The Best Small Town In British Columbia For A 3-Day Weekend
Few mountain towns can match the sheer range of things to do in Whistler, British Columbia’s premier mountain resort community. Positioned at the base of Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, this year-round recreation hub is home to the largest ski area on the continent and boasts enough on- and off-slope fun to fill a long weekend. Downtown is built around the pedestrian-only Village Stroll, where visitors can walk between Purebread and the Whistler Village Gondola within minutes. Whistler was already known internationally before it co-hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, but the Games amplified the resort’s profile as a world-class destination for outdoor adventure… and fun weekend getaways.
Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Village is very much the beating heart of Whistler Blackcomb resort and provides direct access to the slopes from its many accommodations. The route from your room to the slopes, dubbed the Village Stroll, is a lively pedestrian-only path that connects the entire community, meaning you can park the car and forget about it for the duration of your stay.
Wonderful views of the surrounding landscape are available from pretty much anywhere in the Village, and boy, they’re impressive. Fast flowing rivers, glacial lakes, and, of course, those tall, tall peaks that so define the region greet the eyes in every direction. Even the drive to get there is spectacular. Known as the Sea-to-Sky Highway, the highway connects Whistler with Vancouver, offering incredible Pacific Ocean views on one side and those tall peaks on the other.
Whistler Mountain (7,160 feet) and Blackcomb Mountain (7,494 feet) rise above the Village and are where you’ll find some of the world’s best skiing (it’s certainly the best in North America). The combined skiable terrain covers 8,171 acres with over 200 marked runs served by 37 lifts, which means each day of your weekend getaway can be spent exploring a different slope. And thanks to Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier, the resort also boasts the longest ski season of any resort on the continent, with summer skiing being possible.
When the snow melts, the mountains shift gear to warm weather pursuits. Hikers take to the alpine trails, while mountain bikers tackle the challenging runs at Whistler Mountain Bike Park. If you’re riding the chairlifts up, keep an eye out for bears foraging for berries along the trails. And for something completely different, Vallea Lumina on Cougar Mountain is a fascinating multimedia night walk that illuminates the forest with light, sound, and storytelling.
Things To Do in Whistler
Running during the winter and summer months, the incredible Peak 2 Peak Gondola links the two mountains with a record-breaking 2.7-mile ride that takes just 11 minutes. On a clear day, the views of snow-covered peaks and alpine lakes are simply breathtaking. And as long as you’re not scared of heights, look down to Fitzsimmons Creek some 1,400 feet below. If you’re here for a weekend between spring and fall, you can take the gondola as part of the Whistler Blackcomb sightseeing experience (there are plenty of photo opportunities).
Whistler’s First Nations’ museum is another must-do. The Squamish-Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) houses a collection of unique carvings, weavings, and oral histories that introduce the culture and traditions of the local Squamish and Lil’wat peoples. Both nations include Whistler in their traditional territory and have occupied this land since time immemorial. The on-site Thunderbird Café is a must-dine for its First Nations-inspired dishes, and the gift shop carries handmade souvenirs worth browsing.
One of the best evening experiences in Whistler is the SLCC’s Feast for the Senses. These wonderful evening events begin with traditional indigenous dishes followed by a performance from local cultural ambassadors (reservations are recommended).
Summer Outdoor Thrills
Come summer, Whistler becomes a mecca for mountain bikers from both Canada and the United States. Wander the village and skis have given way to armor-clad riders pushing bikes that, in extreme cases, can cost as much as a small used car, to the same chairlifts that run during the winter.
Zip-lining is another fun activity. Requiring zero skill but plenty of confidence, this popular activity is run by Ziptrek Ecotours and features four different runs, each of them exhilarating. A tree trek canopy walk is also available. Another high-speed option is the Whistler Sliding Centre, a bobsleigh and skeleton track built for the Olympics and open for self-guided tours.
Whistler is well known for its extensive network of hiking trails, with options including easy nature walks around Lost Lake to challenging mountain ascents. Gondolas can get you above the tree line to terrain that’s especially rewarding during the alpine wildflower season.
Where to Stay in Whistler for a 3-Day Weekend
Whistler certainly boasts plenty of accommodation options, the best of which will place you in the heart of Whistler Village. The general rule of thumb here, though, is the closer you are to the Village Stroll, the livelier the scene. And if you’re here for a weekend of skiing, you’ll want to be near the southern end of the Village for shorter walks to the lifts.
If a luxury stay is in the cards, the Pan Pacific Whistler is for you. Boasting oversized suites with full kitchens and cozy gas fireplaces, they offer a breakfast buffet and après-ski snacks with the room rate. Closer to the Blackcomb lifts, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences is known for first-class service, spacious rooms, and top-tier amenities. Located at the southern end of the Village at the base of the Whistler lifts, the Sundial Boutique Hotel is just steps from the action and features a rooftop hot tub with mountain views.
For mid-range hotels, the pet-friendly Summit Lodge is a boutique-style option with spacious rooms with balconies and full kitchens. On a Tight budget? Consider the Pinnacle Hotel near the Olympic Park.
Three Days Well Spent
Whether your three-day weekend includes skiing, hiking, or perhaps a bit of both, Whistler boasts enough fun to keep you busy. A mix of world-class outdoor activities, unique First Nations experiences, and a walkable village core that’s lively whatever time of year you visit, Whistler is undoubtedly British Columbia’s best getaway destination.
