The twin peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb are one of the largest ski and snowboard resorts in North America, and just 120 kilometers north of Vancouver.
The mountain offers quite the winter playground with over 200 marked trails. Ski season runs from November through May and lift tickets can be booked in advance to save on the peak price. Alternatively, visit the mountains in off-season for excellent hiking and mountain biking.
Getting there: The closest major airport is Vancouver International (YVR), approximately a 2.5 hours drive to Whistler. We recommend renting a car at the airport or in the city if you plan to spend a few days in Vancouver as well.
EAT
Creekbread Wood-fired pizza.
COWS Whistler Amazing ice cream… treat yourself!
Earl’s Kitchen American-style bar with food. Go for happy hour.
Nagomi Sushi Good sushi in a cozy Japanese restaurant. Convenient if you are staying in the upper village.
DRINK
The Fitzsimmons Pub Neighborhood bar with craft beers and board games.
Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill Après-ski bar with an outdoor patio.
Merlins Bar & Grill Après-ski bar at the base of Blackcomb.
PLAY
Ski, snowboard, hike, etc. The mountains have it all! The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola allows easy access between Whistler and Blackcomb. Ticket prices and timelines change based on season, so please check here for the official website.
High Note Trail Take the Whistler Gondola and Peak Chairlift to the trailhead, which begins at the top of Whistler Mountain. At the top, you have 360 degree views of the mountains and iconic snow covered peaks. Distance is 9.4 kilometers (moderate difficulty).
For more information on this hikes and others in the area, check out the Whistler trail map here.
Joffre Lakes Trail Hike near Pemberton A 10 kilometer hike through forests and the surrounding lakes offers incredible views of the glaciers high above the mountains. This is an intermediate hike, and we recommend hiking shoes. Parking is available right off of Duffey Lake Road where you can start the trail.
Relax and unwind After a day on the mountains enjoy one of the many spa options in the villages.
STAY
Upper Village and Whistler Village are both easily accessible by car and have their own lifts, making both locations desirable. They are also both connected by a pedestrian walkway (5-10 minute walk).
Whistler Village is more commercial with more restaurants, bars and shops. There are also several Airbnb options in the area which we opted for as we prefer the space. With regards to hotels, we have been recommended the Four Seasons Resort Whistler or Fairmont Chateau Whistler, which has ski-in ski-out access.
