Whistler, about two hours north of Vancouver, is one of the world's great mountain resorts — host of 2010 Winter Olympic events and a spectacular year-round playground. Whether you go for the day or stay over, here's how to experience it.
The Sea-to-Sky Highway. Getting there is part of the experience. The Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler is one of the most scenic drives in Canada, hugging the coast of Howe Sound before climbing into the Coast Mountains. Worthwhile stops along the way include Shannon Falls, the Sea-to-Sky Gondola near Squamish (spectacular fjord-and-mountain views), and the views over the sound. You can drive it yourself, or take a guided tour or shuttle that handles the driving and includes photo stops.
Whistler Village. At the base of the mountains sits Whistler Village, a lively, car-free alpine village of lodges, restaurants, patios, shops, and galleries — a pleasant place to stroll, eat, and people-watch, framed by the peaks. It's the social heart of the resort and a destination in itself even without hitting the slopes.
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The must-do at Whistler is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, a record-setting cable car that spans the deep valley between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, with astonishing views and (in some cabins) glass floors. It runs in both summer and winter and is an unmissable ride for sightseers as well as skiers — accessed via the mountain gondolas from the village.
Winter vs. summer. In winter (roughly late November through spring), Whistler Blackcomb offers some of the best and most extensive skiing and snowboarding in North America, plus snowshoeing, tubing, sleigh rides, and a festive village. In summer, the mountains open for hiking amid alpine meadows and lakes, world-class downhill mountain biking at the Whistler Bike Park, sightseeing gondola rides, and warm-weather village life. There's also a zipline, a via ferrata, and more for the adventurous year-round.
Day trip or overnight? A day trip works well for the scenic drive, the village, and a Peak 2 Peak ride — but it's a long day with about four hours of round-trip driving. To ski or ride seriously, or to explore the mountains fully, an overnight (or longer) is well worth it. Whatever you choose, check the season's conditions and which activities are running, dress in layers, and don't underestimate the drive time.
