British Columbia, Canada, Canada · Trip plan
5 days in Whistler
North America's biggest ski resort, a pedestrian village and the Peak 2 Peak gondola.
- Best time
- Dec – Apr
- Ideal length
- 5 days
- A day, mid-range
- $350 per person
- Trip for two
- about $3,500
Planning a 5-day trip to Whistler? Here's a day-by-day Whistler itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
Whistler Blackcomb has over 8,000 acres of terrain, and the season runs from late November to April.
Whistler hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics and is consistently rated one of the best ski resorts in North America, with two huge mountains and a lively village.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec: a good time to go
December to March: -10 to 0°C, with heavy snow up high.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Whistler
- 01
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
A record-breaking gondola linking Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
- 02
Whistler Village
A car-free village of lodges, bars and shops.
- 03
Scandinave Spa
Outdoor hot pools in the forest.
- 04
Sea to Sky Highway
One of the world's most scenic drives.
Day by day
Whistler itinerary for 5 days
- D1
Day 1: The Sea to Sky
- Morning
- Drive or shuttle from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway, stopping at Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola.
- Afternoon
- Check in and collect ski gear in the car-free village.
- Evening
- Dinner and drinks in Whistler Village's lively squares.
Winter tyres are required on the highway.
- D2
Day 2: Whistler Mountain
- Morning
- Ski Whistler Mountain from the Whistler Village Gondola, with its wide alpine bowls.
- Afternoon
- Lunch at the Roundhouse Lodge with views across the Coast Mountains.
- Evening
- Après-ski at the Garibaldi Lift Company bar at the base.
Upper runs can be in cloud; check the forecast.
- D3
Day 3: Peak 2 Peak
- Morning
- Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, a record-breaking 4.4 km span, across to Blackcomb.
- Afternoon
- Ski Blackcomb's glacier bowls and the Spanky's Ladder area for experts.
- Evening
- Unwind at Scandinave Spa's outdoor hot pools in the forest.
The spa is a silent space; leave your phone behind.
- D4
Day 4: Off the slopes
- Morning
- Try snowshoeing, ziplining or a snowmobile tour through the forest.
- Afternoon
- Visit the Audain Art Museum for First Nations and British Columbian art.
- Evening
- Fondue dinner, or vodka tasting in the Bearfoot Bistro's ice room.
Snowmobile tours at dusk are spectacular.
- D5
Day 5: Home
- Morning
- A last morning run on the slopes.
- Afternoon
- Drive back to Vancouver along the coast.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Allow 2–3 hours for the drive in snow.
Shorter or longer
Whistler in 4, 5 or 7 days
4 days in Whistler
Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
7 days in Whistler
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Banff.
What it costs
Whistler trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $180 | $1,800 |
| Mid-range | $350 | $3,500 |
| Luxury | $800+ | $8,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Whistler is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Whistler for every budget
- Budget
- Mid-range
- Luxury
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Upper Village
A grand mountain hotel at the base of Blackcomb.
from $650 /night
Prices
What to eat
Food to try in Whistler
Poutine
Fries, cheese curds and gravy.
BC salmon
Wild-caught Pacific salmon.
Caesar
Canada's clam-juice Bloody Mary.
Getting there
How to reach Whistler
- Travel
- Vancouver airport, then about 2 hours along the Sea to Sky Highway by shuttle or car.
- Getting around
- Free village shuttles; everything is walkable in the village.
- Buy an Epic Pass if you'll ski more than a week a season.
- Winter tyres are required on the highway.
Before you go
What to pack for Whistler
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Thermals, gloves and a woollen cap
- Waterproof boots
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Whistler trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Whistler?
5 days are enough to see the highlights: Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Whistler Village, Scandinave Spa. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 5-day Whistler trip cost?
Roughly $180 a day per person on a budget, $350 mid-range and $800+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $3,500 for 5 days.
What is the best time to visit Whistler?
Dec – Apr. Whistler Blackcomb has over 8,000 acres of terrain, and the season runs from late November to April.
Where should I stay in Whistler?
Budget: HI Whistler (Cheakamus), from about $100 a night. Mid-range: Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside (Village), from about $350 a night. Luxury: Fairmont Chateau Whistler (Upper Village), from about $650 a night.
How do I reach Whistler?
Vancouver airport, then about 2 hours along the Sea to Sky Highway by shuttle or car.
Is 4 days enough for Whistler?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Whistler?
December to March: -10 to 0°C, with heavy snow up high.
What food should I try in Whistler?
Poutine: Fries, cheese curds and gravy. BC salmon: Wild-caught Pacific salmon. Caesar: Canada's clam-juice Bloody Mary.
How do I get around Whistler?
Free village shuttles; everything is walkable in the village.
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