From the Peak to Peak gondola to extreme sports at the Whistler sliding centre you won’t have a shortage of amazing things to do in Whistler in winter.
Whistler in Canada is a winter wonderland for extreme sports, nature enthusiasts and leisure holidays. The surrounding mountains provide the best slopes for skiing, snowboarding or sightseeing, from the Peak to Peak gondola to extreme sports

Accommodation in Whistler

There is plenty of accommodation in Whistler, but unfortunately rentals and hotels in Whistler can be quite expensive as it is such a sought after holiday location.
Luckily, we went to Whistler with my parents so there was 4 of us who were able to share the costs, we hired an Airbnb with Bear Lodge in the centre of Whistler Village. The two bedroom, 2 bathroom hotel room was a fantastic fit for 4 adults and it was walking distance to everything we needed in Whistler.

However during the night the streets of Whistler village turn into a party district; with the bars and restaurants open until late at night and a few bars and clubs opening their doors. If you’re a light sleeper then either prepare yourself with ear plugs or sleeping pills.

The best place to find accommodation for Whistler is either using the Airbnb app or searching on Booking.com. The link below will take you to some great options for your future stay in Whistler, Canada!

Booking.com

Walk to Alta Lake and Rainbow Park

If you’re looking for things to do in Whistler that don’t include spending a lot of money then the following walk will keep you occupied and your wallets full.

The walk to Alta Lake and Rainbow Park will take up a good chunk of your morning or afternoon. This walk is best done at the end of winter when majority of the pathway is clear of ice but snow still covers the mountain tops and Alta Lake is still frozen over. The track will take you down some beautiful residential streets with some amazing Canadian architecture before leading you around a golf course. This meets up with the large paved walkway which leads to Alta Lake, follow this for around 46 minutes until you come to a large clearing with spectacular views of the lake front.

Walk to Lost Lake Park

Walking to Lost Lake park was a last minute decision on our last day in Whistler, we had originally planned to snowboard down Whistler mountain but the weather had packed in with thick fog covering both mountains.

The beginning of the Lost Lake track is walking distance from Whistler village, the track is used for snowshoeing during winter so it is a well mapped and looked after track all year round. As the weather was warming up the track had thawed just enough for us to be able to walk to Lost Lake in a pair of Doc Martins, but I would still highly recommend buying or hiring cleats so the walk is easier.

The track runs through a dense green forest towards a beautiful lake with a picturesque view of the mountain ranges behind, from the photo above you wouldn’t think you are within walking distance of a bustling ski resort.

During summer Lost Lake is a beach goers hot spot with cabins with outdoor seating, picnic tables, wooden seating by the waters edge and a wooden pontoon is moored out in the middle of the lake.

Bobsledding at the Whistler Sliding Centre

Bobsledding at the Whistler sliding centre was one of the exhilarating activities I have ever experienced. The Whistler sliding centre is used for current or up and coming professional sports stars to practice and train in their chosen winter sport of either bobsledding, skeleton or luge.
The passenger Bobsled is reserved for the end of specific days, because the track is primarily used for training there are only a select few spots available for adventure travelers and tourists.

Bobsledding however is not for everyone and it doesn’t come without its risks. Because you face about 5g of force during the ride anyone with back or neck injuries or issues cannot participate, and there is always a risk of the bobsled sliding up too high on the track and flipping over. But don’t worry, you are taken through an extensive safety briefing and are issued with a full face covered helmet and a neck brace and are seated quite snuggly between each other in the bobsled. This is a sport that shouldn’t be taken lightly so do read the risks before booking your ride.

Ride the Peak to Peak Gondola

The Peak to Peak gondola is a fantastic way to sea Whistler from the sky, with 360 degree views of the Whistler village, incredible mountain ranges and peaks, lakes and glaciers you could easily spend a whole day exploring the sights high up in the clouds or safely on top of the snowy mountains.

The Peak to Peak Gondola runs every winter and summer and is perfect for families or those wanting to check out the slopes before they dedicate a day to sliding around on the snow. Take the Gondola from Whistler village and ride it up to Blackcomb mountain, you can hop off and explore a small area of the snowy slopes on foot then pop into the café for a hot drink and more spectacular views out across the mountain. From here you can take the gondola over the Whistler mountain, as shown in the first picture above, as soar between the mountain peaks and watch skiers and snowboarders glide down the mountains below.

Check out the Peak to Peak prices here

Ziplining with Ziptrek

Ziplining with Ziptrek Ecotours is an incredible adrenaline filled adventure that you can do year round. The choice of ziplining routes take you across and through the dense forest that surround Whistler village with an added bonus of a nature walk where you can hopefully spot claw marks from bear cubs climbing trees in search of shelter.
If Ziplining during winter make sure you take a pair of gloves and scarf with you, the wind whipping across your bare skin as you descend the mountain will leave you feeling numb and sore.

Head to the Ziptrek centre in Whistler village for more information and to book your ziplining adventure, this is a Whistler activitu that you don’t want to miss out on.

Hike to the Whistler Train Wreck

The Whistler train wreck is a popular location for tourists, locals and spray paint enthusiasts. A train derailed at this location in the 1950’s and the 7 carriages have sat among the growing forest ever since. Where urban meets nature, the Whistler train wreck is a must see if you’re not stretched for time and you’re in the area. Do take caution on the track in winter as it can get super icy and slippery.

The Whistler train wreck is a 10 minute drive south of Whistler Village, there is plenty of parking at the start of the walk as the path leads off an old quarry road. Prepare yourself with a rain jacket and proper walking shoes and if you find yourself numb at the fingertips, there are plenty of cafes and pubs on the opposite side of the Sea to Sky Hwy where you can defrost.

Other Things to do in Whistler

Skiing and Snowboarding in Whistler

The only thing I have left off this list is snowboarding or skiing in Whistler, these activities go without saying if you’re in Whistler during winter. Boards and snow gear can be hired from multiple places around Whistler village, and if you’re lucky enough to have clear blue skies you can easily spend the whole day enjoying the slopes on the mountain, even if you’re an amateur on a board.

Scandinave Spa

What is a winter holiday resort without a luxurious spa centre? Scandinave spa is where you can kick off the heavy snow boots and swap the layers of thermals for a plush robe. Enjoy a spa or two and defrost your fingertips and toes before heading back for a day on the snow.
Book in for a massage or enjoy the thermal heat of the sauna, Scandinave spa has everything you need to rest your aching muscles or escape the bitter cold.

How to find more things to do in Whistler

Whistler village has an abundance of information centers, daytime activities and local experts who can point you in the right direction or suggest some incredible activities that Whistler is less well known for.

From checking out Whistler village to having a wine at the edge of the ski slope and watching the skiers and snowboards descend the mountain, there is plenty of activities and things to do in Whistler that will keep you occupied from a weekend to a week. The landscape is incredible and can easily be explored whether on foot or via a car, and there is no shortage of activities for families or adrenalin seeking individuals to enjoy.