Is it Worth Visiting Whistler in Winter if You Don’t Ski?
Whistler is worth visiting in winter even if you don’t ski. Although the resort is best known for its slopes, there is plenty to do beyond them and many of the best things to do in Whistler in winter without skiing don’t need any gear, lessons or lift tickets.
I’ve visited Whistler in both winter and summer, and each season has its own appeal. I also spend most of my winter weekends in Whistler, either exploring the town or skiing down its slopes. In this guide, I cover the best non-ski activities in Whistler in winter, with honest tips on costs, the best time to visit and what’s worth booking ahead.
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Best Time to Visit Whistler in Winter for Non-Skiers
I’ve visited Whistler in every season, but winter has something magical about it. Whistler in winter is much more than a ski resort. If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Whistler for non-skiers, I recommend mid-January through March. But that’s also the peak winter season, so accommodation prices are higher.
In early December snow is unpredictable. Some years bring plenty early in the season, while others bring very little and the village can be patchy or snow-free. On the plus side, it’s quieter and cheaper, and winter rides on the Peak 2 Peak usually opens in late November.
From late December to early January Whistler is at its busiest. Christmas and New Year’s celebrations push accommodation prices up, so book early.
January and February usually bring the best snow and the coldest temperatures, which makes them ideal for tubing, snowshoeing and ice skating. Avoid holiday weekends such as Family Day, when it gets very crowded.
March is truly my favorite time to visit Whistler. You get smaller crowds, longer days and better prices. Snow is usually still deep even at lower elevations and the spring sun makes sitting outside a real pleasure.
19 Best Things to Do in Whistler Without Skiing
1. Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride & Whistler Gondola
One of the best things to do in Whistler in winter is riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola between Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb. To get there, take the Whistler Village Gondola up the mountain, then walk a short distance across the snow to the Peak 2 Peak entrance.
The ride takes about 11 minutes and as you cross the valley you’ll see snow-covered peaks and the forest far below. This gondola is famous for having one of the longest unsupported spans in the world.
2. Ice Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza
Whistler Olympic Plaza was built for the 2010 Winter Olympics and in winter it transforms into an outdoor ice rink that everyone can enjoy. The ice rink is not that big, which makes it an ideal spot to practice even if you’re just a beginner. It’s right in the village, so it’s easy to fit in before or after dinner.
The Whistler Olympic Plaza is also a great place to warm up with a hot chocolate afterwards. In the early season, winter events for kids are often hosted here. Make sure you check what’s on the schedule during your Whistler stay.
3. Snow Tubing on Whistler Blackcomb
Snow tubing requires no skills, which makes it one of the easiest things to do in Whistler in winter without skiing. The tube park is on Blackcomb Mountain, just above the mid-station of the Excalibur Gondola.
To get there you have two options: ride the lower section of the Excalibur Gondola up to the mid-station (this ride is free) or drive and park in Lot 8.
Once you have your tube, a conveyor lift carries you back up, so there’s no uphill walking. It’s popular with families, but adults enjoy it just as much. Weekends get busy, so I’d strongly recommend arriving early or visiting on a weekday.
4. Vallea Lumina
Vallea Lumina is an easy walk at night through the forest. It’s located at the base of Cougar Mountain, about 10-15 min north of Whistler Village. The path is lit up with several projections and lighting effects, while music and storytelling leads you through the trees.
It’s one of the most popular Whistler winter activities for non-skiers and because the path is short and the terrain gentle, it works for kids and groups alike.
5. Fire and Ice Show
The Fire and Ice Show is a free outdoor show and one of the best free things to do in Whistler in winter. You should expect skiers and snowboarders flip through a ring of fire on the slopes above the village, with fire spinners and a DJ adding to the show. The event is usually finished with fireworks.
It’s a short activity and easy to combine with dinner in the village. It’s also a perfect stop to avoid the southbound traffic to Vancouver.
6. Ziplining in Whistler
Whistler is one of the best places near Vancouver to zipline. In winter, Ziptrek Ecotours runs the Winter Après Tour. It includes four ziplines and four treetop bridges. It’s a perfect activity around sunset when the lights are on and the soft light hits the peaks.
It’s a good activity for non-skiers who want some adrenaline without needing any mountain skills. If you want more speed and more lines, Ziptrek’s Eagle Tour is another option that runs in winter.
7. Whistler Bobsleigh
At the Whistler Sliding Centre, built for the 2010 Winter Olympics, you can ride a real bobsleigh with a trained pilot. It’s the only place in Canada where you can try bobsleigh if you’ve never done it before. The track is actually known as the fastest ice track in the world.
You feel the speed and g-forces, with speed reaching 125 km/h or more. The best part? You don’t have to worry about steering or technique, as the pilot takes care of it. While the ride is short, it’s definitely a bucket-list item if you’re visiting Whistler in winter.
8. Snowshoeing to Kees and Claire Memorial Hut
You can snowshoe to Kees and Claire Memorial Hut on your own or hire a guide to go with. The path follows the Singing Pass Trail from Whistler Village and you should plan for at least 6 to 8 hours. It’s quite a challenging snowshoe trail and you need to be familiar with avalanche terrain. This trail is best if you’ve completed an avalanche safety training, such as AST 1.
I did a backpacking trip to Russet Lake in summer, which is below Kees and Claire Memorial Hut. If you’re not comfortable with snowshoeing in winter, then I recommend hiking the trail in summer instead.
9. Helicopter Tour
A helicopter flight is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Whistler in winter. There are several local operators that offer a range of flights, from a quick 15-minute scenic hop over the resort to longer tours into Garibaldi Provincial Park, including glacier landing.
At the top end, there are also private tours, such as ice cave visits or food and wine experiences, which cost considerably more. It’s a splurge, but a great idea if you’re celebrating yout honeymoon or anniversary.
10. Snowmobile Tours
If you want to get into the mountains without skiing, a guided snowmobile tour is a great idea. A guide will lead you and your group through snowy trails and across open valleys. You get to choose the level of the tour, from beginner friendly to more advanced.
Some include special activities, such as a gourmet steak dinner at a mountain cabin. Before your ride, most operators provide a briefing and training and you can usually share a snowmobile with a partner.
11. Sleigh Rides
A sleigh ride is a classic and easy way to enjoy Whistler in winter without skiing.
Blackcomb Sleigh Rides, located just 5 minutes from the village, offers scenic group rides as well as a private sleigh. Around the holidays, you can also take a festive sleigh or snowcoach ride to a holiday dome with a hot drink and a cookie.
12. Snowshoeing at Lost Lake
For an easy snowshoe trip near Whistler Village, visit Lost Lake Park. Here you can choose among 15 km of dedicated snowshoe trails. The routes range from 1 hour-long to half-day trips, so you can decide how long to be out.
You’ll need a day ticket, and you can rent snowshoes on site. Because the trails are groomed for both snowshoers and cross-country skiers, you’ll need to follow the signs and stay off the ski tracks.
13. Whistler Village Shopping
Whistler Village is pedestrian-only, which is great to enjoy the area car-free and browse local shops. I personally love it especially on a snowy day, when the paths are covered in snow and the white mountain peaks rise behind the buildings.
In the evening, when the lights turn on, the village feels like out of a movie. This is also a good plan on a rainy day as you can hide inside at any time. Between November and December, make sure to check out the holiday markets and Whistler Winterlight.
14. Axe Throwing
If you’re looking for more Whistler winter activities for non-skiers, Forged Axe Throwing is a local business where you can learn how to throw axes. You don’t need any experience, since a coach teaches you the basics and keeps the session safe and fun.
It’s an easy indoor activity for a snowy evening and works well for small groups. It’s about a 5 min drive south of the village.
15. Day Trip to Joffre Lakes
If you have a rental car, a winter day trip to Joffre Lakes is a fantastic addition to your Whistler trip, but only in the right conditions.
In summer, Joffre Lakes is famous for its turquoise lakes. In winter, the trail becomes a snowy landscape of white peaks. The park sits roughly 1 hour north of Whistler on Highway 99, past Pemberton.
The first lake is a short walk from the parking lot, which makes it the most realistic goal for casual visitors. The trail beyond it enters avalanche terrain, so I’d only go further with avalanche training, proper gear or a guide. Winter driving on this stretch of highway demands extra care, so check road conditions before you leave.
16. Dinner on Top of the Mountain
Steeps Grill & Wine Bar, in the Roundhouse Lodge at the top of Whistler Mountain, is Whistler’s full-service mountain restaurant. You ride the gondola up to enjoy a meal with panoramic views of the Coast Mountains.
In winter, you can pair it with a Peak 2 Peak gondola ride. Alternatively, if you’d rather dine on Blackcomb, Christine’s, at the top of the Blackcomb Gondola in the Rendezvous Lodge, is another great option.
17. Scandinave Spa Whistler
If you’re looking to unwind, the Scandinave Spa is a very relaxing winter activity in Whistler. After a cold day, you get to enjoy hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and cold plunges, before moving to the quiet areas.
Nothing beats soaking in the outdoor hot pool while snow falls down around you. The Spa has a strict silence policy and no phones, which makes it ideal for anyone who wants to recharge.
18. Museums: Audain Art Museum, Whistler Museum or Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
When the weather is bad, you can visit one of Whistler’s three museums.
The Audain Art Museum is focused on British Columbia art and is known for its collection of Northwest Coast masks and the largest permanent display of Emily Carr paintings.
The Whistler Museum tells the story of the valley, from its early days to the resort era.
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre showcases the culture of the two Nations on whose shared territory Whistler sits. If you only have time for one museum, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for additional insights into the local territory.
19. Best Restaurants and Breweries in Whistler
If you’re visiting Whistler in winter without skiing, then you’ll definitely want to have a list of the best restaurants and breweries to check out. Whistler Village has everything you might want, but if you want more options visit Whistler Creekside as well.
- Araxi
- Bearfoot Bistro
- Stinky’s
- Balam
- Whistler Brewing
How to Get to Whistler from Vancouver in Winter
The Vancouver to Whistler drive is 120 km one way and takes about 2 hours in good conditions. Snow and ski traffic can add a lot of extra time to the drive.
The easiest way to get to Whistler from Vancouver is by car, along the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). In winter, between October 1 and March 31, your vehicle needs to have winter or M+S tires. If you’re renting a car, make sure it comes with winter tires or chain.
If you want to visit Whistler without a car, you can book with YVR Skylynx or Epic Rides. Both bus companies offer daily connections between Vancouver and Whistler Village. It’s one of the easiest ways to get to Whistler without the stress of driving.
There are also private transfers and shuttles from Vancouver to Whistler, but it’s usually more expensive.
Where to Stay in Whistler if You Don’t Ski
Whistler Village is the best place to stay for non-skiers. If you’re visiting Whistler without a car, the bus stops in the centre of Whistler Village. So you don’t need to arrange additional transfers. Also, the best restaurants and shops are located in Whistler Village, all within a short walking distance.
Whistler Creekside is slightly cheaper and quieter. It’s less than 10 min drive from Whistler Village and the first stop coming from Vancouver. It’s also very walkable, has great bakeries and is preferred by locals when trying to avoid the weekend ski traffic. Since it’s located a bit on the outside compared to Whistler Village, you often get to skip some of the traffic.
You can also stay outside of Whistler, such as in Squamish (south) or Pemberton (north). Accommodation is a lot cheaper but you’ll need to factor in traffic to Whistler and transportation. If you’re trying to avoid traffic, Pemberton is a better choice compared to Squamish. It is located north of Whistler, while most of the traffic comes from south and from Vancouver.
How Much Does a Non-Ski Trip to Whistler Cost
If you’re looking for a cheap winter destination, Whistler is unfortunately not one. One of the most expensive items in Whistler are lift tickets. But if you don’t ski, you get to save a lot on it and only take the gondola on selected days.
The total costs for a non-ski trip to Whistler depends a lot on the activities you want to do. While some like Fire and Ice show are free, others like a helicopter tour can be quite costly. I’ve included more details on these activities in the section above.
Accommodation is also quite expensive in Whistler, especially if you visit between December and February. Early December and late March are usually the cheapest times to book accommodation in Whistler. You should expect to spend between C$300 and C$400 for a mid-range hotel in Whistler per night.
If you’re staying in Whistler Village, transportation costs will be very low, as most of the attractions are within walking distance.
Food costs can also vary depending on how often and where you eat out. Whistler has a lot of great restaurants, some with a higher price tag such as Balam and others with a lower one such as Stinky’s.
If you’re visiting Whistler on a budget, travel in early December or late March and stay in Creekside or outside the village.
How Many Days to Spend in Whistler in Winter Without Skiing
You can spend from 2 days in Whistler to a full week. If you only have a weekend in Whistler, you can take the Peak to Peak gondola, visit Whistler Village and watch the Fire and Ice show on day one, while spend the day two at the Scandinave spa or doing a snow activity, such as tubing.
If you’re staying 3 days in Whistler, you can also add a tour to your itinerary. Some of the best tours in Whistler are snowmobiling, dog sledding or bobsleigh. If weather is not on your side, you can also explore a museum or plan a nice dinner for the evening.
With a week in Whistler, you can truly make the best use of your time. You can plan some day trips to Joffre Lakes or Squamish, go snowshoeing, zip lining or ice skating. This is the best amount of time to justify a trip from abroad. Ideally, you can even split the stay with 4 days in Whistler and 3 days in Squamish, lowering the overall costs of your holiday.
Is Whistler Worth it in Winter?
Whistler is worth visiting in winter even if you don’t ski. There are so many non-ski activities in Whistler that you’ll easily fill a weekend or a week. It isn’t a cheap destination but skipping the lift ticket will save you a lot of money.
If I had to pick my top activities in Whistler for first time visitors, I’d go with the Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride, Scandinave Spa, Vallea Lumina and snowshoeing.
Many visit Whistler in January and February but I’d recommend visiting in March. There is still plenty of snow, accommodation prices have come down and the village feels a bit more relaxed. If you enjoyed Whister in winter, I’d strongly recommend coming back and visiting Whistler in summer too.
More Things to Do Near Whistler
If you’re spending a week in Whistler or are simply looking for what else you can do near Whistler, below are a few ideas.
- Best Sea to Sky Highway stops on the Vancouver to Whistler drive
- How to spend one day in Squamish
- Joffre Lakes hike in winter or summer
- Elfin Lakes hike in winter in Garibaldi Provincial Park
- Backpacking to Russet Lake from Whistler Village
- Overnight hike to Semaphore Lakes near Pemberton
- Best Hikes in Garibaldi Provincial Park
