Hotels in Whistler

Best time to visit Whistler

Whistler’s major attractions, skiing and snowboarding activities are possible for more than 200 days a year, so you need not wait till winter to visit Whistler. Winter months from December – March boast the best ski conditions and have generously covered slopes. Average temperature is around minus 2 – plus 7 degrees Celsius, but the snow cover and elevation may make it seem cooler than that while you are on the slopes. April – May is a warmer period with more sunshine. It is also the time of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler. Summer months from June – September can also be pleasant as average temperatures hover around 18 – 20 degrees Celsius, and several summer activities and events are hosted around this time. In fall, temperatures drop to approximately 8 – 10 degrees Celsius, and the mountainside foliage, particularly on Coast Mountains turns into beautiful orange and red hues. If you decide to visit in the peak season of winter, make sure you book your accommodation in advance.

Getting around Whistler

The small town of Whistler can be explored without a vehicle at any time of the year. Whistler Village is a pedestrianized zone with paved walking paths, and the only way to get around in that neighbourhood is on foot. To reach the popular ski slopes, you can take advantage of free transit shuttles which connect you to the ski lifts and popular parks. Whistler Resort Cabs, and Whistler Taxi operate taxi services 24 hours a day. You can book a cab by calling their office or through their website. BC Transit operates bus routes connecting the outskirts of Whistler Village, Creekside, and other neighbouring areas. A single trip fare costs $2.50 CAD. The 40-kilometer Valley Trail boardwalk network allows you to walk, run, cycle, skate, or rollerblade on the paved trail. It connects you to Whistler’s popular lakes, viewpoints, picnic spots, and popular neighbourhoods. If you choose to drive around in Whistler, there are several paid parking facilities in the area. Look online for good bargains on car rentals with momondo.

Best places to stay in Whistler

North of Vancouver, the compact town of Whistler offers a chalet-style village atmosphere, natural beauty, and mountain living. The surrounding region boasts spectacular drives along rivers and lakes, and through unending forests lining snow-capped peaks.

Whistler Village

At the base of the majestic Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Peak, the vibrant Whistler Village is connected by the paved, pedestrian-only Village Stroll. Here you will see a host of small shops, restaurants with sunny patios, open air concerts, and street side entertainment. A 5-minute walk from the Whistler Village Gondola, you have the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre hotel set in an Alpine-style building with contemporary suites and glorious mountain views. You can also check out the Delta Hotels Whistler Village Suites offering posh rooms and suites, located on Main Street. You will be just steps away from the Whistler Public Library and Whistler Museum.

Whistler Creekside

Approximately 7 kilometers from Whistler Village and at the site of the 1st gondola, Whistler Creekside is a laidback, relaxed area which can be accessed by vehicles or the paved Valley Trail. With plenty of bike parks, trails, restaurants and pubs, Whistler Creekside is a popular year-round destination. Set on the shore of Nita Lake and a 7-minute walk from the Creekside Gondola, you have the Nita Lake Lodge which features elegantly furnished suites with scenic lake views. Check out the upscale and sophisticated First Tracks Lodge, an elegant ski-in ski-out resort, just a minute’s walk from the Creekside Express Gondola. You can also look at the Lake Placid Lodge by Whisky Jack which features individually decorated rooms in a woody setting, just a 2-minute walk from the Creekside Gondola.

Upper Village

At the base of the Blackcomb peak, you will find Whistler Upper Village, a lively and energetic area with a large shopping centre, and plenty of restaurants and bars. This charming area gives you easy access to world-class ski slopes and is also home to fantastic one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques. For the ultimate luxury, stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, a grand ski-in ski-out resort with spacious rooms, a slope-side bar and outdoor patio with firepits. You can also look at the Horseman House luxury condos located just steps away from the Chateau Whistler Golf Course, and the trails of Lost Lake. Another interesting option is the Greystone Lodge, a family-oriented ski-in ski-out resort beside the Wizard Express Chair on Blackcomb Mountain.

Cheap hotels in Whistler

There is no shortage of cheap accommodation in Whistler. Between Whistler Village and Whistler Creekside, you have the charming Whistler Lodge Hostel which was designed and built by students of the University of British Columbia way back in 1965. It is just 4 kilometres from the Whistler Blackcomb ski area. A 7-minute walk from the Whistler Village Gondola, you have the Tantalus Resort Lodge Whistler which is surrounded by mountains and lush forests,and features accommodation inspired by traditional ski lodges. Just 2 kilometres from the Whistler Village Square, you can look at the Lost Lake Lodge hotel which offers intimate luxury accommodation at budget prices. The Wyndham Extra Holidays – Mountainside Lodge hotel promises comfortable rooms and an excellent location close to the ski slopes. Also check out the HI Hostel Whistler on Legacy Way, a 6-minute walk from the hiking trails of Cheakamus River.

Epic ski slopes, championship golf courses, unbeatable shopping and dining, great mountain biking trails, and divine spas; that’s Whistler for you! Whistler caters to the adventurous, high-speed winter sports lover as well as the relaxed traveler who wants to just enjoy the beauty and tranquil environs of the lush forests, blue lakes, and snow-capped mountains.

• Ski down the slopes of Whistler Mountain (2,182 meters) and Whistler Blackcomb (2,284 meters) which offers almost 200 runs accessed by close to 40 ski-lifts.
• Go on an elevated 4.4-kilometre ride between the Whistler Mountain and Whistler Blackcomb in the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Enjoy a gorgeous view of the snow-capped mountains, lakes, and forests.
• Visit the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations Cultural Centre, a beautiful and modern First Nations museum which features cultural exhibits and stories that pay tribute to the 2 First Nation native tribes, Squamish Nation and the Lil’wat Nation.
• Get an adrenalin rush with extreme sports such as mountain biking at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Try zip lining, or go for high-speed bobsleigh, or skeleton at the Whistler Sliding Centre.
• Put on your hiking boots and explore the trails varying in challenge levels from easy to intense. Trails originate around Lost Lake as well as from lookouts atop Whistler Mountain.
• Visit the Whistler Olympic Park for cross country skiing trails and snowshoeing.
• Get a glimpse into Whistler’s history, early settlers, artists, local athletes, and its Olympics journey at the Whistler Museum.
• Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Whistler Village which is lined with restaurants, cafés, bars, and a host of boutique shops selling skis and snowboards.
• Spend time at the 15,000-square-foot Whistler Public Library which is fashioned liked a wilderness mountain lodge, and houses a collection of close to 50,000 books, audio-books, and movies.
• Golf lovers have plenty of excellent courses to choose from; the popular ones being Whistler Golf Club and Nicklaus North Golf Club.
• In summer, enjoy a picnic on the beach near Lost Lake, spend time bird-watching near the lake, or rent a canoe or kayak and take in unique views as you paddle around the water.