Check out the below posts to help you with your travel planning for exploring Whistler.

Whistler Trip Planning Essentials

Whistler Winter Activities

Whistler Summer Activities

Where to Eat in Whistler

Things to do in Whistler

Cloudraker Skybridge - Tazim - Whistler Mountain

Tips for Planning Your Trip to Whistler

Getting to Whistler

Distance from Vancouver:
Whistler is 121 km from Vancouver, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car.

Driving Tips:
The Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) is the main route from Vancouver to Whistler. It’s one of Canada’s most scenic drives, featuring breathtaking ocean and mountain views. However, the road can be winding and busy, especially during peak times and snowy in winter. Make sure to drive carefully.

Important: From October 1st to May 31st, M+S or snow tires are mandatory on the Sea-to-Sky Highway and many other highways in British Columbia.

Public Transport:
Shuttle buses are a convenient way to travel from Vancouver to Whistler. Busbud is a great resource for comparing prices and schedules.

Car Rentals:
You can rent a car at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or downtown Vancouver. While having a car offers flexibility, it’s not necessary as Whistler Village is highly walkable.

How to Get Your Transportation to Whistler

What I like about Busbud is that it shows you the different bus companies available, their respective prices, and how many seats are available. All of this makes it perfect for spontaneous, last-minute, quick getaways to Whistler from Vancouver.
🚌 Find your transportation from Vancouver to Whistler on Busbud

Getting Around Whistler

Once you arrive, Whistler is easy to navigate. The village is pedestrian-friendly, with free shuttle buses connecting Whistler Village to nearby spots like Creekside and Alta Lake. For longer trips, consider renting a bike.

Visiting Whistler Tips for Exploring Whistler

  • Book early: Especially for ski passes and accommodation in the winter and activities like ziplining or Peak 2 Peak tickets in the summer.
  • Pack wisely: Depending on the season, prepare for unpredictable mountain weather by bringing layers and waterproof gear.
  • Etiquette: Respect the quiet hours in Whistler Village after 10 p.m., and remember that many hotels do not have air conditioning, so summer nights can get noisy with windows open.
  • Be environmentally conscious: There are many recycling stations and tap water is clean, so use reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste.

Travel Insurance

For peace of mind, consider getting travel insurance. I recommend SafetyWing for comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs.

Staying Connected

Stay connected with an Airalo eSim card. It’s an excellent option for international travellers who need reliable mobile data without changing physical SIM cards.

Where to Stay in Whistler:

Budget: Aava Whistler Hotel
Mid-range: Evolution (in Creekside Village)
Higher end: Fairmont Chateau Whistler
⭐️ I have stayed at each of the above hotels and can personally recommend them.

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