Whistler Blackcomb
North America's largest ski resort, set in a stunning alpine landscape with world-renowned skiing and snowboarding in winter and mountain biking in summer. The pedestrian village at the base offers excellent restaurants, shops, and après-ski entertainment.
Things to do
- Skiing and Snowboarding — Explore over 3,000 acres of terrain across Whistler and Blackcomb mountains with runs for all skill levels during the winter season.
- Mountain Biking — Ride world-class trails on Whistler Mountain during summer, ranging from gentle cross-country routes to technical downhill tracks.
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola — Take the iconic rotating gondola that connects Whistler and Blackcomb peaks, offering 360-degree views of the Coast Mountains.
- Whistler Village Stroll — Walk through the pedestrian-only village base to browse local shops, art galleries, and enjoy the alpine architecture and fountains.
- Hiking and Trail Walking — Discover summer hiking trails like the High Note Trail and Lost Lake Loop offering stunning alpine scenery and wildflowers.
- Whistler Sliding Centre — Experience bobsled, luge, and skeleton rides on the Olympic-caliber track used in the 2010 Winter Games.
- Zip-lining and Canopy Tours — Glide through the forest canopy on one of several zip-line courses offering thrills and treetop perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
Food to try
- Dungeness Crab Cakes — Fresh local Dungeness crab prepared with a light binding and served at village restaurants as a West Coast specialty.
- Wild BC Salmon — Grilled or smoked Pacific salmon sourced from local fisheries, a signature dish highlighting British Columbia's seafood heritage.
- Après-Ski Fondue — Melted cheese fondue served in cozy mountain lodge settings, a traditional Swiss-inspired alpine dining experience perfect after a day on the slopes.
- Venison and Game Meat — Local restaurants feature wild venison, elk, and boar prepared with seasonal vegetables and berry reductions reflecting mountain cuisine.
- Whistler Brewpub Fare — Sample locally-brewed craft beers paired with hearty pub food like fish and chips and meat pies at the village's breweries.
Local customs & good to know
- Dress for Layering — Mountain weather changes rapidly; bring moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear regardless of season.
- Peak Season Timing — Winter holidays and spring break are extremely busy; visit in shoulder seasons (early December or April) for shorter lift lines and better value.
- Respect Avalanche Warnings — Always check avalanche forecasts and stay on marked trails; backcountry access requires proper training and avalanche safety equipment.
- Village is Car-Free — The pedestrian village prohibits vehicle traffic; park in lots at the base and walk or use the free shuttle bus system to navigate.