My 3 Days in Whistler Itinerary for Non-Skiers: How I Spent an Amazing 72 Hours Off the Slopes

Whistler, in British Columbia, Canada, is easily one of the best mountain resorts I’ve ever been to and here’s a fun fact: it’s also the largest ski resort in North America.

I’m a big fan of snowboarding and skiing, and honestly, the slopes, the off-piste terrain, and those endless mountain views here are some of the best I’ve ever experienced. But that’s not actually why I think Whistler is so special.

What makes Whistler stand out is that it’s just as incredible off the slopes as it is on them. Whether you’re a non-skier tagging along with your family, someone who wants to try skiing for just a day, or you simply love the cozy mountain village vibe without strapping on skis, there’s a lot to keep you busy here.

So, I’ve put together a quick 3-day Whistler itinerary for non-skiers, packed with my favorite things to do in Whistler over a weekend in the mountains, no lift ticket required.

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⭐️ Blackcomb Springs Suites – Click here for rates & availability

My 3 Days in Whistler Itinerary for Non-Skiers: How I Spent an Amazing 72 Hours Off the Slopes

Whistler Itinerary: My Experience

I’ve been to Whistler a couple of times now. The first time, I actually lived here for over seven months, working for Vail Resorts during a full ski season.

It was incredible and I had some of the best days of my life on those mountains. More recently, I came back in the summer and was reminded just how underrated Whistler is when the snow melts.

After spending so much time here, I’ve learned exactly what there is to do in Whistler that doesn’t involve skiing or snowboarding. And trust me, after 70 straight days on a snowboard, I was more than ready for a change of pace.

Some of my favorite off-the-slope activities have been a snowmobile tour (pure adrenaline and so much fun) and snowshoeing, which is a peaceful way to explore Whistler’s snowy forests and mountain trails.

But honestly, I also just love Whistler Village itself. Shopping, grabbing a hot coffee or a decadent hot chocolate, and watching the snow fall outside while everything is blanketed in white is just awesome.

And one experience I think almost everyone will love is a spa day at the Scandinave Spa. I’ve been a few times, and it never gets old. Slipping into a steaming hot tub or relaxing in a sauna while snowflakes fall all around you is peak Whistler magic.

A Quick Whistler Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Get the Peak 2 Peak Gondola Experience. This ticket lets you ride the lifts and walk across the skybridge without needing skis or a full ski day pass. [Click here for more info.]

Stay close to the village. If you don’t have a car, I recommend booking a place near Whistler or Blackcomb Village. My top picks are the Four Seasons Whistler or the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Staying nearby makes it easy to walk to restaurants, shops, and activities.

Pack for extreme cold. Whistler can get seriously cold. I experienced days at -25°C (-13°F). Bring layers, thick socks, winter boots, a warm jacket, and anything else to keep cozy.

Avoid the Christmas and New Year period if you can. The town gets crowded, and while festive, the holiday crush can kill the relaxed mountain vibe.

Make reservations early. Whether it’s hotels, dinner, spa treatments, or activities, book in advance, especially during high season, as popular spots fill up fast.

Book your Vancouver to Whistler transfer ahead of time. You can take a private shuttle, rent a car, or buy a bus ticket, but doing it early will save stress and money.

Want to try skiing? Rentals for skis, boots, helmets, and poles are widely available. Just bring your own ski jacket and pants, and make sure to book lessons in advance if you’re new to the slopes.

My 3 Day Itinerary Whistler

Before we dive into my 3 days in Whistler, I just want to say, this is my personal itinerary, based on how I love spending time here. There are loads of other things to do (I even have a full guide on things to do in Whistler in winter), so you might want to check that out too and mix-and-match to create your own plan.

This one, though, is all about my personal favorites, the spots, activities, and little moments that make Whistler in winter so special for me. It should give you a good idea of what’s possible and what to expect during three days in this mountain town.

Day 1: Ride the Whistler Gondola & Shopping in Whistler

On your first day in Whistler, I’d totally start by exploring the mountains, yes, even without skis! I’ve done this countless times during my ski season here, but it’s just as fun if you’re not hitting the slopes.

The lifts and gondolas are stunning. Whistler Mountain Resort is actually two mountains, Blackcomb and Whistler, connected by the famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

Here’s how I’d spend the day: start in the Upper Village on Blackcomb Mountain, hop on the gondola, and grab a coffee at Christine’s (the restaurant up on Blackcomb). Then take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola over to Whistler Mountain, walk across the skybridge, and ride the gondola back down into Whistler Village. It’s an amazing way to see the mountains without needing skis.

Afterwards, I’d explore Whistler Village and do a little shopping. My favorite store is Showcase, they have tons of cool snowboarding and ski gear, plus great clothes. Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, grab a coffee at Moguls or Purebread, or head to Blacks to try some of the world-famous poutine, a must when you’re in Canada.

Click Here for the Peak 2 Peak Gondola Experience

Day 2: Snowshoe Tour & Polar Plunge

Day two in Whistler ramps things up a bit. Day one was a relaxed mountain exploration with gondola rides, but today we get a little more active.

One of my new favorite activities I discovered here is joining a guided snowshoe tour. Basically, it’s a hike through the snow, wearing those funny, oversized boots that almost look like tennis racquets, but it’s incredibly calming and peaceful.

I did a tour with a guide (shoutout to Lindsey!) who led us through the snowy forest. It felt like stepping into a real-life winter wonderland, it was beautiful, meditative, and surprisingly informative. Walking through that serene landscape was one of the most relaxing experiences I’ve had in Whistler.

For lunch, I’d stop at RMU Whistler, one of my favorite little spots. Their heated patio is perfect for a beer and some food, and judging by how busy it is with locals, you know it’s good (I used to be a regular there).

The afternoon is for something a little wild and I highly recommend it. We’re doing a polar plunge!

If you’ve seen ice baths at gyms or spas, it’s basically the natural version of that. We walk over to Alta Lake, only a 15-minute stroll from Whistler Village.

There’s a pier with a ladder and a hole in the ice (yes the lake is frozen), that’s perfect for dipping in during winter. It’s hands-down the coldest I’ve ever been, but it feels incredible once you get out. Just make sure to bring a towel, swimwear, and super warm clothes for afterwards. (Click here for the location of the pier & ladder)

Day 3: Snowmobil Tour & Scandinav Spa

On our third day in Whistler, we’re combining adventure with relaxation. I thought it made sense to start with the thrill and end on a more peaceful, vacation-perfect note.

In the morning, we’ll do one of my favorite non-skiing activities in Whistler: snowmobiling. Tours run daily, and it’s basically like riding an ATV in the snow and it’s absolutely awesome.

It’s a fantastic way to explore the backcountry, with frozen lakes, snow-covered trees, and mountains that are just breathtaking. I did a tour when I lived in Whistler and highly recommend Canadian Wilderness as a tour company, they were fantastic. You can even choose to drive yourself or ride as a passenger. Either way, it’s a ton of fun. Big recommendation from me.

The afternoon is all about relaxation, and there’s no better place in Whistler than the Scandinave Spa. It’s beautiful, with hot tubs, saunas, facials, and massages.

Sitting in an outdoor hot tub while snow gently falls around you is just one of my favorite things to do in Whistler. Make sure to make a reservation in advance though, especially during high season, it fills up fast.

For the perfect end to your Whistler trip, I’d recommend dinner at Wild Blue Restaurant or Rimrock Cafe. Treat yourself to lobster, steak, or oysters, pair it with a good glass of wine, and you’ll have a truly memorable final evening in the mountains.

Where to Stay in Whistler Canada

When it comes to where to stay in Whistler, here’s a quick Whistler “where to stay 101.”

Whistler is made up of three main villages: Whistler Village, Blackcomb Village (Upper Village), and Whistler Creekside. If you’re arriving by car, it doesn’t matter too much where you stay since you can easily drive between the villages or even stay in a cabin just outside them.

If you don’t have a car or prefer walking, I highly recommend staying in Whistler Village or Blackcomb Village. This is where the big gondolas are, along with most of the shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, and activities, all within walking distance. I think that walking around is honestly the best way to experience Whistler, and it just makes your life so much easier.

Here are some hotel recommendations for different budgets:

Luxury Hotels in Whistler: Four Seasons Whistler & Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Mid-Range Hotel in Whistler: Pan Pacific Whistler
Budget Accommodation in Whistler: Blackcomb Springs Suites

FAQs About My 3 Day Whistler Travel Itinerary

Is Whistler worth visiting?

Absolutely! Whistler is an incredible mountain resort and definitely worth visiting in either summer or winter. Whether you have just one day, a weekend, or a full week, it’s always worth the trip.

How do you get to Whistler?

You can drive yourself, just be careful on snowy or icy roads, or you can take a private shuttle or join a bus. The Lynx Bus is the most popular option and costs around $45 return from Vancouver.

When is the best time to visit Whistler?

Honestly, Whistler is amazing year-round. Winter, summer, or spring, you can’t really go wrong. I especially love spring because you can still ski while also enjoying the beautiful lakes and wildlife, including bears.

What are the best things to do in Whistler for non-skiers?

My favorite non-skiing activities are riding the gondola to see the mountain tops and going on a snowmobile tour. Both give you a fantastic view of the backcountry and let you experience the mountains without needing skis.

Final Thoughts on My 3-Day Whistler Itinerary

As I mentioned earlier, this is my personal 3-day Whistler itinerary of things I love to do. Of course, there are loads of other activities that other people might enjoy.

I’ve met so many different visitors: some want to spend every day on the slopes, others just enjoy shopping, sipping hot drinks, and eating in Whistler Village, and some prefer staying in a luxury hotel with a spa. Everyone’s idea of the perfect weekend here is different, so I can’t please everyone.

That said, I hope this itinerary gives you some ideas and inspiration, maybe even things you hadn’t thought of, so you can craft your own perfect Whistler experience. Enjoy your trip and have fun!