This Whistler winter itinerary highlights 11 of the best things to do!
Planning to spend 3 days in Whistler this winter? Lucky you! Whistler is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest resort towns in North America, especially in the winter months when it’s covered in a thick blanket of snow. Whistler’s village stroll in winter is like something from a fairytale, it’s lined with snow-dusted trees and you may even see icicles hanging from some buildings.
Plus, Whistler is a short drive from Vancouver (around an hour and 40 minutes) so it’s really easy to get. Be it by shuttle bus or driving yourself.
Now, I may be biased seeing as I’ve lived in Whistler for a few years but I’d go so far as to say that Whistler is THE best winter destination in Canada. I mean, there’s so much to do here in the cold months. First off, it’s consistently ranked as one of the top ski resorts in the world but you can also choose from a wide range of snow-based adventure sports here (such as snowmobiling, dog-sledding, and heli-skiing)
I’ve put together the perfect 3-day Whistler winter itinerary based on my favorite things to do here when it’s cold. It includes the most popular activities in town – like skiing and snowmobiling. But it also includes some lesser-known things to do like cross-country skiing in the Callaghan Valley and ice skating on a frozen lake.
Related Read: If you’re more of a summer guy or gal, then my guide to spending 3 days in Whistler in the summer will be right up your street!
Is 3 Nights in Whistler Enough?
Yes, 3 nights is enough to see Whistler. You can squeeze lots into 3 days in Whistler in the winter if you plan ahead – for example if you follow the below itinerary you’ll get to go skiing, do a snowmobiling tour, go dog-sledding, and even relax at an outdoor spa.
However, it will be a jam-packed 3 days if you want to fit everything in. Therefore, if you prefer not to feel too rushed then 5 nights in Whistler will be ideal. But, you’ll have to keep in mind that accommodation and activity costs are at their highest in the winter months so if you’re on a budget you may have to re-consider staying in Whistler for fewer nights.
Many tourists tend to do a day trip to Whistler which is doable and you’ll still see a lot but it will be rushed.
Day 1 – Explore the town, Go Snowmobiling, Scandinave Spa
Morning – Explore Whistler!
It’s your first morning in Whistler and you’ve got a jam-packed itinerary ahead. This is why I recommend, taking it easy and wandering through town with a coffee in hand. For your caffeine fix, I recommend either Mount Currie Coffee Company on Main Street or Lift Coffee Company in Mountain Square.
Start your stroll at Olympic Plaza and make your way up to Mountain Square (at the base of Whistler Mountain) checking out all the stores along the way. From Mountain Square, you can follow the trail up to the Upper Village which is where two of the most luxurious (and biggest) hotels in town are located – The Fairmont Chateau and The Four Seasons. The Upper Village is also where you can catch the gondola up Blackcomb Mountain.
If you have the time this morning I highly recommend walking from the Upper Village into Lost Lake, this scenic lake is a local favorite. The walk will take around 30 minutes each way.
Some must-visits on your stroll around Whistler Village:
- Purebread in Olympic Plaza is famous in Whistler for both excellent coffee and delicious cakes. You won’t miss it, as there is usually a long winding queue out this small Cafe’s door. Their tantalizing display of sweets has everything from Sticky Toffee Pudding to Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies. Pure mouth-watering bliss.
- Cool as a Moose on Main Street sells funky Whistler-themed clothing as well as mugs, keyrings, magnets, etc.
- Cows – Not too far from Cool as a Moose, Cows is an institution in Whistler. Not only does it sell delicious ice cream in a huge variety of flavors but they also sell cool cow-themed clothing
- The Oracle in Olympic Plaza is a unique store with a boho vibe. Here, you’ll find jewelry, hippy-style clothing, art, incense, candles, and much more!
- Black Tusk Gallery – On Main Street this art gallery showcases and sells art works by Northwest Coast natives (some famous and some unknown)
Afternoon – Go snowmobiling
This afternoon I suggest doing one of my all-time favorite activities in Whistler – snowmobiling!
Snowmobiling in Whistler is a true Canadian past-time – and there’s a tour for all levels of skill. Imagine cruising down wide groomed trails and deep into Whistler’s backcountry on a high-powered top-of-the-range snowmobile.
For beginners, I recommend the 2-hour snowmobiling tour whereas the 3-hour tour is suitable for the more adventurous and confident traveler. The 3-hour snowmobiling tour includes lunch at a cozy back-country cabin. A snowmobiling tour in Whistler costs $249 CAD for the 2-hour tour and $292 for the 3-hour tour.
Dinner – Sushi Village or Mexican Corner
We recommend having a light-ish dinner this evening as after dinner we recommend heading to the gorgeous Scandinave Spa for an evening of relaxation. Sushi Village is one of the most popular restaurants in Whistler and yep you guessed right, it serves up the freshest and most flavorsome sushi in B.C.
If sushi isn’t your thing head next door to Mexican Corner for delicious tacos, burritos, and more! Oh, and their frozen margaritas are awesome.
Evening – Scandinave Spa
Your first evening is all about relaxing and Scandinave Spa allows you to chill out in the heart of nature. This Nordic-inspired 20,000-square-foot outdoor spa is surrounded by cedar trees. And tonight you can soak in the outdoor hot tub and experience the beautiful vista of Whistler’s natural beauty.
FYI, this is one of my favorite things to do in Whistler in the winter that’s not skiing!
There are steam baths, hot baths as well as a large sauna – which is how it’s recommended to start your time at Scandinave Spa. After, warming up you must brave the cold and plunge into one of their cold baths, or stand under the Nordic waterfall for a few minutes. After all that, relax in one of the relaxation rooms or on the hammock which has an incredible view.
Important to note that Scandinave Spa is a silent spa, meaning no talking is allowed.
Scandinave Spa is located on Mons Road, a 5-minute drive from Whistler Village.
Related Read: Scandinave Spa is also popular in the summer months. Check out 17 Best Things to do in Whistler this Summer here!
Day 2 – Hit the Slopes, Ice Skating, Ice Bar
Morning – Hit the slopes
My recommendation is to get up early this morning to go skiing up Whistler Mountain for the popular First Tracks. The gondola brings you up between 7:30 and 8 am. We did this several times during our ski season in Whistler and have to agree it’s an awesome experience!
This ticket includes a yummy buffet breakfast at Roundhouse Lodge on the mountain before skiing in fresh powder and perfectly groomed corduroy before anyone else. First Tracks is limited to 600 people max., and it operates on a first come first served basis.
Your First Track tickets are not date specific so if you’re too late lining up you’ll have to use your ticket on another day. The tickets cost $28 CAD (that includes $17 dining credit) and you still need to buy your lift pass on top of that!
If you can’t manage to get tickets for Fresh Tracks or simply don’t fancy getting up early then be prepared to queue to board the ski lifts. It is after all one of the best ski resorts in the world and many people start queuing very early. FYI, the first left up is 8:30 am on both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
About skiing on Whistler Blackcomb:
The ski area at Whistler Blackcomb is massive (it’s 4,757 acres) – that area includes 200n runs and 36 lifts. And there’s a run suitable for every ability.
When I started out I spent a lot of time in the beginner’s area – Olympic Station on Whistler Mountain. But over the years I progressed and today, some of my favorite runs include the Upper and Lower Panorama runs off of the 7th Heaven chairlift on Blackcomb Mountain and the Peak to Creek, which connects Whistler to Creekside. It’s a long one at 11 km!
Lift passes for Whistler Blackcomb cost $190 CAD per adult per day.
Heli-skiing
If you’re a confident skiier then you may want to consider heli-skiing to beat the crowds.
Heli-skiing in Whistler is the perfect activity for ski obsessives – think 432,000 acres of big mountain terrain all to yourself (and a handful of others). It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, that’s for sure. That whopping 432,000 acres includes 173 glaciers and 474 runs. The tour is between 6-8 hours and completely private, so, you don’t have to share the experience with anyone else.
Would you believe the heli-skiing area is 50 times the size of Whistler Blackcomb Mountain?
Afternoon – Ice skating
Keeping with the snow theme, this afternoon we recommend heading ice skating!
Skating on Whistler’s frozen lakes can only be experienced on a limited number of days in Winter. The temperature and ice conditions on the lake need to be just right – think temperatures of 5 Fahrenheit (-15 Celsius). Ask at the Visitor Information Center on Gateway Drive if you’re unsure if conditions are safe. The best lakes to ice skate on in Whistler are Alta Lake and Nita Lake.
If you don’t fancy skating on a frozen lake, you can try the outdoor ice-skating rick in Olympic Plaza.
Evening – Ice Bar
The Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler Village is home to the coldest vodka tasting room in the world. The room is set to a freezing -25 Fahrenheit (-32 Celsius) but don’t worry you’ll be given a warn Canada Goose parka to keep you warm. The in-house vodka expert will explain all about the distillation and filtration of vodka and you’ll be given the chance to taste 4 vodkas of your choice.
The Bearfoot Bistro restaurant attached to the ice bar is one of the best restaurants in Whistler if not B.C. Try their 4-course tasting menu for date night!
Day 3 – Helicopter Tour, Dog Sledding & Cross Country Skiing
Morning – Helicopter Tour
See the jaw-dropping beauty of Whistler from high up above on a bucket-list-worthy scenic helicopter flight. You’ll see Whistler like you’ve never seen it before – spot ancient glaciers, hidden lakes, and cool ice formations from the comfort of a top-class helicopter. You’ll even get an alpine landing!
On this helicopter tour you’ll have 25 minutes in the air. And prices start from $342 CAD per person.
Afternoon – Dog-sledding
For the afternoon of your 3rd day in Whistler, we recommend booking another bucket-list-worthy experience! Dog-sledding!
Sit back in your cozy sled and let your ‘Musher’ (guide) and sled dogs take you through snow-covered forests and less-explored trails. Dog-sledding in Whistler is a magical adventure with the dogs at the center of the operation!
The base is located in Callaghan Valley – a 20-minute drive from Whistler Village. You will be treated to the history of ‘mushing’ and learn some basic instructions as to how to use the dogsled before embarking on the magical journey. Your sled dogs may reach speeds of up to 32 km/h. It’s a 2.5-hour tour and finishes in a cozy hut with hot apple cider and cookies.
Dog-sledding costs $589 CAD (or $294 per person), that’s based on two people sharing.
Evening – Cross-country Skiing
Head out to Callaghan Valley this evening to experience the charm of Nordic skiing or cross-country skiing. It’s very different to traditional skiing and it’s something not a lot of people have tried before. Firstly, the skis are long and very narrow and you have to almost walk/glide through the snowy forest terrain. Watch out for the icy parts – I fell far too many times!
Afterward, enjoy a hot cup of chocolate or a beer, whatever you fancy, at the onsite cafe/restaurant.
Dinner – Rimrock Cafe
My number one choice for dinner in Whistler is the award-winning Rimrock Cafe near Creekside Village. And it’s the perfect place to toast to your awesome 3 days in Whistler. It is continually ranked as the top restaurant in Whistler. It provides both a unique dining experience and the best fish dishes in all of British Columbia!
Where to Stay in Whistler
Picking where to stay in Whistler is not easy, I know from experience. There are around a hundred hotels in this small town. Below, I’ve listed my very favorite hotels in Whistler.
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler – my absolute favorite hotel in town (although I may be biased as I worked here for two years). Boasting 500+ rooms but with all the ambiance and personality of a small hotel – the Fairmont is the best address in
- Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa – right in the center of Whistler Village and very close to the gondola, this large hotel is very popular with families
- Nita Lake Lodge – located in Creekside, a 10 minute drive from Whistler Village and looking onto stunning Nita Lake this is one of my favorite hotels in Whistler
- The Westin – is a nice luxury option in Whistler’s lower village, it’s right next to the gondola and the rooms are spacious with great views
- Four Seasons Resort – this is probably the most luxurious hotel in Whistler, located in Whistler’s Upper Village and close to Blackcomb Gondola this hotel is frequented by celebrities
Best hostels in Whistler:
There are also lots of awesome hostels in Whistler for those travelers looking to keep costs down on their Whistler winter itinerary!
- HI Whistler – A luxury hostel, a short drive from the village. It’s a huge hostel (it has 188 beds) so there’s plenty of choice in terms of room types. Onsite you’ll find a licensed café, decks with mountain views, and gorgeous common rooms. A bed in a 4-bed dorm will set you back around $50 CAD per night.
- Pangea Pod Hotel – Located right in the center of the village, they have an onsite bar and a rooftop patio and your room is essentially a comfy pod complete with bed and storage space. Expect to pay around $60 CAD per night here.
Thanks for stopping by!
I hope you enjoyed reading my 3 days in Whistler winter itinerary, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s a jam-packed one. But, there’s just so much to do here in the winter!
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Why not read next –
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15 Best Stops on the Drive from Whistler to Banff
Luxury Travel in Whistler (For the Glamorous Traveler) + 8 Things to Know
Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by snaphappytravel
3 thoughts on “How to Spend 3 Days in Whistler in the Winter (Best Whistler Winter Itinerary)”
Great that you included cross country skiing. So much fun and a great change of pace from alpine skiing.
I have sent some time British Columbia, but have never given Whistler a thought. My next trip to the area I will spend some time here, your post proves its a winter lovers paradise.
Whistler has been on my ski resort bucket list of destinations since the Vancouver Winter Olympics! It really looks magical and I just love winter sports… I ski and figure skate and would love to try Nordic skiing.