WHISTLER, CANADA: A WINTER TRAVEL GUIDE
Planning a winter trip to Whistler? Similar to Banff and Lake Louise, Whistler is a year-round holiday destination that offers an array of amazing seasonal activities. And while it’s perfectly lovely to visit most months of the year, Whistler is particularly lovely when it transforms into a snow globe setting during the winter season. Below is my complete travel guide to Whistler including the best things to do in winter, places to visit, hotels, Aprés ski, restaurants, travel tips and more.
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Snow globe feels at the Four Seasons.
WHEN TO VISIT WHISTLER
- DECEMBER-APRIL – Winter is the busiest time of the year in Whistler thanks to snowfall that starts in late November and lasts through late April. If you visit this time of the year, weekends draw big crowds when the skiers pour in and hotel prices soar.
- JUNE-AUGUST – Whistler is all sunshine during the summer months when temperatures hit the high 70s. Similar to winter, weekends get busy.
- MAY AND OCTOBER – Shoulder season is the best time to visit if you want less crowds and lower hotel prices, but it’s too warm to ski (no snow) and might be a tad chilly for warm weather hikes.
Loads of festive amenities at Four Seasons including this Apres s’more station and the cedar poolside sauna.
WHISTLER TRAVEL TIPS
- CURRENCY – The official currency of Canada is the Canadian dollar. While almost everywhere takes credit card, it’s always useful to have cash handy for smaller purchases and tipping.
- RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS – Restaurant reservations are highly recommended for travel during high season, especially on the weekends.
- DRESS WARM – Winter temperatures can get very cold. Make sure to pack base layers, warm jackets, snow boots, gloves, beanies, etc. Anything you’ll need to keep warm.
Winter walks in Whistler.
HOW MANY DAYS IN WHISTLER
FOUR TO FIVE DAYS. If you’re visiting Whistler to ski or snowboard, I suggest staying four to five days. In addition to hitting the slopes, you’ll have time to experience Whistler at a relaxed pace, and really enjoy the village and all the amazing restaurants. You’ll also have time to embark on another adventure (or two) including dog sledding, snow shoeing, etc.
My first time swimming in the snow!
THINGS TO DO IN WHISTLER
DOG SLEDDING
Explore Whistler’s snow-covered forest onboard a dogsled with warm blankets, hot cider and a professional dog musher. The dogs are beautiful and the scenery is spectacular – an epic way to experience Whistler’s backcountry.
ICE SKATING
An outdoor ice rink takes over Whistler Olympic Plaza November to March in a lovely setting surrounded by mountains, Whistler village and the Olympic rings. Ice skates are available to rent, but supply is limited and visitors are encouraged to bring their own skates. The rink capacity is also limited – first come, first serve.
SKIING
Whistler Blackcomb is the main ski resort in the region, and offers some of the best skiing in Canada. It is part of the Epic Ski Pass, but day passes are also available for purchase.
SNOWSHOEING
Whistler is home to several beautiful trails for snowshoeing in the winter including Lost Lake Park and Callaghan Valley. These can be done self-guided or booked with a tour group.
VALLEA LUMINA
Embark on a night walk through a snowy forest illuminated with lights, at the base of Cougar Mountain. A story unfolds along this multimedia night stroll as visitors follow the footsteps of two lost hikers that discover a secret valley.
WHISTLER VILLAGE
Explore Whistler on foot. The charming resort village sits at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain, bursting with little shops, fun cafes, delicious restaurants and bars for Aprés ski. It’s an absolute vibe in the winter.
Hot cocoa was my drink of choice in Whistler.
WHERE TO STAY IN WHISTLER
For the most luxurious stay in Whistler, look no further than the Four Seasons. The property underwent a major renovation in 2019, and the 273 guest rooms and suites are the perfect mix of luxury, modernity and mountain creature comforts including new mid-century inspired furnishings, a muted color palette, iron frame chairs, ash wood credenzas, wood pieces and woven textiles. Guests enjoy open fire pits, a spa and a heated outdoor pool. There are also a collection of two, three and four-bedroom Residences available – perfect for groups. The resort runs a complimentary shuttle to and from the village.
This grand ski-in / ski-out property sits nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, located right next to the ski lift. There are 519 rooms and suites at the Fairmont Chateau – very modern and clean. I suggest splurging on a Fairmont Gold Room. They are newly renovated and sit on exclusive floors with lounge access (free breakfast and canapes), concierge service and an in-room fireplace.
Nita Lake Lodge is a boutique property located in the village of Creekside, a five-minute drive to Whistler and a five-minute walk to the Creekside gondola. The lakeside setting is serene, and feels like an escape from the bustling village. Village access is still easy – the lodge runs a complimentary shuttle every 30 minutes for guests. The property offers an array of suite options that are beautiful and luxurious – grey and white color schemes, high ceilings, plush beds, cozy fireplaces and rain showers. The property received a Michelin Key in 2024.
We stayed in one of the Four Seasons Three-Bedroom Residences, which was perfect for a group stay.
EAT IN WHISTLER
21 STEPS KITCHEN & BAR
Casual restaurant and bar that serves comfort food and cocktails. Menu offerings include steaks, mussels, sea scallops, prawns and pastas. Reservations recommended, but the restaurant does save a third of its space for walk-in customers.
ARAXI RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR
Delicious farm to table restaurant that offers a seasonal menu of chilled seafood, homemade soups, crisp salads, crudos, risottos, pastas, grilled seafood and meats.
BARN NORK
Barn Nork is a tiny restaurant at the Riverside Campground. Dine here for the best Thai cuisine in Whistler. The restaurant takes reservations a week in advance with time limits per table due to the restaurant’s size. Menu offerings include papaya salad, Thai noodle dishes, curries and stir fry dishes.
BAR OSO
Modern Spanish restaurant that boasts a long lively bar bursting with drinks, tapas and charcuterie for the ski crowd after a long day on the slopes. The menu is loaded with dozens of tapas dishes, cocktails, tonics, sangria, wine beer and cider.
CARAMBA RESTAURANT
Homey Italian restaurant in Whistler village that serves traditional pizza and pasta.
CREPE MONTAGNE
This little French crêperie sits on Main Street in the heart of the village. Crepe Montagne serves both sweet and savory options – there’s nothing more comforting than a warm homemade crepe on a cold snowy day.
HUNTER GATHER
Gastropub that’s a popular spot for craft beer and casual comfort fare. Breakfast offerings include toasts, egg sandwiches, benedicts and waffles, while the lunch and dinner menu is loaded with brisket dishes, burgers, fried chicken, pulled pork, wings and fish & chips. A great vibe for craft beer post ski.
IL CAMINETTO
Il Camineto is the best Italian restaurant in Whistler. The pastas and sauces are fresh and homemade, and pair well with mains including branzino, eggplant parmesan, salmon, beef tenderloin and steaks.
MEKONG – SOUTHEAST ASIAN KITCHEN & BAR
Mekong serves up fresh Southeast Asian cuisine. Guests are encouraged to share dishes from a menu divided into tiny bites, smaller bites, larger bites and signature bites. Menu sampling includes plah som rot whole seabass, black pepper crab, Singapore chili lobster, massaman curry, chicken wings and Thai noodle dishes. The restaurant bar and interiors are very chic.
MEXICAN CORNER
Mexican Corner is a fabulous option if you’re craving Mexican food. Menu includes all the favorites including chips + salsa, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, churros margaritas and more.
QUATTRO
Upscale Italian restaurant located inside the Four Seasons that serves a selection of antipasti, fresh pastas, seafood and meats.
PASTA LUPINO
Casual Italian grocer with both dine in and take out for handmade pastas, homemade sauces and breads.
PEAKED PIES
Peaked Pies is an Australian bake shop that specializes in savoury pies, breakfast pies, coffee and desserts. Pie options include chicken mushroom leek, buuter chicken, beef curry, steak + mushroom and more.
PROVISIONS
A solid neighborhood cafe in Whistler that serves delicious baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, made-to-order sandwiches, fresh salads, show-roasted rotisserie chicken, espresso and more.
PUREBREAD BAKERY
Purebread Bakery is known for its fresh baked breads, cakes and mini cakes, brioche, brownies and other sweet and savory treats.
RIMROCK CAFE
Delicious upscale dining option for fresh seafood and meats including seared scallops, mussels, oysters, steak and other game meat.
WILD BLUE
Amazing newish seafood restaurant and bar that serves a delicious selection of fresh seafood and meats. Reservations recommended.
Whistler Village is filled with so many amazing restaurants.
GET AROUND WHISTLER
The pedestrian village of Whistler is easy to explore on foot. If you arrive by car, there are several paid parking lots around town including Day Lots 1-5, Day Lots 6-8 and the Whistler Creekside Parkade.
March is considered Powder Month in Whistler.
GET TO WHISTLER
- PLANE – The closest airport to Whistler is the Vancouver International Airport that connects British Colombia to dozens of cities both domestic and abroad.
- CAR – From the airport, it’s a two-hour drive to reach Whistler along the scenic Highway 99. Most major car rental brands have locations on-site at the airport. A reminder that winter tires with a snowflake or mountain symbol are required on Highway 99 from October 1 to March 31.
- SHUTTLE SERVICE – Epic Rides, Skylynx and Whistler Shuttle offer daily transport between Vancouver and Whistler.
