If you’re a serious skier or snowboarder, it’s only a matter of time before you find yourself at Whistler-Blackcomb in British Columbia. It’s the biggest and the best, snagging Ski Magazine’s Best Overall Resort in North America three years running. The two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, offer over 3,300 hectares of wintery goodness with everything from smooth wide groomers for family fun to the gnarliest of big mountain terrain for thrill seekers. All this is connected by the Guinness World Record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola with its beautiful mountain landscape views.
The incredible ski conditions shouldn’t be a surprise to many, yet it’s the fantastic après ski and top-class accommodation that really completes the package. Whistler can be luxuriously laid-back, young and wild or outdoorsy and adventurous. Looking for a romantic getaway? Hit the spas. Travelling with family? Try the Whistler Kids Snow School with dedicated family zones. Craving farm-to-table Pacific Northwest fare? Visit one of the renowned restaurants throughout the town.
Whistler Village
Whistler Village is the main hub, bustling with skiers exploring boutique shops and fantastic restaurants. It’s home to a buzzing nightlife that rivals any après ski scene and is divided into three different areas, each with its own unique style. You’ve got the Village, Village North and Upper Village, all of which are connected by pedestrian-only roads, perfect for letting the little ones run and play in the snow. Most of the areas are within walking distance of each other, though some properties in the Upper Village are just over a kilometre away, which is a bit of a trek after a day on the slopes.
Its prime location in the valley provides easy access to both mountains. The Excalibur Gondola, Magic Chair and Wizard Express get you onto Blackcomb, while the Whistler Village Gondola and Fitzsimmons Express take you up Whistler.
Creekside
The original base for Whistler Mountain, Creekside has retained a lot of its traditional charm. Less than a 10-minute drive down the road from Whistler Village, this small community is laid back without many bars and shops. If you’re looking for a quiet atmosphere for a weekend of romance, Creekside could be the perfect setting.
Creekside Gondola is your only access to the slopes in Creekside, taking you to mid-mountain in Whistler.
Things to do
Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola
No trip to Whistler Blackcomb is complete without a ride on the world record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Stretching over three kilometres between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is not only the longest in the world, but at 435 metres, it’s also the highest lift of its kind. Many people choose to experience Peak 2 Peak just for the sweeping views of Fitzsimmons Creek as it winds through the mountain valleys and forests below.
Indulge at a Spa
After a hard day of skiing, you can hire a door-to-door nanny service while you let your hair down at Scandinave Spa Whistler. It’s situated just outside the village on one hectare of beautiful countryside, where you can spend hours indulging in massages, facials and sauna sessions that will rejuvenate your muscles and get you ready to hit the slopes again.
Grab a Bite
You’ll find an array of dining options in Whistler Village. Expect fresh, local meats and seafood from environmentally sustainable farms, as well as delectable desserts from award-winning pastry chefs.
Enjoy specialties like elk tartare, freshly shucked oysters, and foie gras parfait at local favourite Alta Bistro, also known for its creative cocktails and extensive wine list. The spacious dining room is hip and lively with plenty of space for large groups.
Book a table at Araxi for an upscale dining experience and Whistler’s best raw oyster bar. Executive chef James Walt was at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement in Whistler and he sources his ingredients from local and regional farms.
Serving fresh seafood and local wild game, the chefs at Bearfoot Bistro spare no expense when it comes to serving up the freshest cuisine crafted completely from scratch. A bustling bistro atmosphere is complemented by an in-house sommelier, theatrical tableside presentations and the coldest vodka tasting room in the world.
Hit the Clubs
Whistler is known for its clubs, popular with late-night revellers who are looking to let loose after a day on the slopes. For a Euro-style night out, put on your dancing shoes and get groovy at one of Whistler’s top spots.
Garfinkel’s is hip with college crowds, but is also a great place for the young-at-heart. The dance floor is huge, so if you’re serious about cutting some rug, this is the place to do it.
Moe Joe’s gets packed on weekends and features themed parties most nights, where you can expect live music acts and DJs that spin deep house into the wee hours. If you’re with a large group, get on the guest list to avoid waiting in line.
Ski and Board
You’ve made it to the base of the mountains and you’re overwhelmed by its size. That’s not surprising given the 37 chairlifts that service the ski area. If you’re a beginner or with first-timers, start at Whistler Mountain. Skiers and snowboarders with intermediate and advanced skills can have their pick of where they want to ride down. Those travelling with kids can head to the family zone just off the Whistler Village Gondola, where you can hop on the Peak 2 Peak for expansive vistas. If you want to research the area before you go, read an in-depth ski and terrain guide for Whistler Blackcomb.
Whistler Village Hotels
Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre
Location wise, you can’t get much better than the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre. Situated in the centre of Whistler Village just a five-minute walk from the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola, you’ve got the best of both worlds right on your doorstep.
Popular with families, couples and solo travellers, the Pan Pacific has a little something for everyone, from its heated indoor and outdoor pools with Jacuzzi to the gym and spa and wellness centre. There’s even a babysitting service, so you can spend an afternoon skiing while the kids are kept entertained.
The rooms at Pan Pacific are classic and cosy, ranging from standard doubles to self-contained apartments complete with kitchenettes. The hotel is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the wintry fun.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: C$126 – C$391
Guest Rating: 9.3
Address: 4299 Blackcomb Way, Whistler Village, Canada
Sundial Boutique Hotel
A popular choice for families and business travellers, Sundial Boutique Hotel sits less than five minutes’ walk from the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola, perfect for when you want to roll out of bed and onto the slopes. Surrounded by all the shops, bars and restaurants of Whistler Village, Sundial Boutique Hotel boasts a prime location and impressive amenities.
In the rooms you’ll find big comfy beds and inviting tones, complete with a touch of ski lodge chic decor. Double rooms are available for couples and solo travellers and there are fully-equipped apartments for families. In true boutique style, the hotel offers limousine and concierge services, so you can experience the wonders of Whistler Village in style.
After a jam-packed day on the slopes, return to Sundial Boutique Hotel for a much-deserved pampering session in the on-site spa and wellness centre or grab a big plate of spicy food at The Mexican Corner restaurant.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: C$101 – C$128
Guest Rating: 9.3
Address: 4340 Sundial Crescent, Whistler Village, Canada
The Crystal Lodge and Suites
The Crystal Lodge and Suites takes all the class and style of an upmarket urban hotel and mixes it with the charm of a traditional ski lodge. The outdoor heated swimming pool, wellness centre and sauna make The Crystal Lodge and Suites the perfect place to unwind after a day on the trails. Meanwhile, the popular Basalt Wine + Salumeria restaurant offers fine-dining without stepping a foot outside.
Back in your room, you’ll find air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee facilities for when you fancy a cosy night in. There’s also a business and meeting centre, free Wi-Fi and dry-cleaning service for those who like to combine ski with work.
Just a few minutes’ walk away is the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola, which will carry you to the peak of Blackcomb Mountain. A few minutes in the opposite direction takes you to the bustling shops, restaurants and bars of Whistler Village.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: C$83 – C$440
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: 4154 Village Green, Whistler Village, Canada
Hotel Location
Creekside Village Hotels
Nita Lake Lodge
If you’re the kind of skier who likes to end their day sitting by a roaring fire with a glass of single malt, surrounded by sumptuous furnishings in caramel and dark wood, Nita Lake Lodge is the hotel for you.
Nestled just a stone’s throw from the calming waters of Lake Nita, and with views that will rival the nearby peak of Old Blackcomb, Nita Lake Lodge is everything a ski lodge should be. The rooms are spacious and luxuriously designed, with each one boasting air conditioning, movies-on-demand, a kitchenette and a spa bath to soothe those aching quads.
Take a dip in the hotel pool or relax in the lake-front restaurant or lounge bar. When you’re feeling fully recuperated, catch the free shuttle service or walk less than 10 minutes to the Creekside Gondola and get back up to the slopes.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: C$153 – C$294
Guest Rating: 9.4
Address: 2131 Lake Placid Road, Whistler Creekside, Canada
Legends Hotel Whistler
One of the most popular accommodation choices on HotelsCombined in Whistler, Legends Hotel Whistler lives up to its name. Featuring classy decor in rich plum and turquoise, the apartments are both stylish and functional, boasting spacious living and dining areas.
A big hit with families, Legends Hotel Whistler offers an impressive outdoor pool complete with water activities for the little ones, a playground, fitness area and even the option to try horse riding around the beautiful Creekside countryside.
Skiers can jump on the nearby Creekside Gondola, less than a five-minute walk from the hotel, and be up on the slopes before the morning rush.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: C$130 – C$283
Guest Rating: 9
Address: 2036 London Lane, Whistler Creekside, Canada
