You will find Whistler just two hours’ drive (125 km) north of Vancouver, nestled in the stunning Pacific ranges of the Coast Mountains in British Columbia, and just 36 km south of the town of Pemberton. The Coast Mountains of Canada span a distance of almost 1,600 km all the way to Yukon, so it is perfect that Whistler is located so close to Vancouver for easy access to everything you need before embarking on your vacation.

You will find Whistler just two hours’ drive (125 km) north of Vancouver, nestled in the stunning Pacific ranges of the Coast Mountains in British Columbia, and just 36 km south of the town of Pemberton. The Coast Mountains of Canada span a distance of almost 1,600 km all the way to Yukon, so it is perfect that Whistler is located so close to Vancouver for easy access to everything you need before embarking on your vacation.

Whistler is flanked by glaciated mountains on both sides with the town sitting at an altitude of 670 meters, although the nearby Whistler and Blackcomb mountains reach altitudes of over 2,000 meters.

The landscape consists of a number of different microclimates which in turn provides you with a range of environments to explore, from alpine tundra to dry slopes and forests of mixed tree species that are essentially a continuation of the Pacific Northwest’s rainforest.

First of all, the ski slopes of Whistler have an almost 200 day-long season, so you have plenty of opportunities to make the most of the snow on the mountains whether you love skiing, snowboarding, sleigh rides, or snowmobiling. For a more chilled out winter vacation, keep in mind that there are lots of snow tubing options and outdoor ice skating at the Olympic plaza.

Summertime gives you sightseeing gondola tours to view the landscape, access to the many lakes, beaches, and parks, hiking, golf, mountain biking, ziplining, and even bear viewing! The temperatures are even warm enough in the summer for white water rafting, kayaking, and fishing.

The temperatures of Whistler throughout the year vary enough for it to have the perfect summer temperatures for outdoor and water activities and cold enough in winter for the perfect level of snowfall. July and August in particular can see temperatures in excess of 30°C while December and January can see temperatures fall below the -10°C mark. The months from January through to April are considered the best time in the year to go skiing thanks to the quality of the snow, with the Whistler area receiving on average around 11.9 meters of snow annually. January 2020 alone saw 477cms of snowfall, making this the prime time of year to hit the slopes.

There is a great range of activities for the whole family in Whistler that are designed with children in mind. On top of the famous gondola rides and beginner-level skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking options, you can also choose to go ziplining for a safe yet exciting family activity. Everyone can get lessons and try their hand at axe throwing at Forged Axe Throwing in Function Junction, or you can have a go on the indoor climbing walls at Whistler Core Fitness. There are dedicated snow tubing areas on the mountains, dog sledding experiences, and the chance to experience the Vallea Lumina multimedia park at night.

If the kids are more interested in fun problem solving games, then head on over to Escape! Whistler to experience Whistler’s own escape room facility where you can choose from four different room themes and beginning piecing together clues, solving puzzles, and working together to get out.

Whistler’s next greatest attraction and reason for visiting, right behind the slopes and mountain biking trails, is its nightlife. There is literally something for everyone, from vibrant and boisterous dance clubs to relaxing, quiet bars where you can chill out and enjoy craft beer while playing pool. You can enjoy a number of fine dining options where you are served fresh food that has been harvested just moments before, such as at the Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar and the Bearfoot Bistro, or you can find one of the many grills and pizzerias to munch on your favorite pizza and steak dishes.

Whistler is about so much more than the great outdoors and alpine attractions. This is also the cultural hub of the Squamish and Lil’wat nations, boasting some of the richest history in the area. You will have a great time by visiting the following places and combining education, cultural appreciation, and fun.

The Squamish-Lil’wat Cultural Center

This modern museum and cultural center gives visitors a true taste of the Squamish and Lil’wat cultures who have lived in Whistler for longer than memory. The cultural center holds collections of carvings, weavings, and stories through which you can learn about the history and traditions of these two nations. The attached café serves First Nation-inspired food, and every Tuesday and Sunday evening there is a First Nation feast and performance experience.

The Audain Art Museum

One of the newest cultural attractions in Whistler, the Audain Art Museum opened its doors in 2016 and quickly became a favorite place for locals and visitors alike. Their focus is on showcasing British Columbian artists and art from the late 1700s onward, combining exhibits of traditional First Nation pieces with modern work from renowned artists such as Emily Carr and James Hart. They also host traveling exhibits, lectures, and educational opportunities for both children and adults.

Whistler and Blackcomb mountains

37 lifts that give you access to over 200 ski runs and more than 3,000 hectares of skiable area places these two mountains at the top of this list. A number of restaurants and eateries are also located on the mountain and within short walking distances of the gondola base in case you need a warm meal by the mountain.

The Olympic Park

One of the facilities built for the 2010 winter games, you can explore the Whistler Winter Park and check out the unusual looking jumps, join other vacationers on the Nordic skiing trails, or try your hand at biathlon rifle shooting and mountain biking. You can also go on a self-guided tour of the Whistler Sliding Center and have a go on the bobsled and skeleton tracks for some highspeed adrenaline-packed fun.

The Peak-to-Peak Gondola

The peak-to-peak gondola is one of the core experiences that you need to try when in Whistler. Traversing between the mountain peaks with good weather gives you stunning views of the snow-caps, alpine lakes, and dense forests. At times you will find yourself over 500 meters above the ground! From end to end this gondola ride is over 4 kilometers long.

Golfing

There are currently three professionally-designed golf clubs in Whistler where you can play 18 holes with the snowy mountains in the background while being sheltered by the pristine conifer forests and lush vegetation. Booking in advance is almost always necessary however due to the demand for playing on these high-quality courses. You can choose between the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club, the Nicklaus North Golf Course, and the Whistler Golf Club designed by Arnold Palmer.

Hiking and Climbing

Just like the rest of British Columbia, Whistler has a wide range of walks, hikes, and climbing opportunities for all experience levels. You can start off with some easy walks around the Lost Lake before going up for some elevated mountain-climbing missions. You can choose to go on one of the many one-day hikes to the neighboring Garibaldi or Brandywine Falls provincial parks, or to Garibaldi lake, Cheakamus lake, or Wedgemount lake.

Mountain Biking and Other Outdoor Sports

Whistler is home to some of the highest quality mountain biking trails in the world, and there is something for everyone from smooth beginner trails to challenging cross-country and downhill trails for experienced riders. You will find the hub for everything mountain biking in Whistler at Fitzsimmon’s Chair with access to beginner trails such as EZ Does It, jump trails like the A-Line, and pro trails like the Crabapple Hits and the Dwayne Johnson. At the top of Fitzsimmon’s Chair you will also find the GMC Pump Track and Skills Center where you can get some practice in on your technique before hitting one of the other trails.

Once you are done at Fitzsimmons, take a look at the Garbanzo Chair for steeper and longer descent trails for more experienced riders, or find the Peak Chair for the world’s best alpine riding from an altitude of over 2100 meters.

Whistler is also the home of the world famous Crankworkz mountain biking festival, where the best athletes from around the world take part in the Red Bull Joyride, Dual Slalom Races, the Rockshox Ultimate Pumptrack Challenge, and many more events during August.

Village

• Whistler Map — Whistler map and directory including surrounding neighbourhoods.
• Whistler Village — Map and directory of Whistler Village.
• Whistler Neighbourhoods — Map and directory for Function Junction, Cheakamus Crossing, Benchlands and Creekside neighbourhoods.
• Accessibility Map — Barrier-free routes around the Village for visitors of different abilities and parents with strollers.

Valley

• Valley Trail Map — Includes Whistler Village from Function Junction to Emerald, the Valley Trail, golf courses, lakes, beaches and singletrack trails.
• Lost Lake Park Summer Trail Map — Includes multi-use trails, viewpoints, swimming areas, bus and parking information, and park amenities.
• Train Wreck Trail — Includes multi-use trails, viewpoints, and bus and parking information.

Parking

• Interactive Parking Map — Online map provided by the Resort Municipality of Whistler to highlight parking options in Whistler.

Cross-Country Bike Trails

• Valley Singletrack — Lost Lake Park and Zappa Trails, Cut Yer Bars, Emerald Forest, River Runs Through It and other multi-use singletrack trails.
• Hiking and Biking Map — Singletrack trails in Whistler from Function Junction to Emerald.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park Downhill Trails

• Bike Park Map — A downloadable map of all four riding zones and their corresponding trails in the Bike Park including Fitzsimmons Zone, Garbanzo Zone, Peak Zone and Creekside Zone.

Online Trail Database

• Interactive Map — Cross-country and downhill trails around Whistler. Mobile-friendly version available.

Whistler Blackcomb Alpine Hiking Map

• Whistler Blackcomb Hiking Trails — A downloadable guide to alpine hiking trails on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, accessible via the PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience. Find gondolas, restaurants, and points of interest.

Valley Hiking Trails

• Easy to Moderate Hiking Trails — Map showing the locations of various trailheads for easy to moderate hiking around Whistler.
• Moderate to Difficult Hiking Trails — Map showing the locations of various trailheads for moderate to difficult hiking around Whistler.
• Hiking and Biking Map — Comprehensive map of Whistler showing the Valley Trail, lakes and beaches and singletrack trails.
• Rainbow Madely Trail — Map of the Rainbow Madely trail and trailhead.
• Interpretive Forest Trails — Map of the Interpretive Forest, located in Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood.
• Skywalk Trail — Map of Skywalk Trail, located in Alpine Meadows neighbourhood.
• Sproatt Alpine Trail — Map of Sproatt Trail and other multi-use trails in the Sproatt Alpine Trail Network.

Interactive Map of Whistler Blackcomb

• Interactive Map — Map of Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort including both mountains. Locate chairlifts, restaurants and plan your next run.

PDF Trail Maps

• Whistler Blackcomb Trail Map — A downloadable map of Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort. Find chairlifts, restaurants and plan your day.
• Whistler Blackcomb Wonder Routes Map — Experience some of the most amazing and breathtaking spots on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The Wonder Routes are a network of trails, waypoints and scenic stops created to help you discover all the wonders of Whistler Blackcomb.

Cross-Country Skiing Maps

• Lost Lake Park — 32 kms of trails with views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Four kilometres are lit for night skiing.
• Whistler Olympic Park Cross-Country Ski Trail Map — Recreational trail map for Whistler Olympic Park showing Nordic trails, day lodges and other facilities.
• Whistler Olympic Park Snowshoe Trail Map — Snowshoe trail map for Whistler Olympic Park.

Arts and Culture

• Art Walking Tour — Self-guided tour around Whistler's fine art galleries and public art installations near the Village.
• Go Whistler Tours — Self-guided tours of Whistler's arts, history, nature and cultural experiences.
• Public Art Tour (Brochure at Visitor Centre) — Tour the public art installations found around Whistler Village and the Valley. Brochure available in printed format from the Whistler Visitor Centre and Village Host kiosks.
• Whistler's Cultural Connector — A journey of adventure and discovery. Explore Whistler's past and present – discover the stories, milestones and unique cultural institutions awaiting you in the mountains.
• Arts Whistler Cultural Map — Navigate your way through Whistler's cultural landscape with this comprehensive map from Arts Whistler.
• Sea to Sky Cultural Journey — Enjoy scenic stops on your Whistler travels and discover the cultural significance of the Sea to Sky region.