Whistler is a popular resort town located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, approximately 125 kilometers north of Vancouver. Known primarily for its world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities, Whistler and its adjacent Blackcomb Mountain together form the largest ski resort in North America, offering more than 200 marked trails, 16 alpine bowls, and three glaciers.
Aside from its winter sports offerings, Whistler provides visitors with a range of year-round recreational activities, such as mountain biking, hiking, and golfing. The bustling Whistler Village, located at the base of the mountains, features a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants, and shops, catering to the needs of tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Whistler also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the Whistler Film Festival, Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival, and the World Ski and Snowboard Festival. With its stunning mountain scenery, diverse recreational opportunities, and vibrant village atmosphere, Whistler is a sought-after destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
The Best Places to Visit in Whistler
Whistler Village
Whistler Village is the central hub of the Whistler resort area in British Columbia. Designed for pedestrians, the village features a range of shops, restaurants, and accommodations, all within walking distance of the ski lifts. It serves as the main access point to Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Throughout the year, the village hosts events and festivals, making it a base for both winter sports and summer outdoor activities in the surrounding landscape.
Google map 4.7/5
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort is one of North America’s largest ski areas, located in British Columbia. It combines two adjacent mountains—Whistler and Blackcomb—offering over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort features a wide range of runs suitable for all skill levels, along with modern lift systems and snowmaking capabilities. In addition to winter sports, it operates year-round with summer activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and alpine sightseeing.
Google map 4.6/5
Whistler Sliding Centre
The Whistler Sliding Centre is a bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge track located on Blackcomb Mountain. Built for the 2010 Winter Olympics, it remains one of the fastest and most advanced sliding tracks in the world. The facility offers public experiences, athlete training, and international competitions. It is operated by the Whistler Legacy Society and continues to serve as a hub for winter sport development and education in British Columbia.
Google map 4.8/5
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, spanning 4.4 kilometres with a record-breaking unsupported span of 3.03 kilometres. It provides transportation between the two mountains for skiers, hikers, and sightseers. The gondola offers views of the surrounding alpine landscape and operates year-round, serving both winter and summer visitors. It is part of the Whistler Blackcomb lift system and contributes to the area’s accessibility and tourism infrastructure.
Google map 4.8/5
Lost Lake Park
Lost Lake Park is a recreational area located near Whistler Village. It offers a network of trails for walking, cycling, and cross-country skiing, depending on the season. The lake is suitable for swimming in summer, and the park includes picnic areas and scenic viewpoints. In winter, the trails are groomed for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. The park is accessible by foot or shuttle and is frequented by both locals and visitors.
Google map Lost Lake Park 4.7/5
Google map Lost Lake 4.6/5
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is located south of Whistler and is known for its 70-metre-high waterfall, which can be viewed from a designated platform. The park features short hiking trails, including access to the Sea to Sky Trail and viewpoints overlooking Daisy Lake. It is a day-use area with limited facilities, offering opportunities for walking, sightseeing, and photography. The park is open seasonally and is accessible via a short drive from Whistler.
Google map 4.7/5
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is located northeast of Whistler and is known for its three glacier-fed lakes with distinct turquoise waters. The main hiking trail spans approximately 10 kilometres round trip, passing Lower, Middle, and Upper Joffre Lakes. The park offers opportunities for hiking, photography, and backcountry camping. Due to its popularity, visitor access is regulated during peak seasons. The park showcases alpine scenery, including mountain peaks, forests, and waterfalls.
Google map 4.8/5
Google map Joffre Lakes Trail
Google map Joffre Lakes Parking
Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Whistler Mountain Bike Park is a downhill biking facility located on Whistler Mountain. It features a variety of trails suited to different skill levels, ranging from beginner routes to advanced technical descents. The park includes lift-accessed terrain, dirt jumps, and skill development zones. Operating during the summer season, it attracts mountain biking enthusiasts from around the world. The facility is part of Whistler Blackcomb and contributes to the area’s year-round tourism.
Google map 4.8/5
Alexander Falls
Alexander Falls is a 43-metre-high waterfall located in the Callaghan Valley, southwest of Whistler. It is accessible via a short drive and a designated viewing platform near the roadside. The falls are part of Madeley Creek and are notable for their tiered, three-step cascade. The area is open year-round, with nearby access to hiking and winter sports in the Callaghan region. Facilities are limited, and the site is typically visited as a scenic stop.
Google map 4.7/5
Whistler Train Wreck Trail
The Whistler Train Wreck Trail is a short hiking route leading to a site where several boxcars remain scattered in the forest following a 1956 derailment. Located near Function Junction, the trail includes a suspension bridge crossing the Cheakamus River. The boxcars have been painted with graffiti and are now considered an informal outdoor art installation. The trail is accessible year-round and is suitable for walkers, cyclists, and casual hikers.
Google map Train Wreck 4.7/5
Whistler Olympic Park
Whistler Olympic Park is located in the Callaghan Valley and was one of the venues for the 2010 Winter Olympics. It hosted events in cross-country skiing, biathlon, and ski jumping. Today, the park offers facilities for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and biathlon experiences during winter, and hiking and sightseeing in summer. It includes trails, rental services, and educational exhibits, serving both recreational visitors and professional athletes throughout the year.
Google map 4.6/5
Shannon Falls Provincial Park
Shannon Falls Provincial Park is located along the Sea to Sky Highway, south of Whistler. It features Shannon Falls, one of British Columbia’s tallest waterfalls, with a height of 335 metres. The park offers short walking trails, picnic areas, and viewing platforms. It is a popular stop for visitors travelling between Vancouver and Whistler. The falls are accessible year-round, and the surrounding forested area provides opportunities for sightseeing and photography.
Google map 4.7/5
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is located in Whistler and showcases the heritage of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. The facility includes exhibits, traditional art, cultural artifacts, and educational programs. Visitors can participate in guided tours and workshops focused on Indigenous history and practices. The centre is designed to foster cultural understanding and respect, serving both as a museum and a community space for cultural exchange and preservation in the region.
Google map 4.8/5
Scandinave Spa Whistler
Scandinave Spa Whistler is a Nordic-style outdoor spa located just north of Whistler Village. It offers a hydrotherapy experience featuring hot baths, cold plunges, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas in a forested setting. The spa operates year-round and promotes a silent environment to enhance relaxation. Services include massage therapy by reservation. Access is limited to guests aged 18 and over, and the facility does not permit use of electronic devices.
Google map 4.5/5
Whistler Valley Trail
The Whistler Valley Trail is a paved, multi-use network spanning over 40 kilometres throughout the Whistler area. It connects neighbourhoods, parks, lakes, and key attractions, providing routes for walking, cycling, and jogging. The trail is accessible year-round, with some sections groomed for winter use. It serves both recreational and transportation purposes, offering a scenic and practical way to explore the area without reliance on motor vehicles. Maps are available at key access points.
Google map 4.8/5
Rainbow Park
Rainbow Park is located on the western shore of Alta Lake in Whistler. It offers mountain views, a sandy beach, swimming areas, picnic facilities, and grassy open spaces. The park is accessible via the Valley Trail and is popular during summer months for recreational activities. Amenities include washrooms, a dock, and volleyball courts. The site was once the location of the historic Rainbow Lodge, one of Whistler’s earliest resorts, now marked by interpretive signage.
Google map 4.7/5
Audain Art Museum
The Audain Art Museum is located in Whistler and features a permanent collection of British Columbia art, including Indigenous masks, Emily Carr paintings, and contemporary works. The museum’s building is designed with sustainable materials and blends into the forested surroundings. Temporary exhibitions supplement the core collection. Educational programs and guided tours are available. The museum provides a cultural addition to Whistler’s outdoor activities and contributes to the region’s year-round visitor offerings.
Google map 4.6/5
Whistler Olympic Plaza
Whistler Olympic Plaza is a public space in Whistler Village that was originally built for medal ceremonies during the 2010 Winter Olympics. It now serves as a community gathering area, featuring a large lawn, performance stage, playground, and seasonal outdoor skating rink. The plaza hosts concerts, events, and festivals throughout the year. Surrounded by shops and restaurants, it remains a central location for both recreational use and cultural programming in Whistler.
Google map 4.7/5
Whistler Bungee Bridge
Whistler Bungee Bridge spans a canyon over the Cheakamus River, located approximately 15 minutes south of Whistler Village. It is the site of Whistler Bungee, a year-round commercial bungee jumping operation. The bridge is 50 metres above the river and surrounded by forested cliffs. The location is accessible via a gravel road and offers views of the surrounding landscape. Spectators are welcome, and the site is occasionally used for filming and photography.
Google map 4.8/5
Whistler Mountain Peak Chair
The Whistler Mountain Peak Chair is a seasonal open-air chairlift providing access to the summit of Whistler Mountain. Operating in summer, it connects from the Roundhouse Lodge area to the mountain’s peak. The lift offers panoramic views of surrounding peaks and valleys and serves as a starting point for alpine hiking trails, including the High Note Trail. Access requires a valid sightseeing lift ticket and is subject to weather conditions.
Google map 4.9/5
Cloudraker Skybridge (Suspension Bridge)
The Cloudraker Skybridge is a suspension bridge located near the summit of Whistler Mountain. Spanning approximately 130 metres, it connects the West Ridge area to the Raven’s Eye viewing platform. Open during the summer season, the bridge offers elevated views of the surrounding alpine landscape. It is accessed via the Peak Chair and is part of Whistler’s sightseeing experience. Weather conditions may affect accessibility and operating hours.
Google map 4.8/5