When Lukáš and I set off on our big Canadian road trip back in 2017, Whistler was one of those stops we were most excited about. I remember how we pushed our beloved old van — which we affectionately called Chiquita — up the long, winding hills along the legendary Sea-to-Sky Highway. The engine roared, we held our breath with every steep climb, and at the same time we couldn’t tear our eyes away from the incredible views of the glistening ocean and snow-capped peaks slowly unfolding before us. It was the kind of travel magic you remember for the rest of your life — and it’s exactly why finding the best things to do in Whistler, Canada felt so effortless once we arrived.
Do you know why it’s called Whistler? I was half-expecting it to be named after some famous painter, but the truth is far more adorable. The town and mountain are named after the local marmots, whose warning calls sound exactly like a whistle. Naturally, I spent the entire trip searching for them under every rock 😄.
But enough about marmots — let’s dive into what blew us away during our visit and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss on yours. We’ll cover the most stunning hikes with turquoise lakes, tell you where to stay, how the gondolas work, and how much this Canadian adventure will actually cost you.
TL;DR
- Best way to get there: From Vancouver, take the stunning Sea-to-Sky Highway 99 — the drive takes just under two hours, and I guarantee you won’t want to put your camera down the entire way.
- Main attraction: The linked mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb, offering over 200 ski runs in winter and endless hiking and biking opportunities in summer.
- Must-do experience: A ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which hangs hundreds of metres above the valley and connects the two main peaks.
- Best hike: The full-day trek to Garibaldi Lake — 18 kilometres of climbing that’ll leave your legs aching for three days, but the reward of an impossibly turquoise lake makes it absolutely worth it.
- Important warning: If you want to visit the popular Joffre Lakes in summer, you must get a free Day Pass in advance, or the park rangers will turn you away at the car park without hesitation 😅.
- Cycling paradise: In summer, the town transforms into the mecca of mountain biking, with highlights like the Crankworx festival and the UCI MTB World Cup.
When to visit and how to get there
The journey to Whistler is an absolutely breathtaking experience in its own right, and I’d go as far as saying that Highway 99 from Vancouver — nicknamed the Sea-to-Sky — is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world. As the name suggests, you start at sea level and gradually climb high into the mountains, with jaw-dropping views of Howe Sound and its rugged islands around every bend.
If you’re flying in from the UK and don’t have your own van like we did, definitely hire a car at Vancouver airport. Lukáš and I have had consistently great experiences with RentalCars, which we use all over the world — it works as a reliable comparison tool and we always find the best deals, including full insurance. The drive takes roughly an hour and a half to two hours, but realistically allow three, because you’ll be constantly pulling over at viewpoints and snapping photos.
As for the best time to visit, Whistler in Canada has two completely different but equally spectacular faces. If you’re passionate about skiing, head here between December and March when there are metres of powder on the slopes. We fell in love with Whistler in summer, though — the valley is buzzing with cyclists and hikers, but as soon as you head to higher elevations with a good pair of hiking boots, you’ll find your own slice of wild Canadian nature. From late June to September, the high alpine lakes that spend the rest of the year buried under ice finally become accessible.
Where to stay and how much Whistler costs
Let’s be honest — Whistler is definitely not a budget destination, and it’s worth preparing yourself financially. It’s a world-class premium mountain resort and the prices reflect that. The Canadian dollar (CAD) currently sits at around 0.55 GBP, and a simple lunch at a restaurant here will easily set you back 30 to 40 CAD (roughly £17–22) per person. Accommodation is a whole chapter on its own, especially if you want to stay right in the pedestrianised Whistler Village, where you can walk to the gondola in your ski boots.
🏨 Recommended hotels in Whistler
- Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Whistler
- Mid-range: Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
- Budget: HI Whistler hostel
While we mostly camped with Chiquita in the surrounding forests and provincial parks, for a regular holiday you’ll likely be looking at a hotel or apartment. Accommodation roughly divides into three zones. The most sought-after (and priciest) is Whistler Village itself. A quieter alternative is neighbouring Blackcomb Village or Creekside, both reachable by bus, where prices tend to be a touch more forgiving.
For those who love absolute luxury, there’s the iconic Fairmont Chateau Whistler, sitting right at the base of Blackcomb Mountain with a dreamy spa. If you’re after something quieter with gorgeous waterfront views, Nita Lake Lodge is just a short distance from the centre and has a highly acclaimed restaurant. And if you’re travelling on a tighter budget, the Pangea Pod Hotel right in the heart of the village is a brilliantly modern option — you rent a stylish pod at a reasonable price and have everything you need right on your doorstep.
12 best things to do in Whistler, Canada (summer and winter)
Let’s explore the very best that this Canadian gem has to offer. Whistler is an enormous playground packed with possibilities, so whether you’re chasing adrenaline on a black diamond run, fancy a peaceful stroll around crystal-clear lakes, or love the après-ski bar scene, you absolutely won’t be disappointed.
1. Whistler Blackcomb and winter fun
We experienced Whistler in summer, so I’m describing the winter skiing a bit second-hand — but from everything I’ve read and heard from people we met on the trail, it sounds like an absolute dream for anyone who loves the slopes. The two massive mountains that make up the Whistler Blackcomb resort form one of the largest ski complexes in North America. You’ll find over 200 runs of all difficulty levels, endless off-piste possibilities, and snow that has a unique powder quality thanks to the proximity of the Pacific Ocean.
If you’re planning a multi-day ski trip, definitely look into the Epic Pass on their website well in advance. Single-day tickets bought at the window can climb to absolutely astronomical prices approaching 300 CAD (around £165) per day, so purchasing a multi-day pass ahead of time will save you a serious amount of money. And those savings can go straight towards great food or a mulled wine on the slopes.
2. Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Even if you’re not skiing, this engineering marvel is an absolute must — it offers views you’ll never forget. This unique gondola doesn’t connect the valley floor to a summit. Instead, it runs horizontally between the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, spanning an incredible 4.4 kilometres.
The highest point sits a staggering 436 metres above the floor of Fitzsimmons Creek valley. Make sure you wait at the station for one of the special glass-bottom cabins, even though it might mean an extra fifteen minutes in the queue. Looking straight down through the glass beneath your feet will reliably get the pulse racing, even for the toughest nerves 😅.
3. The atmosphere of Whistler Village
The village itself is cleverly designed — its core is an entirely car-free pedestrian zone where you can wander the narrow lanes for hours, soaking up the mountain atmosphere. It’s a charming blend of traditional Canadian architecture and modern touches, with the aroma of fresh coffee drifting from every corner and high-end outdoor gear shops in every other window, calling your name.
In the evening, the village lights up with thousands of twinkling lights, people sit around outdoor heaters wrapped in blankets sharing stories from the day. It’s probably the loveliest spot for an evening stroll, and you’re very likely to stumble across talented buskers. On weekends, the plazas often host all sorts of events and festivals.
4. Full-day hike to Garibaldi Lake
When it comes to summer hiking in Whistler, this is the undisputed king of the region — though it’ll give you a proper workout. The trail covers 18 kilometres with around 900 metres of elevation gain, so expect to be on your feet for most of the day. The path starts by winding through dense forest via seemingly endless switchbacks, which — honestly — starts to feel a bit tedious after the first hour.
But the moment you finally emerge from the tree line and the glacial Garibaldi Lake stretches out before you, every aching muscle is instantly forgotten. The water is such an intensely turquoise colour it looks like someone poured buckets of dye into it, and snow-capped peaks tower majestically above. We had our packed lunch by the lake and I still remember how a cheeky grey jay (locally called a whiskey jack) nearly snatched a biscuit right out of my hand 😁. You can also walk around the lake closer to the glacier and take photos that’ll make everyone back home seriously jealous.
5. Adrenaline on Black Tusk
If you’re an experienced mountain trekker and Garibaldi Lake feels like just a warm-up, you can continue further up to the iconic volcanic summit of Black Tusk, which from a distance resembles a giant black tooth jutting from the landscape. This is a significantly more demanding expedition that requires good fitness and confidence on rough terrain. We headed partway in this direction and were puffing like steam engines.
The final push to the top is more like scrambling — you’re clambering up steep rock and loose scree, and seriously, bring a helmet. Hikers above you occasionally kick loose stones, and you’ll be grateful for the protection — or much worse without it 😅. We were lucky, but we heard from others that rockfall is not uncommon. The view from the top over the entire system of surrounding lakes and glaciers is absolutely phenomenal, and very few people actually make it right to the very tip.
6. Turquoise fairytale: Joffre Lakes
This chain of three glacial lakes located a short drive north of Whistler is one of the most photographed spots in all of British Columbia, and I completely understand why. Unlike Garibaldi Lake, you can reach the first lake after just a few minutes’ walk from the car park, and the third — and most beautiful — is roughly a five-kilometre, fairly pleasant hike. Every drop of sweat is worth it, because the colour of the water is truly otherworldly.
I do need to give you one crucial heads-up, though, because the rules have tightened considerably in recent years. During the summer season, you absolutely must obtain a free Day Pass in advance through the BC Parks booking system. It’s free of charge, but capacity is limited and passes vanish at lightning speed the moment they’re released. If you turn up at the car park without one, the rangers will simply turn you around and send you back — which would be a terrible waste.
7. Relax at Lost Lake
When you’ve had your fill of demanding hikes and just want to unwind, a short walk from Whistler Village centre will bring you to Lost Lake. It’s a favourite spot for both locals and visitors, lined with tall trees, and in summer the water is warm enough for a comfortable swim.
A wide, well-maintained gravel path loops around the lake — perfect for a leisurely afternoon bike ride or a jog. On the beach you’ll find barbecues, toilets, and plenty of benches, so I’d recommend picking up some cheese, wine, and snacks from the supermarket in the village and having a gorgeous lakeside picnic as the sun goes down.
8. Quick stop at Brandywine Falls
On the drive from Vancouver or on your way back, you absolutely shouldn’t miss this stunning waterfall, located roughly fifteen minutes’ drive south of Whistler. From the large car park right off the highway, it’s only about a ten-minute, very easy and pleasant walk through the forest.
At the end of the path, a viewing platform reveals a dramatic sight: the river plunging over a volcanic rock edge into a 70-metre-deep chasm. The canyon below has a fascinating geological structure carved by ancient lava flows, and the whole place looks like a set straight out of Jurassic Park.
9. Swimming at Brohm Lake
If you’re heading back towards Vancouver on a scorching summer day and looking to cool off, Brohm Lake is a brilliant choice that’s mostly known only to locals. The car park sits right by the main road, but it’s quite small, so on summer weekends it pays to arrive either very early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The water here is darker and considerably warmer than the glacial lakes up in the mountains. Easy forest trails loop around the lake, and you’ll find a few small cliffs that daring swimmers love to jump from into the deep water. It’s exactly the kind of place where you plan a twenty-minute stop and end up lounging there for two hours — without regretting a single second of it.
10. Endless downhill runs and MTB culture
When the snow melts, the ski runs don’t stay deserted — they transform into what many consider the best bike park on the planet. Whistler Mountain Bike Park draws riders from across the globe who come to train on brutal downhill trails packed with roots, rocks, and massive wooden jumps.
Even if you don’t jump bikes yourself, it’s fascinating to grab a seat at a terrace overlooking the finish area and simply watch the speed and grace with which riders hurl themselves down the mountain. You can of course hire a downhill bike with full body armour, but if you’re new to it, I’d strongly recommend booking a half-day instructor — otherwise your holiday could end rather quickly and painfully at the nearest hospital.
11. Legendary bike festival: Crankworx (summer 2026)
If you’re planning a trip towards the end of summer and love extreme sports, you’re in luck. From 24 July to 2 August 2026, the legendary Crankworx festival takes over the town, bringing the world’s absolute best riders and an incredible party atmosphere.
For those ten days the town is absolutely bursting at the seams. Slopestyle competitions, speed runs, pumping music, and massive sales on cycling gear that are genuinely hard to resist. We didn’t make it to the festival ourselves, but from the videos and photos shared by friends who’ve been, the atmosphere looks absolutely insane. Just bear in mind that accommodation during this period needs to be booked many months in advance — Whistler’s capacity simply isn’t infinite.
12. Adrenaline at the UCI MTB World Cup (autumn 2026)
As if that weren’t enough, mountain bike fans get another massive event towards the end of summer: the prestigious UCI World Cup, taking place in Whistler from 25 to 27 September 2026. These are official races featuring the fastest riders on the planet.
Unlike the more laid-back Crankworx festival, the World Cup is all about hundredths of a second, and the tension along the course is absolutely electric. The entire valley lives and breathes cycling, the bars are packed with sweaty and buzzing fans, and you can watch future Olympic medallists up close on the muddy, steep slopes of the mountain.
Where to eat and what to experience after a big day
When you hear “après-ski,” most people think of the Alps, but Whistler can more than hold its own against Europe — arguably even better. Around four in the afternoon, as the gondolas start emptying out, life shifts to the famous patios at the base of the lifts. It’s exactly the kind of relaxed vibe you need after a full day on the trails or slopes to properly cap off your mountain day.
Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) and Longhorn Saloon
An absolute classic is Garibaldi Lift Co. (known locally as just GLC), situated right by the upper gondola station. Right next door you’ll find the iconic Longhorn Saloon, where music thumps down the valley from lunchtime onwards and snagging a free table is often just a dream. People simply have the time of their lives there.
If you visit, arm yourself with patience — finding a spot can be a bit of a challenge, but the atmosphere with views of bikers and skiers coming down the runs is a hundred percent worth the wait. Lukáš and I sometimes just stood there soaking it all in with a beer in hand, and it was absolutely brilliant.
Whistler Brewing Co.
If you’re a beer lover, you can’t skip a visit to Whistler Brewing Co., whose brewery is located a short way from the centre in the Function Junction area. It’s a laid-back, hipster-ish neighbourhood full of bistros, fragrant bakeries, and old warehouses elegantly converted into art galleries.
The beers here are genuinely excellent, and it’s always a treat to order a tasting flight so you can work out which one suits you best. We particularly loved their fruitier, lighter specials — they hit the spot perfectly after a long day of hiking in the hills.
Peaked Pies and Araxi
When hunger strikes unexpectedly? If you’re after a quick, affordable, and absolutely genius snack, join the long queue at Peaked Pies, where they make fantastic Australian-style meat pies that’ll put you right back on your feet even after the most gruelling hike.
For a proper sit-down dinner or a romantic evening for two, there’s the acclaimed Araxi restaurant — it’s certainly not cheap, but they create culinary masterpieces from fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a special evening with your partner and take a breather from all those mountain sport extremes.
Breakfast at Crepe Montagne
Mornings in the village are traditionally rescued by the beloved French crêperie Crepe Montagne, serving up the heartiest breakfasts in town. They make incredible sweet and savoury crêpes, and the enormous portions will reliably fuel you up for another long day on the trails.
Be warned, though — at weekends you’ll face an annoying wait outside, so it’s genuinely worth getting up early. Lukáš enthusiastically demolished an enormous crêpe at the table that I swear was almost bigger than he was 😄.
Tips and tricks before travelling to Canada
Before you start packing, here’s a rundown of the services and tricks that saved Lukáš and me a lot of money and hassle — not just in Canada, but on our travels around the world.
Finding cheap flights
For flights from the UK to Vancouver, it’s worth checking multiple comparison sites. Direct flights operate from London Heathrow with British Airways and Air Canada, but you can often find better deals by looking at routes with a stopover in Europe or the US. Skyscanner and Google Flights are great starting points — try flexible dates and experiment with different departure days to find the cheapest fares.
We discovered a brilliantly cheap connection this way that not only saved us a bundle but also cut down the tedious layover time at airports. So definitely take your time clicking through all the options.
Hiring a car for your road trip
We typically use the comparison site RentalCars.com, which I mentioned at the start. The advantage is that you can instantly compare terms from all the major rental companies in one place, and I’d recommend booking your car as soon as you’ve bought your flights, because prices for the Canadian summer season shoot up fast.
When we travelled with Chiquita, we had our own home on wheels, but for a standard holiday a hire car gives you enormous freedom around Whistler and the surrounding area. Just make sure your booking includes adequate insurance — Canadian roads and nature can throw up the odd surprise.
Booking accommodation
Booking.com is our go-to hotel search engine and we use it for the vast majority of our stays. Especially with a destination like Whistler, it’s worth looking for free cancellation options so you can cancel if something better comes along.
On top of that, frequent travellers unlock discounts through the Genius loyalty programme, which really comes in handy at such a pricey resort. Lukáš always keeps a close eye on this, and we’ve occasionally scored an absolute gem of a room for the price of an ordinary motel.
Mobile data abroad
You definitely don’t want to rely on finding Wi-Fi in the Canadian mountains. Have a look at our detailed Holafly review, because this eSIM card with unlimited data is exactly what you need in North America for hassle-free navigation and looking up information on the go.
It’s incredibly handy to just arrive, turn on your data, and immediately have a connection without hunting for a local SIM. We do this everywhere now, and it’s saved us countless headaches when getting lost in forests and searching for the way to remote lakes.
Don’t forget reliable travel insurance
Medical costs in Canada are just as eye-watering as in the US, so heading there without proper insurance would be sheer madness — especially if you’re planning to hike in the mountains. UK travellers should note that your EHIC/GHIC card doesn’t cover you outside Europe, so a separate policy is essential. Check out our SafetyWing review — it’s the insurance we’ve used for years and it covers hiking, trekking, and plenty of other sports.
You never know when you’ll twist an ankle on a slippery root or get hit with toothache on the trail. The peace of mind is well worth the extra few pounds, and in Canada especially, I really wouldn’t risk it.
Where else to go in Canada?
Whistler captivated us so much that we lingered an extra day beyond our plan, and we still left feeling like we’d barely scratched the surface. British Columbia and Alberta are simply enormous, and Whistler is just one of many stops that’ll leave you breathless.
Before heading to the mountains or on your way back, you should definitely spend a few days exploring the city. Have a look at our article about what to see in Vancouver — this city squeezed between the ocean and the mountains has an utterly unique atmosphere, brilliant food, and the gorgeous Stanley Park.
And if you’re planning a proper big road trip and continuing east through the majestic Canadian Rockies, you absolutely can’t miss Banff National Park and its crown jewel. In our guide to Lake Louise, you’ll find out how to plan your visit to this iconic blue lake so you can dodge the worst crowds and enjoy its beauty to the fullest.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Whistler
These questions land in my inbox time and again, so I’d rather answer them right here and hopefully save you some time 😊.
What about bears in Whistler?
Black bears live in close proximity to the town and occasionally wander right into the streets or onto the golf courses. They’re generally shy and mind their own business, but it’s absolutely essential to follow the rules: never leave food in your car, keep a safe distance, carry a bell or make noise on the trails, and for peace of mind pick up a bear spray canister. When we were camping, we kept our food locked in bear-proof containers, and at night I’d still lie there nervously listening for anything circling the van. But don’t worry — if you behave sensibly and never feed the wildlife, there’s a very good chance your only bear encounter will be a brilliant sighting from a safe distance.
Can you save money on parking in town?
Parking in Whistler Village is fairly expensive, but during the summer months the large car parks known as Day Lots 4 and 5 often offer free daytime parking, or charge only a token fee compared to the lots closer to the gondola. From there, you can hop on the free shuttle bus straight to the centre. It’s always a good idea to look up these cheaper options online in advance so you don’t waste time circling the town. We always parked our old van further from the hustle and at least got a little walk in before and after our hikes — which felt great after hours of sitting in the car.
Do I need a Canadian national park pass for the lake hikes?
The area around Whistler doesn’t fall under the national parks system like Banff or Jasper, so you won’t need the Canada-wide Discovery Pass here. The local lakes and trails are in British Columbia’s provincial parks (BC Parks), where there’s usually no entrance fee. However, at the most popular spots like Joffre Lakes or Garibaldi, you’ll need a free Day Pass reservation during summer. I’d recommend booking it as early as possible, because demand is huge and slots disappear fast. Rangers strictly check at the entrance, and without a pass you simply won’t be let in — which would be a terrible shame for such incredible hikes.
Do I need to book the Peak 2 Peak Gondola in advance?
Both in summer and winter, you’ll save a lot of time by buying your gondola tickets online beforehand. Not only will you usually get a slightly better price than at the physical ticket window, but you’ll also skip the maddening morning queues that can stretch out painfully. If you have a set plan for the day, there’s no reason to wait — just buy them straight away. Lukáš and I did this and breezed past the crowds, making it among the first people up the mountain, which has a genuinely magical feel early in the morning.
How many days should I allow for a visit?
If you’re visiting as part of a longer road trip, two full days is the bare minimum — enough for a gondola ride, one solid half-day hike, and exploring the village and valley lakes. For keen skiers or mountain bikers, though, a week will fly by and they’ll still want more. It really depends on how active you plan to be. If you love mountains and hiking, add another day or two so you don’t have to rush through everything and can actually sit back with a beer and a view.
What weather should I expect in summer?
The Canadian mountains are notoriously unpredictable. While valley temperatures in July and August can climb above 25°C, the moment you take the gondola up or set off on a trek to Garibaldi Lake, temperatures drop sharply and it’s often quite windy. Layering your clothing is an absolute must here. We experienced days that started as beautiful, warm mornings only to turn into lunchtime downpours, with a chilly wind giving us a proper blasting up top. So pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and a beanie — they take up almost no space in your pack and you’ll be very glad you brought them.
Where is the best place to buy groceries?
Right in the centre of Whistler Village you’ll find Fresh St. Market and Whistler Grocery Store, where you can get absolutely everything — but prices are marked up for tourists. If you have a car and plan to cook, it’s much better to do a big shop in Squamish, roughly an hour before Whistler, where you’ll find regular Canadian supermarkets with noticeably friendlier prices. We always made a Chiquita pit stop there and stocked up for a few days. You’ll save a decent chunk of change that you can then happily spend on a proper slice of cake at a mountain café instead 😉.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
