Whistler Day Trip: A Complete Guide from Vancouver
Whistler is always a good place to visit. Whether you’re a local looking for a brief getaway or a visitor to Vancouver wondering if you can make a trip to the mountain town work with limited time, trust us when we say it’s possible to do a day trip up to Whistler. And it’s very worth your time.
Part of a summer story series highlighting day trips that can be done from Metro Vancouver, here’s everything you need to know about a summer day trip to Whistler.
How Far is Whistler from Vancouver?
Whistler is about 121 kilometres north of Vancouver. That distance equates to about a one-hour-40-minute drive.
How to Get There?
Driving is the easiest way to get there as it’s a straight shot up Highway 99 to Whistler Village. Several bus operators in the city also offer routes to Whistler priced at around $44 round-trip. Unfortunately, there is no direct public transit route from Vancouver to Whistler.
What’s the Best Time to Go?
To make the most of a day trip, it’s best to go up early. Like, 6 a.m. departure early. Though, you will likely arrive before some businesses open. If you set off a bit later in the morning, be mindful of commuter traffic. It’s best to plan to go up either very early or around 9 a.m. for an approximate 11 a.m. arrival.
Coming from Langley on a Thursday, I left my house at 8:30 a.m. and arrived in Whistler at around 10:45 a.m. due to an anticipated slowdown at the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge. The rest was pretty smooth sailing.
If you take one of the shuttle bus services from the airport or downtown Vancouver, plan for it to take about an hour-and-45-minutes each way.
What to Do in Whistler in Summer?
Whistler during the wintertime is all about snow sports. But, in the summer, it’s a divine destination for hiking, biking, shopping and dining.
Arriving in the early afternoon, we decided to start with a leisurely stroll around the Village. There are also local trails and pathways that are nice to wander. But, for those who want to hike Whistler or Blackcomb for real, a lift pass is required. Find out more information online at whistler.com.
Stopping to check out local shops such as Rocks & Gems Canada (4154 Village Green) and F as in Frank Vintage Clothing (Unit 102 4433 Sundial Pl.), we then grabbed a coffee at the buzzy Kyoto-headquartered coffee shop % Arabica (No. 123 4295 Blackcomb Way).
Whistler is home to some amazing spas such as the Scandinave Spa (8010 Mons Rd.) and the newly renovated Spa at the Four Seasons (4591 Blackcomb Way). So, if your idea of the perfect day is rest and relaxation, you’ll find both here.
Where to Eat in Whistler?
Whistler Village offers a wide range of dining options, from quick bites to fine dining. Popular spots include The Old Spaghetti Factory for family-friendly Italian, and Araxi Restaurant & Bar for farm-to-table cuisine. For a casual lunch, try the Whistler Brewing Company for local craft beer and pub fare.
Tips for a Successful Day Trip
Plan to leave early to avoid traffic and maximize your time. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as mountain weather can change quickly. Book spa treatments or lift passes in advance, especially on weekends. And don’t forget your camera – the scenery along the Sea to Sky Highway is stunning.
