up for the popular Women’s Nights which run twice a week and include equipment rentals, lift tickets and professional guides. Riders of all levels can find something in the park's extensive terrain, and it wouldn't be mountain biking at Whistler without an après drink at the Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) to compare stories when it's over. Not your typical night out with the girls.
You don’t have to be hitting the bike park to have fun on two wheels. Whistler boasts over 200 kilometres of networked cross-country trails and technical singletrack, such as local favourites “River Runs Through It” and the challenging “Comfortably Numb” – a trail which helped establish Whistler’s reputation as a mountain biking mecca. Comfortably Numb was named by the IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) as an “Epic” ride – one of only a select number of trails around the world that demonstrate the best in mountain biking.
If more of a leisurely pace is more your style, the best way to explore Whistler and its surrounding lakes, parks and forests is along the Valley Trail system. And if you get lost somewhere along the 40 kilometres of paved paths, chances are there is a picturesque beach framed by mountain peaks waiting just around the corner.
- Whistler for runners
For anyone who enjoys going for a run, Whistler is the perfect vacation destination. It’s a runner's paradise, with breathtaking scenery and a variety of trails that vary from paved routes to technical singletrack to suit any style of running.
A great starting point for exploring Whistler on foot is the 46-kilometre paved multi-use Valley Trail which winds throughout the neighbourhoods and around the lakes. It’s relatively flat, and you can choose sections of the path to tailor your run to the length you want, creating loops to keep the scenery varied. The Valley Trail provides wonderful views and plenty of directional signage to easily get acquainted with Whistler’s geography. It’s also a great way to link with other trail networks such as the centrally located Lost Lake area, where the trails include smooth gravel options, as well as wooded nature trails and singletrack multi-use mountain biking trails. Technical trail running options in Whistler are endless, with hundreds of mountain biking trails spread throughout the valley, and spectacular options on Whistler Blackcomb’s gondola-accessed alpine hiking trail network.
Whistler also has an exciting calendar of running events throughout the year for runners to challenge themselves:
June
- Whistler Half Marathon
- XTERRA Whistler
- Comfortably Numb Trail Running Race
August
- 5 Peaks Trail Running Series
September
- Whistler Alpine Meadows Races
October
- Whistler Turkey Trot
- Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra
For more information on Whistler’s running events, visit our blog.
- Whistler Presents: Outdoor Summer Concert Series
If there’s any excuse to get outdoors - making the most of the long daylight and balmy summer evenings - then Whistler will find it. In this case, it’s all about music.
Each year between July and September the Whistler Presents: Outdoor Concert Series hosts a number of outdoor performances, featuring a delightful smorgasbord of acts sure to get you singing, dancing and generally having a good time. Did we also mention they’re free to attend?
Concerts run most weekends over the summer and there’s typically something to suit everyone’s musical preferences. With a picnic rug and summer snacks on hand, locals and visitors of all ages gather on the big green lawn at Whistler Olympic Plaza in the Whistler Village, with the majestic mountains towering behind the main stage.
For the full calendar visit here.
- Whistler Village Beer Festival
Beer in the mountains – it just feels right. The first annual Whistler Village Beer Festival launched in September 2013 when two like-minded locals saw that the time had come for beer - the primary ingredient of every après-ski, après-bike, and après-fun - to have its mountaintop shout-out.
Today, the festival runs for 6 days with interesting seminars, unique cask nights, food pairing dinners, great parties and a main tasting event that spans two days! The Whistler Village Beer Festival showcases 60 breweries and cideries, (which means 140+ beers and cider need to be sampled) and boasts a full music lineup, food trucks, plus interactive games and activities. This is one that ale enthusiasts will not want to miss!
- Whistler welcomes solo travelers
It's very difficult to spend time in Whistler and not meet people. It's just that kind of place.
Whistler’s pedestrian-only village stroll is the hub for shopping, dining, après and ultimately - socializing. Skiers and snowboarders, hikers, bikers and sightseers all flow into the area after their on-mountain adventures, creating an energetic atmosphere unique to Whistler.
With solo travel on the rise, Whistler has stepped up its game to make sure those arriving with just their suitcase (and maybe a pair of skis or bike) are welcomed and accommodated. Cue the opening of Canada’s first pod hotel on August 9, 2018, Pangea Pod Hotel. Situated in the heart of the Village, Pangea features well designed boutique sleeping pods, secure equipment storage, and multiple social spaces – including a rooftop patio – where guests can meet other pod goers and share a craft beer or two.
Other solo-friendly options include the 55-bed youth hostel run by Hostelling International, located in the Cheakamus Crossing neighborhood, a 10-minute drive south of Whistler Village. Within walking distance you’ll find Whistler’s iconic Train Wreck hike, craft breweries, axe throwing, and boutique shopping, food and coffee options.
Although solo travelers in Whistler normally end up joining a likeminded crew, here are our top five year-round recommendations for those seeking some quality time on their own:
- Relax and recharge with hydrotherapy at the Scandinave Spa. Tip: BYO book or journal for the sauna and relaxation areas.
- Go sightseeing on the mountain and ride Whistler Blackcomb’s Peak 2 Peak Gondola and Cloudraker Skybridge.
- Get cultural. Take a tour at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and learn about the local first nations, and view the impressive collections and beautiful architecture at the Audain Art Museum.
- Take a tour. Get the adrenaline going with a ziplining tour or bungee jump, explore old growth forests on a TreeTrek Canopy Walk, or - for the foodies - eat at Whistler's best restaurants with Whistler Tasting Tours.
- Shop, eat, drink, and soak up the atmosphere on the Village Stroll.
We also think there are some perks to flying solo in Whistler; get in more laps on the mountain by taking the singles line, snap up that final seat at the bar and get local tips from your server, and people watch from one of the many year-round patios.
- Whistler Winter: off the slopes edition
Whistler has a big reputation as North America's premier ski and snowboard resort with two huge mountains, 8,171 acres of snow-covered slopes and 200+ marked trails.
But what if you don’t ski? Well - there are plenty of reasons why Whistler is a dream winter destination for everyone. Here are just a few:
Regardless of whether you are a skier, the top thing to do in Whistler is head up the mountain and take in those breathtaking snowcapped mountains. Take a trip up the Blackcomb Gondola to Rendezvous Lodge where you can treat yourself to a glass of sparkling wine at Christine’s on Blackcomb. Then catch the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and download on the Whistler Village Gondola for a total 13.5 km, weather-protected ride.
For a unique dining experience, Canadian Wilderness Adventures Sproatt Steak Night takes you via snowmobile to a remote and cozy wood-fired hut to enjoy a delicious steak dinner.
A hidden gem with a touch of magic is Vallea Lumina, a multimedia walking experience in the forest at the base of Cougar Mountain.
An outdoor adventure like winter ziplining is a breathtaking way to experience those snowcapped trees and valleys from high above. Keeping your feet on the ground, a snowshoe tour option will take you to off-the-beaten-path locations exploring old-growth forests and frozen lakes, and the Coca-Cola Tube Park gets kids big and small sliding downhill on a tube (like a donut ring).
You can celebrate Whistler’s Olympic legacies with a bobsleigh or skeleton experience at Whistler Sliding Centre, or biathlon at Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Valley. Try a Canadian sport of another kind at Forged Axe Throwing.
Slowing down the pace a little, you can get a taste of British Columbia art and check out the special exhibits at the Audain Art Museum. Alternatively, rejuvenate the body and mind at one of Whistler’s 20+ spas and wellness centres, such as the tranquil Scandinave Spa.
There are plenty more options for non-skiers – explore them at whistler.com.
- Whistler with a wheelchair
Whistler strives to continue to provide its residents and visitors with a seamless resort experience based not only on accessibility, but also on inclusivity. Accessibility is built into the Whistler Village with its pedestrian-only streets, paved access to the Valley Trail and proximity to transportation.
Following her visit to Whistler, writer, mother and wheelchair-user Codi Darnell shared her impressions of visiting Whistler with a wheelchair and young children – How a Family of Five Does Whistler With a Wheelchair.
Here are some of Codi’s observations about accessibility in Whistler:
- Accessibility wise, Whistler Village is great. Ramps and elevators are always there, even if they’re around a corner. Keep a look out for the standard blue wheelchair signs posted around the village, they often point in the direction of access.
- The Whistler Valley Trail is a wheelchair user’s dream in the sense that it is a fully paved, car-free trail that creates an accessible path to all things Whistler. From the village to outer neighbourhoods and golf courses to mountain bike trails, the Valley Trail takes you there.
- If you take anything away from this article, I hope it is the knowledge that Whistler is ready to accommodate people of all abilities. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, it is all possible.
- Whistler's love affair with barbeque
Summer is in full swing, bringing long days, outdoor fun and another reason to gather friends and family around the BBQ. Whistler restaurants make it easy to enjoy warm summer nights with barbeque options every night of the week - so grab those stretchy pants and start planning!
A wide selection of all-you-can-eat barbequed proteins, bright salads and satisfying sides are on offer at the signature Four Seasons BBQ, alongside rotating live local musicians every Thursday night.
For those craving alpine views, Whistler Blackcomb's Mountain Top Summer Feast is available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings throughout summer at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. With live music, mouthwatering mains, fresh salads and delicious desserts, dining at 1,800m (6,000ft) couldn’t get any more delicious.
Combining BBQ with adventure Canadian Wilderness Adventures offers a tour on top of Blackcomb Mountain, serving a Pacific Salmon feast with views of Horstman Glacier and Whistler Valley below. Simply choose if you would prefer to get there by ATV or 4x4 Jeep.
- Whistler’s Ale Trail
Whistler might be best known as a premier ski destination in the
winter and world-class mountain biking hub in the summer, but its culinary
scene, world-class events and festivals and unique mountain town vibe make it
worthy of attention year-round. Now, Whistler is becoming known for its craft
beer scene, thanks to its two craft breweries and the various pubs and tap
houses committed to offering vast ranges of seasonal, local and unique brews.
Here are the top spots ale-lovers should hit up when in Whistler:
The BrewHouse, located in Whistler Village. It's a big, welcoming
brewpub with a great menu complemented well by the range of award winning,
handcrafted ales and lagers brewed onsite.
What better combo exists than pizza and beer? The always-buzzing
Pizzeria Antico offers traditional wood fired pizza and a large
selection of tap and bottled craft beer.
Next, pop over to the Function Junction neighbourhood, Whistler's
"industrial zone" (which is actually quite funky and fun!) 10 minutes south of Whistler
Village. The area is home to two breweries: Whistler Brewing Company, which has
a tasting room and offers tours; and Coast Mountain Brewing, the latest addition
to the scene offering its own unique range of beers and a great summer patio to
savour them.
In the Upper Village, HandleBar is Whistler's craft beer bar -
offering a long list of regularly rotating taps, tap takeover
events, a great bottle beer selection and pizza.
A short stroll away you will find a local's favourite, The Fitz
Pub. The living room atmosphere complete with board and card games, rotating chalkboard
selection (with a focus on BC beers and ciders) and food menu from their
neighbours at Fifi's Bistro, means it's easy to settle in for an ale session at
this warm and welcoming pub.
Looking for more? Ask the bartenders at the Dubh Linn Gate Irish
Pub, Brickworks Public House, and Hunter Gather Eatery and Taphouse for
their ale recommendations.
Finally - if you've timed your visit well, you can also experience the
Whistler Village Beer Festival, which takes over Whistler Olympic Plaza and
other venues in the Village in mid-September each year.
- Young Family Adventures in Whistler: Summer Edition
Whistler is a great place for an active and memorable family vacation, and a great chance to connect with nature and each other. Here are some Whistler-based, family adventures for parents and guardians of young kids who want to revel in the mountains with their little folk this summer.
- Gondola rides on Whistler Blackcomb - With a Whistler PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience ticket, you have access to the entire gondola system. The kid’s noses are usually pressed to the glass the entire time!
- Splash Time at Whistler’s Lakes - We have spent many a summer’s day at one of Whistler’s lakes armed with our buckets, spades and a picnic lunch.
- Pump Tracks for Little Rippers - If you have a budding biker then you can head to the pump track area, which can be found along the Valley Trail close to the Day Lot parking.
For more adventure ideas and tips for exploring Whistler with little ones, visit our blog.