Whistler Blackcomb is the largest in North America due to its size and number of chair lifts. The amount of things to do “off slope” and the number of shops and restaurants in the village is impressive. You don’t need a car rental here, but you will need a shuttle to take you from Vancouver airport, which is about a 2 hour drive. Every excursion we booked outside of skiing, had a shuttle service available included in the price.
Whistler is known for its adventurous outdoor activities.
Where to Stay
Pan Pacific
We stayed at the Pan Pacific Village Center in one of their two bedroom suites. We loved the location of the Pan Pacific, the daily Aprés smores and hot chocolate bar, the breakfast buffet was amazing, and overall the service was incredible. The Pan Pacific offers lockers at the base of the mountain and has a ski gear valet service.
Fairmont Chateau
Four Seasons Whistler
What to Do
A Lot of activities can be found and booked through Whistler Reservations. It’s a great one-stop-shop for almost everything in Whistler.
1. Skiing!
Whistler is renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Whistler Blackcomb offers a wide range of slopes and terrain for all skill levels. The kid’s enjoyed multiple days in Ski School at both Blackcomb and Whistler. We used BlackTie Rental Delivery for all our ski gear.
2. Vallea Lumina
Vallea Lumina is a magical nightwalk experience that the kids loved. It’s a multimedia trail with smores and snacks.
3. Peak to Peak Gondola
Peak to Peak Gondola can be an entire day activity if you stop and eat at the mountaintop restaurants like Christine’s. Hop on the main gondola from the base of either Whistler or Blackcomb mountain, then you can catch the connecting gondola between peaks at the top. There is a glass bottom gondola available if you want to wait.
4. Dog Sledding
Dog sledding was my boy’s favorite activity this year and the first year they were both age appropriate. experience the excitement of mushing through the snow-covered backcountry with a team of sled dogs that we became friendly with before the ride.
5. Whistler Distillery Tour
Whistler Distillery Tour will take you to the vibrant local neighborhood of Function Junction for a guided tour of the facility, tastings of all available products, and charcuterie from local favorites Picnic Whistler.
6. Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is always a fun activity for everyone 5 years and older. They have tours for every ability level, from family cruises along wide groomed scenic trails to backcountry powder hunting in alpine bowls.
7. Snow Tubing at Bubly Tube Park
Bubly Tube Park has over over 1,000 feet of sliding bliss with multiple lanes and a special conveyor lift to return you to the top. Tickets start about $30. This park also offers “mini tickets” for children ages 3-6 years old.
8. Helicopter Tours
Helicopter Tours is an experience with views you won’t find any place else! Fly over knife-sharp peaks, ancient glaciers, hidden lakes and valleys and stunning ice formations.
9. Superfly Ziplines
Superfly Ziplines offers a series of ziplines with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. They provide an exhilarating experience with multiple lines, including some of the longest and highest ziplines in North America.
10. Bobsled at the Whistler Sliding Center
Bobsled at the Whistler Sliding Center is such a unique opportunity since there are only 17 tracks in the entire world! Ride with a professional driver and experience 4g forces at 125km/hr.
11. Train Wreck Waterfall hike
Train Wreck Waterfall hike is a short and sweet hike that everyone will enjoy. The trailhead can be accessed from Cheakamus Crossing, and it follows the Cheakamus River.The highlight of the hike is the Train Wreck site itself. In the early 1950s, a train derailed in this area, and the wrecked train cars were left in the forest. Over the years, the train cars have become covered in vibrant graffiti and street art, creating a unique and colorful outdoor art gallery.
12. Scandinave Spa
Scandinave Spa is Whistler’s iconic thermal spa located in the old-growth rainforest with rugged Coast Mountain views. No phones allowed, so root yourself in complete silence and a digital detox while journeying through cycles of hot, cold and relaxation thermal pools.
Where to Eat
We enjoyed every single place we ate while in Whistler, and that’s something to say! The village is filled with amazing restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy or order take out.
1. Red Door Bistro
2. The Bearfoot Bistro
3. II Caminetto Italian
4. Sushi Village
5. Hy’s Steakhouse
6. 21 Steps Kitchen & Bar
7. Quattro
8. Alta Bistro
9. Stinky’s on the Stroll
10. The Brickworks Public House
11. Purebread Bakery
12. Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill
Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill was our #1 Apres ski destination!
