Hotel Recommendations
Whistler is a beautiful mountain getaway for locals and tourists. Variations of accommodation spread wide and far here. AirBnB is a great alternative and often act as a cost saving option. However, hotels located directly in the Village can be a beautiful stay.
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- Sundial Hotel *Voted #1* (4 stars)
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler (4 stars)
- Crystal Lodge (4 stars)
- The Westin Resort & Spa (4 stars)
- Delta Whistler Village Suites (4 stars)
- Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa (4 stars)
- Pinnacle Hotel (3 stars)
- Blackcomb Springs Suites (3 stars)
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Top 10 Restaurant Recommendations
Whistler is known for its night-out scene, but when it comes to great food and beverage recommendations, a top 10 list (in no particular order) will suffice:
- Wild Blue Restaurant – Seafood ($$$)
- Barn Nork – Thai Food ($$)
- Bar Oso – Spanish ($$$)
- Il Caminetto – Italian ($$$$)
- Sushi Village – Japanese ($$)
- Hunter Gather – Local Eats ($$)
- Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar – Seafood ($$$$)
- Sidecut – Steakhouse ($$$)
- Pizzeria Antico – Italian/Woodoven Pizza ($$)
- Alta Bistro – French Bistro ($$$)
- The Mexican Corner – Mexican Food ($$)
- Splitz Grill – Best burger ($)
- Peaked Pies – Australian Fare ($)
- Creekbread – Pizza ($$)
- Purebread – Coffee and snacks ($)
Enjoy the Sea to Sky Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish is located on the way to Whistler (Highway 99). With unbelievable views of the Howe Sound, restaurants and activities for all seasons up top it’s hard to beat! Plan your visit here.
Relax at Scandinave Spa Whistler
While we love sitting in the hot tub at our hotel by the slopes, it’s even better to spend an afternoon at Spa Scandinave located just 5 minutes from Whistler Village and offering a shuttle service. Scandinave is a unique experience where there are hot and cold pools set outside in the forest.
Visitors are given robes to walk around the grounds and immerse in the spa cycle of hot, warm, cold, and rest. What better way to relax before or after the retreat. With various offerings of saunas, hot & cold pools, massages, relaxation couches, food and drinks. To learn more or to book, click here.
'Peak2Peak' Gondola in Whistler
Open all year round. Even if you are not a skier, get on the Peak 2 Peak gondola for amazing panoramic views of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The ride offers breathtaking views connecting the two iconic mountains (Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain) spanning 4km.
Visit both mountains in one day and grab some food/drinks on the top. Enjoy the Olympic Rings and Ilanaaq the inukshuk on Whistler Mountain. A must for anyone who has not been to Whistler or a mountain town.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
The center is here to introduce people to the culture of the First Nations People in this area. It is one of the best ways to connect with the culture and people of the area. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is operated by the First Nation’s People who have lived on this land for centuries. The staff are very friendly and open, so make sure to talk with them when you explore the gallery and ask questions about indigenous culture.
Audain Centre Art Museum
The Audain Art Museum is a 56,000-square-foot private museum located in Whistler, British Columbia, housing the private art collection of Michael Audain. Designed by Patkau Architects, it holds a comprehensive permanent collection of British Columbian art. and is a wonderful cultural experience. Set in a wooded backdrop, the entrance is in a serene setting that sets the tone to browse art. Similar to Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, there are both permanent and rotating exhibits.
Hiking and Walking Trails
- Ascent Hike – The Ascent Trail takes you up Blackcomb Mountain to the Rendezvous Lodge. Steep and a great workout.
- Cheakamus Lake – Easy hike to the Train Wreck Trail
- Black Tusk (one of the hardest and longest trails in Whistler)
- Blackcomb meadows – This hike can be reached by taking the lift to the top of Blackcomb Mountain.
- Cougar Mountain – An advanced hike for panoramic views
- Garibaldi Lake – One of the more challenging hiking trails in Whistler takes you out to Garibaldi Lake.
- Lost Lake Nature Trail – Easy access from Whistler Village
Check out more here.
Explore Whistler Village
There’s always something going on in Whistler Village throughout the year. You don’t have to do all the adrenaline activities in Whistler to have a good time. Be sure to walk around, take photos and soak up the full experience. There is plenty of shopping in the village, events and live music.
Mountain Biking/Trail Cycling
The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is one of the best mountain biking parks in the world and it is beginner-friendly too! Mountain bikers can access the trail via Whistler Village by taking the Fitzsimmons Chair, the Whistler Gondola, or Creekside to get to the top of the mountain.
Easy, relatively flat trail cycling for those who are confident on a bike is also available around Whistler. Lost Lake Park’s trails are superb for families with kids who are confident riding bikes. Beginners can enjoy exploring the Lost Lake Loop, Donkey Puncher, Gypsy Drum, Hooktender, Panorama, Old Mill Road, Tin Pants and Molly Hogan. The Zappa single-track trails are great for intermediate riders.