Best of Whistler

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Whistler
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The Sea to Sky Highway in winter with Howe Sound in the background
Map of Sea-to-Sky Highway: Vancouver to Whistler - 6 Days
Sea-to-Sky Highway: Vancouver to Whistler - 6 Days

Experience the best of the city and coast mountains on this short road trip between Vancouver and Whistler. You'll have a day to explore cosmopolitan Vancouver before driving north along the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway to the mountain resort town of Whistler. You'll then have two solid days devoted to exploring Whistler's bounty of alpine trails, glacial lakes, and great restaurants and breweries.

Iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler
Map of Sea-to-Sky Highway: Vancouver to Whistler - 4 Days
Sea-to-Sky Highway: Vancouver to Whistler - 4 Days

Visit two of British Columbia's most popular destinations on this 4-day road trip. In Vancouver, stroll the cobbled streets of historic Gastown and enjoy some of Canada's best restaurants. Then take the stunning Sea-to-Sky Highway to the mountains of Whistler where you can access numerous hiking trails to alpine lakes. En route, take time to stop at ocean viewpoints or walk the short trails to local waterfalls.

North of Whistler, Joffre Lakes Trail leads to 3 brilliant blue lakes
Map of Sea-to-Sky Highway: Vancouver to Whistler - 7 Days
Sea-to-Sky Highway: Vancouver to Whistler - 7 Days

With seven days, you'll have plenty of time to explore Vancouver and the Coast Mountains around Whistler. This trip is best suited for those looking to spend most of their time outdoors—there are countless day hikes, alpine lakes, and scenic vantage points to check out. In between adventures, you'll also get a taste of some of the best restaurants in Canada and have time to explore the downtown and cultural highlights of the city.

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park en route to Whistler
Map of Sea-to-Sky Highway: Vancouver to Whistler - 5 Days
Sea-to-Sky Highway: Vancouver to Whistler - 5 Days

This packed five-day itinerary is perfect for travelers with a thirst for adventure who are on a time crunch. Beginning and ending in dynamic Vancouver, discover British Columbia's rugged beauty beyond the city as you follow the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway to the year-round outdoor destination of Whistler. Explore the village, see the colorfully graffitied boxcars of historic Train Wreck, and hike the Garibaldi Lake Trail for some of the province's most rewarding views.

Sunset from one of the many viewpoints between Vancouver and Squamish
Map of Sea-to-Sky Highway Getaway - 4 Days
Sea-to-Sky Highway Getaway - 4 Days

Escape the city and hit the countless trails of the Coastal Mountains near Vancouver. You can choose from short day hikes that take you to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints or opt for longer treks to the alpine lakes in and around Whistler and Garibaldi Provincial Park. In the evening, enjoy the great restaurants, breweries, and spas in Squamish and Whistler.

Garibaldi Provincial Park near Whistler
Whistler & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 7 Days

Follow the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to the resort town of Whistler, your base for two days of outdoor adventure. Explore nearby alpine lakes and mountains by day and enjoy great local restaurants and spas by night. After you've had your taste of the mountains, sail to Vancouver Island for two more nights along the windswept coastline around Tofino, surrounded by coastal rainforest. Finally, head to Victoria for your last night in the city.

Hike to picturesque Garibaldi Lake near Whistler
Map of Sea-to-Sky Highway: Vancouver to Whistler - 3 Days
Sea-to-Sky Highway: Vancouver to Whistler - 3 Days

Follow the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway on this quick road trip between Vancouver and Whistler. Enjoy the urban pleasures of the city before getting a taste of the mountains in the upscale, chalet-style village of Whistler. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there are a number of opportunities: half-day hikes to alpine lakes, panoramic road-side vistas, luxury spas, and gondola rides to mountain peaks.

The turquoise waters of Garibaldi Lake near Whistler
Whistler & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 6 Days

This quick adventure features two of coastal British Columbia's most popular destinations—Whistler and the Pacific Rim. Skipping Vancouver, you'll head straight to Whistler for two days of exploring the mountains, lakes, and stunning outdoor scenery. From there, it's a long day of driving and sailing over to Tofino and the Pacific Rim on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Here, follow trails through coastal rainforest and along storm-swept coastlines or simply relax in your beach-side cottage while enjoying the views. It's also the perfect place to spot whales while sea kayaking to remote islands.

Amphitrite Point Lighthouse near Ucluelet in the Pacific Rim
Whistler & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 10 Days

With 10 days, you'll have plenty of time to explore the mountains around Whistler and the rugged coastline of the Pacific Rim on Vancouver Island. Starting in Vancouver, follow the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish and Whistler where you'll base yourself for a few days. From there, take the ferry to Vancouver Island where you can hike, sea kayak, or take day adventures to remote islands and hot springs. Finally, wrap up your adventure in the provincial capital of Victoria.

Brandywine Falls near Whistler
Whistler & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 9 Days

Combine the mountains and the coast on this 9-day road trip. Starting and ending in Vancouver, you'll first head to the mountains and lakes around Whistler where you'll find countless hiking and biking trails. Then, taking the ferry over to Vancouver Island, you'll have a day on the beach before heading to the Pacific Rim, a beautifully rugged stretch of coastline that's famous for both adventure and relaxation. End your trip with a day to explore the great restaurants and neighborhoods of Victoria.

Pick from the numerous hiking trails around Whistler
Whistler & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 8 Days

Base yourself in Whistler and the Pacific Rim to get the most out of your 8 days along the coast of British Columbia. This itinerary is designed for those who love the outdoors and want to immerse themselves in two of the region's most popular destinations. In Whistler, you'll find countless hiking and biking trails along with great restaurants, breweries, and spas. In the Pacific Rim, you'll be surrounded by dense coastal rainforest and island chains only accessible by kayak and floatplane. 

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Map of British Columbia Circuit: Whistler, Shuswap, & Okanagan Valley - 10 Days
British Columbia Circuit: Whistler, Shuswap, & Okanagan Valley - 10 Days

On this self-drive tour, you'll explore southwestern and central British Columbia, discovering alpine mountains, surprising deserts, and the famed Okanagan wine country in 10 days. The tour will take you from dynamic Vancouver through the snow-covered Coast Mountains to Whistler. The circuit continues east to the wooded hills and farmlands of Salmon Arm before leading you through the orchards and wineries of the Okanagan Valley and to the southern desert town of Osoyoos.

Turquoise waters of Garibaldi Lake near Whistler
Map of British Columbia Circuit: Whistler, Shuswap, & Okanagan Valley - 9 Days
British Columbia Circuit: Whistler, Shuswap, & Okanagan Valley - 9 Days

This road trip loops through British Columbia's Coastal Mountains to the Okanagan, taking in scenic mountain views, arid deserts, and vine-striped valleys. Beginning and ending in Vancouver, follow the Sea-to-Sky Highway north to Whistler, through Cariboo Country to the quaint lakeside community of Salmon Arm, and down through the Okanagan Valley to Osoyoos. Dine on east-meets-west cuisine in Vancouver, step back in time at Historic Hat Creek, and hike amid alpine meadows and lakes in E.C. Manning Provincial Park.

Tod Lake near Sun Peaks Resort
Map of British Columbia Circuit: Whistler, Shuswap & Okanagan Valley - 7 Days
British Columbia Circuit: Whistler, Shuswap & Okanagan Valley - 7 Days

A week-long road trip featuring British Columbia's Coast Mountains and the wine region of the Okanagan. Starting and ending in Vancouver, you'll drive through Whistler, Sun Peaks, and then south through the Okanagan Valley to Kelowna and back to Vancouver. This route is relatively fast-paced and best suited for those who are short on time but want to cover the main highlights of the Coast Mountains and Okanagan. 

Autumn sunrise over Salmon Arm in Shuswap Country
Map of British Columbia Circuit: Whistler, Shuswap, & Okanagan Valley - 8 Days
British Columbia Circuit: Whistler, Shuswap, & Okanagan Valley - 8 Days

This scenic road trip starts and ends in Vancouver and takes you through the Coastal Mountains to Shuswap Lake before turning south through the farms, orchards, and vineyards of the famed Okanagan Valley. Over eight days, you'll venture across southwestern and central British Columbia to explore exceptional landscapes from high alpine mountains to marshy lowlands and arid deserts in and around Osoyoos. Thread the weaving Gold Nugget Road, paddle a replica of a 30-foot voyageur canoe, and drink wine until your heart's content at world-class wineries in the Okanagan.

Temperate rainforest hugs Stanley Park's Seawall Promenade outside downtown Vancouver
Whistler & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 11 Days

On this 11-day itinerary, you'll explore the alpine lakes and dramatic peaks of the Coastal Range, the old-growth rainforests of Vancouver Island, and the rough-and-tumble shoreline of the Pacific Rim. Start with two nights in Vancouver before dedicating a week to the outdoors on Vancouver Island where you can go whale watching, stroll driftwood-strewn beaches, and take in the Victorian-era architecture of the province's capital.

Fog enveloping the rugged coastline of the Pacific Rim
Whistler & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 13 Days

Visit two of the most popular destinations along coastal British Columbia—the alpine paradise around Whistler and the dramatic storm-swept coastline of Tofino and the Pacific Rim. You'll by following the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish and Whistler before taking the ferry to Vancouver Island. On the island, spend three days exploring the coast by foot and by kayak before visiting Victoria, British Columbia's provincial capital.

Views from the Garibaldi Lake hike near Whistler
Whistler & Pacific Rim Road Trip - 12 Days

Follow this 12-day road trip through British Columbia's Coast Mountains and Vancouver Island. Starting with three days in Vancouver, you'll drive the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler before crossing the Strait of Georgia to Pacific Rim National Park. Look for whales off the coast of Tofino, surf at Chesterman Beach, and pick up a hiking trail through ancient rainforest to the wave-whipped Pacific Coast.

Approaching Mount Robson Provincial Park
Map of Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 14 Days
Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 14 Days

Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to drive across British Columbia without feeling too rushed. This itinerary is designed for those seeking to spend the majority of their days in the outdoors and covers the best mountain parks and trails that the province has to offer. The ideal time to travel this route is from mid-May to mid-October when the alpine trails are more likely to be clear. 

Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies
Map of Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray & the Canadian Rockies - 16 Days
Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray & the Canadian Rockies - 16 Days

Follow one of Canada's most scenic road trips from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies. With 16 days, you'll have ample time to stop and explore Whistler and Wells Gray en route before devoting over a week to the hiking trails and backcountry of the Rockies. This route is best done from mid-May to mid-October.

Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies
Map of Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 15 Days
Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 15 Days

This epic route across British Columbia takes you through some of the most impressive mountain landscapes in Canada. You'll base yourself in convenient locations for two-to-three days, with less time driving and more time exploring the trails and scenic viewpoints. As you near the Canadian Rockies, the views become even more impressive, where Kananaskis Country provides the perfecting ending to your trip. 

Mount Rundle, Banff National Park
Map of Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 9 Days
Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 9 Days

With 9 days, this is the minimum amount of time you'll want to make the journey across British Columbia without feeling too rushed. After having a couple of days to explore Vancouver and Whistler, you'll head east to the impressive mountains, rivers, and waterfalls of the Canadian Rockies where you'll have shorter driving days and more time outdoors. This route is designed for nature lovers, focusing on the best parks, hidden gems, and ways to avoid the crowds.

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park
Map of Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 10 Days
Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 10 Days

Follow one of Canada's most popular road trips from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies, passing through Whistler and Wells Gray Provincial Park as you make your way across the province. This trip is fast-paced at the start given limited time, but the driving reduces dramatically once you reach the Rockies where you'll spend the majority of your days exploring the trails and backcountry away from the crowds. Finally, you'll depart from Calgary after driving through the iconic Icefields Parkway. 

Highway through Jasper National Park
Map of Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray & the Canadian Rockies - 13 Days
Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray & the Canadian Rockies - 13 Days

With 13 days, you'll get a good taste of Vancouver and the Pacific Coast before heading east across the province to the Canadian Rockies. Here, you'll slow down the pace and spend the majority of your time exploring the hiking trails, lakes, and viewpoints in some of Canada's most spectacular mountain landscapes. For those seeking some comfort, combine this route with overnights in scenic wilderness lodges. 

Sunrise at Wedge Pond in Kananaskis Country
Map of Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 11 Days
Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 11 Days

This road trip crosses the breadth of British Columbia in 11 days, from the Pacific Coast Mountains to the rugged interior of the Canadian Rockies. The first half of the trip includes a few longer days of driving before slowing down the pace to shift your focus to the countless trails and vantage points surrounding Jasper, Banff, and underrated Kananaskis Country.

Peyto Lake, Banff National Park
Map of Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 12 Days
Vancouver to Calgary: Whistler, Wells Gray, & the Canadian Rockies - 12 Days

Get the true sea-to-summit experience as you road trip across British Columbia from the coast to the mountains. You'll follow some of Canada's most scenic highways through numerous provincial and national parks, culminating in the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies. This itinerary is designed to spend fewer days on the road and more time exploring the mountains, lakes, and rivers.