Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Whistler?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Whistler?
Most visitors spend three to five days in Whistler when visiting. The outdoorsy village offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the skiing, the hiking, the food, and the nightlife.
Located only two hours from Vancouver, Whistler is home to the largest ski resort in North America. The village offers access to world class skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. During the warmer months the hiking and nature is fun to explore.
Do you have one or two days to visit Whistler? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Whistler?
One day is generally not enough time to hit the ski slopes, take a hike, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and grab some drinks at a bar in Whistler. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to enjoy the skiing, the hiking, the food, and the nightlife. To genuinely appreciate the highlights of the outdoorsy village, a longer trip is recommended, as many tourists opt for at least 3 or as many as 5 days to immerse themselves fully in the charms of Whistler. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.
How to spend a day in Whistler
The winter season revolves around snow skiing, so it's highly recommended to spend at least one day on the slopes. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience ($74)
Whistler is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the village, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's a compact town that's easy to explore on foot.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Whistler?
Given only a weekend, you will likely find yourself hurrying to hit the ski slopes, take a hike, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and grab some drinks at a bar. To truly savor all that the village boasts, a more generous amount of time is advisable. After all, the skiing and other winter activities shouldn't be missed. Many travelers opt for at least 3 or as many as 5 days to make the most of their vacation. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to get started.
Cabins on the mountain in Whistler, Canada
How to spend 2 days in Whistler
If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Whistler, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the village has to offer.
Known for it's hiking, Whistler sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Explore Coastal Mountain Treasures: Scenic Hike from Whistler, BC ($192)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Whistler Bar Crawl ($15)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Whistler, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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