What’s Open in Whistler? 2021 Review

With recreational travel now permitted throughout beautiful British Columbia, there’s no better time to visit the ski bum central that is Whistler. But things have changed since the end of 2020, which leads us to ask — What’s open in Whistler? Are Whistler restaurants open? What about tourist attractions?

Now that tourism has returned to the city, take advantage of the warm weather and explore everything that our great little city offers.

In the winter, Whistler is home to some of the best skiing and après in the world. In the summer, the city completely transforms into a lake-filled haven and mountain biking mecca.

Here are some of the best things to do now that we’ve reopened to tourism, broken down into activities and restaurants open in Whistler. 

Hot tip: The great outdoors are always open in Whistler

What Activities Are Open in Whistler?

• Wind Down at the Scandinave Spa

You’re on vacation, meaning that it’s time to take a break. The Scandinave Spa allows locals and tourists alike to get away from the everyday stress and relax through hot and cold features. Spend your day rotating through eucalyptus steam baths, wood-burning saunas, Nordic waterfalls, cold plunge baths, hammocks, solariums, and more.

Be sure to review their reservation policy before heading there. They have a limited number of spaces open for the baths.

• Face Your Fears by Bungee Jumping

While we’d typically advise against following your friends off bridges, we’re making an exception for Whistler Bungee. Bring along your best adrenaline junkie friends and hop off a bridge 300 feet above Whistler’s gorgeous glacier-fed Cheakamus River. If you’re too scared to go alone, don’t worry, you can jump in pairs.

• Challenge Your Friends to Axe Throwing

Here at Forged, we know a thing or two about axe throwing. Perfect for a date night or group of buddies, we’re sure you’ll have a blast tossing axes and feeling like a lumberjack for the day. Trust us; it’s harder than it looks!

• Shop Until You Drop 

Whether you’re looking for the latest from Lululemon or would rather spend your money locally at 3 Singing Birds, Whistler village has it all. The pedestrian-only stroll is outfitted with dozens of stores, most of which are dog-friendly and air-conditioned.

• Spend a Day Whitewater Rafting

Throw on a bathing suit and get ready for a wet and wild day of Whitewater rafting. Choose your own adventure with Wedge Rafting’s optional Class 1 to Class 4 rapids. We promise you’ll be pummelled, pounded, and full of joy after a day of rafting.

• Zip Through the Trees with Superfly Ziplines

Swing through the air with Whistler’s prettiest zipline. Located at the top of Cougar Mountain, Superfly Ziplines allows you and your buddies to explore a vast network of trails and boardwalks as well as several ziplines through the trees.

• Get Muddy On a RZR

You’re going to want to make sure to buckle your seatbelt because RZR tours with The Adventure Group are bound to get quick and dirty. Whiz through the trees and race through the mud through a one-of-a-kind backcountry adventure. Expect to see breathtaking glacier-fed lakes as well as the gorgeous rainforest.

• Ride the Whistler Mountain Bike Park

Whether you’ve come to Whistler to ride the world-class bike park or wanted to go sightseeing, we’ve got great news: both are back in action. Rent a bike and helmet from one of the many shops around the village before heading out to enjoy a full day in the park. We recommend biking between 10 am and 5 pm to avoid the twilight crowd and long lineups.

What Restaurants Are Open in Whistler?

• Enjoy a Fine Dining Experience at Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar

If you’ve watched Hell’s Kitchen, you know how much praise Gordon Ramsay has given Araxi. If you haven’t watched Hell’s Kitchen, take our word for it and treat yourself to a fancy meal at Executive Chef James Walt’s seasonally-focused restaurant.

• Cool Down with Cow’s Ice Cream

No trip to Whistler is complete without a visit to Cow’s Ice Cream. With punny flavour names and sprinkles-coated cones, there’s something for everyone at this little ice creamery.  

• Eat Like the Locals at Samurai Sushi

Grab a quick and inexpensive bite at Samurai Sushi in Nesters. Since 1987, locals have been swarming the sushi spot, grabbing the Samurai special of the day and sumo sizing it for only a few added dollars.

• Caffeinated at Mount Currie Coffee Co.

Your next pick me up should be from Mount Currie Coffee Co. Often overlooked due to its location on the outskirts of Olympic Village, the coffee shop has some of the best java in Whistler.

• Grab a Pint at Coast Mountain Brewing

There’s no better way to end the day than with a cold pint. Coast Mountain Brewing’s tasting room is open late and features an ever-changing lineup of beers. We suggest grabbing a flight in order to maximize the experience.

• Enjoy a Pastry From Purebread

You won’t be able to resist buying a baked good or three from Purebread. The spot has been recognized by the Food Network, Vogue, The New York Times, and even Gweneth Paltrow’s Goop. Making it onto a celebrity’s site? Now that’s how you know it’s trendy.  

• Watch the Bikers at the Longhorn Saloon and Grill

The best part of the Longhorn Saloon isn’t their live music or mimosa towers. It’s the fact that their outdoor patio faces Whistler mountain. Longhorn is the best spot in town to watch the bikers race down the hill or to check out the cuties in line – we won’t judge.

So What’ll You Choose to Do in Whistler? 

Regardless of which activities and restaurants you choose to enjoy, you’re bound to have a great time.

Do remember, however, that British Columbia is still in Step 2 of the COVID-19 restart plan. Remember to continue wearing masks and respect distancing measures. Although most of the city has reopened, guidelines are still in place to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff.

That being said, enjoy Whistler and all of the fantastic things packed within.