Things To Do In Whistler — Canada (Winter)

Things to do in Whistler, home to the two largest side-by-side ski mountains in North America. 75 miles/121 kms north of Vancouver, it takes about 2 hours to get here. This town is divided into four areas: Whistler Village, Village North, Whistler Marketplace and Upper Village. Whistler Village is where you have most of the Ski-lifts and Gondolas. Except for the Upper Village, you can walk through the other 3 villages in 20 minutes however, take your time, admire the buildings and browse through all the stores. Transit offers free shuttle service between villages and is quite frequent. Be courteous to the drivers, they are very patient.

Things To Do In Whistler (Winter)

1. Ski and Snowboard
2. PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola ride
3. Visit the Olympic village and monument
4. Click a picture with the Inukshuk on the mountain
5. Walk the trail from the Upper Village to Whistler Village
6. Ice-Skate
7. The Village stroll
8. Fire and Ice Show (Free)
9. Sea to Sky Gondola, (Squamish)

1. Ski And Snowboard

If you are an avid skier/snowboarder, for these reasons purchase a ski season pass. To buy one, you can go to whistlerblackcomb.com. Winter activities are a family event in Whistler with all that it has to offer. There are slopes and areas for every level of skill including a family zone.

2. PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Ride

One of the must do’s is the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola ride. With a free span of 1.88 miles/3.03 kms between ropeway towers, this 2.7 mile/4.4 km ride in 11-minutes is breathtaking. From a height of 1,430 feet/436 metres, it offers wonderful panoramic views of the valleys below and mountains around it. You can ride for free if you have a season pass, or at a discounted price for guests of a season pass holder. Gondolas depart very frequently however, I strongly recommend waiting for a “Glass-bottom” Gondola (every 15 minutes). The views looking out of the glass bottom are incredible, unique and different.

3. Visit The Olympic Plaza

Olympic Plaza is located in Village North. The iconic Olympic Rings are here and you can click memorable pictures with fabulous backdrops of the village or mountains. You will find another set of “Rings” at the top of Whistler mountain near the PEAK 2 PEAK ride entrance. This location offers a panoramic backdrop of the mountains, ski-trails and lifts.

4. The Inukshuk

On top of Whistler mountain overlooking the valley (behind the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola), you will find this historical stone landmark. It has been used by the Inuit and other peoples of the North American arctic as a means to mark travel routes. This iconic figure was commissioned by the municipality as a symbol of the 2010 Olympic games. Its meaning is openness, welcoming and strength.

While you’re up here, relax at the Roundhouse Lodge terrace/gazebo with your favorite beverage and take-in the fabulous panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valley.

5. Walk The Trail From The Upper Village To Whistler Village

Whistler Valley Trail between Blackcomb Daylodge in the Upper Village to Mountainside Lodge in Whistler Village is a pleasant walk crossing Fitzsimmons Creek. It is a small part of a much longer trail but very beautiful with the creek mostly iced-up yet still gushing and gurgling through. There is a bridge over the creek which is lit with colorful LED lights making for very nice pictures.

6. Ice-Skate

There is an outdoor skating rink at the Olympic Plaza In Village North with an adjacent Snow Zone for snow play. It is a very lively place with music, food and lots of kids skating and playing in the snow. For details, click here.

7. The Village Stroll

The Village stroll is a pleasant and refreshing experience. From the Gondola Transit Exchange Bus Loop in Whistler Village, winding its way through Village North till Whistler Marketplace. You pass inviting restaurants, souvenir shops, boutiques, ice-cream parlors and grocery stores all lit-up in “fairy-lights”. Anytime you need to warm up, just pop into any of these warm places. There are public washrooms along the way too but you can use the facilities at most restaurants.

 

8. Fire And Ice Show (Free)

Every Sunday from December through March, 6;30 pm at Skier’s Plaza in Whistler Village. This highly entertaining performance at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Gondolas, is free and suitable for all-ages. Whistler’s top skiers and riders (including Whistler Blackcomb ski school instructors) spin and twist through a set of burning hoops. Dress warmly, grab a hot chocolate and prepare to be amazed! Start times include a half hour of practice ahead of the main show. Shows are weather dependent and start times also sometimes vary.

Enjoy a spectacular display of ski and snowboard skills. Watch Whistler’s best skiers and riders jump and flip through blazing rings of fire accompanied by fire spinners, a DJ and fireworks display. An electrifying evening of free, live entertainment to enjoy with family and friends.

9. Sea To Sky Gondola, Squamish

36 miles/59 kms from gorgeous Whistler and 1.25 miles/2 kms south of Squamish town, is this heavenly getaway. At a height of 0.55 mile/885 mts., you get breathtaking views of the mountain ranges surrounding this beautiful place. Cross the thrilling Sky Pilot suspension bridge, check out the amazing viewing platforms and walk the trails. Click memorable photographs at the beautifully decorated “Forest Walk” and more……

Misc. Pictures:

For more information on Whistler, click here.