Whistler

Arrive at Vancouver International (YVR)(1 hour)

Rent a car or book the Whistler Skylynx bus (CAD $35 one-way, 2.5 hours). Winter tires mandatory October-April

Sea-to-Sky Highway drive with stops(2.5 hours)

The 125km Highway 99 hugs the coast past Horseshoe Bay, passes Shannon Falls (335m, quick roadside stop), and climbs through dramatic mountain scenery

Check into Whistler Village lodging(1 hour)

Stay in or near the pedestrian Village for walkability. Budget: HI Whistler hostel from CAD $50/night; mid-range: Crystal Lodge from CAD $200; luxury: Fairmont Chateau Whistler from CAD $450

Evening stroll through Whistler Village(1.5 hours)

Explore the car-free Village Stroll with 200+ shops and restaurants. First drink at Garibaldi Lift Co. (patio with mountain views, craft beers CAD $9-12)

Whistler Village Gondola to Roundhouse Lodge(30 minutes)

Sightseeing ticket CAD $76 adults (includes Peak 2 Peak). Departs from base of Whistler Mountain. Glass-bottom cabins available

Peak 2 Peak Gondola crossing(20 minutes)

4.4km between mountains at 436m above the valley — longest free-span lift in the world. Stunning views of glaciers, forests, and lakes below

Blackcomb summit exploration(1.5 hours)

Walk the summit trails, visit the Inukshuk viewpoint, and take in views of the Coast Mountains stretching to infinity

Lunch at Christine's on Blackcomb(1.5 hours)

On-mountain restaurant at Rendezvous Lodge. Pacific salmon ($28), panoramic terrace dining at 1,860m elevation

Afternoon at Lost Lake(2 hours)

A beautiful lake a 20-minute walk from the Village. Swimming, paddleboarding, and a 5km loop trail through the forest. Free. Warm enough for swimming June-September

Superfly Ziplines over Fitzsimmons Creek(2.5 hours)

Soar across Fitzsimmons Creek valley at up to 100 km/h on lines spanning 600m. From CAD $149/person. Year-round. The Sasquatch course is pure adrenaline

Lunch at Peaked Pies(1 hour)

Australian-style meat pies in the Village. Lamb and rosemary pie (CAD $12), pulled pork (CAD $13). Quick, filling, and perfectly suited to an active day

Whistler Mountain Bike Park (half-day)(3 hours)

80+ trails served by chairlifts. Day pass CAD $79. Full-suspension rental CAD $120-180. Beginners: start on green-rated Crank It Up. Lessons from CAD $149 including lift and bike

Après at Longhorn Saloon(1.5 hours)

Legendary since 1981. The deck overlooking Skier's Plaza is Whistler's social hub. Nachos (CAD $18), pitchers of beer (CAD $25)

Scandinave Spa Whistler(3 hours)

Outdoor Nordic spa in the forest — hot pools, cold plunges, steam rooms, saunas. CAD $95/person (no time limit). Silence policy. Open 10AM-9PM. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekends

Lunch at Rim Rock Cafe(1.5 hours)

Whistler's best seafood. Grilled halibut (CAD $42), seafood chowder (CAD $18). Small, intimate restaurant on Highway 99 south of the Village. Reservations essential

Audain Art Museum(1.5 hours)

A stunning collection of British Columbia art from pre-contact First Nations masks to Emily Carr and contemporary works. CAD $20 adults. The building itself is architecturally impressive

Evening at Bearfoot Bistro vodka ice room(1 hour)

Step into a -32°C ice room wearing a parka and taste premium vodkas. CAD $38 per person. The bar's champagne sabering experience (CAD $20) is also worth it

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park(1 hour)

A spectacular 70m waterfall, 30 min south of Whistler. Easy 1km loop trail to viewpoint. Free. Best in late spring with snowmelt. Combine with Cal-Cheak suspension bridge nearby

Cheakamus Lake hike(4 hours)

A 6.5km one-way trail through old-growth forest to a pristine turquoise glacial lake. Easy to moderate. Free. Pack lunch and swim (water is cold but swimmable in August). One of the area's most beautiful lakes

Dinner at Araxi in Whistler Village(2 hours)

Whistler's most celebrated restaurant. Pacific Northwest cuisine with B.C. wines. Sablefish (CAD $46), tasting menu (CAD $120). The oyster bar is more accessible for walk-ins (CAD $4/oyster). Reservations essential for dining room

Drive to Callaghan Valley(30 minutes)

20km south of Whistler. Home to the Whistler Olympic Park, used for the 2010 Winter Olympics cross-country, biathlon, and ski jumping events

Alexander Falls viewpoint(30 minutes)

A 43m waterfall accessible via a short gravel road. Free. Less visited than Brandywine and equally impressive. Good picnic spot

Hiking or trail running in Callaghan Valley(3 hours)

Multiple trails through subalpine meadows and old-growth forest. The Madeley Lake trail (4km one-way) leads to a peaceful backcountry lake. Free

Return to Whistler for dinner at Sushi Village(2 hours)

A Whistler institution since 1985. The Dynamite Roll (CAD $16), sashimi platters (CAD $35-50). Lively atmosphere. Open late

Breakfast at Purebread Bakery(45 minutes)

Whistler's best bakery. Almond croissants (CAD $6), savory scones (CAD $5), and strong coffee. Arrive early — the line grows fast

Last walk around Village and shopping(1 hour)

Pick up souvenirs at the Whistler Brewing Company (growlers from CAD $15) or Whistler-branded gear at the resort shops

Stop at Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish(1.5 hours)

On the drive back, stop at this gondola (CAD $60 adults) for stunning views and a suspension bridge walk above the Howe Sound. The summit has several short hiking trails

Continue to YVR(1 hour)

Squamish to Vancouver airport is about 60km. Return rental car and check in for your flight

Arrive at Vancouver International (YVR)(1 hour)

Rent a car or book Whistler Skylynx bus (CAD $35, 2.5 hours). Winter tires mandatory Oct-Apr

Sea-to-Sky Highway drive(2.5 hours)

125km Highway 99 past Horseshoe Bay, Shannon Falls (335m), and dramatic mountain scenery

Check into Whistler Village lodging(1 hour)

Budget: HI Whistler from CAD $50; mid-range: Crystal Lodge from CAD $200; luxury: Fairmont from CAD $450

Evening Village stroll(1.5 hours)

Car-free Village Stroll. First drink at Garibaldi Lift Co. (craft beers CAD $9-12, mountain views)

Whistler Village Gondola(30 minutes)

Sightseeing ticket CAD $76 (includes Peak 2 Peak). Glass-bottom cabins available

Peak 2 Peak Gondola crossing(20 minutes)

4.4km between mountains at 436m above valley — longest free-span lift in the world

Blackcomb summit trails(1.5 hours)

Walk summit trails, visit Inukshuk viewpoint, Coast Mountains views

Lunch at Christine's on Blackcomb(1.5 hours)

Pacific salmon (CAD $28), panoramic terrace at 1,860m

Lost Lake afternoon(2 hours)

Beautiful lake 20 min walk from Village. Swimming, paddleboarding, 5km loop trail. Free

Superfly Ziplines(2.5 hours)

Soar over Fitzsimmons Creek at 100 km/h. From CAD $149/person. Year-round

Lunch at Peaked Pies(1 hour)

Australian meat pies. Lamb and rosemary (CAD $12), pulled pork (CAD $13)

Mountain Bike Park half-day(3 hours)

80+ trails. Day pass CAD $79. Rental CAD $120-180. Beginners: Crank It Up trail

Après at Longhorn Saloon(1.5 hours)

Legendary deck. Nachos (CAD $18), beer pitchers (CAD $25)

Scandinave Spa(3 hours)

Hot pools, cold plunges, saunas in the forest. CAD $95 (no time limit). Silence policy. Book ahead

Lunch at Rim Rock Cafe(1.5 hours)

Whistler's best seafood. Halibut (CAD $42), chowder (CAD $18). Reservations essential

Audain Art Museum(1.5 hours)

BC art from First Nations to contemporary. CAD $20. Impressive building

Bearfoot Bistro vodka ice room(1 hour)

-32°C ice room with premium vodkas. CAD $38/person. Champagne sabering CAD $20

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park(1 hour)

70m waterfall 30 min south. Easy 1km trail. Free. Cal-Cheak suspension bridge nearby

Cheakamus Lake hike(4 hours)

6.5km one-way through old-growth forest to turquoise glacial lake. Easy to moderate. Pack lunch

Dinner at Araxi(2 hours)

Whistler's most celebrated restaurant. Sablefish (CAD $46), tasting menu (CAD $120). Oyster bar for walk-ins

Drive to Callaghan Valley(30 minutes)

20km south. Whistler Olympic Park — 2010 cross-country and biathlon venue

Alexander Falls(30 minutes)

43m waterfall via short gravel road. Free. Less visited than Brandywine

Madeley Lake trail hike(3 hours)

4km one-way to peaceful backcountry lake through subalpine meadows. Free

Dinner at Sushi Village(1.5 hours)

Whistler institution since 1985. Dynamite Roll (CAD $16), sashimi (CAD $35-50). Open late

Sleep in and brunch at Purebread(1.5 hours)

Best bakery. Almond croissants (CAD $6), savory scones (CAD $5)

Village shopping(2 hours)

Browse outdoor gear, art galleries, and the Whistler Brewing Company (growlers CAD $15)

Afternoon at Valley Trail(1.5 hours)

40km paved multi-use trail connecting Whistler's neighborhoods. Flat, scenic, and peaceful. Rent a bike (CAD $30/half-day)

Dinner at Il Caminetto(2 hours)

Upscale Italian. Handmade pasta (CAD $28-36), osso buco (CAD $44). Romantic atmosphere. Reservations required

Drive to Squamish(45 minutes)

60km south on the Sea-to-Sky. Squamish is the outdoor recreation capital of BC

Sea to Sky Gondola(2 hours)

CAD $60 adults. Stunning views of Howe Sound, Sky Pilot summit trail, and suspension bridge. Several short hiking trails at the top

Lunch at Howe Sound Brewing(1.5 hours)

BC's first brewpub. Fresh ales (CAD $8), fish and chips (CAD $18). The Garibaldi Honey Pale Ale is a classic

Stawamus Chief viewpoint(1.5 hours)

North America's second-largest granite monolith. You can hike to the First Peak (3.5km, strenuous, 2-3 hours) or simply admire it from the base

Drive to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park(1 hour)

60km east via Highway 99. Day-use pass required ($5 via BC Parks). Arrive before 9AM — parking fills up fast

Joffre Lakes hike(4 hours)

10km roundtrip through forest to three progressively stunning turquoise lakes fed by Matier Glacier. Moderate, 370m gain. The third lake with the glacier backdrop is one of BC's most photographed spots

Dinner at 21 Steps Kitchen + Bar(1.5 hours)

Modern comfort food. Braised short ribs (CAD $32), truffle mac and cheese (CAD $22). Cozy Village location

Whistler Bungee(1.5 hours)

50m bungee jump over the Cheakamus River. CAD $130/person. Open May-October. Professional operation with stunning forest setting

Train Wreck trail hike(1.5 hours)

A surreal 2km trail through forest to abandoned boxcars covered in colorful graffiti art, connected by a suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River. Free. Instagram-famous. Trailhead off Jane Lakes Road

Lunch at The Pony Whistler(1.5 hours)

Underground cocktail bar and restaurant. Tacos (CAD $8 each), creative cocktails (CAD $16). Funky atmosphere

Brunch at Elements Tapas(1.5 hours)

Weekend brunch with mountain views. Eggs benny (CAD $19), avocado toast (CAD $16). Creekside location

Afternoon at Whistler Museum(1 hour)

The story of Whistler from indigenous peoples through ski resort development to the 2010 Olympics. CAD $10. Small but fascinating

Valley Trail walk or bike to Function Junction(1.5 hours)

Pedal or walk to Whistler's artsy industrial area. Forager food truck park, galleries, and Whistler Brewing's tasting room (CAD $2/sample)

Dinner at Wild Blue Restaurant(2 hours)

Elevated Pacific Northwest cuisine at the Fairmont. Tasting menu (CAD $145), wine pairing (CAD $85). One of Whistler's finest dining experiences

Drive to Garibaldi Lake trailhead(30 minutes)

Rubble Creek trailhead, 20km south of Whistler on Highway 99. Day-use parking pass required ($5)

Garibaldi Lake hike(6 hours)

18km roundtrip through subalpine forest to a jaw-dropping turquoise lake ringed by The Black Tusk and volcanic peaks. Strenuous, 820m gain. Start early. The lake color in sunshine is otherworldly

Dinner at Creekbread in Whistler(1.5 hours)

Wood-fired pizza using organic local ingredients. Margherita (CAD $20), seasonal specials. Creekside location

Drive to Pemberton(30 minutes)

30km north of Whistler through the dramatic Pemberton Meadows. Agricultural town with a local vibe

North Arm Farm(1.5 hours)

Working farm with a farm-to-table cafe. Seasonal produce, berry picking in summer (CAD $8/basket). The farm store sells local jams, honey, and vegetables

Lillooet Lake drive(1.5 hours)

Continue north on a scenic gravel road to the turquoise Lillooet Lake. Remote, quiet, and stunning. Swim from the beach at the south end

Lunch at Mile One Eating House in Pemberton(1.5 hours)

Elevated farm-to-table. Seasonal menu with Pemberton ingredients. Entrees CAD $26-38. One of the region's hidden culinary gems

Breakfast at Purebread(45 minutes)

One last almond croissant for the road

Last Village walk and shopping(1 hour)

Final souvenirs and a last look at the mountains

Stop at Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish(1.5 hours)

If you missed it earlier — CAD $60 for stunning Howe Sound views and summit trails

Continue to YVR(1 hour)

60km from Squamish. Return rental car

Arrive at YVR(1 hour)

Rent a car or book Whistler Skylynx (CAD $35, 2.5 hours). Winter tires mandatory Oct-Apr

Sea-to-Sky drive with Shannon Falls stop(2.5 hours)

125km Highway 99. Stop at Shannon Falls (335m waterfall) and Horseshoe Bay viewpoint

Evening Village stroll and dinner at Garibaldi Lift Co.(2 hours)

Craft beers (CAD $9-12), nachos, mountain-view patio

Whistler Village Gondola(30 minutes)

Sightseeing CAD $76 (includes Peak 2 Peak). Glass-bottom cabins available

Peak 2 Peak crossing(20 minutes)

4.4km at 436m above valley. Longest free-span lift in the world

Lunch at Christine's(1.5 hours)

Pacific salmon (CAD $28), panoramic terrace at 1,860m

Lost Lake(2 hours)

Swimming, paddleboarding, 5km loop trail. Free

Superfly Ziplines(2.5 hours)

Soar over Fitzsimmons Creek at 100 km/h. From CAD $149

Lunch at Peaked Pies(1 hour)

Australian meat pies (CAD $12-13)

Mountain Bike Park half-day(3 hours)

80+ trails. Day pass CAD $79. Rental CAD $120-180

Après at Longhorn Saloon(1.5 hours)

Nachos (CAD $18), pitchers (CAD $25)

Scandinave Spa(3 hours)

Hot pools, cold plunges, saunas. CAD $95 (no time limit). Silence policy

Lunch at Rim Rock Cafe(1.5 hours)

Halibut (CAD $42), chowder (CAD $18)

Audain Art Museum(1.5 hours)

BC art collection. CAD $20

Bearfoot Bistro vodka ice room(1 hour)

-32°C room. CAD $38/person

Brandywine Falls(1 hour)

70m waterfall. Easy 1km trail. Free

Cheakamus Lake hike(4 hours)

6.5km one-way to turquoise glacial lake. Easy to moderate. Pack lunch

Dinner at Araxi(2 hours)

Sablefish (CAD $46), tasting menu (CAD $120). Oyster bar for walk-ins

Alexander Falls(30 minutes)

43m waterfall. Free. Less visited

Madeley Lake trail(3 hours)

4km one-way to peaceful backcountry lake. Free

Dinner at Sushi Village(1.5 hours)

Dynamite Roll (CAD $16), sashimi (CAD $35-50). Since 1985

Brunch at Purebread(1 hour)

Almond croissants (CAD $6), savory scones (CAD $5)

Village shopping(2 hours)

Gear shops, galleries, Whistler Brewing growlers (CAD $15)

Valley Trail cycling(1.5 hours)

40km paved multi-use trail. Bike rental CAD $30/half-day

Dinner at Il Caminetto(2 hours)

Handmade pasta (CAD $28-36), osso buco (CAD $44)

Sea to Sky Gondola(2 hours)

CAD $60. Howe Sound views, suspension bridge, summit trails

Lunch at Howe Sound Brewing(1.5 hours)

BC's first brewpub. Ales (CAD $8), fish and chips (CAD $18)

Stawamus Chief viewpoint(1 hour)

North America's second-largest granite monolith

Drive to Joffre Lakes(1 hour)

Day-use pass $5. Arrive before 9AM — parking fills fast

Joffre Lakes hike(4 hours)

10km roundtrip. Three progressively stunning turquoise lakes. Moderate, 370m gain. Third lake with Matier Glacier is one of BC's most photographed spots

Dinner at 21 Steps Kitchen + Bar(1.5 hours)

Short ribs (CAD $32), truffle mac (CAD $22)

Whistler Bungee(1.5 hours)

50m jump over Cheakamus River. CAD $130. May-October

Train Wreck trail(1.5 hours)

2km to graffiti-covered boxcars in the forest. Suspension bridge. Free. Instagram-famous

Lunch at The Pony(1.5 hours)

Underground bar. Tacos (CAD $8), creative cocktails (CAD $16)

Sleep in and brunch at Elements(2 hours)

Eggs benny (CAD $19), avocado toast (CAD $16). Creekside views

Whistler Museum(1 hour)

Indigenous history through 2010 Olympics. CAD $10

Function Junction walk(1.5 hours)

Artsy industrial area. Forager food trucks, galleries, Whistler Brewing tasting (CAD $2/sample)

Dinner at Wild Blue(2 hours)

Pacific Northwest tasting menu (CAD $145), wine pairing (CAD $85). At the Fairmont

Drive to Rubble Creek trailhead(30 minutes)

20km south. Day-use pass $5

Garibaldi Lake hike(6 hours)

18km roundtrip. Turquoise lake ringed by The Black Tusk. Strenuous, 820m gain. Otherworldly color

Dinner at Creekbread(1.5 hours)

Wood-fired organic pizza. Margherita (CAD $20)

North Arm Farm(1.5 hours)

Farm cafe, berry picking (CAD $8/basket), farm store with local jams and honey

Lillooet Lake drive(1.5 hours)

Scenic gravel road to turquoise lake. Remote and quiet. Swim from the south beach

Lunch at Mile One Eating House(1.5 hours)

Farm-to-table. Seasonal Pemberton ingredients. Entrees CAD $26-38

Biathlon experience(2 hours)

Try the Olympic sport of shooting and cross-country skiing/running. CAD $90/person. Guided session includes coaching, equipment, and target practice

Disc golf course(1.5 hours)

18-hole course through the forest. CAD $5 for disc rental. Beautiful subalpine setting

Lunch at Nita Lake Lodge(1.5 hours)

Lakeside dining at Aura Restaurant. Wild salmon (CAD $34), lake views. Creekside, between the Village and Callaghan

Morning yoga at Yogacara Studio(1 hour)

Drop-in classes CAD $22. Various styles. Village location

Return to Scandinave Spa or try Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa(2 hours)

Taman Sari offers Javanese-inspired treatments. Massage from CAD $150

Lunch at Handlebar Cafe(1 hour)

Healthy bowls (CAD $16), smoothies (CAD $10). Popular with the fitness crowd

Whistler Via Ferrata(4 hours)

Guided climbing route on Whistler Mountain using fixed cables, iron rungs, and suspension bridges. CAD $189/person (includes gondola). No climbing experience needed. Minimum age 12. Spectacular exposure and views

Late lunch at Dusty's Bar in Creekside(1.5 hours)

Legendary Whistler pub. Burgers (CAD $18), wings (CAD $16), big patios. More local than the Village scene

Evening walk around Alta Lake(1.5 hours)

The original lake that gave Whistler its start. Rainbow Park has a sandy beach, swimming, and sunset views over the lake

Black Tusk hike(8 hours)

29km roundtrip via Garibaldi Lake. Very strenuous, 1,740m gain. The volcanic spire at the summit is surreal. Only attempt in good weather. The final scramble to the base of the tusk requires careful footing on loose volcanic rock. Start by 6AM

Recovery dinner at RimRock(1.5 hours)

Reward yourself with Whistler's finest seafood after the biggest hike of the trip

Morning canoe on River of Golden Dreams(2 hours)

Rent a canoe (CAD $60 for 2 hours) and paddle the gentle, meandering river between Alta Lake and Green Lake. Scenic, flat water, wildlife. Suitable for beginners

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre(1.5 hours)

Learn about the indigenous Squamish and Lil'wat peoples whose traditional territories encompass Whistler. CAD $18. Guided tours, art exhibits, and traditional crafts. A respectful and illuminating experience

Lunch at Basalt Wine + Salumeria(1.5 hours)

Wine bar with charcuterie (CAD $24), flatbreads (CAD $18). In the Village

Heli-hiking with Blackcomb Helicopters(4 hours)

Helicopter flight to remote alpine meadows followed by a guided hike through wildflowers, glaciers, and views inaccessible by trail. CAD $350-500/person. One of Whistler's most exclusive experiences. Weather dependent

OR: Fly-fishing with Whistler Fly Fishing(4 hours)

Guided catch-and-release fly fishing on the Cheakamus or Squamish rivers. CAD $350-450 for two people. Equipment provided. Rainbow and bull trout. No experience needed

Late lunch at Hunter Gather(1.5 hours)

Local-focused menu. Wild game burger (CAD $22), salads (CAD $16). Creekside

Morning at favorite trail or lake(2 hours)

Revisit Lost Lake, Alta Lake, or a short trail. Your choice — you know the area well now

Lunch at Araxi (farewell meal)(2 hours)

One last meal at Whistler's finest. Oyster bar or the full dining room

Sunset drinks at Fairmont Chateau terrace(1.5 hours)

The Fairmont's outdoor terrace has the most iconic Village and mountain views. Cocktails (CAD $18), BC wines. A fitting farewell

Breakfast at Purebread(45 minutes)

Last almond croissant for the road

Drive to YVR via Sea-to-Sky(2 hours)

Stop at Shannon Falls or Britannia Mine Museum (CAD $30, underground mine tour) on the way if time allows