Whistler

Whistler is a resort town about two hours from Vancouver. Nestled high in the southern Pacific Ranges of British Columbia's Coast Mountains, Whistler offers exhilarating outdoor adventures and activities year-round and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada.

Best known for its world-class ski slopes, Whistler also boasts golf courses, tennis courts and many hiking and biking trails with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

Whistler Village

Located at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, Whistler Village is the central neighbourhood of the town of Whistler. There's always something to see and do, and the sights and sounds change with the seasons. With its magnificent scenery and panoply of outdoor activities of all kinds, the Village will be your gateway to adventure! Relax and enjoy the friendly Whistler atmosphere and unique mountain culture!

To get to Whistler Village, you can take the free Route 5 shuttle from the Gondola Transit Exchange (Blackcomb Way, Whistler) to Upper Village. Otherwise, the village offers pay parking (Day Lots 1 to 5). Whistler Village and Village North are easily explored on foot.

Picnic at Lost Lake Park

Situated at tranquil Lost Lake, this secluded park offers a sandy beach, pristine swimming waters and more and is within walking distance from Whistler Village. It is a perfect spot to recharge your batteries or to enjoy a quiet picnic. After lunch, hike one of the many trails and drink in the spectacular mountain scenery.

The free Route 8 shuttle will take you to Lost Lake in July and August, when there is no parking at the lake. The shuttle leaves from the Gondola Transit Exchange (Blackcomb Way, Whistler), where you can park in one of the nearby pay parking lots (Day Lots 1 to 5). RV parking is available in Day Lot 3.

Seaplane tour

Enjoy a bird's eye view of breathtaking Garibaldi Provincial Park. This popular scenic flight will take you over majestic glaciers, dizzying mountain peaks, volcanic formations and alpine meadows surrounding the turquoise waters of Lake Garibaldi. And if you watch carefully, you may spot a wandering black bear feeding on wild berries, or mountain goats looking for a salt marsh. This is sure to be a high point in your Western Canadian adventure!

Open every day from May to October.

Peak 2 Peak Gondola

The Peak 2 Peak gondola, which links Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in about 11 minutes, is not your average gondola ride.  A feat of engineering, it boasts the longest unsupported lift span in the world (3.024 kilometres) and is the highest lift of its kind with an elevation of 436 metres. The special glass-bottom gondola is a thrilling experience that offers stunning 360-degree views of Whistler Village, mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers and forests. Open year-round.

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola terminal can be reached via the Whistler Village Gondola (4309 Skiers Plaza, Whistler). The gondola runs daily from late May to mid-September, and Saturday-Sunday only from mid-September to mid-October. Operating hours: Peak 2 Peak Gondola - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Whistler Village Gondola - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (opens earlier and closes later in high season).

VALLEA LUMINA

Legend tells of a hidden trail leading to a secret valley... Moment Factory brings the forests of Whistler to life, enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape with a multimedia light show to create a magical world. Experience the wonder of this immersive night walk as a fascinating tale of mystery unfolds around you.

Open every evening in summer and Thursday-Monday from November to April for a winter experience. Tickets can be purchased online. Shuttle service is provided from Gateway Bus Loop.

NEARBY

GARIBALDI PROVINCIAL PARK AND GARIBALDI LAKE

Discover the natural beauty of this provincial park, which is named after its towering 2,678 metre peak, Mount Garibaldi. With more than 90 km of trails, the park is known for its stunning scenery and its endless hiking opportunities.

Garibaldi Park is open year-round, but some services are limited in winter. Five park access points are located along HWY 99 (the Sea to Sky Highway) between Squamish and Pemberton.

JOFFRE LAKES

This provincial park is known for the turquoise blue waters of its three lakes: Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre Lakes. Their striking, saturated blue colour is caused by “rockflour” – or glacial silt – that is suspended in the water and reflects green and blue wavelengths of sunlight. The snow-capped peaks behind Lower Joffre Lake are visible from an easily accessible viewpoint 500 metres from the parking lot. If you continue towards Middle Lake and Upper Joffre Lake, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging. The full hike is a 7.7 km round trip.

The park is open year-round, but some services are limited in winter.

Sea to Sky Gondola

British Columbia's "Newest Attraction", the Sea to Sky gondola lives up to its name, transporting visitors high above the coast for a thrilling adventure and stunning vistas.

Your adventure begins with a 10-minute gondola ride to 885 metres above sea level. The ride up to the summit provides sweeping views of Howe Sound, the majestic coastal forest and surrounding mountains.

Once at the top, many other adventures for all ages await. You will have access to a wide array of outdoor experiences including the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, picnicking, a café terrace, rock climbing and many hiking trails.

Usually open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last ride down at 6 p.m.). Closed early to mid-November for maintenance. Hours may vary depending on season. Discount with online purchase.

Brandywine Falls

Twenty minute from Whistler along Highway 99 you will find Brandywine Falls, a spectacular 70 metre waterfall, is located within Brandywine Falls Provincial Park.

The waterfall is best seen from the viewing platform, which also presents some marvelous views of Daisy Lake and the surrounding mountains. The 30-minute round trip hike to the viewpoint is easy and well worth the effort!