If you only have one day to spare in Whistler, at the top of your list should be a ride on the Peak 2 Peak gondola.

Peak 2 Peak connects the Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. The gravity-defying ride is an engineering feat—passenger cabins hang as high as 434 metres, or higher than four Statues of Liberty and travel for nearly 3.2 kilometres without passing a support tower. More importantly, this record-breaking gondola will offer you the experience of a lifetime. You will be treated to stunning 360-degree views of Whistler Village, snow-capped mountain peaks, shimmering lakes, crystalline glaciers, and luscious forests.

You can ride on Peak 2 Peak in both summer and winter, but be sure to check the operating times, as these vary from season to season.

Craving an adrenaline rush? Take on one of the coolest—and scariest—bridges in the world. It takes an intrepid soul to walk across the Cloudraker Skybridge; at 2,000 metres above the ground, this is one of the highest bridges in North America.

Have you ever gone ziplining in Whistler? It’s one of the top unique things to do in Whistler.

To make like a bird and ‘fly’ through the mountain wilderness, book a session with Whistler zipline specialists Superfly. Kids aged seven and up are welcome to spread their wings, as long as they meet the weight and height requirements.

Other activities that you can try during Whistler’s winter months (December to March) are tubing, bobsledding, bungee jumping, and ice climbing—climbing on ice formations, with support from expert guides.

For things to do in Whistler in the summer (June to August), hiking overtakes skiing as the resort town’s most popular activity. Hiking enthusiasts can book a tour with Whistler Eco Tours, or visit Tourism Whistler to download maps and insider guides.

Whistler has also been building its reputation as a “mecca for bikes,” be it recreational biking, road cycling, mountain biking, or stunt cycling. Bookmark Canadian Sky for top trails, ranked by difficulty.

Not all Whistler activities are of the heart-stopping, action-packed variety. Schedule some down time at the Scandinave Spa and luxuriate in a traditional Scandinavian bath, right on the edge of the pristine forest at Whistler’s Lost Lake Park. Put your cares (and devices) aside and embrace stillness—at the Scandinave, silence is golden, and essential to reaping the full benefits of the bath experience.

Visitors to the Scandinave have found themselves spending several hours there, repeating the cycle of heating up, cooling down, and pure relaxation.

If you simply want a relaxing time with the freedom to indulge in conversation, book a stay at Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre. Enjoy a rejuvenating dip in the all-season lap pools and whirlpools, while taking in the stunning mountain views.

Get directions to the Scandinave Spa

To get your caffeine fix, stop at Whistler’s top cafes, such as the Forecast Coffee—known for its lattes and flat whites; Thunderbird Cafe—featuring an indigenous-inspired menu; and Ecologyst Cafe—serving up organic cups of fresh coffee. 

If you prefer your buzz from chocolate—and what could be more comforting than sipping on hot chocolate in the heart of chilly Whistler?—head to Blenz Coffee, where they will serve up a “rich, silky smooth cup of cocoa that tastes like a warm hug in the icy cold.”

As for the best places to eat, The Wine Enthusiast has come up with a list of the best places in Whistler to wine and dine. On the list is Bearfoot Bistro, a ski town stable for almost three decades. It houses an underground wine cellar with over 15,000 bottles and serves mouth-watering dishes such as Lumina Lamb Rack and Tofino King Salmon and Dungeness Crab. 

If you are a meat lover, the SIDECUT Steakhouse might be right up your alley with its Japanese A5 Satsuma Wagyu. The restaurant also offers multi-sensory cocktails inspired by the alpine regions of the world. Read a Dining Guide in Whistler for more recommendations. 

Get directions to Forecast Coffee

Get directions to Thunderbird Cafe

Get directions to Ecologyst Cafe

Get directions to Blenz Coffee

Get directions to Bearfoot Bistro

Get directions to SIDECUT Steakhouse

For mornings or afternoons of cultural appreciation, visit the Audain Art Museum, which showcases the art of British Columbia from the late 18th century to the present. The museum’s anchor piece is The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) by Haida carver James Hart. This esteemed masterpiece brings together principal animal figures from Haida folktales, such as the bear mother.

Whatever the season, there will never be a dull moment in Whistler, as it is also a town buzzing with fun-filled festivities all year round. Be it a beer festival, a film festival, an outdoor concert series, or a world-class competition such as the World Ski & Snowboard Festival, there is simply too much to do and see. 

The Tourism Whistler website lists its major festivals, but if you prefer arts and cultural events, see the Official Arts Whistler website for more details.

Get directions to Audain Art Museum

For more inspiration on how to make the most out of your Whistler holiday, check out our Destination Insights. Book your stay at Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre for comfortable all-suite accommodations in the heart of Whistler, complete with balconies to enjoy the fresh mountain air and scenic views.