Whistler is one of our favorite places for day trips and weekend getaways. Driving in the Sea-to-Sky Highway is amazing and already worth the ride up there, specially in the winter when the mountains are snow capped and even more beautiful. While the city is popular for being one of the world’s top ski resorts there are plenty of activities for those that are not interested in sliding down the mountains. The list could go on and on, but since we’ve been there quite a few times we felt confident enough to come up with the Top 5 Things To Do in Whistler if you don’t ski.
Peak to Peak Gondola
This is a must do! Even if you are not going to ski, just going up the mountain is amazing! The view is breathtaking from the moment you step into the Gondola at the village. Once you are up there you can have a coffee, watch the skiers and snowboarders and hop on the Peak to Peak to cross to the other side. It’s an amazing experience where you enjoy a 360 view on board of this world record scenic ride.
Go on a Snowmobile Adventure
If hitting the slopes is not an option but you are still looking for some adrenaline, snowmobile might be your best choice. I absolutely loved riding on back-country trails that were accessible only by these little vehicles, it’s such an awesome energy to be surrounded by a Winter Wonderland with lots of snow and panoramic views. What I also loved about this experience is that you can choose what kind of tour you like and you can also ride in pairs! If you don’t feel like driving, just sit at the back and enjoy the ride.
Snowshoeing on Lost Lake
A short walk from the Village is Lost Lake. What in the summer is a pretty sandy beach lake becomes the perfect terrain for snowshoeing trails. This is an activity that almost anyone can join, there are several trails with different lengths and levels making it perfect for any group. I never though walking in the snow would be so fun, there are so many options that it never gets boring! Just a heads up, before starting you need a trail pass that can be purchased at the Lost Lake PassivHaus, snowshoe rentals are also available there. On your way back you can stop for a coffee and warm up at their cute little hub.
Explore the Whistler Village
Just being at the Village and feeling the mountain vibe is already amazing. The city is always full of people in the Winter and also full of fun things to do such as ice skating, concerts in the Olympic Plaza and festivals – our favorite one is the Whistler Film Festival in December. In any case just walking there is awesome, we love browsing through the shops, hoping from a cafe to the other and having a drink at the base of the mountain while watching skiers/snowboarders finish their rides at the end of the day (around 4pm!).
Scandinave Spa
If you follow our list and do all these things we are recommending, you’ll definitely need a day to relax! We suggest paying a visit to the Scandinave Spa. Enjoy a hydrotherapy treatment and get revitalized after soaking on hot/cold baths and chilling in the sauna and solariums.
View of Peak to Peak Gondola | Snowshoeing on top of Lost Lake
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Yes! Yes! And Yes!! We went to Whistler in January. This was us in the beginning of the week before we took ski lessons!!