Is Whistler worth visiting?
Yes, you'll find numerous reasons to visit Whistler, and it's a village that everyone should see. We had an amazing time here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this village has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the spectacular skiing and terrific hiking.
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.
Whistler Village
6 Reasons to Visit Whistler
1. Skiing
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.
2. Hiking
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.
3. Food
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.
4. Nightlife
After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.
5. Resorts
There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.
6. Shopping
The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.
Is Whistler worth visiting in the Summer?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Whistler. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).
You really can't miss the hiking here during the warmer months, as it is fantastic here. Even though this is mainly a ski resort area in the winter, the warmer months offer less crowds, gorgeous views, and plenty of trails to explore. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable village, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the small town charm, the hiking, and the resorts. Also, you can dance the night away.
Summer Weather in Whistler
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| August | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| September | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
Is Whistler worth visiting in the Autumn?
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 11°C (51°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Whistler, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, discover the nearby hiking trails, and wander through the small town.
Autumn Weather in Whistler
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| November | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| December | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
Is Whistler worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the high season for travel in Whistler, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The weather in Whistler can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 4°C (40°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Most visitors come during the winter for the terrific skiing and snowboarding, as it's the main activity here. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to ski down the slopes, sample the delicious cuisine, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Winter Weather in Whistler
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| February | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| March | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
Is Whistler worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Whistler. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
The weather in Whistler can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 9°C (49°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. During this season it's fun to experience the quaint shops, the beautiful scenery, and the small town charm. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Whistler
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| June | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Whistler
Museums and Attractions: Whistler isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.
Lots of Tourists
Whistler sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Whistler might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Whistler here or see if Whistler is expensive here.
Related
What is Whistler most famous for?
Whistler is most famous for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. The village is very popular for its skiing and hiking. It is also known for its great food, nightlife, and resorts. And many visitors also come to this village for its shopping. It is often described as adventurous, outdoorsy, and charming.
What is the most famous sight in Whistler?
The most popular sight in Whistler is Cloudraker Skybridge. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Whistler on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Cloudraker Skybridge and other attractions here.
How touristy is Whistler? Is it a popular village to visit?
Whistler is a very touristy village that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Whistler ATV Bushwhacker Tour: $147
- Mountain Breeze Tour - Mountain E Bike - Whistler Marmot Activity: $104
- Ice Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $163
- The Glacier Helicopter Sightseeing Tour: $144
- Snowshoe Tours: $169
- The Summit Helicopter Sightseeing Tour: $206
- Whistler Helicopter Tour: Glaciers and Black Tusk: $237
- Full Day Ice Fishing Tour: $246
How long should I spend in Whistler?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Whistler is at least three or as many as five days. Since Whistler has a variety of activities such as skiing and hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Whistler?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Whistler?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Whistler?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.