Curator’s statement
Whistler is the ultimate winter playground - think Disneyland for Adults (and kids too!). It was voted the #1 ski resort in North America for 2022 by Conde Nast Traveler, I couldn't agree more. I moved there with my family in January of 2016 and was lucky enough to call myself a local for the following 6 years! The rugged beauty of the mountains and the picturesque village at the base make Whistler stand out. While visiting you can enjoy some of the best ski/snowboard terrain, snowshoeing (and many other winter sports), wellness spas, fine dining, live music and plenty of après! This small town has something for everyone and every age.
The Fora Difference
Book with Dahlia to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Dahlia to book your trip.
Things to do in Whistler
Winter Whistler Activities for the Active, Adventurous Traveler
Snowshoe or XC ski through the trails at Lost Lake.
Bungee jumping over the breathtaking Cheakamus river with Whistler Bungee.
Book a heliskiing /snowboard day with Powder Mountain.
Go snowmobiling through the backcountry or Zip lining through Cougar mountain with The Adventure Group.
Whistler Activities for the Family
Take the kids tubing at the Bubly Tube Park on Blackcomb.
Go ice skating by the Olympic rings in Whistler Village.
Spend at evening at Vallea Lumina walking through forest with a multimedia night walk, a guided tour.
Take the Peak to Peak gondola that goes from the top of Whistler to the top of Blackcomb. The views are not to be missed and it is available with a sightseeing pass, even if you are not skiing or riding the mountains.
Après Ski in Whistler
For a more refined Apres, you can listen to Greg Neufeld sing and play guitar at the Mallard lounge in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
The rowdy crowd will be singing and dancing to The Hairfarmers at Merlins in the upper village, or at Dusty's in Creekside.
Ruckus Delux plays at Dublhin Gate Pub in Whistler Village usually around 9pm, and will be sure to get you dancing if you are up for after Apres.
Be sure not miss spending a day at the Scandinave Spa! If you book a massage, you will have access to all the baths/steam and sauna rooms.
Day Trip from Whistler: Brandywine Falls
You will need microspikes to wear over your boots, but they are available to rent or buy at EVO or most backcountry stores in Whistler. Brandywine Falls is a 20 min drive south of Whistler. There are trails and amazing views of the falls. If you want to head off the main trail towards the falls, I would highly recommend hiring a guide.
Day Trip from Whistler: Kees and Claire Hut
For an additional day trip from Whistler, consider a 1-3 night stay at Kees and Claire Hut: If you are interested in a backcountry overnight, I would be happy to curate that as part of your Whistler vacation! This is a magical hut accessible only by foot (skis or boards) in winter or hike out in summer. Reservations are needed at the hut, and appropriate planning and gear is a must!! I can help you with it all. A truly incredible experience that will be unforgettable.
Places to eat & drink in Whistler
Purebread: Do not pass it up! The best pastries and coffee available outside of Europe :) The Buckwheat Cherry scone is maybe my favorite indulgence ever!
Elements Whistler: Be sure to get there early (or be prepared to wait a bit), but brunch at Elements is worth it!
For a special lunch with an amazing view, either take the Blackcomb gondola up to the Rendevous Lodge located at the top of Blackcomb, or ski/snowboard right to Christine's. The food is top notch and the views can not be beat.
While at the top of Whistler mountain, make sure to stop by the Umbrella Bar before you head down for your last run. Have one of their famous Ceasars (the great Canadian cocktail!) They do last call before the last gondola goes down, so plan to get there in time!
For those who want to keep the adventure going, you can snowmobile or cat ski up Blackcomb for a fondue dinner at Crystal Hut.
And for those looking for a traditional fondue dinner in a beautiful setting in the upper village, I highly recommend The Chalet, part of the Fairmont-Chateau.
Rimrock Cafe is a must for fresh fish and traditional Canadian game meat. Reservations are highly recommended.
Araxi and Il Caminetto, both located in the center of Whistler Village, are great for a fine dining experience, and elegant but fun atmosphere - you can't go wrong with either.
A fun Whistler experience, not for everyone, but if it is your thing, check out the Vodka Ice Room inside the Bearfoot Bistro. You will be given the warmest coats to put on and spend about 45 minutes sipping ice cold vodka from around the word in the ice room.
For some more casual but seriously delicious eats, these spots are not to be missed:
Sachi Sushi, Barn Nork and The Mexican Corner.
A note from Dahlia
The list of activities and dining options goes on and on! Contact me to customize a guide or itinerary that is best suited for you!
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Dahlia Swerdloff
Get in touch with Dahlia
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Dahlia within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more Canada travel tips, check out this guide to Banff by Fora Advisor Caitlyn Johnston: Exploring the Mountains of Banff in Canada.