Editor’s Note: I originally wrote this post in 2018, my daughter is now eight, but I checked in with some parents of younger kiddos to make sure this was still on point and added in some new suggestions.
Whistler is great for little kids and big kids alike, with the obvious winter activities being ski school, skating and sledding at Whistler Olympic Plaza, and grabbing a hot chocolate to warm up afterwards. However, if your little one can’t walk yet, roll a snowball, or drink anything above room temperature, then the winter weather can be a little daunting.
My daughter, Ella, is now 14 months old and we’ve had some great mini-adventures as she’s grown up in Whistler. If you’re looking for how to have fun with babies in winter, here’s what we’ve been up to from 0-14 months….
Getting Active
If you’ve got an adventurous spirit then consider rugging up your little one and strapping on some snowshoes or XC skis and taking them with you on the trails in a backpack or chariot. My friend and I went snowshoeing with Ella to Alexander Falls in the Callaghan Valley last winter and it was stunning.
Whistler has three places to cross-country ski and snowshoe: Lost Lake Park (close to Whistler Village), Whistler Olympic Park and The Callaghan. All three locations offer rentals, with Whistler Olympic Park offering free use of their ski chariots during the week (for users with a season pass).
Marmot Meadows at the Library
The children’s section of the Whistler Public Library is big, bright, and friendly. There might be an event like Singing with Babies, but we’ve also just tucked ourselves in the corner for a little reading session of our own. They also have a large washroom with a change table – always handy.
Cultural Little Critter
When Ella was between 0-8 months old my husband and I would take her with us to the Audain Art Museum. The quiet atmosphere of the galleries was a nice break for us all, and it was certainly a unique experience for me to breastfeed surrounded by the work of Emily Carr. Another art-filled sanctuary is The Gallery at Arts Whistler.
Another stimulating, indoor place for little ones is the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Their friendly Cultural Ambassadors do tours on the hour which start with a welcome drumming song, which always holds Ella’s attention. The exhibits are filled with artwork, carvings, weaving and regalia, which your little one can enjoy while you develop a greater understanding of the peoples who have inhabited Whistler and the surrounding lands for time immemorial.
Up the Mountain
What’s great about the early stages is that your babe isn’t too mobile and likes to sleep a lot so heading up the gondola to tag team some ski laps is one of the best ways to have fun with babies in winter (check out Mike Atkinsons’ first ski holiday with a newborn here). You can put a stroller in the Whistler, Blackcomb and PEAK 2 PEAK gondolas or use a carrier – my suggestion is to bring both.
We typically set up at The Roundhouse, get settled in with coffee and muffins and then take turns getting some skiing in. As they get older this isn’t as easy so take advantage while they’re not trying to climb stairs and play chicken with people wearing ski boots. (Editor’s note: Kids can start Whistler Blackcomb ski school programs from the age of three with a range of camps and programs to turn them into skiing superstars as they grow).
Cosy Eats
One of my favourite places to take Ella for lunch is Forecast, located in the centre of the village by Armchair Bookstore. We stake a claim on a comfy corner booth and chow down on a sandwich, always followed by one of their incredible cookies.
If you’re in the Upper Village, Portobello is another place we like to go as there’s usually a little nook we can set ourselves up in and the varied menu means everyone’s happy.
Taking a Dip
Ella is a little water baby so we can often be found at Meadow Park Sports Centre. The lifeguards are very friendly and can lend a hand if you’re not super confident with your own water baby just yet. Meadow Park is located about a five-minute drive north of Whistler Village, and to add to the experience we often catch the bus.
They allow strollers with brakes and the drivers will lower the front part of the bus so you can wheel your little one on and pop up the chairs in the front wheelchair section to squeeze in. The Family Travel program means your little one will travel for free!
Taking a Stroll
If you’re looking for some fresh air, or your little one enjoys a nap on the go, the Valley Trail around Whistler Golf Course is a good place to go. It’s a five-kilometre round-trip and is cleared daily (check the Winter Trail Map for information on which parts of the Whistler Valley Trail are cleared in the winter). I’d still recommend traction devices (like Yaktrax) for your boots when it’s slippy out.
Look out for some of the story boards along the trail which tell you fun facts about some of Whistler’s fauna and fauna, and settler history. For a shorter stroll, download the free, Go Whistler Tours app and take a look at the self-guided tours which take you around parts of Whistler Village and Creekside.
Watching the Big Kids
There’s nothing more fascinating than watching the bigger kids have fun so we take a stroll to Whistler Olympic Plaza so that Ella can see them sledding and ice skating. There are bonfires to sit next to keep us toasty warm, the lights in the trees are dazzling, and the whoops and hollers of the kids make her giggle. Next year it will be Ella whizzing down the mini hill, but until then we’re happy together taking it all in.
Still looking for how to have fun with babies in winter? Head over to Whistler.com for more information on family-friendly activities, events, childcare and camps.
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