The 7 Best Things to Do in Whistler in Winter: My Top Activities Beyond Skiing

I know, I know.. winter in Whistler is on another level. Massive mountains, more snow than I’ve ever seen, picture-perfect villages, and of course, world-class skiing and snowboarding.

And don’t get me wrong, the skiing and snowboarding here are some of the best I’ve ever experienced. The resort is enormous, the runs are incredible, and the snow is just perfect.

But today, I want to focus on things to do in Whistler in winter beyond the slopes. I know many of you want to visit but aren’t hardcore ski fanatics and I get it.

Personally, I love mixing a few days on the mountain with other activities, exploring the village, and finding unique winter experiences.

After living here for over seven months, I’ve gotten a pretty good sense of what Whistler has to offer. Here are my favorite winter activities in Whistler that don’t always involve skiing, I promise.

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The 7 Best Things to Do in Whistler in Winter: My Top Activities Beyond Skiing

Things to Do in Whistler in Winter – My Experience

Like I said before, I used to live in Whistler for an entire ski season from November to May. I worked, I lived, I fell in love with this mountain town in ways only someone who’s spent months there can understand.

Obviously, snowboarding and skiing were a big part of it. The slopes here are just incredible, the snow, the runs, the views, I’ve never experienced anything like it.

But I totally understand when you say that not every day has to be about skiing, and I’m the same. Living in Whistler gave me time to try all sorts of winter activities beyond the mountain.

From snowshoeing and snowmobiling to cross-country skiing, and yes, even plunging into a frozen lake, there’s no shortage of ways to stay busy in Whistler

At the same time, I really enjoy the more relaxing part of Whistler too. A spa day at Scandinave Spa can be amazing, especially after a full day of skiing.

Shopping in the village can be dangerously fun (I definitely splurged on snowboard gear and winter clothes more than once). Or, if all else fails, curling up with a hot chocolate or coffee in a café while watching everyone else race down the slopes is a perfectly acceptable way to spend a winter afternoon.

1. Snowboarding & Skiing in Whistler

I figured I should get the obvious one out of the way first, but it still deserves a mention on any list of things to do in Whistler in winter.

Snowboarding and skiing here are incredible. The resort spans over two mountains, Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, connected by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. With over 200 slopes, endless off-piste terrain, alpine bowls, and tree runs, it’s truly one of the most unique ski resorts I’ve ever been to.

If I remember correctly, I clocked around 70 days on the mountain during my time there. It was an amazing experience, and I’m already counting down the days until I can go back next winter.

2. Snowmobil Tour in Whistler

One of the first things I did during my very first week in Whistler was a snowmobiling tour because, well, why not try something different? I went with Canadian Wilderness, and it was such a blast.

Riding a snowmobile is basically like driving an ATV in the snow, and we were able to go pretty fast, which made it even more fun. Our guide was fantastic, knowledgeable, friendly, and really good at keeping the group together.

Beyond the adrenaline and sheer fun of riding, the scenery completely blew me away. Snow-covered forests, open mountain valleys, and untouched landscapes, it was stunning. Honestly, it’s an experience I’d do again in a heartbeat.

3. Snowshoeing in the Backcountry

For me, snowshoeing in the backcountry is almost meditative. I’ve done plenty of snowshoeing, but I’d always wanted to explore the backcountry and try some touring though I never quite got that far.

Snowshoeing is so peaceful. You can book a tour, or, like I did, rent snowshoes in town and explore on your own. There are plenty of dedicated trails around Whistler and Blackcomb, and honestly, it’s stunning just walking through the trees and mountains. The only sound is the crunch of snow under your feet and I enjoyed that more than I expected.

4. Scandinave Spa

In my opinion, the Scandinave Spa is the best spa in Whistler. Set against a beautiful mountain backdrop, it offers outdoor hot tubs, saunas, cold plunges, massages, and facials, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a full day on the slopes.

I highly recommend planning a visit toward the end of your stay, when your legs are sore from skiing.

Reservations are a must, especially in high season. That said, if you’re staying at hotels like the Four Seasons Whistler or the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, they also have incredible in-house spas that are worth checking out.

5. Helicopter Tour around Whistler

This is something I’ve always wanted to do, though I haven’t had the chance yet. I can only imagine how incredible it must be to see the snow-capped mountains from above.

Whistler offers plenty of helicopter tour options, including flights that land on glaciers and even heli-skiing tours, where you’re dropped off on untouched mountains to ski down. I have friends who have done it, and they say it’s an unforgettable experience. It’s definitely on my bucket list for the future.

6. Explore Whistler’s Shopping Opportunities

For a change of pace, shopping in Whistler is actually really fun and I’m guilty of spending way too much money in town. There are stores like Patagonia, Rip Curl, Burton, and Lululemon, offering everything from snowboards and skis to winter clothes, jackets, and hats. Honestly, it’s hard to resist.

Even if you’re not planning to buy, wandering around Whistler Village is enjoyable on its own. Grab a coffee at one of the local cafés and take a stroll through town, whether you’re browsing, shopping, or just window shopping, it’s a super relaxing way to spend a morning.

7. Vallea Lumina Whistler

Vallea Lumina is Whistler’s own little hidden forest experience. It’s a beautiful attraction and, in my opinion, especially great for families.

Once it’s dark, you wander through the forest, which is filled with creative light installations and light art. It really does feel magical. I enjoyed it a lot, but I think it’s especially a hit if you’re looking for things to do in Whistler with kids.

8. Spot the Bears in Whistler

My first time ever seeing bears in the wild was right here in Whistler. You won’t spot them in winter, but come spring, around March or later and it’s bear season.

There are so many black bears in the area: in the woods, along the ski slopes, and sometimes even wandering right into Whistler village. It can be a little intimidating, but they generally keep to themselves.

Just keep your distance and be respectful. If you’d rather see them in a more controlled setting, there are bear-watching tours you can join. Still, nothing quite beats spotting one right outside your bathroom window.

9.Try Poutine in Whistler

When it comes to poutine in Canada, especially in Whistler, there’s always a debate about where to get the best one.

One of the most popular spots is Zog’s, right by the Whistler Gondola. Their reviews have dipped a little in recent years, but I still really enjoyed their poutine, especially after a night out (they’re usually open pretty late). It’s definitely one of those “hit the spot” comfort foods after a long day on the mountain.

If Zog’s isn’t your thing, just head across the road to Black’s Pub & Restaurant. It’s a super popular spot in Whistler and their poutine is amazing with a rich gravy, melty cheese curds, crispy fries. I really enjoy both of them.

10. Join a Dog Sled Tour

This is one winter activity in Whistler I haven’t done myself (yet) but recently learned about and it sounds incredible to me. You can actually go dog sledding here, with a team of six huskies pulling you through the snowy backcountry.

The tours are around three hours long, giving you plenty of time to soak in the scenery while the dogs do their thing. Even though I can’t give you a firsthand review, it’s such a unique experience that I had to include it. I’ll drop the link to the tour website so you can check it out for yourself.

11. Bobsleigh at the Whistler Sliding Centre

Back in 2010, Whistler hosted part of the Winter Olympics, which meant they built the massive Whistler Sliding Centre for bobsleigh and skeleton events.

The best part is, that these days, you and your friends can hop in a four-person bobsleigh with a professional pilot and rocket down the track at over 125 km/h. It’s equal parts thrilling and terrifying. I didn’t try it myself, but a few of my friends did and honestly, just watching them fly past was enough to make my heart race.

12. Try Cross Country Skiing

One activity I did in Whistler that I enjoyed way more than I expected was cross-country skiing. If you haven’t tried it before, it’s basically a mix between skiing and walking, except the skis are super narrow, with no edges, and it’s trickier than it looks.

Whistler has a dedicated cross-country trail where you can rent all the gear you need. On a sunny winter day, it’s a surprisingly fun way to explore the area and get in a solid workout at the same time.

13. Polar Plunge at Alta Lake

One of the wildest and coolest things I did in Whistler was a polar plunge. With winter temperatures sometimes hitting –25°C (–13°F), the lakes around Whistler freeze solid.

At Alta Lake, some of the public piers have ladders, and in winter, you’ll often find a small hole cut into the ice right at the ladder for the brave (or slightly crazy) to jump in. We just walked to Alta Lake from Whistler Village and it took us maybe 15-20 min.

It’s completely free, but I highly recommend bringing a towel and warm, dry clothes to throw on immediately after. The shock of the cold is intense, but it was such a unique and memorable thing to do.

FAQs About Winter Activities in Whistler and Things to Do in Winter in Whistler

Is Whistler worth visiting in winter?

100% yes. Whistler is easily one of the most amazing winter destinations in North America. The skiing and snowboarding are world-class, but there’s so much more to it than just the slopes.

What are the best Whistler winter activities?

Obviously, I love skiing and snowboarding. But snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and even polar plunges in the lakes are also really fun.

Are there things to do in Whistler in winter for non-skiers?

Absolutely. You’ve got spas, shopping, helicopter tours, snowmobiling, and plenty of scenic walks. You don’t need to touch skis to have a great time here.

How to get to Whistler?

From Vancouver, it’s only about a 90-minute drive. Renting a car is super convenient, but the bus is also reliable and easy. I’ve tried both options and I definitely prefer going by car as long as the roads are not full of ice.

Are there any free things to do in Whistler in winter?

For sure. Polar plunges in Alta Lake cost nothing but courage. You can also go for snowy forest walks or winter hikes, which are peaceful and stunning.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Whistler in Winter for Non Skiers

I spent seven months living in Whistler purely to snowboard as much as humanly possible with over 70 days on the mountain. And honestly, even if you don’t ski or board, Whistler is still an incredible winter destination.

You could easily spend a week here filling your days with spa visits, shopping, snowmobile tours, and snowshoe hikes. That’s the beauty of Whistler, if you’re the non-skiing parent, partner, or grandparent in the group, there’s still a ton to enjoy while everyone else is on the slopes.

I hope my little guide to the best things to do in Whistler in winter gives you a good idea of what this place is all about.