Destinations
Peak Season: Your Guide to Experiencing the Magic of Winter in Whistler
More than just a world-class ski destination, Whistler is a winter dream come true. From alpine adventure tours to gourmet dining and world-class spas, here’s your guide to where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in this magical mountain town.
Share
There is a feeling in Whistler that can’t be replicated anywhere else. It’s that first breath of crisp mountain air in the winter; it’s the way the peaks look like sleeping giants when they’re blanketed in snow; it’s the lights of the ski runs, twinkling like stars against the night sky; it’s the energy of a place that buzzes every morning with anticipation and every evening with satisfaction and accomplishment. People come from all over the world to experience a winter in Whistler. From the unparalleled mountain sports to the next-level food options, this mountain resort, which played host to the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, punches well above its weight.
WHERE TO STAY
For the quintessential grand ski lodge experience, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a stunning historic property located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. With a great indoor-outdoor pool and hot tub area, ski valet service, and oh-so luxurious Le Labo bath amenities, this hotel is a Whistler favourite for a reason. Alternatively, right next door is the Four Seasons Whistler, which oozes in understated elegance with warm wood tones and beautiful one-bedroom suites. It was recently named the number one resort in Canada and the number five resort in the world from the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
Looking for something next-level unique? Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa has only been open for a year, but it’s already making waves as the only property of its kind in the area. This purpose-built, 10-bedroom, 13-bathroom luxury lodge comes complete with a private chef; a private driver; an onsite spa with steam room, hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge; a wine room; a Champagne reception (complete with saber); a movie theatre; a games room; a concierge; a gym; and onsite cleaning and waitstaff. A sleek, modern design—including original rotating artwork from the Whistler Contemporary Gallery—is a breath of fresh air amongst all of the old chalet-style properties in Whistler. The lodge is only available for renting in its entirety, so best to round up 19 of your closest friends and have a truly unforgettable stay.
THINGS TO DO
Whistler is a world-renowned ski and snowboard resort for very good reason: the terrain here is simply unmatched. One lift ticket gets you access to two mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb), and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola takes you smoothly (and quickly!) from one mountaintop to the other. That’s a lot of terrain to explore—and there are runs available at every level, from the most nervous newbies to the most seasoned skiers.
For something a little tamer on the knees, consider a snowshoe tour along the magical Natural Mystic trail. Or if sightseeing is more your thing, Blackcomb Helicopters offers 25-minute aerial tours that fly over impossibly beautiful mountain peaks; you’ll even land atop a glacier and get out to walk around. Ever wonder what it’s like to be on top of the world? This might just be the closest thing.
Back on the ground, bodies that are tired from all that mountain exploring can book a visit to the Scandinave Spa. The silent day retreat was built right into the mountainside, and features a choose your own adventure of saunas, steam rooms, cold pools, hot tubs, and fireside relaxation areas.
Art-lovers can find endless magic at the Audain Art Museum, where the building itself is just as impressive as the art collection it houses. And since Whistler is located on the unceded territories of the Lil’Wat and Squamish nations, visitors can and should visit the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre, where cultural ambassadors offer firsthand insight into what it means to be an Indigenous person on this land.
WHERE TO EAT
When you’re not too busy enjoying whatever amazing meal the private chef at Wedge Mountain has cooked up for you, consider popping into Whistler Village for tapas at Bar Oso, where the vibes alone are enough reason to visit (though the food and cocktails are amazing, too). For a more casual daytime meal, Flute & Fromage is a cheese shop that serves up excellent charcuterie and salads (plus a great selection of wines); or there’s Portobello, located at the Fairmont and serving decadent BBQ lunch items like beef chilli and pulled pork sandwiches. For coffee, Alpha Cafe is a hidden gem that has the village’s best Americano.
Just a short drive outside of the village you’ll find Rimrock Cafe, which is old-world Whistler at its finest. The cozy cabin-like room is a great place to sit back and enjoy a French bistro-style meal (steak frites—enough said). There’s also Mekong in nearby Creekside for vibrant Thai food, and Bred for vegan cinnamon buns that nobody will realize have been made without butter—that’s just how good they are.
HOW TO GET THERE
Whistler is located about an hour and a half’s drive from Vancouver up the scenic Sea to Sky highway. For those without a car, there are shuttle buses that can take you directly from Vancouver Airport or downtown Vancouver to the central bus loop in Whistler Village. The drive itself is so beautiful, with views of the coastline going all the way up, that the magic of your trip will start before you even arrive at your destination.
Sara Harowitz
Contributor
Sara Harowitz is a freelance editor and writer based in Vancouver. Her work has appeared in publications including Maclean's, The Globe and Mail, Well+Good, and Maisonneuve.
