Planning a Trip from Vancouver to Whistler

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Written by Alejandra Mendoza - Posted on March 28, 2025 - Ale Around the World

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Whistler is a stunning village located north of Vancouver, British Columbia. If you don't have a car, no worries! You can still easily travel to Whistler by choosing from several companies like YVR Skylynx, Epic Rides, and Whistler Shuttle. They offer daily shuttle services with prices ranging from around $32 one-way to $44 round-trip. The journey takes about 2 hours, but the views along the way are absolutely breathtaking.

 

The best time to visit Whistler really depends on what you're into. If you're all about winter sports, then the snowy season from December to March is the way to go. That's when the ski resorts and mountains are covered in snow. But if you're more into warmer weather and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or zip-lining, then the summer months from June to August are perfect for you. Whichever season you choose, Whistler has something amazing to offer.

 

Looking for things to do in Whistler? Well, let me give you some recommendations!

 

First , make sure to explore the entire village. There are so many cool shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants to check out. Don't forget to check out the Olympic Plaza, too. It's a great outdoor performance space with a park and playground.

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You absolutely have to take a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. It's the most famous attraction in Whistler for a reason. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but trust me, it's worth every penny. You'll take three different gondolas, with the second one being the most exciting asn it connects one mountain to another. It's a 4.4-kilometre (11 minutes) journey that you will enjoy it as much as I did, and the views are absolutely stunning. You'll see mountains, lakes, and the city of Whistler like never before. It's an experience you won't forget.

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Another must-visit spot is Lost Lake. This park is just a short walk from Whistler Village and offers a beautiful lake, a beach area, and trails for hiking and biking.

 

There are plenty of other attractions in Whistler that I haven't had the chance to check out yet, but I've heard great things about them. Give them a try and let me know how it goes:

 

Extreme Activities:

 

• Riding bikes on mountains: The Whistler Mountain Bike Park has trails for all levels, from easy to super hard.

 

• Flying on ziplines: Glide through the trees on a zipline tour and see awesome views.

 

• Riding snowmobiles: Go on a snowmobile tour through the snowy land.

 

• Flying in helicopters: See amazing views of the mountains from a helicopter.

 

• Jumping with bungee cords: Get a big adventure by jumping off a bridge with a bungee cord.

 

Cultural Actvities:

 

• Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre: Check out the cool history and culture of the Squamish and Lilwat First Nations.

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• Audain Art Museum: See awesome Indigenous art and cool regional masterpieces.

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• Whistler Museum: Learn all about how Whistler Valley became a super cool alpine resort.

 

• Whistler Train Wreck Trail: Take a hike on a trail with super colorful graffiti-covered train cars.

 

 

For more information on these activities, visit the official Whistler website where you can reserve and purchase tickets for your activities.

 

Another great place to check out is the Soo River, a Green River in the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains just an hour away from Whistler. The Soo River is right alongside Highway 99, halfway between Whistler and Pemberton. The takeout spot is at a dirt pullout right before the highway 99 bridge over the river. I suggest using a 4x4 vehicle because the roads are very rocky and not paved at all.

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Come to Whistler and enjoy the beauty of both winter and summer!