Is Whistler Worth Visiting? My Honest Review (2025)

Whistler, in British Columbia, Canada, is North America’s biggest ski resort  and in my opinion, it’s also one of the best.

The whole place is spread across two mountains and three villages, with world-class terrain for skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking trails, mountain biking, and glacier-fed lakes in summer. The villages themselves are super walkable, full of boutique shops, great restaurants, and some amazing hotels.

I actually lived in Whistler for a full ski season, working for Whistler Blackcomb, and more recently I went back just to visit. 

So I’ve seen it in different seasons and from both the “local” and “tourist” side. In this guide, I’ll give you my honest take on is Whistler worth visiting, and share some personal tips and insights from my own experience so you can decide if it’s worth adding to your own travel plans.

Is Whistler Worth Visiting – My Quick Answer

From the intro, you can probably already tell I’m a huge fan, so yes, my quick answer to “Is Whistler worth it?” is 100%, absolutely, without a doubt.

I lived in Whistler for 8 months over a winter season and then came back recently for two weeks in the summer. Honestly, Whistler is my favorite mountain resort I’ve ever been to, and bear in mind, I grew up in Europe skiing and snowboarding in places like Austria and Switzerland.

What I love most is the sheer size of it. You’ve got two massive mountains, Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, connected by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which is just an experience in itself. 

It’s a skier’s and snowboarder’s dream, but it’s not just about the slopes. In summer, the hiking trails and alpine lakes are absolutely stunning, and the villages have a cozy, picture-perfect vibe with great hotels, amazing restaurants, cute shops, luxury spas, and yes, a decent après ski scene.

Whistler is genuinely incredible in both winter and summer. The only thing I’d flag, especially for my European readers, is that it’s not cheap. Lift tickets and hotels can be noticeably pricier than many European resorts. But if you can make it happen, then it’s worth every penny.

What I Liked About Whistler Canada

• The skiing and snowboarding here is on another level. I had to look this up, but there are over 200 slopes as well as endless off-piste terrain, tree runs, and alpine bowls. Honestly, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had snowboarding.
  
• The hotels are incredible. Places like the Four Seasons and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler are easily the best places to stay in Whistler. Proper luxury, with a cozy mountain feel.
  
• The whole region is just stunning. British Columbia is my favorite part of Canada, and Whistler is surrounded by alpine beauty. The hikes and lakes are incredible in summer, but even in winter they have a super peaceful, frozen charm.
  
• There’s so much to do beyond the slopes. I loved the variety, from heli-skiing to ATV adventures, snowmobile tours, and just exploring the villages.
  
• Speaking of villages, you’ve got variety here too with Whistler Village, Blackcomb, and Creekside all having their own personality, with different restaurants, shops, and vibes.
  
• Getting here is easy. I flew into Vancouver both times. In summer, I rented a car so I could explore more of the surrounding area. In winter, I took the bus, which was surprisingly comfortable and easy to book.
  
• And of course, the food. There are some amazing restaurants in Whistler with genuinely delicious meals. Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but honestly, that’s just how mountain resorts are, and the quality made it worth it.

What I Don’t Like About Whistler Canada

• The most obvious one is the price. Whistler is definitely on the expensive side, especially compared to many European ski and mountain resorts. Hotels, food, and lift passes here can be seriously pricey.
  
• Even though I like the villages and they’re undeniably cute, they don’t have the same old-world charm you get in places like Switzerland or Austria. It’s more of a modern resort feel.
  
• And then there’s the crowds. Around Christmas, it can get ridiculous. I remember one year I didn’t even bother going up the mountain because the queue for the gondola was pushing two hours. No thanks.

My Top Things to Do in Whistler ( What to Do in Whistler)

• Obviously, my number one favorite thing to do in Whistler is snowboarding and skiing. That goes without saying. On a powder day, this is the best snowboarding I’ve ever done in my life and I’m fully obsessed.
  
• Snowmobile tours are another one I loved. I did one as part of a staff day (which meant it was free, even better), but they’re not crazy expensive if you book them yourself. It’s such a fun way to explore the backcountry, and the scenery is just so stunning with proper winter wonderland vibes.
  
• The lakes and hiking are incredible year-round. In summer, the trails and alpine lakes are stunning, but even in winter you can explore on snowshoes or just take in the snowy landscapes.
  
• The Train Wreck is a cool little walk from Whistler Creekside. You follow the Squamish River, cross a suspension bridge, and find these old train carriages covered in graffiti. It’s a short, easy hike, but really unique. If you go in spring, keep an eye out for bears.
  
• A friend of mine actually won a heli-skiing trip in a pub raffle (yes, only in Whistler), but you can also just book one yourself or go for a scenic helicopter flight if skiing’s not your thing. That’s top of my list for next time.
  
• A spa day is always a good idea here. The Four Seasons and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler both have incredible spas with saunas and massage treatments. There’s also the Scandinave Spa, which you can access without staying at a hotel and I’ve heard it’s amazing.
  
• And one of the craziest things I’ve done here is a cold plunge in Alta Lake (or Lost Lake) in the middle of winter. When the lake freezes, locals cut holes in the ice near the piers, and you just climb down the ladder into the water. It’s brutal, but I felt incredible after.
  
• Mountain biking is massive here in the summer, with huge events like Crankworx rolling into town every year. The trails are incredible and Whistler is so much fun around that time of the year too.

Who Should Visit Whistler Canada?

Skiers and snowboarders: As I’ve mentioned before, Whistler Blackcomb is probably the best ski and mountain resort I’ve ever been to. If you love skiing or snowboarding, this place is 100% for you.

Luxury holiday lovers: Whistler has some of the most beautiful and high-end hotels in Canada. It’s perfect for a winter getaway with a bit of skiing, afternoons by the fire, spa sessions, and endless hot chocolates.

Hikers: Whistler, Blackcomb, and the surrounding areas (including Squamish) are incredible for hiking, especially in the summer. In winter, the backcountry and touring options are just as impressive and I always wanted to get into it, but never had the chance.

Mountain bikers: Whistler’s bike park and trails are legendary, and Crankworx is such a fun competition to watch. The whole place comes alive in summer and I definitely think Whistler in the summer is underrated!

Is Whistler Expensive to Visit?

I’m not going to lie, yes, for sure it is. In the past, I was able to spend so much time here because I worked for Whistler Blackcomb and Vail, which was an incredible employer to have. They made it possible for me to live here and I am super thankful for the time I had living and working in Whistler. 

Otherwise, I have to say it’s definitely one of the more expensive resorts out there, and that includes lift passes, accommodation, ski rentals, and restaurants.

That being said, you do get a lot for what you pay. The hotels here are incredible, places like the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, the Four Seasons Whistler, and the Westin are just stunning.

There are also some amazing holiday homes, chalets, and cabins that are absolutely gorgeous. So in my opinion, it’s worth spending a bit more.

If you’re looking to save, I also have a dedicated Whistler on a Budget travel guide where I share my tips on how to visit without spending a fortune, so that might be worth checking out if you’re interested.

FAQs About Visiting Whistler Canada

Is Whistler worth visiting for a day?

Whistler is only about a 90-minute drive from Vancouver if you don’t get stuck in traffic, so yes, I’d definitely say it’s worth a day trip. If you plan on skiing or snowboarding, leave super early in the morning to avoid the bottleneck on the Sea to Sky Highway.

How far is Whistler from Vancouver?

It’s about 120 km (around 75 miles) and should take roughly 90 minutes to drive, though around Christmas and New Year’s, traffic can get absolutely crazy.

Is Whistler worth it?

100%, no question. The nature here is beautiful, the town is adorable, and the skiing and snowboarding are the best I’ve ever done.

Is Whistler worth visiting in summer?

For sure. Honestly, I think Whistler is underrated in summer. The mountain biking is incredible, the hiking is endless, and the lakes are stunning. Plus, hotel prices drop a lot compared to winter, so it can actually be a pretty affordable time to visit.

Is Whistler safe?

Yes absoultely, the only time I have felt unsafe is when bumping into bears or coyotes at night! Deifnitely carry bear spray with you.

Final Thoughts on Is Whistler Worth Visiting

To wrap it up, yes, Whistler is absolutely worth visiting, no matter the season. In winter, it has some of the best skiing and snowboarding I’ve ever done, and I’m genuinely obsessed. In summer, the mountain biking, hiking, lake swims, and even golf are just as fun.

I personally love Whistler. The only thing I tell people when they ask me “Is Whistler worth visiting?” is, yes, it’s gorgeous, but it’s also pricey. 

Especially for my European friends and readers, the total cost of a ski trip here can be a bit of a shock. But aside from the expense, it’s one of the best places I’ve ever been, and it’s a spot I’ll keep coming back to.

I hope this little guide, with my own personal take on Whistler BC, helps you figure out if it’s right for your next trip.

Check Out My Other Whistler Travel Guides

Is Whistler Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit Whistler: My Whistler Guide by Season

How to Get to Whistler: The Easiest Way to get There