Whistler, BC

The ancient forests and Pacific Coastal Mountains that surround Whistler’s Callaghan Valley are worthy of admiration. Hikers and backpackers love the Valley during the summertime for its wilderness experience. Winter sports lovers revel in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Also found within this Valley is the Callaghan Lake Provincial Park that’s worth a visit. Callaghan Lake is a beautiful undisturbed wilderness in the stunning backdrop of a rugged mountain terrain and camping here is extremely popular during holidays in Whistler. The natural green space of Fitzsimmons Creek is truly beautiful, and a full-day hike will bring the adventurous close to the Fitzsimmons Glacier and the breathtaking scenery of the Garibaldi Ranges. The spectacular panoramas of Whistler’s parks never seem to end. The wilderness of Garibaldi Park is best enjoyed with views of the Black Tusk in the background, a stunning pinnacle of volcanic rock jutting skyward. Many other picturesque locations within the park await your exploration, including hikes to the Elfin Lakes with their stunning views and unbelievably scenic campsites.

Part of what makes a Whistler holiday so popular is its sense of community, and Whistler Village is where it all comes together. Whistler Village is just one of 3 quaint villages at the base of the Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains. Go here for the bars, hotels, exceptional restaurants, stunning villas and shops. After a day on the slopes of Whistler, winter sports lovers can soothe their sore muscles at the Whistler Fairmont Chateau, a ski lodge with a knack for luxury. Hungry lodgers will be satisfied by the onsite eateries of the Fairmont, as the Lounge with its dark wood and leather interiors wows diners with its après-ski ambiance. Close by and located inside a beautifully designed building is the Squamish & Lil'wat Cultural Centre which takes visitors on a fascinating journey into the art, culture and history of the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations people of Canada. Taking a guided tour or simply wandering around the Centre’s visually appealing art galleries and exhibits is a worthwhile cultural experience.

The stunning Brandywine Falls offers visitors on holiday in Whistler an unparalleled opportunity to watch changing seasons unfold before their eyes- from the rich autumn foliage colours and the vernal pools of spring. The spectacular Falls boast walking trails that offer panoramic views and there are various hiking and mountain biking attractions inside the park. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring some of the trails in the park whilst relishing the rare and endangered fauna. A detour from Whistler will take you to Alexander Falls, another spectacular waterfall in the Callaghan Valley. Views of the falls are at their most panoramic between May and June when all the snow on the nearby mountains rapidly melts to provide a powerful force of water tumbling over the jagged rocks. The outdoorsy can pack a picnic and admire Mother Nature in all her glory.

This road from Vancouver to Whistler provides one of the most scenic drives you will ever take. This memorable journey winds along the Sea-to-Sky Highway- arguably Canada’s most picturesque drive. Dubbed the best ski resort in the world, Whistler-Blackcomb Mountain is best viewed from the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which contrasts between the deep white of the snow-capped peaks and lush green forests below. The gondola ride frames the view Whistler-Blackcomb in a canvas of tranquillity as you descend. About fifty black bears live on Whistler and Blackcomb, and nature lovers can go on a tour of the bear’s feeding sites, active dens and places they are known to congregate during summer. Travelling through beautiful, lush forests in a 4x4, visitors can observe the bears from a safe distance. Other Whistler wildlife can be spotted up close, including coyotes, marmots, owls, and hawks.

The best time to take a holiday in Whistler is between June and September, and from December to March. Peak skiing conditions are from December to February, while March ushers in warmer temperatures but still with good snow. In June and July, the Blackcomb Mountain offers glacier skiing, while the rest of Whistler serves as a base camp for campers and hikers.

At the same time, the autumn weather ushers in many popular festivals to enjoy during your holiday to Whistler. The moderate temperatures of April and May make Whistler holidays ideal for outdoor activities such as cycling and bungee jumping.

Springtime Thrills

April and May invite warmer temperatures for holidays to Whistler that allow for skiing through to the end of April. While the mountains still have snow, the days are sunny and warmer. This is also a popular time of the year for camping and hiking. The conditions are ideal for bungee jumping as well. Nature lovers can take a picnic to admire the Alexander Falls. Must visit festivals include the World Ski & Snowboard Festival; the Mum’s Mountain Classic or the Whistler Cup.

Autumn Colours

Summertime in Whistler is prime time for all sorts of events and activities. Those who still desire some skiing during their Canada holiday can take to the Blackcomb Mountain. Visitors who prefer to bask in the sun can head over to the beach and for some water sports on Lost Lake. The temperatures make for a pleasant experience no matter what you prefer to do. Festivals worth attending include the Pemberton Music Festival and the Whistler Village Beer Festival.

Summer Fun

Summertime in Whistler is prime time for all sorts of events and activities. Those who still desire some skiing during their Canada holiday can take to the Blackcomb Mountain. Visitors who prefer to bask in the sun can head over to the beach and for some water sports on Lost Lake. The temperatures make for a pleasant experience no matter what you prefer to do. Festivals worth attending include the Pemberton Music Festival and the Whistler Village Beer Festival.

Winter Wonders

Winter is one of the best times for a Whistler holiday, and for obvious reasons: there’s plenty of powder. Snowboarders and skiers can head over to the mountains for some of the world’s best winter sporting conditions. Non-skiers will not feel left out during their Canada tour as they can instead opt for snowmobiling, snowshoeing or tubing. Spending time off the mountains at interesting festivals and events is also possible at the Whistler Film Festival; the Fire and Ice Show and the WinterPRIDE Festival.