5 Ways to Spend 48 Hours in Whistler

Legendary Whistler is widely known as one of the top four-season destinations in North America. The city appears regularly in “Best of” lists from around the globe, winning for its incomparable skiing and boarding at Whistler Blackcomb, as well as for its hotels, restaurants and golf courses. In summer, the charming pedestrian village is alive with hikers, mountain bikers, golfers and people watchers enjoying Whistler’s incredible natural scenery, as well as its museums and art galleries, outstanding restaurants, exciting nightlife, boutique shopping, revitalizing spas and diverse accommodation.

We asked our Facebook fans to recommend their favourite things to do during a 48-hour stay in Whistler, and below are their top choices:

Eat

Eating out in Whistler can mean anything you want it to mean. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick bite en route to adventure, or linger over a decadent West Coast feast, there are plenty of options to keep you well nourished and happy. Specific recommendations from our Facebook fans include breakfast at the Southside Diner, an elegant dinner at the Rimrock Cafe, tapas at Elements, sushi at Sushi Village, and a meal with a spectacular view at Nita Lake Lodge.

Dining in Whistler | Leo Zuckerman

Ziplining

Whistler is the perfect place to go zipping through the trees, with gorgeous natural scenery everywhere you look. Learn about this spectacular temperate rainforest environment as you make your way through the canopy, and reach speeds of up to 100 kilometres/hour (60 miles/hour) on some of North America’s longest ziplines. The mind-blowing Sasquatch zipline spans 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) from high on Blackcomb Mountain across to mid-Whistler Mountain.

Biking

Mountain Biking in Whistler | Blake Jorgenson

Fans singled out the Whistler Bike Park, widely considered to be North America’s best with more than 200 kilometres (124 miles) of trails spread out over 50 runs, as an experience not to be missed. Also mentioned are the trails around Lost Lake and nearby Green Lake, and the Valley Trail, a paved 35 kilometre (22 mile) path that winds through and around Whistler Village. The Valley Trail is perfect for a family ride. Want to see some epic riding? Visit during the Crankworx festival in July each year.

Hiking

Forest Walk in Whistler

Whistler’s awe-inspiring trails offer endless possibilities, with stunning mountain views, alpine meadows and glacial lakes all around you. Fans recommended trails on Whistler Mountain, including the intermediate/advanced-level High Note Trail, which boasts panoramic views of glacial peaks above and the blue/green waters of Cheakamus Lake below. This trail merges with another favourite, Musical Bumps, with its views of Black Tusk, Cheakamus Glacier and Cheakamus Lake.

PEAK 2 PEAK

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola | Andrew Strain

Our fans’ most highly recommended Whistler experience is the renowned PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. This engineering marvel – a world record breaker – spans an amazing 4.4 kilometres (2.7 miles) between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Ride the chairlift up Blackcomb Mountain, cross over to Whistler Mountain on the PEAK 2 PEAK, then back down to the Village via the Whistler gondola. Or do it in reverse. The view from PEAK 2 PEAK is an unforgettable 360-degree look at Whistler Village, and surrounding mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers and forests. Wait for the special glass-bottomed gondola car for an added thrill!

Featured image: Albert Normandin