It’s true that Whistler’s popularity has a lot to do with its world-class ski hill, Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America. Hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and being home to one of the longest and highest gondolas in the world add to this mountain town’s winter allure.
However, you don’t need skis and snow to make the most of the Coast Mountains, as Whistler offers visitors year-round, seasonal attractions.
Why Visit Whistler?
Located on the shared, traditional territories of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, Whistler is all about wilderness and adventure. That said, it’s also a place for peaceful contemplation, award-winning dining and cultural encounters. When snow covers the mountains, British Columbia’s iconic ski hill is just one of many attractions. Jaw-dropping helicopter flights, Olympic experiences and an après-ski where you can wear your ski boots to round out the winter offerings.
In the warmer months, Whistler lures visitors with freshwater lakes, culinary events and the occasional black bear sighting. Looking for extreme sports? This valley offers plenty of reasons to defy gravity. Luckily, there are just as many reasons to keep your feet on the ground.
So, whether it’s a winter cabin serving fondue at 6,000 feet or a spa hidden in the forest, a concert under the stars or a chance to see a black bear in its natural habitat, Whistler shines year-round. And it’s only a scenic, two-hour drive from Vancouver.
Summer in Whistler: Alpine Experiences, Wildlife Viewing and Paddling
Long before Whistler had a ski hill and before it was even called Whistler, the area was already famous for its summer scenery. Surrounded by lakes, waterfalls and mountains, this valley has always captivated visitors with National Geographic-worthy views. Whistler’s nature is an attraction in itself; add mountain bikes, floatplanes, whitewater rafts, Canada’s longest zipline, and the potential for adventure and adrenaline multiplies.
Connecting Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is one of the highest lifts of its kind in the world with 360-degree views of mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests. There’s also the Cloudraker Skybridge, a 130-metre-long suspension bridge with incredible panoramic views of the Coast Mountains. Get your hiking boots on for more than 50 kilometres of trails taking you to glittering, alpine lakes amongst the wildflowers.
With so many things to do in Whistler during summer, it’s actually the most popular season to visit the resort. Days with over 16 hours of sunlight are perfect to spend time outside and enjoy nature. A kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board in one of Whistler’s lakes is ideal for paddling alongside mountain reflections.
While you might spot Canadian geese, beavers and river otters close to the lakes, a guided tour is your best bet to spot black bears safely. Seeking adrenaline? Options include downhill mountain biking and Via Ferrata. Also seasonal, but less challenging, are the Sunday Farmers’ Markets and free Summer Concerts in the heart of the Village.
Fall in Whistler: Culture, Dining and Enchanted Forests
Fall in Whistler is the perfect season to relax, indulge in simple pleasures, and take advantage of great discounts on lodging, dining and activities. While Whistler’s gastronomic scene always delivers, Cornucopia, Whistler’s festival of food and drink, happens in November and is packed with seminars, tastings and parties – who doesn’t love a feast?
Whistler’s cultural venues boast world-class art, First Nations connections and lively theatre experiences. At the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, you can learn about the Indigenous inhabitants of the land through guided tours which include stunning carved canoes, posts and traditional drum songs. Nearby, the Audain Art Museum hosts one of the most impressive collections of British Columbian artworks. In addition to the largest permanent display of paintings by Emily Carr, the museum features one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations masks.
With the nights starting to come quicker, the fall is the perfect time to go on a night walk in an enchanted forest. Vallea Lumina is an immersive, multimedia experience where you walk along a 1.5-kilometre marked trail surrounded by guardian trees, iridescent salmon and bear-shaped spirits.
Winter in Whistler: Skiing, Biathlon and Hot Chocolate
Leave hibernation to bears! As the largest ski resort in Canada, Whistler Blackcomb draws in both novice skiers and snowboarders as well as professional athletes. This isn’t just talk—Olympic skiers and snowboarders live and train in Whistler. Want to learn from them? The Ski or Ride With an Olympian program offers the chance to spend a day on the mountain with an Olympic athlete.
With over 200 runs and a well-balanced combination of terrain, Whistler Blackcomb has something for every skill level. Looking for more? Cat-skiing and heli-skiing tours promise fresh powder and backcountry experiences. Beyond the slopes, winter also offers outdoor activities like snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobile tours and scenic flights. Weather permitting, some helicopter tours can even land on glaciers and take you to ice caves.
As the host of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Whistler has some fun Olympic legacies open to the public. At Whistler Olympic Park, in the Callaghan Valley, you can test your aim at the Biathlon Experience, or slide on the same track as the Olympians with Passenger Bobsleigh and Skeleton at the Whistler Sliding Centre.
Follow a day of adventure with après at one of Whistler’s bars. Listen to live music and enjoy a locally-crafted beer, hot chocolate by the fire or an award-winning cocktail – you earned it.
Spring in Whistler: Wellness, Wildflowers and Multi-sport Days
There’s a reason why spring skiing is said to be the best. This season provides lots of daylight hours to enjoy the mountain, warmer temperatures and sometimes, more snow in early spring. In addition to great deals on lodging and activities, in the late spring, you can find yourself skiing groomers in the morning and swinging a golf club or paddling a river by the afternoon. Tag on a dining deal at one of Whistler’s award-winning restaurants and you’ve got a day well worth celebrating.
If you don’t mind the mud, this is a fun time to jump on an off-road vehicle and explore the backcountry by ATV or RZR. Since spring is an active time for wildlife, you might even spot a bear, deer or marmot while you’re out there! There’s also the Nourish Whistler Wellness Series happening in June, and a trip to the Scandinave Spa should also be on your relaxation list.
So, What is the Best Season to Visit Whistler?
The only one who can answer that is you. Whistler has many sides to it, and so do you. I hope this seasonal rundown has given you some food for thought. Follow @GoWhistler on Instagram to get an idea of what the resort looks like at different times of the year and take a look at the monthly Local’s Lists on the blog for an idea of what’s happening.
When it’s not trails bordered by wildflowers, it’s slopes with fresh snow. If it’s not lakeside beaches, it’s lush golfing greens. Here, any day is perfect to enjoy the alpine scenery, take a moment to relax or sabre a bottle of champagne.
Spring savings are calling! There’s so much to see and do in spring, you’ll want plenty of time for fun in the sun. Extend your stay and book midweek for increased savings, with 3 nights starting from $135 CAD per night.
For summer, book ahead and save up to 25% on lodging. Plus, you'll receive a free $100 CAD Activity Voucher on stays of 3 or more nights ($200 for 5 nights).
Insider Tip: BC or Washington resident? Sign up for Whistler Rewards to access additional savings and exclusive perks.
