If you’re hoping to escape the madness and cramped atmosphere of Vancouver, there’s no better place to cool down than Whistler. By no means a tiny town, this winter sports hot spot has something for everyone while ensuring all of the trappings of a high-class resort are available to you. The only thing left to make the trip is to plan it out and go!
Here’s everything you’ll need to visit Whistler and slip away from Vancouver for a while.
This is the number 1 four-seasoned destination in Canada. What makes it different from the rest of the country is the look, which reminds of European villages. Although it has only 10,000 inhabitants, this number has quadrupled during the season. It is located in the mountains of British Columbia.
How To Get There
If you have a car, the best way to get to Whistler is to drive. From Vancouver, the drive is around an hour and a half. This could easily be two or three episodes of a podcast or a playthrough of your favorite CD. If you don’t have a car, you can take a forty-minute flight for just over a hundred dollars. A bus would take longer, at two hours, but only cost fifteen dollars which is far more affordable. You can always go extra fancy and go through a helicopter service, which would cost even more but would be an incredible entrance.
Things you should know before you get in Whistler
The weather is very changeable and the winters are very harsh and cold. So, prepare woolen socks and a waterproof but warm jacket. The main village zone is car-free, so get ready to enjoy long walks looking around the shop windows. Since a lot of Australians spend their holidays here, don’t be surprised if you hear that this village is Whistralia. Still, there is a big difference between Australians and the people of North America, and one of them is that in America it is assumed that you will leave a 15-20% tip if you are satisfied with the service.
Where To Stay
There are twelve main hotels in Whistler. For those who want to have their privacy and feel at home, renting a property is the right solution. However, if you decide on this type of accommodation, it is important to book in advance, because of the demand, especially in the season (January to March). For those who are wealthier, buy real estate is a good solution, and you will find out more about the offer and prices if you check redfin.ca.
What To Do
Anything you can think of to have fun in the snow is available in Whistler. You can snowboard, ski, take lessons, have a spa day, or enjoy walking trails. Any view you get from this town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and terrain. Try something new while you’re there, and don’t limit yourself to one activity! You never know, you may pick up a new hobby that you want to keep up. If you decide to visit this village on hot summer days, you will try to have fun rafting, horseback riding, golfing, or riding a bike. Cycling is also the best way to get to know this place while enjoying the beautiful scenery in an easy ride.
If you like fishing, there are man fishing sites around Whistler. Whistler also hosts several festivals a year, so this place will meet the criteria of even the most demanding guests, and Oktoberfest, The Children’s Art Festival, The Food and Wine Festival, and The Whistler Winterstart festival are just a few we will mention.
We have already mentioned that you will have to set aside extra money for each activity. Still, we have good news for those who want to save a little. This place abounds in many natural beauties as they are Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, Whistler Train Wreck, Alexander Falls, Whistler Public Library, and many others. In any of these places, you can spend 1-2 hours. You will see how time runs fast when you are enjoying it!
How Long of a Trip
Deciding how long you want to stay can be difficult. Most visitors will stay for a three or four day weekend to get the most of it, but some stay for a week. The length of your visit depends on what you plan on doing while you’re there. If you want to pick up a new skill, a week may be the best bet for you, but if you’re just wanting to party and have fun the weekend is where it’s at. After all, it all depends on how deep your pocket is!
What To Budget
Most hotels are around 60 to 300 a night, so plan your stay based on what you can afford. Not much is free in the town besides the views and clean air, so prepare to pay for any fun things you want to do. Research ahead of time on the costs of slopes, spas, or lessons you want to take on while you’re in Whistler.
When to Go
If you are a person who likes crowds and goes on vacation on Wednesday, then you will certainly not make a mistake if you go between January and March. Of course, in that case, you have to be ready to spend a few dollars more because the prices of accommodation differ significantly in the season and out of it. If you want to avoid the crowds, November or the end of March might be perfect. You can go in the summer, too, but it’s almost empty. In full winter is when the town comes to life.
Conclusion
This is one of those places that will satisfy all your senses whether you prefer an active or passive holiday. Whatever month of the year you choose, we believe you will enjoy the beautiful landscapes and the multitude of outdoor activities offered by this small tourist resort. So, grab your suitcases and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
