I live in Whistler and I although I like to ski – I don’t love it. It unnerves me a little at times. I guess, I’ve grown less brave as I’ve gotten older. If that makes sense. Which is why I spend most of my days off here hiking, going to the spa, or trying out fun winter sports like snowmobiling or winter ziplining! So, as a local, I reckon I’m the perfect person to tell you about the best things to do in Whistler for non-skiers.
As I said, even if you don’t ski there are heaps of fun, snow-based activities to fill your days in Whistler. From dog sledding to tubing to a bucket-list-worthy helicopter tour. When I lived in Whistler, even though I had a ski season pass I didn’t ski all that much, maybe 15 times the whole season. So, I filled my days here doing other fun, snowy activities!
I’m here to tell you that there’s HEAPS to do in Whistler for non-skiers from adrenalin-pumping activities like snowmobiling and a bungee jump to more tame activities like relaxing at an outdoor Nordic-inspired spa and going on a snowy hike.
Is Whistler worth it if you don’t ski?
Yep, Whistler is 1000% worth visiting if you don’t ski. There are literally hundreds of things to do in town if you don’t fancy hitting the slopes from snowmobiling to dog sledding to ziplining. There are even tamer activities like hiking and having a spa day (at an outdoor Nordic-style spa). Both activities I actually prefer doing here in Whistler in the winter.
In fact, I’d go so far as to say that my favorite things to do in Whistler in the winter months don’t involve skiing!
As for the best month to visit Whistler for non-skiers – the highest snowfall is in December so that’s when the skiers descend on the town. Therefore, this is considered the busiest time of year. Therefore, we recommend you visit in February when the crowds are less!
Top tip – We advise spending a minimum of 3 days in Whistler in winter!
BEST things to do in Whistler for non-skiers
1. Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is a super-popular activity in Whistler for non-skiers. I LOVED our snowmobiling tour, so much that we have done this tour three times so far while living in Whistler!
Imagine cruising down wide groomed trails and deep into Whistler’s backcountry on a high-powered top-of-the-range snowmobile. A snowmobile can reach speeds of up 120 miles per hour, which is very fast!
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 CAD for the 3-hour tour.
2. Dogsledding
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.
Did you know – dog sledding originated over 4,000 years ago. It’s true that life back then, in Northern Canada would never have been possible without sled dogs. These sled dogs have been bred to withstand cold temperatures and endure pulling sleds over long distances.
3. Iceskating
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 rink in the Olympic Plaza in the village.
4. Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Connecting both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is one of the most popular things to do in winter in Whistler for non-skiers. And would you believe this gondola ride is 4.4 kilometers long. So, the journey will take you around 11 minutes in total. From this prime vantage point – 436 meters above the valley you can take in the lush Whistler landscapes.
For something truly unique albeit not for those who are afraid of heights, you can take the glass bottom gondola across. This is called the 360 experience.
The most popular attraction up here is the Skybridge which takes you out to a wow-worthy viewing platform of Blackcomb. We recommend having lunch up here at the Rendezvous restaurant at the top of Blackcomb.
A Peak 2 Peak Gondola pass costs from $99 CAD for a day pass per adult.
5. Scandinave Spa
Scandinave Spa is the perfect spot to chill out in the heart of nature in the winter. 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.
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.
6. Tubing
A perfect family-friendly thing to do in Whistler for non-skiers is to go tubing at the Tube Park on Blackcomb Mountain. Called the Bubly Tube Park it’s located at the Base 2 Zone on the mountain. Here, you are sure to have heaps of fun sliding down a 1,000-foot hill on a tube. There’s a conveyor at the bottom of the hill which takes you back to the top so you don’t have to hike it. Handy!
Smaller kids (aged between 3-7 years) have a special lane to tube in, making it safe for them. Prices range from $20 CAD for kids (aged between 7-12 years) and $24 CAD for adults.
7. Check out the 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.
8. 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 to land on a glacier! On this well-rated helicopter tour you’ll have 25 minutes in the air. And prices start from $342 CAD per person.
Your Next Read: If you’re after a luxury getaway Whistler is the perfect place – there are lots of luxurious hotels (my favorites are Fairmont Chateau and Four Seasons) as well as plenty of fine dining restaurants (Bearfoot Bistro and The Grille Room to name but two).
9. Bobsledding
The sport made famous in the hilarious movie Cool Runnings – bobsledding is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Whistler for non-skiers. In fact, the Whistler Sliding Center (above Blackcomb Mountain) is the only place in Canada where you can try to bobsleigh.
The passenger bobsleigh experience gives you the chance to drive in a real bobsleigh (driven by a trained driver). You will speed through twists and turns at super-fast speeds – 125km/hr! You will feel the acceleration of up to 4 g-forces. This is definitely an activity for the more adventurous traveler.
10. Keyhole Hot Springs
Keyhole Hot Springs is an amazing natural gem, featuring several natural stone tubs with running hot water near Pemberton.
The Keyhole hot springs, aka Pebble Creek hot springs, have become less accessible recently due to the closure of access to access roads. They are located 100 km from Whistler village, most of the road into the Springs (after Pemberton) is on a logging road and is driveable by most cars without any trouble.
Getting to Keyhole Hot Springs – At 33.1km turn right onto Prospect Street. At 55.2km turn right, cross the bridge over Lillooet River, and onto Lillooet River FSR. At 100km look for the roadside parking and trailhead for the Lillooet River Trail to Keyhole Hot Springs.
Important information – crampons are recommended on the trail as some sections of the trail are icy. The Springs are closed from Apr 1- Nov 15 due to Grizzly Bears habituated to humans in the area.
11. Wander through Whistler Village
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. This 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.
I also 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.
- Black Tusk Gallery – On Main Street this art gallery showcases and sells art works by Northwest Coast natives (some famous and some unknown)
- 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!
12. Tobagonning
Another fun, family-friendly winter activity in Whistler is the sport of tobogganing, which you can try out at Whistler’s Olympic Park – around a 20-minute drive from town. Also known as sledding – this fun activity involves sliding down a dedicated hill underneath the Olympic ski jumps in a sled.
You will NEED to bring your own toboggan and helmet as no rental facilities are available on-site. However, you can buy sleds at Fresh Street Market or Whistler Hardware Store in the village and likely other supermarkets there too.
13. Snowshoeing
For those of us who don’t like to ski then snowshoeing is the perfect way to enjoy Whistler’s snowy backcountry scenery without having to put on a pair of skis. Some of the best snowshoeing trails in Whistler include the easy Rainbow Falls Trail which can be completed in under an hour and the 1.2 km Nairn Falls train (which actually often doesn’t require snowshoes)
14. Go ziplining
Ziptrek Ecotours offers 4 distinct zipline tours and the TreeTrek canopy walk. It’s also home of the Sasquatch – the longest zipline in Canada and the USA. The Sasquatch is 2km in length! There are several tours to choose from the Bear Tour (4 ziplines); the Eagle Tour (5 ziplines) and the Sasquatch one monster zipline.
Prices start from $178 CAD for the Eagle Tour, which is 3 hours long.
15. Bungee jump
Regularly voted as one of the most adrenaline-pumping activities available in Whistler. Jumping from 160 feet over the bright blue waters of the Cheakamus River is certain to get your blood pumping. In fact, this has to be one of the most scenic spots in Canada for a bungee – there’s a giant Black Tusk mountain in the background, as well as native bush and basalt cliffs all around.
Whistler Bungee is located at Calcheak Service Forest Road, about a 20-minute drive from Whistler Village. Prices start from $140 CAD per person.
Your Next Read: A bungee jump is one of the top things to do in Whistler in the summer!
16. Go hiking!
Hiking isn’t likely the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Whistler winter activities. But there are actually several easy hikes that you can complete here without the need for snowshoes.
Trainwreck hike
Head out to Cheakamus Crossing to do one of Whistler’s most famous short hikes to the Train Wreck – a set of abandoned rail cars turned art installation. It’s a very easy, mostly flat walk, and the main feature is, of course, the brightly colored graffiti train cars, but you will also be treated to gorgeous views of the Cheakamus River.
The track is approximately 1 km each way and starts from Jane Lakes Road car park near Cheakamus Crossing.
Valley Trail
If you want a snow-free hike then the Valley Trail is cleared of snow regularly. It’s a whopping 40 km long. My favorite section to walk is from Whistler Village to Nita Lake, this will take just over an hour.
Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls can be found a 15-minute drive from Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway. Although open all year round, the parking gate is locked during the winter months, but you can still access the trail. If there’s no parking on the side of the highway many people park at Whistler Bungee down Cal-Cheak Forest Service Road which is nearby.
For the most part, this trail can usually be accessed on foot. The trail is fairly short and winds through the trees before emerging at the impressive falls. There is a small viewing platform of the spectacular 70-meter waterfall.
In the summer, you can walk down to the base of the waterfall – I don’t recommend doing this in the winter.
Your Next Read: If you plan to visit Whistler in the summer you should read my detailed guide to spending 3 days in Whistler in the summer!
17. Ice fishing
You could also try out Ice Fishing on this very unique 3-hour experience! Which is exactly what it says on the tin – the opportunity to fish through holes in the ice on one of Whistler’s lakes. It’s a must for fishermen or women and costs from $189 CAD.
Is Whistler worth it if you don’t ski?
Where to stay in Whistler
Choosing where to stay in Whistler is not easy as there are around a hundred hotels here. Below, you’ll find my 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 Whistler!
- 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:
- HI Whistler – This is more of a luxury hostel and it’s located a short drive from the village (it’s close to Whistler Creekside). It’s a huge hostel (it has 188 beds) so there’s plenty of choice in terms of room types. We stayed in a private ensuite room here – it was fabulous! Interestingly, this hostel was part of the athlete’s village for the 2010 Olympics. 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, just 200 meters from the ski lift up the mountain this is a very popular choice. 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.
Best restaurants in Whistler
- Bearfoot Bistro – This is one of the most luxurious restaurants in town and if you’re a wine lover you’re in luck as it has one of the most extensive wine cellars in all of Canada. With no less than 20,000 bottles of wine. So, if you’re a wine-lover this is the place for you. As for their food – their butter-poached Atlantic Salmon is amazing. Try their 4-course tasting menu for date night!
- The Rimrock Cafe near Creekside Village is my number-one choice for dinner in Whistler. This award-winning eatery 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!
- La Cantina is a casual Mexican eatery in Village Marketplace that serves up delicious burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more. Their sister restaurant Mexican Corner is less casual and also serves up delicious tacos, burritos, and more! Oh, and their frozen margaritas are awesome.
- 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.
How to get to Whistler
Whistler is a 1.5-hour (121 km) drive from its closest big city – Vancouver. The best way to get from Vancouver to Whistler is to drive yourself as that way you can stop off where and when you please along the way. It’s a really scenic drive, with some incredibly pretty stops along the way like the Capilano Suspension Bridge just outside Vancouver and Squamish.
If you don’t have a car, I recommend renting one as that way you can stop where you like along the way. Alternatively, you can catch a shuttle service from Vancouver to Whistler. Epic Rides offers a shuttle between the two destinations and I’ve used them numerous times before and can vouch that it’s an excellent service. It leaves from Burrard Station in downtown and costs $33.50 CAD one-way or $44 CAD return.
Vancouver Airport (YVR) is a 2-hour drive from Whistler and the Skylynx coach service offers one-way fares from the airport for $32 CAD.
Travel Tip: The cost of renting a car in Canada can be expensive. However, there are some ways you can save money. We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.
Final thoughts on Whistler for non-skiers!
As you can see, the activities in Whistler for non-skiers are awesome. And there’s something for every type of traveler – from relaxing activities to heartstopping ones!
My top tips for Whistler for non-skiers:
- Visit in the off-peak winter months of November and March to avoid the crowds. You will also likely get better deals at the village’s hotels in these months.
- You will still need to book your activities in advance, particularly super-popular activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling. As these have limited spaces and tend to sell out quickly.
- Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions, and ensure your outerwear is waterproof and breathable.
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Last Updated on January 25, 2025 by snaphappytravel