Whistler Blackcomb is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. It sits in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, about two hours north of Vancouver. In winter, skiers come for its huge terrain and deep snow. In summer, on the other hand, the slopes turn into a playground for hikers and mountain bikers.
The resort also hosted alpine events of the 2010 Winter Olympics. As a result, it combines world-class facilities with a friendly, car-free village. This guide covers the best things to do at Whistler Blackcomb, when to go, and how to get there.
Why Visit Whistler Blackcomb?
Two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, form a single resort. Together, they offer more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and over 200 marked runs. There are gentle green runs for beginners and steep bowls for experts. Moreover, the views over glaciers and alpine lakes are simply stunning.
Whistler Village sits at the base of both mountains. It is pedestrian-only, so you can walk from your hotel to the lifts. In addition, the village is full of shops, restaurants and lively après-ski bars.
Top Things to Do at Whistler Blackcomb
Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing is the main reason most people come. The season usually runs from late November to April, and sometimes into May. Beginners can take lessons at the ski school. Meanwhile, advanced riders can explore alpine bowls, glades and terrain parks. Thanks to the size of the resort, you can ski for a week without repeating a run.
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola links the two mountains in about 11 minutes. It stretches 4.4 km and hangs up to 436 metres above the valley. Some cabins even have glass floors. For this reason, it is a highlight for skiers and sightseers alike.
Summer Hiking
When the snow melts, alpine trails open on both mountains. The High Note Trail on Whistler Mountain offers great views of the turquoise Cheakamus Lake. Nearby, Garibaldi Provincial Park is home to the famous Garibaldi Lake hike. Also, wildflowers cover the meadows in July and August.
Mountain Biking
The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is one of the best in the world. Lifts carry riders and bikes up the mountain. Then, trails lead down through forests, jumps and berms. There are easy flow trails as well as extreme downhill lines.
More Activities
- Ziplining: Fly between the two mountains on long, fast ziplines with forest and valley views.
- Whistler Village: Stroll the pedestrian streets, then enjoy dinner and live music.
- Golf: Play a scenic round at Whistler Golf Club or Nicklaus North in summer.
- Spas: Relax in outdoor hot and cold pools after a long day on the slopes.
- Dog sledding: Ride through snowy forests behind a team of huskies.
- Indigenous culture: Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about the First Nations of the area.
Best Time to Visit Whistler Blackcomb
For skiing, January to March usually brings the best snow. However, December holidays are busy and expensive. Spring skiing in April is sunnier and more relaxed. In contrast, July to September is ideal for hiking, biking and lake swimming. Finally, October and November are quiet, so prices drop.
Tips for Visiting Whistler Blackcomb
- Book early: Hotels fill up fast in winter and summer. So, reserve several months ahead.
- Buy lift tickets online: Prices are lower in advance. Also, check if a season pass suits your trip.
- Use the free shuttle: A free village shuttle links hotels and lifts. Therefore, you rarely need a car.
- Dress in layers: Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring waterproof outerwear in every season.
- Stay safe: Wear a helmet for skiing and biking. In addition, never ski off-piste without avalanche training.
- Reserve restaurants: Popular places are full in peak season. As a result, booking ahead is wise.
How to Get to Whistler Blackcomb
Most visitors fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). From there, you have several options.
- By car from Vancouver: The drive takes about two hours on Highway 99, the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The coastal and mountain views are spectacular. However, winter tyres are required in the cold season.
- By bus or shuttle: Several companies run daily coaches from Vancouver and the airport to Whistler Village.
- From Seattle: The drive takes about five hours, including the border crossing. Alternatively, shuttle services connect the two cities.
Combine Whistler with More of Canada
Whistler fits perfectly into a western Canada road trip. For example, spend a few days in Vancouver before heading to the mountains. Then, continue east to the lakes of Banff National Park and the wildlife of Jasper National Park. In winter, you could even fly north to see the Northern Lights. For official lift and trail information, visit the Whistler Blackcomb website.
Whistler Blackcomb FAQ
Is Whistler good for beginners?
Yes. In fact, both mountains have dedicated learning zones and easy green runs. Lessons are available for all ages.
How many days should I stay?
Three to five days is ideal for skiing. In summer, however, two or three days are enough for the main activities.
Final Thoughts
Whistler Blackcomb is a true four-season destination. Whether you ski, hike or simply enjoy the village, it delivers big mountain adventure. Ready to plan more? Discover all our Canada travel guides.
