British Columbia · Canada

Whistler (Canada) — Whistler; Squamish

The largest ski resort in North America, 120 km from Vancouver via the Sea-to-Sky Highway, with the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola and, along the way, the mountains and waterfalls of Squamish.

British Columbia

In the photo: Whistler Olympic Plaza

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Whistler sits in the Coast Mountains, about 120 km north of Vancouver. Whistler and Blackcomb mountains together form the largest skiable area in North America, connected by the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola. The town was one of the host sites for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Whistler Village is pedestrian-only, with squares, shops and restaurants at the base of the gondolas. In winter, the ski and snowboard season generally runs from November to April, and the Blackcomb glacier runs can last a little longer. In summer, the mountains host hiking trails, mountain biking, lakes for swimming and paddling, and gondola rides.

The region is the territory of the Squamish and Lil'wat nations, whose culture is presented at the village cultural centre. The Sea-to-Sky Highway, which links Vancouver to Whistler, follows Howe Sound fjord and passes through Squamish, a climbing town at the foot of the Stawamus Chief, with Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola. Further on, Brandywine Falls drops into a basalt canyon.

Whistler is about a 2-hour drive from Vancouver, and many people visit on a day trip, but the area deserves at least one night.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Whistler, Squamish.

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Where Whistler (Canada) — Whistler; Squamish is

Boundaries: Statistics Canada (Statistics Canada Open Licence) / geoBoundaries. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Whistler (Canada) — Whistler; Squamish

✈ Vancouver International Airport (YVR), in Richmond · 135 km to Whistler

From Vancouver, about 120 km via the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99), roughly a 2-hour drive. Buses connect the airport and downtown Vancouver to Whistler Village.

Suggested arrival point: Whistler

Colúmbia Britânica · Whistler (Canada) — Whistler; Squamish Suggested arrival point

Whistler

Mountain town in the Coast Mountains at the foot of Whistler and Blackcomb, the largest ski area in North America. The pedestrian village has gondolas, the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre and shops; the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola links the two mountains. Brandywine Falls is about 15 km to the south.

Colúmbia Britânica · Whistler (Canada) — Whistler; Squamish

Squamish

Town at the head of Howe Sound fjord, about halfway along the Sea-to-Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler. Nearby are the Stawamus Chief, one of the largest granite monoliths in the world, Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola, with viewpoints over the fjord. It’s known for climbing, windsurfing and its trails.

The local experience

Things to do in Whistler (Canada) — Whistler; Squamish

Squamish · British Columbia · Cable car

Sea to Sky Gondola

Gondola that climbs about 885 meters above Howe Sound, with observation platforms, a suspension bridge over the valley and trails with views of the Stawamus Chief.

Whistler · British Columbia · Mountain resort

Whistler Blackcomb

The two neighbouring mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb, the largest ski area in North America, with more than 200 runs, a glacier and, in summer, high-elevation trails and a mountain bike park.

Whistler · British Columbia · Cable car

PEAK 2 PEAK

Aerial tram of about 4.4 km between the highs of Whistler and Blackcomb, with a free span of about 3 km and cabins with partial glass floors about 436 meters above the valley.

Squamish · British Columbia · Mountain

Stawamus Chief

Granite monolith about 700 meters above Squamish, one of the largest in the world, with a steep trail to three summits and walls famous among climbers.

See 3 more places in Whistler (Canada) — Whistler; Squamish

Whistler · British Columbia · Cultural center

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

Cultural centre of the Squamish and Lil'wat nations in Whistler Village, with art, traditional objects, canoes, a longhouse and guided tours led by members of both nations.

Squamish · British Columbia · Waterfall

Shannon Falls

Waterfall of about 335 meters that cascades in tiers down the granite slope beside the Stawamus Chief, a few minutes’ walk from the parking lot.

Whistler · British Columbia · Waterfall

Brandywine Falls (Brandywine Falls Provincial Park)

A waterfall of about 70 meters in a provincial park beside the Sea-to-Sky Highway, roughly 15 km south of Whistler, dropping into a canyon of basalt columns.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

To ski: December to March for the most snow; the season usually runs from November to April. For trails and lakes: July to September, when snow melts from the higher areas. Spring and late autumn are quieter and some activities may be closed.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Two or three days in summer for the PEAK 2 PEAK, trails and lakes. For skiing, as many days as you want. Squamish can be a stop on the way or a separate day trip.

Which city to stay in

Whistler Village concentrates accommodations within walking distance of the gondolas. The Upper Village sits at the base of Blackcomb. Creekside, to the south, has its own gondola and is quieter. Squamish has simpler options, about 1 hour from the village.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Whistler (Canada) — Whistler; Squamish

How many days should you stay in Whistler?

Two or three days to explore the mountains in summer; in winter, as many days as you want to ski.

How do you get from Vancouver to Whistler?

By car on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, about 120 km, or by bus from the airport and downtown Vancouver.

When is the ski season in Whistler?

Generally from November to April, depending on snow. Check opening dates for the year.

Is Whistler worth visiting in summer?

Yes. There are gondolas, hiking trails, mountain biking, lakes for swimming and paddling, and the village is active.

Do you need a car in Whistler?

Not in the village, which is pedestrian and has local buses. A car helps for stopping in Squamish and at the Sea-to-Sky waterfalls.

What time zone is Whistler in?

The same as Vancouver: UTC−7 year-round.

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Whistler (Canada) — Whistler; Squamish

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

The cities on this trip