48 Hours in Whistler
You want to get the best out of your trip, but you only have 48 hours. You are facing a conundrum —what to do in Whistler, Canada?
With so many things to do in our little city, it may seem overwhelming to try to pack it all into a weekend.
Lucky for you, we’ve planned the perfect itinerary for you, including how to get here, where to stay, what to eat, and how to fit it all into a single 48 hours.
What to Do in Whistler, Canada — Day One
You just got to Whistler, and you’re probably hungry. After checking in to your hotel, you’ll probably want to eat.
If you’re looking for something quick, we highly recommend La Cantina in Olympic Village. On the other hand, suppose you’d rather sit down and eat. In that case, we have several fantastic options for you: El Furniture Warehouse has cheap eats and great drinks, Brewhouse has a beautiful patio and atmosphere, Caramba serves up delicious pizza, and The Longhorn Saloon is simply a Whistler aprés classic.
If you’re not stuck in a food coma after fuelling up your bellies, you should spend the afternoon shopping in the village. From family-owned jewelry stores to big chains and ski shops, the village has it all. Be sure to journey through Whistler Village, Olympic Plaza, and the often forgotten about Upper Village.
If you’re not here for shopping, go on an adrenaline-filled journey instead. Whistler has so many action-packed adventures, including skiing, bungee jumping, snowmobile rides, and helicopter sightseeing tours.
When you’re finally ready for dinner, decide whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience, a locals experience, or a chain experience. We recommend Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar for fine dining, Sushi Village or Pasta Lupino for a locals experience, The Keg for a great steak, and Joe Fortes for tasty and fresh seafood.
Next, decide whether you’d like to embark on a nighttime adventure at the Valle Illumina night walk, party it up at Buffalo Bills, or end your night at the hot tubs in your hotel and get ready for your next action-packed day.
What to Do in Whistler, Canada — Day Two
Spend your second day like a local.
A competitive, but friendly vibe, is part of the axe-throwing allure.
Start out by driving to Function Junction, which is located just ten minutes south of Whistler Village. There, you can grab a sit-down breakfast at Wild Wood Cafe or grab a coffee to go from Camp Lifestyle and Coffee Co and a freshly baked pastry from PureBread a few doors down.
Then, enjoy an hour of Forged Axe Throwing which will have you feeling like a true Canadian. Of course, lumberjacks need their beer, and lucky for you, there are several breweries in Function Junction. We suggest visiting Coast Mountain Brewing, Whistler Brewing Company, or both. Both breweries serve up tasting flights of their beers, all of which are brewed in-house.
Then, either check out The Velvet Underground for cool, vintage clothing or head back to the village for lunch. We recommend having lunch at Pizzeria Antico, The Beacon Pub and Eatery, or Splitz Grill.
At the end of the weekend, you’ll probably be feeling exhausted. Wind down at the Scandinave Spa with a massage and visit to the baths. Your body will truly thank you for giving it some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
After the spa, head back to your hotel and get ready to head on to your next adventure.
Where to Stay in Whistler
Whistler has the accommodation to fit your needs, whether you’d like an Air Bnb, hotel, or hostel experience.
Higher-end hotels include the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Four Seasons Resort Whistler, and Nita Lake Lodge. The Fairmont and Four Seasons are great if you want to stay in the village, while Nita Lake Lodge offers a more private, lakeside experience nearby Creekside.
Other hotels in or close to the village include the Pinnacle Hotel, Aava Whistler Hotel, Crystal Lodge, Tantalus Resort Lodge, or the Whistler Peak Lodge.
The Pangea Pod Hotel offers a unique experience in the heart of the village. By unique, we mean sleeping in designer pods and enjoying communal bathrooms. If you’d rather stay in a hostel, Whistler has a few to choose from. HI Whistler and theWhistler Lodge Hostel are the two most popular in the city.
Those looking for longer-term or vacation rentals can do so through the Tourism Whistler website or on Airbnb.
How to Get to Whistler
The easiest way to get to Whistler is to drive. If coming up from Vancouver, drive northbound on the Sea To Sky Highway/Highway 99.
If you don’t have a car, you can rideshare with Poparide or take a shuttle from YVR International Airport or downtown Vancouver. We suggest Epic Rides for their $35 round trip – it’s convenient, cheap, and stress-free.
(Check out our more detailed guide on how to get to Whistler)
Bonus: More Things To Do in Whistler
Looking for more fun in Whistler? Stay an extra day and hit the slopes. A day pass for skiing includes access to both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and a ride on the Peak to Peak Gondola.
The mountain itself is home to several restaurants, including Christine’s on Blackcomb Mountain, the Rendezvous Lodge at the top of the Blackcomb gondola, Chic Pea on Whistler Mountain, and Steep’s Grill and Wine Bar on Whistler Mountain.
If you’re not looking to spend money, that’s alright too. There are also free activities around the city, including walking the valley trail, exploring our lakes such as Green Lake and Alta Lake, and hiking our nearby parks such as Brandywine Falls Provincial Park and Garibaldi Provincial Park.
Of course, the city is also filled with nightlife. Besides Buffalo Bills, party hotspots include Garfinkels, Tapley’s Pub, and of course, the Longhorn Saloon.
Why Visit Whistler?
If you’re still not convinced of the many things to do in Whistler, Canada, we don’t really know what to tell you. Besides being home to a world-class ski resort, the city is filled with fun people, exciting activities, and stunning nature.
No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for – be it relaxing or adventure-filled – Whistler is the place to do it.