The 10 Best Things to do in Whistler, Canada

If you are looking for the most adorable ski town with lots of adventurous excursions, cute stores to shop in, and lots of yummy restaurants, then Whistler is the perfect location for you!

In this blog post we will show you the best things to do while in Whistler Canada!

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We visited Whistler during our epic 1 month roadtrip starting in Canada! We began our roadtrip from where we were recently living in Kalispell, Montana. We crossed the boarder and began the roadtrip route of Yoho National Park to Vancouver. During this route, Whistler was our fourth stop along the way.

If you are wanting to plan an amazing roadtrip to Whistler from Southern Canada, we would highly suggest going this route: Yoho NP, Banff NP, Icefields Parkway, Jasper NP, and finally Whistler.

However, if you are coming from Vancouver, we would highly suggest completing the Sea-to-Sky Highway that connects Vancouver to Whistler. Click on each of the links to be directed to the blog posts for each of these destinations!

What is Whistler?

Whistler, Canada, is a renowned resort town located in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, about two hours north of Vancouver. It’s famous for Whistler Blackcomb, one of North America’s largest ski resorts, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world. However, Whistler is much more than a winter destination.

Year-round, it offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, and golf, all set against the backdrop of beautiful alpine scenery. The pedestrian-friendly Whistler Village has a lively atmosphere with shops, restaurants, art galleries, and events, making it a popular spot for travelers and adventure seekers. Whistler also hosted many of the events during the 2010 Winter Olympics, solidifying its reputation as a world-class destination.

What is the History of Whistler?

Whistler’s history began as a remote area known for logging and fishing, with little tourism activity until the mid-20th century. In 1960, a group of Vancouver businessmen, inspired by the idea of hosting the Winter Olympics, envisioned transforming Whistler Mountain into a world-class ski destination. By 1966, the first ski resort opened on Whistler Mountain, initially called “London Mountain,” but renamed to “Whistler” after the whistling sound made by the local hoary marmots. The area grew rapidly, and in 1980, nearby Blackcomb Mountain opened, expanding the resort’s appeal. By 1997, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains merged, creating Whistler Blackcomb, one of North America’s largest ski resorts.

The town gained international attention as one of the primary venues for the 2010 Winter Olympics, which helped develop infrastructure and establish Whistler as a premier global destination for skiing, mountain biking, and outdoor adventures.

How to Get to Whistler?

This is going to depend on where you are starting from! Here are a few options:

Vancouver:
- If you are planning to stay within the British Columbia area close to Vancouver, then we would suggest flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
- Rent a car and drive to Whistler taking the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) which is approximately 2 hours without stopping. But after you read my blog post on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, you will definitely want to make some stops along the way!
Banff/ Jasper National Park
- If you are roadtripping from one of these parks, you will want to fly into Calgary International Airport then visit the two parks. From Jasper, Whistler is about an 8.5 hour drive. It is a beautiful drive making the 8.5 hours fly by!

When to Visit Whistler?

In my opinion, there is never a wrong time to visit Whistler! The town offers something to do in every season.

The town is most known for the ski and snowboard runs on the Blackcomb Mountain during the winter. Since part of the 2010 Winter Olympics was held here, you can trust that these runs are great. The town turns into a winter wonderland with the festive Christmas feel.

Just because it is summer in a ski town does not mean there is nothing to do! The town offers great mountain biking runs on the Blackcomb Mountain as well as rides up the gondola to see views from above.

We visited in October when the fall leaves were at their peak. The town was not crowded at all allowing us to have easy access to all three villages. With the surrounding things to do outside the ski town, fall was a perfect time for us to visit to take advantage of the vibrant yellow, orange, and red leaves against the mountains.

Where to Stay in Whistler?

Whatever your lodging needs, Whistler has something for you! There are plenty of options here from campgrounds, hotels, to Airbnb/ VRBO.

Camping in Whistler:

We love to car camp so anytime we can find a campground, we are taking advantage of it. We stayed in a campground in Whistler and were so happy with our experience! Here’s where we stayed:

Whistler RV and Campgrounds

This was easily one of the nicest campgrounds we have ever stayed at! The price was so cheap for all that is included! The bathrooms are so clean and the showers are nice and hot. They even provide a hairdryer and makeup counters with makeup mirrors.The campground also provides laundry services, dish washing station, and a cute cafe.

Hotels in Whistler:

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

This chateau is at the base of Blackcomb Mountain offering ski-in/out access. The location is convenient to the villages and other attractions nearby.

Airbnb/ VRBO in Whistler:

Check out these Airbnb homes in Whistler!

Check out these VRBO homes in Whistler!

What to Pack for Whistler?

The specific list will be dependent on the time of year you are visiting. But here are some basics you do not want to forget!

Hiking Shoes: Wearing appropriate shoes is imperative to having a good experience while hiking. These are my favorite hiking boots that I have owned for over 6 years- and they have had a lot of wear and tear from many hiking trips.
Jacket: Since you will be traveling north in comparison to America, you will want to make sure you pack layers to prepare for changes in weather.
Camera: With all the beauty you will be seeing, you will want to bring your camera! I have recently purchased this camera and I LOVE it. I am still learning how to use it, but it is a fun hobby to get in to with so much beauty surrounding you!
Water Bottle: Whether you are biking, hiking, or driving the scenic route, you will want to make sure to stay hydrated!
Portable Phone Charger: You will be using your phone a lot to take pictures, navigate, and send many texts to your family/ friends telling them how much of a great time you are having 😉 Make sure you have these battery packs so your phone does not die!
Hydration Backpack: There will be hikes you will want to take part in while you are visiting here. So make sure you are prepared with this hydration pack that is also a backpack!
Tent: This will definitely depend on how you choose to lodge for your trip. In case you are planning to tent camp, you will need to make sure you have your camping necessities. This is the exact tent we use. It is quick, easy, and literally takes 2- seconds to pop up!
Sleeping Bag: Whether you are car camping or tent camping, you will want to bring your sleeping bag! We car camped here in mid- September and this sleeping bag kept us nice and toasty!
Sleeping Mat: This is the best sleeping mat on the market! No electric pump required, just your foot! AND it rolls/ stores very compact saving room with packing.
Camping Equipment: I may be biased, but I think everyone should camp while in WLNP to experience the pure beauty of the Lord’s creation of this park. Need to know what equipment you need? Here’s your resource of products!

What to do in Whistler?

Whether you are just visiting for a day or week, there is so much to do in Whistler to meet your itinerary!

Whistler Village
- Whistler Village is separated into 3 villages. I would suggest stopping at the visitor center/ information center to get a map so you be more oriented to your surroundings.
- There are plenty of parking areas, but we would suggest parking in Parking Lot 4 to have direct access to the North Village.
- While here, enjoy shopping in the many different stores. Grab a coffee or ice cream depending on the time of year you are visiting. And eat at one of the many restaurants!

Ride the Gondola
- The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is a highlight, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys below.

Olympic Plaza
- Portion of the 2010 Winter Olympics was held in Whistler. The famous Olympic rings are on the plaza making a picture perfect moment! This is where we started our route in the Whistler Villages. If you park in parking lot 4 you will be directly in front of the rings.

Olympic Park
- Whistler Olympic Park, located in the stunning Callaghan Valley, offers a range of exciting activities year-round. Originally built for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, it served as the venue for cross-country skiing, biathlon, and ski jumping events. Today, visitors can explore this historic site, taking in impressive views and the iconic Olympic rings while learning about the park’s Olympic legacy. In winter, Whistler Olympic Park transforms into a snow sports hub with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and biathlon. Guided lessons and rentals are available, making it accessible for all skill levels, and families can enjoy tobogganing and scenic trails.
- During summer, the park offers hiking, disc golf, and even a biathlon shooting experience. The Day Lodge serves as a perfect base for refreshments and relaxation, featuring decks with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. A visit to Whistler Olympic Park supports the development of local athletes, as revenue contributes to training and sports programming, helping maintain Whistler’s status as a top sport and recreation destination.
- Unfortunately it was closed for the season when we went in October, so we were unable to experience this.
Winter activities
- Whistler Blackcomb, one of the largest ski resorts in North America, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and even heli-skiing
Mountain Biking
- During the summer and fall season, the Whistler Blackcomb converts from snow sports to mountain sports. This includes mountain biking!
- Ride the thrilling runs via bike without snow. There are plenty of shops to rent mountain bikes in the Whistler village.

Brandywine Falls Park
- A quick and easy hike will take you to one of the most picturesque waterfalls ever! This waterfall is huge and full. There are also other trails to explore here if you have the extra time.

Garibaldi Provincial Park
- Adventurers can also try zip-lining, bungee jumping, or explore the alpine landscape in Garibaldi Provincial Park.
- If you have the time, Garibaldi Park is where you can stop for some longer hikes. We did not have the time so we unfortunately were unable to complete any of these hikes.
- The most popular hike is Garibaldi Lake Trail.
  - 18 kilometers (11 miles) roundtrip
  - 2,625 elevation gain
  - 5-7 hours duration

Whistler Train Wreck Trail
- The Whistler Train Wreck Trail in Whistler, Canada, is a popular, scenic hike that leads to a unique historical site of abandoned train cars covered in vibrant graffiti. These boxcars date back to a 1956 train derailment, and though initially isolated and hard to access, a dedicated hiking trail was created with a suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River to improve safety and accessibility. The trail itself is a mostly flat, family-friendly hike with minimal elevation, making it accessible for a wide range of hikers.
Sea-to-Sky Highway
- Looking for a beautiful, exciting, and adventurous scenic drive to add to your bucket list? Then the Sea-to-Sky Highway is exactly what you are looking for! This is Highway 99 in British Columbia stretching a total of 101 miles (163 kilometers). The drive that connects Vancouver to Whistler taking you from the sea to the sky (hence the name).
- Click here to read everything you need to know about the Sea-to-Sky Highway!