Astounding beauty and premier winter sports, Whistler boasts charming villages and a plethora of attractions
Nestled in the breathtaking Coastal Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, Whistler is a world-renowned travel destination that offers year-round adventure and beauty. With stunning natural scenery, a vibrant village atmosphere, and a wide array of activities and events, it's no wonder that Whistler is consistently ranked among the top ski resorts in the world, as well as a top destination for summer activities. Whistler is located about 120 kilometers north of Vancouver, and the drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway offers some of the most spectacular views in the province. Once you arrive in the town, you'll immediately be struck by the charm and energy of the pedestrian-friendly village, which is filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries. The village is a hub for activities and events, making it the perfect starting point for your Whistler adventure. Of course, the biggest draw to Whistler is its skiing and snowboarding. With two massive mountains - Whistler and Blackcomb - there's more than 8,100 acres of skiable terrain, offering something for everyone from beginners to experts. The mountains receive an average of 38 feet of snow per year, and there are more than 200 marked runs to explore, as well as plenty of backcountry and off-piste skiing for the more adventurous. But Whistler is much more than just a winter destination; there are countless activities to enjoy during the summer months, including hiking, mountain biking, and golf. The natural beauty of Whistler is truly stunning, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore it. The peak-to-peak gondola is a must-do, taking you on a 4.4-kilometer journey between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, providing jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks, forests, and valleys. You can also take a guided tour of the Whistler Olympic Park, which was the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, and explore the winding trails and pristine lakes of nearby Garibaldi Provincial Park. Beyond the mountains and natural beauty, Whistler is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The village is home to dozens of galleries, and there are frequent concerts, festivals, and performances throughout the year. Foodies will love the variety of restaurants and cuisines available, from casual après-ski spots to high-end fine dining experiences. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or culture, Whistler has something to offer. With a mix of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and world-class activities, it's no wonder that it's a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.
Whistler is a picturesque world-class ski resort town that’s famous for its 2 spectacular mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb. With its vibrant and active location, holidays in Whistler offer a plethora of colourful scenery, adventurous terrain and invigorating activities for a tour in Canada. Prized for its astounding beauty and premier winter sports, Whistler also boasts charming villages that brim with tourist attractions.
Over 2 million visitors head to a holiday in Whistler each year for its alpine skiing, diverse terrains, vertical drops, ski lifts and runs. In addition to skiing, other fun winter activities include snowboarding and snowmobiling. But there’s so much more to Whistler holidays than just skiing. Attractions include a cultural centre, museum and mountain bike park. The gorgeous landscapes and lakes close by offer summer activities such as hiking, camping, canoeing, swimming, white-water rafting, wildlife viewing and of course, mountain climbing. Whistler has a sufficient number of attractions to keep history buffs, thrill seekers and naturalists busy all year round.
The ancient forests and Pacific Coastal Mountains that surround Whistler’s Callaghan Valley are worthy of admiration. Hikers and backpackers love the Valley during the summertime for its wilderness experience. Winter sports lovers revel in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Also found within this Valley is the Callaghan Lake Provincial Park that’s worth a visit. Callaghan Lake is a beautiful undisturbed wilderness in the stunning backdrop of a rugged mountain terrain and camping here is extremely popular during holidays in Whistler. The natural green space of Fitzsimmons Creek is truly beautiful, and a full-day hike will bring the adventurous close to the Fitzsimmons Glacier and the breathtaking scenery of the Garibaldi Ranges. The spectacular panoramas of Whistler’s parks never seem to end. The wilderness of Garibaldi Park is best enjoyed with views of the Black Tusk in the background, a stunning pinnacle of volcanic rock jutting skyward. Many other picturesque locations within the park await your exploration, including hikes to the Elfin Lakes with their stunning views and unbelievably scenic campsites.
Part of what makes a Whistler holiday so popular is its sense of community, and Whistler Village is where it all comes together. Whistler Village is just one of 3 quaint villages at the base of the Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains. Go here for the bars, hotels, exceptional restaurants, stunning villas and shops. After a day on the slopes of Whistler, winter sports lovers can soothe their sore muscles at the Whistler Fairmont Chateau, a ski lodge with a knack for luxury. Hungry lodgers will be satisfied by the onsite eateries of the Fairmont, as the Lounge with its dark wood and leather interiors wows diners with its après-ski ambiance. Close by and located inside a beautifully designed building is the Squamish & Lil'wat Cultural Centre which takes visitors on a fascinating journey into the art, culture and history of the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations people of Canada. Taking a guided tour or simply wandering around the Centre’s visually appealing art galleries and exhibits is a worthwhile cultural experience.
The stunning Brandywine Falls offers visitors on holiday in Whistler an unparalleled opportunity to watch changing seasons unfold before their eyes- from the rich autumn foliage colours and the vernal pools of spring. The spectacular Falls boast walking trails that offer panoramic views and there are various hiking and mountain biking attractions inside the park. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring some of the trails in the park whilst relishing the rare and endangered fauna. A detour from Whistler will take you to Alexander Falls, another spectacular waterfall in the Callaghan Valley. Views of the falls are at their most panoramic between May and June when all the snow on the nearby mountains rapidly melts to provide a powerful force of water tumbling over the jagged rocks. The outdoorsy can pack a picnic and admire Mother Nature in all her glory.
This road from Vancouver to Whistler provides one of the most scenic drives you will ever take. This memorable journey winds along the Sea-to-Sky Highway- arguably Canada’s most picturesque drive. Dubbed the best ski resort in the world, Whistler-Blackcomb Mountain is best viewed from the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which contrasts between the deep white of the snow-capped peaks and lush green forests below. The gondola ride frames the view Whistler-Blackcomb in a canvas of tranquillity as you descend. About fifty black bears live on Whistler and Blackcomb, and nature lovers can go on a tour of the bear’s feeding sites, active dens and places they are known to congregate during summer. Travelling through beautiful, lush forests in a 4x4, visitors can observe the bears from a safe distance. Other Whistler wildlife can be spotted up close, including coyotes, marmots, owls, and hawks.
The best time to take a holiday in Whistler is between June and September, and from December to March. Peak skiing conditions are from December to February, while March ushers in warmer temperatures but still with good snow. In June and July, the Blackcomb Mountain offers glacier skiing, while the rest of Whistler serves as a base camp for campers and hikers.
At the same time, the autumn weather ushers in many popular festivals to enjoy during your holiday to Whistler. The moderate temperatures of April and May make Whistler holidays ideal for outdoor activities such as cycling and bungee jumping.
April and May invite warmer temperatures for holidays to Whistler that allow for skiing through to the end of April. While the mountains still have snow, the days are sunny and warmer. This is also a popular time of the year for camping and hiking. The conditions are ideal for bungee jumping as well. Nature lovers can take a picnic to admire the Alexander Falls. Must visit festivals include the World Ski & Snowboard Festival; the Mum’s Mountain Classic or the Whistler Cup.
Summertime in Whistler is prime time for all sorts of events and activities. Those who still desire some skiing during their Canada holiday can take to the Blackcomb Mountain. Visitors who prefer to bask in the sun can head over to the beach and for some water sports on Lost Lake. The temperatures make for a pleasant experience no matter what you prefer to do. Festivals worth attending include the Pemberton Music Festival and the Whistler Village Beer Festival.
Summertime in Whistler is prime time for all sorts of events and activities. Those who still desire some skiing during their Canada holiday can take to the Blackcomb Mountain. Visitors who prefer to bask in the sun can head over to the beach and for some water sports on Lost Lake. The temperatures make for a pleasant experience no matter what you prefer to do. Festivals worth attending include the Pemberton Music Festival and the Whistler Village Beer Festival.
Winter is one of the best times for a Whistler holiday, and for obvious reasons: there’s plenty of powder. Snowboarders and skiers can head over to the mountains for some of the world’s best winter sporting conditions. Non-skiers will not feel left out during their Canada tour as they can instead opt for snowmobiling, snowshoeing or tubing. Spending time off the mountains at interesting festivals and events is also possible at the Whistler Film Festival; the Fire and Ice Show and the WinterPRIDE Festival.