Whistler Village
Lifts, nightlifeThe car-free village at the base of the mountains.
Town guide
Things to do in Whistler
One of the biggest ski resorts in North America and a summer mountain biking capital: the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, alpine lakes, the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver and a lively village full of seasonal workers.
4
Hostels in the city
8.5
Average, from 3,621 reviews
2
Mountains, linked by gondola
2010
Winter Olympics
Two mountains and a village
Whistler is a mountain resort about two hours north of Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway, one of the most scenic drives in Canada. Its two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, form one of the largest ski areas in North America, linked by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. It hosted events at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
In summer, Whistler becomes a mountain biking capital, with the famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park, plus hiking, lakes and alpine trails. The pedestrian village is lively all year, with bars, restaurants and après-ski, and it is full of young seasonal workers, many on working holiday visas.
Whistler is expensive, especially in ski season, and accommodation books out early. Give it three to five days, or a whole season if you are working.
Where to base yourself
Whistler Village for the lifts and nightlife, Function Junction or Creekside for better value, or Squamish on the way for climbing.
Creekside
QuieterThe original base area, south of the village.
Function Junction
Better valueSouth of town, with breweries and cafes.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 4 top-rated hostels. Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Whistler
In winter, ski or snowboard Whistler and Blackcomb, and ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola between them. Try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing at the Olympic Park, or a zip line.
In summer, ride the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, or hike the alpine trails at the top of the gondola. Swim and paddle at Alta Lake and Lost Lake, walk to Brandywine Falls, and hike to Joffre Lakes, about an hour away, if permits allow.
All year, visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre to learn about the local First Nations. On the way from Vancouver, stop at Squamish for the Sea to Sky Gondola.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
The Valley Trail, a paved path around Whistler, is free to walk or cycle, and links the village with lakes and parks. Lost Lake and Alta Lake are free for swimming.
Brandywine Falls is free to visit.
The village is free to wander, with free events in summer.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Whistler has a huge range of restaurants for a small town, from cheap bakeries and pizza to fine dining. Après-ski is an institution, with busy bars at the base of the lifts.
Supermarkets and hostel kitchens are the best way to save money.
Menu prices do not include tax or tip: add sales tax at the till and 15 to 20 per cent tip in restaurants and bars.
Nightlife
Going out
Whistler Village has a lively nightlife, with bars, clubs and après-ski parties, especially in winter. Seasonal workers keep it busy.
Bars close at around 2am.
The village is pedestrian, so it is easy to walk between bars.
Getting around
Getting around
Buses run from Vancouver and Vancouver Airport to Whistler in about two to three hours. Driving the Sea to Sky Highway is spectacular; winter tyres are required in winter.
In Whistler, local buses connect the village with the neighbourhoods and lakes, and the Valley Trail is great for cycling.
The village is walkable and car-free.
Costs
What Whistler costs
Whistler is very expensive, especially in ski season. Dorm beds start at around €37 to €68 a night. Lift tickets are expensive; buying an Epic Pass in advance saves money for longer stays.
Restaurant mains cost €16 to €30 before tax and tip. Sales tax in BC is 12 per cent. Menu prices do not include tax or tip: add sales tax at the till and 15 to 20 per cent tip in restaurants and bars.
Safety
Safety and scams
Whistler is very safe. On the mountains, ski within your ability, and only go off-piste with avalanche training, equipment and a guide.
In summer, black bears are common around Whistler; never feed them and store food properly.
The Sea to Sky Highway can be dangerous in winter; drive carefully. In an emergency, call 911.
Worth the trip
Lakes, gondolas and the Sea to Sky.
Squamish
The Sea to Sky Gondola and climbing.
Joffre Lakes
Three turquoise lakes. Check permits.
Brandywine Falls
A 70-metre waterfall.
Vancouver
City, sea and mountains.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Ski season and the summer bike festival.
July or August
Crankworx
Whistler
A big mountain bike festival.
Late November to spring
Ski season
Whistler Blackcomb
One of the largest ski areas in North America.
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in Whistler, live from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
When to go
Ski season runs from late November to April or May. Summer, from June to September, is for biking, hiking and lakes. Spring and autumn are quiet, with some places closed.
Jan
Ski season
Feb
Ski season
Mar
Spring skiing
Apr
Late skiing
May
Quiet
Jun
Bike park opens
Jul
Peak summer
Aug
Crankworx
Sep
Quiet
Oct
Quiet
Nov
Ski season begins
Dec
Ski season
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs in the village, rounded. Much colder on the mountains.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Whistler prices.
Treat these as a guide, before tax and tip. Lift tickets and bike park passes cost extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Whistler questions
The ones we get asked most.
How do I get from Vancouver to Whistler?
By bus or car on the Sea to Sky Highway, in about two hours.
When is ski season in Whistler?
From late November to April or May.
Is Whistler worth visiting in summer?
Yes, for mountain biking, hiking and lakes.
Can I work in Whistler?
Yes. Many young travellers work there on working holiday visas. Book housing early.
Is Whistler expensive?
Very. Hostel kitchens and advance lift passes help.
What is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola?
A gondola linking the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb.
Do I need a car in Whistler?
No. The village is car-free and buses link the area.
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