Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Posted on February 23, 2023
Whistler has a reputation for being Canada's most popular and well-known ski destination. This reputation is richly deserved, but it doesn't mean that winter is the only time to visit.
In fact, you'll find plenty of things to do in Whistler regardless of when you vacation there. Book a stay at a beautiful Whistler timeshare so that you can take full advantage of this destination and all that it has to offer.
Although the area is known as Whistler, there are actually two major mountain peaks: Whistler and Blackcomb. When you combine the two, they make up North America's largest region for winter sports. Many visitors stay in Whistler Village, which provides accommodations, restaurants, shops, entertainment and immediate access to skiing.
An approximate 90-minute drive from the international metropolis of Vancouver, BC, Whistler can feel like it's a world away from the big-city bustle. In 2010, Whistler hosted the ski events of the Winter Olympic Games, so you may see some familiar landmarks if you watched the Games on television.
The main road, which is officially called Highway 99 but also is known as the Sea-to-Sky Highway, will become familiar as well as most attractions and activities are located somewhere along the highway.
It should come as no surprise that the top things to do in Whistler involve skiing the peaks known as Whistler and Blackcomb. At 2,182 meters (7,158 ft) and 2,284 meters (7,493 ft), respectively, these mountains absolutely tower over Whistler Village below. More than 3,300 hectares of skiable terrain are waiting to be explored, and you'll find nearly 40 lifts available along with in excess of 200 runs.
Skiing and snowboarding are virtually year-round activities in Whistler thanks mainly to Horstman Glacier on Blackcomb. Accordingly, Whistler boasts Canada's longest ski season.
Be on the lookout for opportunities for heli-skiing, tubing, snowmobiling and more throughout the winter. Whatever your appetite for adventure, you'll find something to satisfy you among the things to do in Whistler.
Of course, the mountains remain popular even when the snow all-but disappears. Summertime brings excellent opportunities for hiking and riding the trails in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. If you ride the chairlifts in the summer, be sure to look below to see bears ambling among the vegetation.
You'll spend your nights in a luxurious Whistler timeshare, but the days are perfect for learning more about the people and history of the region. One of the best places to do this is at the Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre.
This First Nations museum is relatively new and contains stunning collections of artifacts, weavings, carvings and other unique exhibits. On Tuesday and Sunday evenings, the museum hosts First Nations Feast and Performance experiences that are not to be missed.
The Audain Art Museum was established in 2016, making it another fairly recent addition to Whistler's attractions. It's housed in a gorgeous building and showcases the work of British Columbia artists. With pieces dating from the late 18th century to the present, it is a fascinating place to spend an afternoon. Traveling exhibits, lectures, cultural events and more are regularly hosted at the museum.
Visit the Whistler Museum if you are interested in the community's early days. You'll be introduced to some colorful local characters and have enriching experiences with the interactive exhibits. A special emphasis is placed on the Olympics, so this is a great stop for anyone who enjoys the Games.
Whistler's magnificent hiking trails are renowned across the globe. The relatively easy nature hike around Lost Lake is a perennial favorite with families. Of course, there are many options featuring intense elevation gain, so even seasoned trekkers will find something to delight them.
If you're lucky enough to visit during alpine wildflower season, be sure to take a gondola to the top of the peaks. Many trails radiate from lookouts at the top, and you'll get some once-in-a-lifetime photographs.
Garibaldi Provincial Park is not as famous, but if you love to hike, then it's a can't-miss destination. In total, it boasts five trailhead areas with the most popular day hikes being Wedgemount Lake, Cheakamus Lake and Garibaldi Lake.
The park further is well-known among climbers thanks to Black Tusk. This 2,319-meter pinnacle is a challenging invitation to those who aren't bothered by a little elevation.
Whistler is a paradise for mountain bikers in the summer, but it's not the only thrilling activity. Many ziplining experiences are available in the area as is the Whistler Sliding Center. Featuring a bobsleigh and skeleton track, the Center offers a fun and informative tour. Other adrenaline-pumping options include bungee jumping, riding off-road vehicles and whitewater rafting.
If you're looking for something that moves at a pedestrian's pace but remains thrilling, take a trip to the Cloudraker Skybridge. It's found at Whistler Mountain's highest point, and the breathtaking views are second-to-none. This attraction is only open during the summer and lets visitors walk on a suspension bridge from Whistler to West Ridge.