Insider’s Guide to Creekside, Whistler Updated 2021

When you think of Whistler, we know what your brain might immediately gravitate towards. It’s the epic mountains! The picture-perfect Village! While we do admit the Whistler Village is a glorious experience, there’s another spot you need to explore: Whistler Creekside.

Creekside started off as the original resort base, but these days is growing in popularity among locals and visitors alike. It’s got everything you need to make your vacation picture perfect: affordable accommodations, eclectic restaurants, gondola access, and more.

You’ll find Creekside only seven kilometers south of the main Village -only a five-minute drive! It is more family-friendly and laid-back than the traditional epi-center of Whistler events. But with cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds, Creekside Whistler is our biggest tip to out-of-town visitors.

Creekside: A Brief History

Image from the Whistler Question, from 1979

Many folks who come to visit don’t know that Whistler Creekside Village was where it all began. Creekside Village was the launch of Whistler. It opened in February 1966 and, to put it lightly, was nothing like what it is today.

Equipped with just one six-person gondola, a red chairlift, and two T-bars, it’s fair to say that it was a small operation. Compare that to the 79 total lifts that surround Whistler Blackcomb today, and you can probably get a better idea of how much Whistler Creekside and Whistler Village have grown in the past few decades.

So much so that in 2000, Whistler Creekside was revamped with a multi-million-dollar revitalization for an entirely new retail complex. Now, the area has tons of retail shops, dozens of dining options, plenty of ski essentials, and lots of things to do!

Creekside FAQ for Visitors

Q: Can you walk to Whistler village from Creekside?

A: You absolutely can. Creekside is just 5km south of Whistler Village proper. You can easily travel along a 4.5 km paved walking path from Creekside by foot, skateboard, and bike. If you are walking, that’s about 1 hour, or for biking, it’ll take 15 minutes.

Unless we’ve just got a massive dump of snow and the trail hasn’t been cleared yet, it’s open all year round.

Q: Can you access Whistler Blackcomb from Creekside?

A: That’s the beauty of Creekside! Access to the mountain is right in the heart of Creekside. The Creekside Gondola heads up Whistler Mountain to access the Peak Express, the Whistler Bowl, and more. Want to head over to Blackcomb? Thanks to the Peak-2-Peak, it’s literally a breeze.

Plus, as of 2018, Creekside now is part of the ever growing Whistler Bike Park!

Q: Is there free parking around Whistler Creekside?

A: One of the secrets of Creekside is the free parking. Over 1400 underground parking spots, 365 days a year, all for free! If you have gotten frustrated with the price of parking in the Village, why not park for free on the south side?

Q: Is there public transportation from Creekside to the Village?

A: You betcha. Routes 20, 10, 21, and 25 all hit Creekside.

Q: I need a Creekside Map!

A: Don’t panic! Here is a great map to use while you explore Creekside Whistler.

Where to Stay in Creekside

When it comes to accommodations in Whistler Creekside Village, there are many options on the table. Just because you aren’t in the Village doesn’t mean you won’t have access to both luxury and budget accommodations.

Want ski-in and ski-out mountain access? We’ve got it. Prefer a more natural setting? Got that too. Here are some of our favourites.

Legends

2036 London Lane
4-Star Accommodation

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate getaway for you and your honey, or you want to bring your family, one of the best lodging spots in Creekside Village is Legends.

This is a condominium-style lodge with ski-in and ski-out access. Legends offers you the greatest vacation of a lifetime.

This lodge has one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom upscale suites. Many overlook the famous Dave Murray Ski Run from where the 2010 Winter Olympic Alpine events took place. Not only that, you’re steps away from Creekside Village facilities and even closer to the Creekside Gondola.

First Tracks Lodge

2202 Gondola Way
4-Star Accommodation

Need a few more options? We don’t blame you. Consider First Tracks Lodge in Creekside. Self-promoted by their “upscale sophistication with chalet charm,” this is one of the favourite spots amongst visitors.

This lodge offers you the discretion that other, more populated lodges cannot. This location includes a four-season pool and hot tubs, lobby libraries, and elegant decorations that are sure to warm you back up after a chilly day on the slopes.

Evolutions

2020 London Lane,
4-Star Accommodation

Best described as a modern take on-mountain lodging, the contemporarily designed Evolutions Lodge is a destination spot for people from all over the world.

Located just steps away from the Creekside Express Gondola in Whistler Creekside Village, this lodge gives you access to the laid-back vibe that Creekside can offer. Enjoy privacy, modern accommodations, and full access to the Creekside Village right outside your front door.

Nita Lake

Get out of the village and experience the quieter, more peaceful side of Whistler.

2131 Lake Placid Road
4-Star Accommodation

The peace and quiet luxury of Nita Lake Lodge is a local secret. Just across the highway from Creekside Gondola, you’ll find Nita Lake Lodge, nestled beside (unsurprisingly) Nita Lake.

What makes it different? Every unit has a fireplace, a two-person soaker tub, and a rain shower feature. The hotel also boasts two different restaurants, an onsite spa, underground parking, and tons of options for lakeside fun. Plus, if you need to get to-and-from the Village, they have a free shuttle service.

Whistler Lodge Hostel

2124 Nordic Dr
Hostel Style

On the more affordable side of the spectrum, the Whistler Lodge Hostel sits just on the outer edge of Creekside. It’s a modern take on the hostel experience, with a total of 42 beds.

Expect bunks in dorm-style rooms as well as private and semi-private rooms. It has an on-site sauna, a shared fully stocked kitchen, dining room, and secure storage for all your gear.

Short-term stays have been restricted due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, but check with them for updates as the situation changes.

Grab a Coffee and More in Creekside, Whistler

Creekside is no longer just for cheaper accommodation and easy mountain access. It’s become a destination in and of itself. Whether you are making a pit stop from the highway for a caffeine fix or need a place to work, Creekside has you covered.

Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons: A Canadian Classic

2010 London Ln

We know, we know. It’s a Canadian cliché, right? Wrong. It’s a Canadian necessity, and if you visit BC without ever trying Tim Hortons, you might as well not even visit Canada.

Tim Horton’s is pretty much the unofficial coffee shop of Canada, and now we have one here. Besides, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on a delicious donut, some famous coffee, or even a tasty sandwich before you hit the slopes. Timmies is always a good bang for your buck.

BReD

206–2067 Lake Placid Road

One of the latest additions to the Creekside bakery-coffee roster is BReD. Owned and operated by Ed, an English ex-pat turned local. BRed is a vegan bakery, but don’t let that fool you. Their pastries and sourdough loaves are the best Whistler has to offer.

If you get there early enough, you could even snag one of the sought-after cinnamon rolls made with seasonal ingredients. They also know their way around a finely roasted coffee.

Also, did you know Ed cooked for DJ Jazzy Jeff from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? Expect fine hip-hop beats and a refined cafe atmosphere.

The Fix, At Nita Lake Lodge

2131 Lake Placid Road

Sitting somewhere between a restaurant and a cafe, The Fix is the go-to for anyone staying at Nita Lake. It’s even worth the trek over the highway should you have parked on the mountainside.

Expect a sustainable approach to coffee, tea, beer, cider, and more. Grab something to go, or sit down for a casual warm atmosphere.

Where to Eat in Creekside

Half of the fun of staying somewhere new is the food, right? Creekside Whistler Village has all the dining options you’re looking for.

Whether you’re seeking out some BC fine dining or you’re hunting down the ultimate grab-n-go snack, we’ve got a few recommendations you won’t want to ignore.

Rimrock Café and Oyster Bar

2117 Whistler Rd
$$$$

When you’re after a fancy night of fine dining, delicious delicacies, and a glass of the good stuff, then Rimrock Café and Oyster Bar is the place to be.

Known for premier seafood, RimRock is all about first-class service, impeccable wine selections, and unforgettable dishes. Wear your Whistler-formals! This is a great space for date night, business meetings, and celebrations.

Dusty’s Bar and BBQ

There is nothing quite like a BBQ creation from Dusty’s Bar and Grill

2040 London Ln
$$

Need a spot to bring the family? Don’t want to sacrifice delicious food for the atmosphere? You don’t have to! Dusty’s Bar and BBQ is pretty much the BBQ capital of Whistler.

With delicious food, mouth-watering BBQ, and reasonable prices, you’ll definitely want to check this place out. Kids are welcome until 10 pm; then, the bar section kicks into full swing.

The best part about Dusty’s? The happy hour options and its location base of the gondola. A big day on the mountain ends with a refreshing hoppy drink, and all for a great price. It’s so close to the gondola; you can basically roll off the mountain and into a seat.

Roland’s Creekside Pub

2129 Lake Placid Rd #23
$$

If you’re not after a fancy, candle-lit dinner, check out Roland’s Creekside Pub. At this unofficially official sports bar in the Whistler area, you can chow down on BBQ while you catch up on the game.

What’s better, it’s 18-and-up, so if you’re really looking for a break from the kids, this is the spot to do it. They have a wide selection of local beers and traditional cocktails, as well as unique menu creations you can’t find anywhere else.

Cure Lounge & Patio

2131 Lake Placid Rd
$$$

Yet again, another delicious space tucked into the Nita Lake Lodge. With one of the best patios in Whistler that overlooks the lake, it’s a destination in and of itself.

The menu focuses on local features, like grass-fed pasture-raised BC beef and great local produce. Think gourmet burgers and fries, with a delightful cocktail option. Check back regularly for their daily cocktail hour. Are you staying in the lodge itself? The Cure does room service!

Southside Diner

2102 Lake Placid Rd,
$$

The Southside Diner is a beloved local brunch destination that isn’t quite a dive bar. It’s a small space fashioned after a vintage diner experience. Expect the go-to breakfast, brunch, and diner menu items served in big portions with a great beer on the side.

It’s loud and a bit boisterous sometimes, but still early enough to be a great option for families. Its menu is a kid-pleaser!

But for the adults, if you haven’t been here hungover, you haven’t lived the true Whistler experience.

Samurai Bowl Whistler

2011 Innsbruck Dr
$$

For those tired of burgers and pub fare, why not head on over to the Samurai Bowl? This is a spin of the local Samurai Sushi franchise, focused on ramen, rice bowls, and fresh veggies.

We love Samurai Bowl because it’s veggie-forward and always fresh. It’s a great alternative to greasy burgers! It’s a perfect Asian-infused quick service option to fuel up after a big day on the mountain. It also caters to vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free crowds.

Creekbread

2021 Karen Crescent
$$

Whistler creekside pizza starts and stops with Creekbread. This is a local establishment, loved by locals and visitors alike. Its big family-style portions, with the pizzas baked in an earth oven right inside the dining room.

Creekside is an excellent destination for fussy kids, hungry skiers, and big parties (book ahead). When so many restaurants come and go in this town, there is a reason this Whistler Creekside pizza joint has stayed.

Whistler Ski and Bike Rentals — But in Creekside

Thankfully, you do not have to head to the Village to get kitted out for the mountain. Whether you want to ski, board, or bike, Creekside has the gear you need.

Can-Ski

Are you looking for a one-stop-shop for all your rental needs? You don’t have to go all the way to Whistler Village for this!

Creekside is well-equipped with rental shops, and it doesn’t get much better than Can-Ski. Not only do they have tons upon tons of rentals and sales on top-notch gear, boards, boots, and bindings, they’re also right next door to the Can-Ski outlet, where you can cherry-pick your favorite name brands for much cheaper (North Face and Columbia, anyone?).

Coastal Culture

On the lookout for more gear? Need a new board or bike at the last minute? Lucky for you, Coastal Culture is right at the base of the mountain in Creekside Village and carries top-notch goods no matter what the season.

This shop is packed with knowledgeable experts who rent, sell, and deliver the boots, bindings, boards, and bikes you want. They specialize in quality local brands like Chromag, Nitro, Sandbox, and more.

What’s better? The crew at Coastal Culture can have your entire order fulfilled with a 24-hours-notice so you can get on the slopes as soon as you get to the mountain.

What to Do in Creekside?

A quick google about what to do in Whistler Creekside will confound you.

Most of the activities highlighted aren’t focused on Creekside at all. So let us put together a quick rundown of our favourite activities in this Southern Whistler neighbourhood.

And we promise – these are all in or around Creekside and easily accessible for walkers, bikers, and boarders

Nita Lake Spa

Ask any whistler local where they go for massage and spa treatments south of the Village, and they will say Nita. This in-lodge spa focuses on sustainability and always leaves us feeling rested and rejuvenated.

Bonus feature? You get access to the rooftop hot tub after your treatments! COVID-19 restrictions may apply.

Want to check out more spas in Whistler?

Explore the Valley Trail

A meander over the Valley Trail reveals another side of Whistler

Creekside sits along the famous Valley Trail system that connects all of Whistler. This is 45 km of gentle paved pathways, which is suitable for all kinds of mobility needs. Whether you are walking, biking, or boarding, this is an excellent way to get around.

Download the trail map, rent a bike, and travel from Function Junction through Creekside to Lost Lake.

Hit Up The Lakes

Speaking of lakes, don’t forget to spend a day at Nita Lake Park. It’s a local summer-time favourite for paddle boarding and floaties. Bring the family, bring friends, and splash around at the lakeside beach. Don’t forget the inflatable toys and sunscreen!

If you love to fish, this lake is also fully stocked with rainbow trout. Electric motors allowed!

Visit Creekside Whistler Today

Creekside is an excellent alternative to the main Village, without missing out on convenience and services. You’re far enough away from the crazy but close enough to join in on the debauchery if you feel the need.

It has free parking, mountain access, great restaurants, and cheaper accommodation, what’s not to love?