Whistler Village

The Basics

Whistler Village is made up of the Village Center, Village North, and Upper Village, all connected by the Village Stroll. Dining, lodging, shopping, and entertainment options abound throughout the village. To access Whistler Mountain, head to Skier’s Plaza in the Village Center. Blackcomb Mountain is accessed from the Upper Village. Don’t miss Whistler Olympic Plaza, where Olympic rings and mementos from the 2010 games still stand. In the winter, the plaza transforms into an ice-skating rink, and in summer it plays host to a free outdoor concert series.

For those not staying in the area, Whistler Village can be visited on a full-day tour from Vancouver, many of which stop at other attractions in the area, such as Shannon Falls. Depending on the season, activities such as ziplining, snowmobiling, or ATV riding can also be included. Or join a progressive tasting tour, where you can try dishes at a number of different Whistler restaurants.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Whistler Village is a pedestrian-only zone.

• Free Wi-Fi is available in certain areas of Whistler Village, including the Olympic plaza and the visitor center.

• While Whistler Village is largely wheelchair accessible, not all venues within the village are.

• Full-day tours from Vancouver can last upwards of 10 hours.

How to Get There

Whistler Village is located at Whistler, British Columbia. From Vancouver, it’s about a 2-hour drive along Highway 99 (Sea to Sky Highway). Shuttle services are also available between Whistler Village and Vancouver and Vancouver airport.

When to Get There

When to visit Whistler Village depends on what you want to do. Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities, while mountain biking, hiking, and golf are popular in summer. Whistler also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, the Wanderlust Festival, and the Crankworx mountain bike festival.

Whistler Creekside Village

Whistler Creekside Village, located 4.4 miles (7 kilometers) south of Whistler Village, also offers access to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. It was the original base of Whistler Mountain and the site of the first gondola. Smaller and more laid back than Whistler Village, Creekside also offers lodging, dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Ways to explore

The pedestrian-only Whistler Village is made up of several sections, all connected by the Village Stroll. Visitors will find a range of dining, shopping, lodging, and entertainment options throughout the village, as well as access to Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Mementos from the 2010 Olympics still stand in Whistler Olympic Plaza, which transforms into an ice-skating rink every winter.

Within Whistler, there are several options for tours and excursions. Join a tasting tour to sample a variety of restaurants, or join activities such as ATV riding or snowmobiling. You can also visit Whistler Village on a full-day tour from Vancouver.

Accessibility

The village is largely wheelchair accessible, but not all venues within the village are accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Layers of clothing, sun protection, sturdy shoes

What to wear

Hat, waterproof outer layer, warm socks

Not allowed

Smoking, loud noise after 10pm

Amenities

Free Wi-Fi in Olympic Plaza and visitor center; a long list of entertainment, shopping, lodging, restaurants, and bars

Address

Whistler Village is located in Whistler, British Columbia, about a 2-hour drive from Vancouver along Highway 99 (Sea to Sky Highway). It is accessible via private car or public transportation, though some visitors prefer arriving by car to explore easily beyond the village itself.

Driving

Visitors should note that Whistler Village is a pedestrian-only zone. Once you arrive in Whistler Village, park in one of the day lots, and continue on foot to explore the village. Day Lots 1 to 5 (Blackcomb Way) are the closest paid lots to the village. Free shuttles connect different areas of the village.

Public transportation

Paid shuttle services are available between Whistler Village and Vancouver or Vancouver Airport; check out Whistler Rides or Epic Rides. BC Transit Buses offer regular routes, such as the 21, which connects Whistler Village to Creekside. A free village shuttle connects the different areas of Whistler Village and runs frequently. Taxis and rideshares are also available in the area.

Best times to visit

Different visitors will find different best times to visit; those seeking nightlife will be drawn to evenings and happy hours, while outdoor enthusiasts may prefer to hit the ski slopes first thing in the morning.

Best days to visit

Throughout the year, weekends are busier than weekdays, though many visitors plan a trip here for a week or longer.

Best months to visit

Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities, drawing visitors in January and February. Mountain biking, hiking, and golf are popular summer activities, bringing the crowds back in July and August.

Special events

Whistler Village offers a range of annual events, including the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, the Wanderlust Festival, and the Crankworx mountain bike festival.