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We offer a minimum 90 night stay.
Whistler is a true four-season escape, close enough to Vancouver for a long day yet rich enough for a full weekend. In winter you ski and snowboard on linked mountains with varied terrain. In summer you ride world-class bike trails, hike to viewpoints, and swim in clear alpine lakes. The Village ties it all together with cafés, patios, galleries, and spas. This guide covers how to get there, when to go, what to do, and where to eat so you can plan with confidence.
The Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) runs about 120 kilometres from Vancouver to Whistler and usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours in good conditions. It is a mountain road, so check live conditions before you leave and build in buffer time in winter or on busy weekends. If you prefer not to drive, book a shuttle from downtown Vancouver or YVR Airport and enjoy the scenery without the stress. Parking is straightforward once you arrive, with the municipal Day Lots and resort lots signed and mapped online.
Winter brings specific rules. On Highway 99, passenger vehicles are required to use winter tyres from October 1 to March 31. Elsewhere in B.C., many designated routes require winter tyres until April 30. If you are planning to travel anywhere in the province, confirm the dates and any alerts on the official winter tyre pages and road-condition maps before you set out.
Winter (December to March). This is the iconic season. Whistler Blackcomb runs with extensive lift access, varied terrain, and lively après in the Village. Non-skiers still have lots to do, from nordic trails to snowshoeing and ziplining. Book lift tickets, lessons, and popular restaurants well ahead in peak periods.
Spring (April to May). You often get late-season laps up high while the valley warms. Waterfalls are full, trails start to reopen, and shoulder-season deals appear. Pack layers and expect quick weather changes.
Summer (June to September). Long days mean time for the Bike Park, lake swims, and alpine hiking. Lost Lake, Alta, Green, and Nita Lake are popular for picnics and paddling, and the farmers market and major bike events add buzz through mid- to late summer.
Fall (October to November). Trails are quieter, colours pop, and restaurants often run specials. It is a great window for wellness days and culture, think the Audain Art Museum or the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, paired with forest walks and hot tubs.
On snow, two side-by-side mountains deliver bowls, groomers, and glades for every level. If you are new or rusty, lock in a lesson and book lift access early for better pricing. Rental shops in the Village, Upper Village, and Creekside can kit you out; reserving in advance saves time on busy mornings. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and follow on-mountain signage.
On two wheels, Whistler is a destination in itself. The Bike Park has beginner-friendly zones alongside pro-level lines, so lessons are well worth it if it is your first time. Away from the lifts, the Valley Trail links neighbourhoods and lakes with easy, car-free riding. Keep speeds in check near pedestrians, yield appropriately, and stay on marked trails to protect sensitive areas.
Water is part of the summer rhythm. Lost Lake usually warms first and has sandy entry, docks, washrooms, and a concession in season. Alta and Nita offer mellow paddling and picnic lawns, while Green Lake is colder but stunning for photos and sunrise paddles. Rentals are available at popular beaches and shops. Remember that alpine lakes are cold, even in July, so wear a PFD, watch the wind, and exit early if you start to feel chilled.
Hiking ranges from short, rewarding walks to full-day alpine missions. Train Wreck is a gentle stroll to a small suspension bridge and a cluster of art-painted boxcars. Brandywine Falls is a quick path to a 70-metre waterfall and viewpoints. For a bigger day, Cheakamus Lake and Rainbow Lake are classic valley hikes. In high summer, the High Note Trail delivers ridge-top views accessed by lifts. Always start early, bring food and water, and check trail status and advisories in advance.
Start with coffee and a hot breakfast near your lift or trailhead so you can get moving fast. At midday, you will find quick tacos, noodle bowls, sandwiches, and patios dotted through the Village and Creekside. Après can be lively in winter and relaxed in summer; if you want a seat on a sunny patio, slide in a bit early. Dinner runs from splurge tasting menus to mid-range comfort food. In holiday weeks and peak weekends, book ahead and have a backup plan in case your first choice is full. For quieter evenings, explore the Upper Village or Creekside before heading back to the Stroll.
One day in winter, from Vancouver. Leave early. Park in a Day Lot and head straight to the lifts for morning laps. Warm up with a quick lunch in the Village, then either return to the mountain or switch to a snowshoe loop at Lost Lake. Wrap with an hour of après and drive home just after the rush.
One day in summer, from Vancouver. Arrive for breakfast, then take a Bike Park intro lesson or hike Train Wreck. Picnic by Alta or Lost Lake and add a paddle if the wind is calm. Wander the Village for a gelato, sit down for an early dinner, and enjoy a golden-hour drive back.
A relaxed weekend. Roll in Friday night and keep it easy. Go big on Saturday: ski in winter or ride/hike in summer, then book a late dinner. Sunday is for lakes, spas, or a cultural visit before a scenic return down the Sea to Sky.
Lift tickets, bike park passes, and lessons are dynamic, so booking online in advance typically secures better rates, especially in peak periods. Rentals can be reserved ahead to avoid morning queues. Day Lot parking is paid during busy seasons, with details posted by the municipality and the resort. Dining spends vary by week; holidays and festival windows run higher, so plan early if your dates overlap with major events.
Whistler is easy with kids thanks to the pedestrian Village Stroll, playgrounds, and lake parks with gentle entries and washrooms. Lost Lake is particularly handy for families in summer. Many venues and paths are accessible, and you will find adaptive programs across winter and summer activities. If you need a slower day, book a thermal circuit or massage and make an afternoon of it.
Mountain weather changes quickly, even in July. Pack layers and a light rain shell, drink water, and respect closures. Never feed wildlife, store food properly at beaches and trailheads, and give bears space when you see them. On shared trails, cyclists yield to pedestrians and riders should expect walkers near lakes and the Village. Alpine lakes are fragile environments, so keep music low, use reef-safe sunscreen, and pack out everything you bring in.
In winter, bring insulating layers, a waterproof shell, warm accessories, and sturdy footwear for the Village. In summer, add swimwear, a quick-dry towel, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray. Year-round, a reusable bottle, snacks, a small first-aid kit, and a portable charger make the day smoother.
Whistler works in every season, and it pairs perfectly with a Vancouver trip. In winter you chase fresh snow and warm up with lively après in the Village. In summer you ride world-class trails, hike to big views, and swim in clear lakes. Spring and fall slow the pace, bring colour to the forests, and make dining and spa days easier to book. Choose one main activity, plan your meals, and leave time for a relaxed stroll through the Village. If you are based in Vancouver, start early, check Sea to Sky road and weather conditions, and book lift or bike park access when needed. Pack layers, add buffer time, and enjoy the drive. Whether you head up for a single perfect day from Vancouver or stay the weekend, Whistler rewards simple plans and early starts with good coffee, friendly faces, and mountain views.
Staying in Vancouver and planning Whistler days? The Bradford Furnished Rentals places you minutes from the Sea to Sky Highway and steps from cafés for early starts. Our fully furnished West End suites are an ideal base for ski season, Bike Park laps, and summer lake days, with a walkable neighbourhood for dinner when you return. Enjoy comfort, convenience, and easy access to Whistler year round. Contact us today to book your furnished accommodation in Downtown Vancouver.
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