Top Things to Do in Whistler For Non-Skiers
Whistler Village is at the base of two towering mountains: Blackcomb and Whistler. The small town has a range of accommodation, bars and restaurants as well as art installations and Olympic memorabilia. If you visit in winter, this area transforms into a wonderland – An especially magical time for families travelling with younger children. Snap photographs of the centre, strolls the streets searching for the many installations and check out the town’s ice skating rink. Then later head to one of the cafes and order a hot cup of coffee or chocolate. Sit next to the warm log fire and watch the snow fall all around you. If you feel like socialising, the bars tend to fill up around 5 or 6pm.
Check Out Whistler Village
Learn About Whistler Hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics
2010 is the proudest moment in Whistler’s history when they hosted the Winter Olympics. Almost a decade later and the town still eagerly presents the heritage to all the visitors. You can find memorabilia on display around the town in the form of art. The Olympic Park remains open to the public where visitors can walk through the area where all the athletes stayed. At certain times of the year, the athletes return to train. If you’re lucky, you might see them practising the ski jump and snowboarding in the Park. We recommend getting a guide who can explain exactly what happened during the events so you can come away with a deeper appreciation of Whistler’s involvement in the Winter Olympics.
Stretching between the peaks of Whistler and Blackwater Mountains, the Peak 2 Gondola is a favourite attraction. Skiers and snowboards often use it for easy access between the two peaks. But it comes with an added bonus for non-skiers who want to experience the views from the air. On a clear day, the gondola will give you some of the best views of the snow-capped mountains and dense forest below. The gondola lasts just eleven minutes, but the views are spectacular. If you want to ride Peak 2, first you’ll need to take the chairlift from Whistler Village. Pro tip: If you ride the gondola when the weather conditions are poor, you won’t get to see much. Download the Whistler-Blackcomb app onto your phone. This gives you the latest weather updates at the top of the mountain. You can then use this to your advantage to guarantee you’ll get the best views.
Ride to Gondola on a Clear Day
Have a Hot Chocolate in the Whistler Public Library
Whistler Public Library combines stunning traditional architecture with a cosy place to hang out. From the outside, the building looks like a giant mountain lodge. Step inside and you’ll find over 50,000 books on attractive bookshelves. The library welcomes everyone whether you want to read a book or not. Grab a seat in one of the comfortable armchairs next to the windows and order a hot chocolate. Feel the warmth from the log fire and watch the snow fall outside. If you do enjoy reading, you can spend a few hours with your favourite book. Otherwise it gives you the chance to meet other like-minded people. Or just a cosy alternative to hanging out in the café.
If you visit Whistler outside of winter, you have the opportunity to go hiking. Before the snow falls in late October, trails lead up to the summit of both Whistler and Blackcomb which rise to more than 2000 metres. But not all trails are long and strenuous. You’ll find lighter ones that gently rise up the mountains to viewing points and alpine lakes. Others lead further into the mountain range allowing you to get reacquainted with nature. If you like the outdoors and want to escape the city life, book a few nights in Whistler during the warmer months. Regardless of the type of hiking trip you’re looking for, you’ll find a trail to match your needs.
Hit the Trails
Take a Day Trip to Alexander Falls
Alexander Falls has the title as the tallest waterfall in Whistler. It rises to 43 metres and tumbles down into an attractive pool below. The falls are located approximately 24 kilometres from Whistler Village, and you’ll need a car to access them. If you do want to visit, you’ll need to plan your trip as the roads may be closed during heavy snowfall. You should also keep your eyes open for the wildlife that calls the region home. And watch out for the grizzly bears which often roam in the forest. While it’s unlikely that you’ll bump into one, it’s a good idea to leave all food in your car.
Whistler is a resort that everyone can enjoy whether you like skiing or not. You can enjoy the attractive village, sip a hot chocolate in the library and ride the Peak 2 Gondola on a clear day. If you visit in the warmer months, hit some of the trails and take a day trip to Alexander Falls.
