Top Ten Things to Do in Whistler

Whistler sits in the mountains in British Columbia attracting nature-lovers, couples looking for romance and winter sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy one of the luxury getaways to Whistler CA at any time of the year. Whether you want to spend your time sitting next to the log fire in your cabin sipping hot cocoa or hiking the mountains, here’s a roundup of the top ten things to do in Whistler.

1. Hit the Slopes and Go Skiing. Whistler has over 200 slopes that spread over 8000 acres across the mountains. Some cater to the beginners while the double black slopes cater to the highly experienced. Because of the environment, Whistler hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics which gives you the chance to ski the same slopes as the professionals. Equipment is available to rent at Whistler, and you can book you and your family a lesson at one of the many schools. Check out Whistler Mountain for the easier slopes and Blackcomb for the more challenging pistes.
2. Ride the Peak Two Gondola Between Blackwater and Whistler. The Peak Two Gondola connects both Whistler and Blackwater Peaks passing 4.4 kilometres over the Fitzsimons Creek. Both tourists and skiers take the journey over the snow-capped mountains watching the alpines forests pass by. Expect the ride to last 11 minutes, but you’ll have some of the best views of Whistler. Because the weather can change in an instant, it’s better to plan to ride the gondola at short notice.
3. Check Out Whistler Village. Whistler Village is at the bottom of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain. The town itself has countless hotels, bars and restaurants which becomes a hive of activity after sunset. If you stay in the village, check out the 2010 Winter Olympics memorabilia and art installations on display. You can explore the village on foot.
4. Visit Whistler’s Olympic Park. Staying with the theme of the Winter Olympics, you can visit the Olympic Park. This is where the athletes received their medals after the conclusion of the games. Depending on the time of year you visit Whistler, you may see some of the skiing and ski jumping athletes training.
5. Hike the Trails. Not everything in Whistler is about skiing. If you visit during the summer, you can hit the trails and hike to the peaks of the mountains. Both Whistler and Blackcomb has trails leading to their summits which rise over 200 metres above sea level. Lighter trails lead to Lost Lake, a picturesque alpine lake surround by the mountains.
6. Take a Day Trip to Alexander Falls. Whistler’s largest waterfall, Alexander Falls, cascades for a total of 43 metres. The waterfalls is approximately 24 kilometres from Whistler Village, but it’s easy to find by car. If the weather is nice, the waterfalls is a popular place for picnics. You can also follow some of the lighter trails through the Callaghan Valley. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, especially for grizzly and black bears which live in the area. It’s a good idea to speak to one of the rangers so you’re familiar with the procedures in case you do encounter a bear.
7. Spend an Afternoon Playing Golf. During the winter, Whistler attracts thousands of skiers, snowboarders and winter sports fans. But in the summer when the weather is pleasant, the golf courses open. Only a handful of visitors know about the courses surrounding Whistler offering some of the most beautiful views in Canada. If this is something that you’d like to do, check out either Whistler Golf Club or Nicklaus North Golf Course. Both have 18 holes and promise to have stunning views.
8. Visiting the Forgotten Logging Town of Squamish. Squamish is a former logging town near Whistler that has transformed into an outdoor-lovers playground. You’ll find dozens of activities ranging from mountain biking to rock climbing and assault courses. If you’re looking for something different to do in Whistler, follow the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish. Most visitors typically spend a full day. Families will older children and teens will also appreciate taking a day trip to Squamish.
9. Have a Different Experience at The Whistler Public Library. Few tourists would consider the local library as an attraction. But the Whistler Public Library is something different. Step inside and find the interior to resemble a cosy traditional mountain lodge. More than 50,000 books fill the shelves inside the library as the café serves up hot chocolate and coffee. What can be better than sitting around the log fire with a hot drink watching the snow fall outside? The library makes the perfect alternative to hangout on a chilly afternoon to the bars.
10. Have a Cultural Experience at Whistler Museum. The small museum in Whistler Village takes visitors on a journey through the history of the region. The display show the early settlers in the region and how the area evolved into a world-class centre for winter sports. You’ll also see a section dedicated to the Winter Olympics including decent-sized collection of memorabilia. If you want to get a deeper understanding of the region, we recommend a few hours at the Whistler Museum. Guides are available inside who will provide a wider-context for the displays.

Top Ten Things to Do in Whistler

If you’re travelling to Whistler in the winter, hit the slopes, ride the gondola and enjoy a hot drink inside the Public Library. Travellers in the summer have the chance to hike both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, picnic at Alexander Waterfalls and have an outdoor adventure in nearby Squamish.

Featured image by Mariammichelle