Restaurants, food and drink
Whistler is proud of its huge variety of restaurants and bars dotted throughout the village. From fine dining with views of the mountains at the Bearfoot Bistro, Alto Bistro and Hy’s Steakhouse, through to the smaller, cheap’n’cheerful lunches offered at the Thunderbird Café and La Cantina, there is a huge range of gastronomy on offer in Whistler.
While you're there you have to try Canada's famous Ice-wine. It's an up-and-coming dessert wine and is typical to the British Columbia region. Because it's made from frozen grapes, the final product is much more concentrated and sweeter. It can't be made in many places, so we'd suggest trying it while you're there!
Après, bars, clubs and nightlife
There are plenty of evening options for those looking to shake off their boots and get down on the dance floor after a long day of skiing. Try the après at Dusty’s Bar and BBQ at the base of the Creekside Gondola (can be accessed by the Lower Peak to Creek blue slope from the top of Whistler mountain). The original après ski bar that was built in Whistler in the 1970’s has undergone a huge refurbishment but still holds on to some of that mountain cabin charm.
For those looking for some late night dancing, there’s Garfinkel’s Night Club and Moe Joe’s, both venues host guest DJ’s and regular themed nights out into the small hours of the morning.
Shopping
Whistler is a great place to indulge in a bit of holiday shopping, offering a variety of different kinds of stores including those selling sports clothes and equipment (including The North Face and Salomon brand stores), fashion, luxury items and local crafts. There are also many gift shops around the village that offer authentic and traditional Canadian First Nations gifts.
Shopping trips to Vancouver are easily organised and a few days in the city is highly recommended. Why not stay a few nights before or after your Whistler trip - give us a call and we'll arrange everything for you.
Wellness and relaxation
With all of the sport and non-stop ‘go’ attitude around Whistler, sometimes you just need to kick back and relax.
Relax your aching muscles with various top-notch spas around the village - the famous Scandinave Spa in Whistler incorporates age-old Finnish traditions of soaking and soothing in hot climes, and plunging into cold water showers for a real sensory experience!
If yoga is more your thing, enjoy a spot of yoga in Yogacara Whistler, in the heart of the village.
Arts, culture and events
In Whistler there is a wide selection of unique local art galleries, museums and collections including the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, built to preserve the history and culture of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. The centre hosts a wide variety of educational events and experiences.
There is a huge array of cultural events and festivals happening in and around Whistler all year, including ‘Cornucopia Whistler, a celebration of food and drink produced locally in the British Columbia. The festival runs for 10 days in November.
There is also the world famous Pride and Ski festival in January, the biggest gay and lesbian ski festival there is! The festival runs for a week and is easily the most colourful festival that the season has to offer.
Finally, there is the World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) in April, exclusive to Whistler, this festival celebrates snow sports, music and all around good times.
Activity information
Zip Lining
Enjoy an unforgettable opportunity to fly over the BC treetops and see Whistler from a different angle with a Ziptrek or Superfly zip lining experience. Most tours start and can be easily arranged from the village centre.
Whistler Sliding Centre
Located above the village on the side of Blackcomb Mountain, the Whistler Sliding Centre is a world-class bobsleigh, luge and skeleton track. You'll be able to slide like an Olympian with no prior experience, or explore the history and Olympic legacy on a sightseeing tour.
Dog sledding
Experience the thrill of being pulled by a pack of arctic sled dogs and the cold mountain air against your face while being led by experts through a secluded outback trail.
You can either opt for having an expert to command the sled for you while you remain seated, or you can ‘mush! Mush!’ your way through the trails yourself.
Snowshoeing
As everyone always says, if you can walk on your two feet, then you can snowshoe! Get away from the hustle and bustle of the village and ski slopes, and completely immerse yourself in nature.
Enjoy a guided tour that will follow the paths of the First Nations ancestors in Whistler and learn about the traditional uses of the forest bounties for survival in the harsh mountain climates, or go unguided and experience Whistler’s backcountry at your own pace.
Tubing
Enjoy a fun day out for all the family at the Whistler Blackcomb tube park that has 7 different lanes and over 1000ft of sliding fun!
There are suitable lanes for children as young as three years old (Mini-kids lane), as well as adults, and plenty of fun options for groups.
Wear your warm, waterproof clothing and after a day of tubing enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and other refreshments offered by the park.
Heli-skiing/boarding
Endless, untouched powder of the mountain glaciers and guided tours that are catered to your ability, for those more experienced skiers and boarders who love the thrill of off-piste and backcountry skiing, heli-skiing/boarding is an absolute must.
A helicopter will safely drop you off at the top of the mountain and from there your guide will lead you down some of the best and most exhilarating trails.
Weather permitting, the heli-skiing/boarding tours run from the start to the end of the ski season.
Heli-sightseeing and snowshoeing
Much alike Heli-assisted skiing and snowboarding, but at a much more relaxing pace!
Enjoy a quick tour of the mountains and see the peaks and valleys from a bird-eye point of view (15-45 minute helicopter tours available), or make the most of being able to reach points by helicopter by snowshoeing it across the glaciers and through the secluded areas of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
The tours run all year around but are highly dependent on weather conditions permitting.
Sleigh rides
If getting out of helicopters at the summit of mountains and dashing down near-vertical slopes doesn’t really sound like your thing, try a romantic and peaceful sleigh ride.
Pulled by two gentle giant Percheron horses, this tour will see you sitting warm, and comfortable while the snowy landscapes pass you by. The sleigh ride includes a short stop at a cosy rustic cabin to warm up by a crackling wood fire and sip on hot chocolate. Perfect for the holiday season!
Ice skating
A favourite Canadian past-time, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to ice skating in Whistler village.
Grab a pair of skates for a small fee and enjoy the Whistler Olympic Plaza ice rink during the winter months, for some outdoor ice skating (runs December-April), or enjoy the indoor facilities at the Meadow Park Sports Centre.
