Take a Day Trip to Whistler from Vancouver

Start the Day With a Scenic Flight

Head down to the Harbour Air floatplane terminal near Canada Place to board one of the seaplanes that buzz back and forth across the harbour. Your 45-minute flight to Whistler starts by soaring high above Vancouver and over the Lions Gate Bridge. Next, wing your way north over the Sea to Sky corridor. Keep your gaze fixed out the window to spot the fjord of Howe Sound, ringed with towering peaks, and the sapphire blue waters of Garibaldi Lake with the glacier-capped Mount Garibaldi, known as Nch’kay in the Squamish language, rising above it.

The exhilarating flight ends at Green Lake in Whistler, named for the blue-green colour of its glacial waters. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you disembark steps away from the famous Nicklaus North Golf Course. Harbour Air’s complimentary shuttle service will whisk you through the forested valley to Whistler Village in just five minutes.

If you’d rather get to Whistler without leaving the ground, the drive up into the mountain via the Sea to Sky Highway has gorgeous views around every bend. You can rent a car downtown Vancouver and drive yourself. But to really enjoy the scenery, let someone else do the driving and book a trip with Epic Rides, YVR Skylynx, or Whistler Shuttle.

Explore Whistler Village

You won’t be short of things to do in Whistler Village. Nested at the base of the mountain, Whistler Village bustles with energy. The centre of the village is fully pedestrianized, so it's perfect for strolling with a coffee from one of the many cafes in hand. Browse for clothing and gifts at local boutiques or drop in to a gallery to enjoy mountain-themed art.

Patios line the edges of the Village Stroll, so pull up a chair, order a decadent pastry, and do some people watching. You’ll spot helmet-clad mountain bikers heading for the lifts, hikers with trekking poles on their way to the trails, and families out enjoying the lively atmosphere and mountain views.

Along with Vancouver, Whistler hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. You’ll find legacies from the games all over the city. Don’t miss snapping a photo in front of the Olympic rings, located in Whistler Olympic Plaza at the north end of Village Stroll.

Break for Lunch

Break for lunch at one of Whistler’s artisanal cafes. Provisions strives to bring the quality of fine dining to a casual cafe format through partnerships with local farmers. They serve up handcrafted coffee, fresh pastries, and elevated takes on lunch classics such as grilled cheese, avocado toast, and rice bowls. If you’re craving something more substantial, order their hearty certified Angus beef burger or house-roasted rotisserie chicken.

Or pick up takeout and dine al fresco in the dappled shade of giant cedars in one of Whistler’s parks. Listen to the babble of Fitzsimmons Creek as you lounge on the grass in Rebagliati Park. Or relax next to the ponds in Florence Petersen Park, tucked away behind the Whistler Public Library. From pizza to sushi, you’re spoiled for to-go lunch options in Whistler. But for a classic picnic lunch, you have to go to the aptly-named Picnic Deli. They make adorable and delicious charcuterie boxes, or you can design your own from their selection of meats and cheeses.

Whistler Museums

After lunch, you can choose between immersing yourself in Whistler culture or nature. If you opt for culture, start at the Audain Art Museum. The striking modern architecture elevates the space into the tree canopy, so the art inside is bathed in natural light. Explore a powerful collection of First Nations art alongside pieces from pioneering Canadian artists like Emily Carr.

Continue your cultural journey by following the tree-lined Valley Trail across Fitzsimmons Creek to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. The striking cedar and glass museum celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the local Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations. Experience a guided tour that includes songs, drums, and storytelling as you explore exhibits that include carvings, regalia, tools, and more.

Whistler Mountain Walks

Of all the things to do in Whistler, exploring the mountain should be top of your list. Climb aboard the Whistler Village Gondola, then ride up into the mountains to feast your eyes on sunlit ridges, glittering glaciers, and wildflower-carpeted slopes. From the Roundhouse Lodge, you can ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Stretching an impressive 4.4 kilometres between Whistler and Blackcomb peaks, the gondola dangles 436 metres above the valley floor and offers panoramic views.

You can also ride the Peak Chair to Whistler Peak’s summit. Explore jaw-dropping views from the Cloudraker Skybridge and pose for photos with the inukshuk. From here, you can take on the High Note Trail, Whistler’s most famous alpine hike. It meanders for 9.4 km across alpine meadows and over volcanic rocks while offering unparalleled mountain views. Best for intermediate hikers, the trail takes about 4 hours.

Dine In Style

Wrap up your day with a decadent meal at one of Whistler’s renowned restaurants. If you can’t make up your mind, book a culinary adventure with Whistler Tasting Tours. This guided progressive four-course dinner includes stops at four popular Whistler restaurants so you can sample a variety of dishes.

For an only-in-Whistler experience, dine with a view at the Roundhouse Lodge high on Whistler Mountain at Mountain Top Summer Feast. Offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the summer, the menu highlights Indigenous dishes like bannock and salmon alongside classics like Canadian prime rib. Enjoy the fresh air and mountain views while you listen to live music from local bands.

Finish the Day with a Spectacular Shuttle Ride

Your day ends with stunning scenery on the shuttle ride back to Vancouver. Epic Rides, YVR Skylynx, and Whistler Shuttle offer comfortable transportation between Whistler Village and downtown Vancouver. Sit back and soak up the views on the Sea to Sky Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in BC. Pro tip: Sit on the right side of the bus for the best views of the Tantalus Mountains and Howe Sound Fjord.