Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Whistler?

Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Whistler?

Most visitors spend three to five days in Whistler when visiting. The outdoorsy village offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the skiing, the hiking, the food, and the nightlife.

Located only two hours from Vancouver, Whistler is home to the largest ski resort in North America. The village offers access to world class skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. During the warmer months the hiking and nature is fun to explore.

Do you have one or two weeks to visit Whistler? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one week enough time in Whistler?

One week is more than enough time to take in the scenery, skiing, and mountain activities in Whistler. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel after you hit the ski slopes, take a hike, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and grab some drinks at a bar. You could also use Whistler as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

How to spend a week in Whistler

The winter season revolves around snow skiing, so it's highly recommended to spend at least one day on the slopes. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

A few tour suggestions include:

Whistler Tour with Shannon Falls & Sea to Sky Gondola ($172)

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

Whistler is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the village, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's a compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

Known for it's hiking, Whistler sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Don't miss Cloudraker Skybridge during your trip to Whistler, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

Whistler is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

The small-town atmosphere of Whistler is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. It's a small town that's surrounded by outdoor activities and scenic nature.

Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.

Shopping in Whistler is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Whistler.

After you've explored most of Whistler, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

With added time, spend another day on the ski slopes. After all, that's one of the main attractions here. You'll probably improve your skills every day, so check out some of the runs you haven't spent much time on yet.

Is 2 weeks enough time in Whistler?

Two weeks provides ample opportunity to hit the ski slopes, take a hike, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and grab some drinks at a bar in Whistler at your own pace. You can just relax and take your time with everything the mountains have to offer. Then you can use the village as a convenient base for exploring nearby destinations on day trips.

Whistler Village

How to spend 2 weeks in Whistler

With 2 weeks in Whistler, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the village has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time skiing on the slopes and hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this village looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.

A few trip suggestions:

Guided Fishing Adventure in Whistler ($163)
Zipline Adventure in Whistler ($116)
Side-by-Side Off-Roading Adventures on Cougar Mountain ($233)
Superfly Ziplines on Cougar Mountain - includes 4 ziplines! ($151)
2 Hour Wilderness Adventure Snowmobile Tour in Whistler ($199)

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Whistler, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.