No skis? No problem! Whether you’re taking a break from skiing and snowboarding, looking for something to do after the lifts close or don’t plan on hitting the slopes at all, Whistler has plenty of winter adventures and activities to choose from.
From exploring Indigenous culture and the art of British Columbia to ziplining over snow-covered trees, snowmobiling through the backcountry and snowshoeing in old-growth forests, there’s an abundance of things to do in Whistler beyond skiing.
In fact, there are so many winter activities that it’s hard to squeeze them all into one trip. We suggest setting up camp and opting for a longer stay (there are deals to be had), so you can take a real crack at some mountain adventures. Let’s take a look at what Whistler has to offer off the slopes.
What are the Best Things to Do in Whistler if you Don’t Ski?
| Interest | Suggested activities |
|---|---|
| Sightseeing | PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, valley tours, Vallea Lumina |
| Adventure | Ziplining, snowmobiling, bobsleigh, ice climbing |
| Family fun | Snow tubing, ice skating, escape rooms |
| Outdoor activities | Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing |
| Arts and culture | Audain Art Museum, SLCC, Whistler Museum, Whistler Public Library |
| Relaxation | Scandinave Spa, yoga, dining tours |
Best Whistler Sightseeing and Winter Experiences
Whistler’s Vallea Lumina
When it starts to get dark in the late afternoon, it’s time to head to the forest. Vallea Lumina is a multimedia, story-driven light show where you walk a winding one-kilometre path through the forest at the base of Cougar Mountain (it takes about 45 minutes). This is definitely a must-do while you’re here in Whistler; read more in Magic in the Mountains: Winter Vallea Lumina.
Best Time to Go: Late afternoon / early evening
Outdoor Ice Skating in Whistler & the Snow Zone
Located in the heart of the village, skating at Olympic Plaza is both beginner-friendly and photogenic. The rink features multi-coloured hanging icicles, is set against a picturesque mountain backdrop and is surrounded by Dr. Seuss-esque LED-wrapped trees.
It’s located right next to the Snow Zone, where they build available snow into toboggan runs and tube slides.
Meadow Park Sports Centre is another option for indoor skating, pool fun and gym time.
Best Time to Go: Take advantage of people being on the slopes and go in the morning and early afternoon. It does close at certain times for ice maintenance, so check the hours before you go.
Sightsee on Whistler Blackcomb: Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK
Riding on gondolas and standing on top of mountains isn’t just for skiers and snowboarders. With a sightseeing pass, you can even soar between them on the world-record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.
Have lunch at one of the mountaintop lodges, Roundhouse on Whistler Mountain, or Rendezvous on Blackcomb Mountain. For a special lunch, book at either Christine’s or Steeps for Pacific Northwest elevated comfort cuisine with beautiful BC wines.
Best Time to Go: Winter sightseeing usually opens mid-morning. When you’re not chasing fresh pow lines, you can afford to take things slow. So, take your time, enjoy brunch in the village, then venture up to see the sights and grab a late lunch in the alpine.
Go Sightseeing in the Whistler Valley
Head out on a sightseeing tour to get the lay of the land and a wider sense of what makes Whistler the incredible place it is. With Whistler Valley Tours, you head out with a local guide and driver for a three-hour sightseeing adventure covering the entire Whistler Valley.
You visit Green Lake, Rainbow Park, Creekside, Function Junction’s local artisan district and Olympic venues such as the world’s fastest bobsled track at The Whistler Sliding Centre.
Best Time to Go: We suggest doing this at the start of your stay and earlier in the day so you can get some good mountain vistas.
Free Self-Guided Tours
Download the free Go Whistler Tours app for a curated selection of self-guided tours. The app helps with a suggested route, navigation, warm-up stop ideas, and information on the history and ecology along the way. There’s even audio that plays automatically when you hit each spot, should you want some local narration along the way.
Best Time to Go: Anytime, although the Festive Light Tours are best when the sun is down, after 4 PM.
Fire & Ice Show
Starting in January, the free Fire & Ice Show happens on Sunday evenings at the base of Whistler Mountain in Skier’s Plaza (Whistler Village). Wrap up warm for this 30-minute show that features Whistler’s top skiers and riders flipping and twisting through a burning hoop.
Each show starts with the legend of Spo7ez, a village shared by the Squamish Nation and the Lil’wat Nation, and a performance by world champion hoop dancer Alex Wells. This show is definitely a jaw-dropper and a good reason to extend your stay beyond the weekend.
Best Time to Go: January to March at 7:30 PM in Skier’s Plaza (weather dependent/dates subject to change).
High-Adrenaline Activity Options in Whistler
Whistler Bungee
Seeing the mountains from a bird’s-eye view is spectacular as you grasp just how vast the valley is, with white-covered trees and craggy mountain tops stretching to the horizon.
There are varying levels at which one can make like a bird in Whistler, one of which is to attempt to imitate a diving peregrine falcon (the fastest bird in the world) as you launch into thin air over the glacier-fed Cheakamus River with Whistler Bungee; read more in Whistler Bungee Jumping: On Fear, Gravity and Getting Old.
Best Time to Go: The early bird gets the worm? What better way to wake up the senses!
Whistler Ziplining & Whistler Heli Tours
Scale back the diving falcon and opt for ziplining, with options for tackling three to five lines as you flit around the mountains, taking in the views with the wind in your hair. Bonus points if you go upside down on the lines!
Best Time to Go: Morning and early afternoon for the best views, although ziplining in the dark is also really cool.
Insider Tip: This is definitely a bucket-list experience, perfect for milestone celebrations or important occasions!
Snowmobiling in Whistler
Whistler has vast backcountry terrain, and one way to get out there is via a snowmobile, with tours for beginners and families to expert riders. Exploring Whistler’s wild tundra is fun when you get to fire a throttle, and you can even wind your way up to a backcountry cabin for steak under the stars; read what that’s like in Snowmobiles, Steak and Starlight.
Or, opt for fresh tracks by being the first out there on the Yukon Breakfast Tour. Be warned – the powerful feeling of freedom you get from riding a snowmobile can be addictive!
Best Time to Go: Daylight for the best mountain expanse views, or evening for twinkling lights.
Ice Climbing in Whistler
Imagine swinging an axe and digging your crampons into blue sculpted ice for the day. No experience is necessary for a Whistler ice climbing experience with the experts at Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures. Located on Blackcomb Mountain, your guides give you all the equipment and instruction you need to dig that axe in and scale the ice.
Although this experience isn’t for the faint of heart, with expert instruction, even first-timers can give ice climbing a go. Read more in Bucket List Mission: Ice Climbing in Whistler.
Indoor climbing is also available at Whistler Core Climbing and Fitness Gym, and can be a great activity for kids who need to burn off extra energy.
Best Time to Go: This is a full, 8-hour day experience!
Olympic Experiences in Whistler: Bobsleigh and Skeleton
The Whistler Sliding Centre offers Passenger Bobsleigh and Public Skeleton on the same track the Olympians use (you just start a little lower down). For what this ride feels like, take a read of How to Skeleton and Bobsleigh in Whistler.
You can also take a free, self-guided tour of the Whistler Sliding Centre and take a look at their This Week On Track to see if any athletes will be on the course for you to watch.
Insider Tip: The Whistler Sliding Centre snakes up Whistler Mountain and is such a cool venue to visit, even if you’re not participating in the G-forces yourself!
Family-Friendly Winter Activities in Whistler
bubly Tube Park
If you love tobogganing but hate walking uphill, we have just the activity for you – snow tubing. Through the wonders of modern engineering, the bubly Tube Park has managed to eliminate the worst part of tobogganing (the uphill slog). The magic carpet does the hard work of getting you (and your kids) up to the top, the cushy tubes are easy on the backside, and the shaped lanes keep you safely on the track.
To get there, jump on the Excalibur Gondola in Whistler Village (you don’t need a ticket), get off at mid-station and follow the signage to the tube park. Note: there are stairs on this route, so another option is to park in Lot 8.
Best Time to Go: You can’t book ahead for the Tube Park; it’s first-come, first-served and based on capacity, so being strategic with timing is a good call – get in before it gets busy when people head down off the slopes!
Snowcoach Sleigh Tour
This Whistler sleigh tour requires no horses! Wrap up under cozy blankets and enjoy the peaceful backcountry views as a snowcat pulls you through forest trails covered in snow.
You journey to a jolly Holiday Dome where you warm up with cookies and hot apple cider. They also have toboggans for some good-natured fun in the snow. This is good for families with younger children, but it’s also quite a romantic idea for people looking to ask important life questions.
Best Time to Go: The rides start after noon and go into the early evening. If you’re after stunning backcountry views, opt for daytime, and the early evening for a more romantic, under-the-stars experience.
Escape! Whistler
Did you know that there’s a pirate ship in Whistler? With six different escape rooms at Escape! Whistler, this is an activity you’ll want to do more than once. You have 45 minutes to puzzle your way out of your chosen room. This is a great activity for families and groups of two to six people.
Best Time to Go: A great late afternoon/après activity that’s fun to talk about over dinner.
Outdoor Winter Activities Beyond Downhill Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in Whistler
If you’re looking for something that breaks a sweat, Whistler has 55 kilometres of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails for you to tackle out at Whistler Olympic Park, 40 kilometres at The Callaghan and another 25 kilometres at Lost Lake Park, located right in Whistler Village (Whistler Olympic Park and Lost Lake also offer night skiing).
At Whistler Olympic Park, one very unique thing to try is their Biathlon Experience, where you shoot a rifle at targets on the Olympic range. Find out more about what it’s like to spend a day at Whistler Olympic Park in our Nordic Adventure blog.
Snowshoeing is another outdoor activity in Whistler that can be a thigh burner or a peaceful experience in the surrounding old-growth forest, perfect for relaxing the mind. You’ll very quickly notice the quiet stillness of nature, and if you’re lucky enough to get out after a fresh snowfall, the loaded trees can look like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book.
There are also snowshoe tours that take you out to Cougar Mountain and the Callaghan Valley, and even one where you can jump in a sauna along the way! Read more in The Best Sauna Experiences in Whistler.
Best Time to Go: If you’re heading to Whistler Olympic Park, spend the day there as it’s a 20-minute drive south of Whistler Village.
Ice Fishing in Whistler
Soak in the serenity of the wild outdoors while catching your dinner. Whistler’s ice fishing season runs from December to March, and full and half-days can be booked online.
Whistler Year-Round Fishing and Pemberton Fish Finder are two local companies offering ice fishing tours, and even though “ice” fishing is weather-dependent, there are always lakes and rivers to access in the Sea to Sky. Read more about this experience in How to Ice Fish in Whistler.
Best Time to Go: When the lakes are frozen, ha ha!
Arts, Culture and Indoor Activities in Whistler
Art may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when thinking of Whistler, but we are actually home to a thriving arts scene. It’s not hard to see why creatives are drawn to Whistler’s soaring peaks and lush valleys. From the living cultures and artistic traditions of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, to contemporary galleries and performances, Whistler offers plenty of ways to connect with art, culture and community.
Audain Art Museum
The Audain Art Museum boasts an impressive permanent collection of British Columbian art, including several commissioned sculptures by contemporary First Nations artists, a gallery dedicated to Emily Carr and a large space for its rotating Special Exhibitions. For more on the Audain, read Culture Up: How to Get the Most From a Visit to the Audain.
Best Time to Go: The Audain is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, opens late morning, and you need at least one to two hours. Check their hours before you go and look out for their guided tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – we highly recommend these.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
We always suggest a visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) to gain an understanding of the land, Whistler’s history and the Indigenous people who have inhabited it since time immemorial.
Their tours start with a welcome song, a short film and a guided tour of the exhibits with a Cultural Ambassador. They also have a beautiful gift shop and a cafe with an Indigenous-inspired menu including Bannock Tacos, Venison Chilli and Salmon Chowder. Read more in A Visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
Best Time to Go: Tours start on the hour, so plan around that. We suggest going for lunch at the Thunderbird Cafe as part of the experience. Allow one to two hours for your visit, and check out the craft workshops they have on offer.
Arts Whistler
Whistler’s got a fantastic arts scene, and the best place to find out all about it is the Maury Young Arts Centre, the home of Arts Whistler. There’s a free gallery to explore as well as a Sea to Sky artisan shop. They also host comedy nights, arts-based workshops, live music nights, performances and movies.
Best Time to Go: Take a look at their events calendar to see what’s on!
Whistler Museum and Whistler Public Library
Have you ever wondered how a place like Whistler came to be? The Whistler Museum has an extensive exhibit on the creation of Whistler Blackcomb, the design of Whistler Village, the Olympic bid history and more.
Best Time to Go: The Whistler Museum is open daily from 11 AM, and entrance is by donation.
The Whistler Public Library is also right next door and typically has something fun going on. These two locations can be found on the Cultural Connector Tour on the free Go Whistler Tours app.
Best Time to Go: Everyone is welcome at the Whistler Public Library, and it’s open daily. Check their calendar for adult- and children-based events.
Fathom Stone Art Gallery
Carve your own BC stone artwork at Fathom Art Gallery, located inside the Westin Resort & Spa. Choose from pendants, ornaments, and Inuksuks, with classes ranging from one to two hours, up to six-plus hours for larger carving projects.
The classes are family-friendly, and no experience is needed. Instructors guide you through choosing your soapstone, sketching, carving, sanding and polishing, and you leave with your sculpture the same day.
Insider Tip: They even offer to watch your kiddos if they’re happy carving while you get a few laps in.
Take a Tour of Montis Distilling
Whistler has several craft breweries and a distillery. Most of these are located in Function Junction, about 15 minutes south of Whistler Village. However, the best way to visit the distillery is via Whistler Valley Tours. Read more about this in Whistler Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience. Whistler Valley Tours also offers sightseeing during the winter.
Best Time to Go: Tours happen on Fridays and Saturdays in the late afternoon and take around two hours.
Whistler Dining Tours
Are you a foodie? Whistler Tasting Tours offers both lunch and evening tours that take you to several of Whistler’s best eateries. You can do the multi-course lunch option guided or unguided, with an optional drinks package available too.
Best Time to Go: There are lunch and dinner options, so it’s more about choosing which style of dining tour suits you and your day!
Spas, Wellness and Relaxing Things to Do in Whistler
Whistler’s Spas
An outdoor spa in Whistler in the winter, what? The Scandinave Spa Whistler is a tranquil oasis that’s found on the edge of Lost Lake’s forest. Encouraging you to invigorate your body through the traditional Nordic thermal journey of hot-cold-relax. The spa has hot baths, cold plunge pools, wood-burning and Finnish dry saunas, eucalyptus-infused steam rooms and relaxing solariums, all set in the beauty of nature. You can also add a massage treatment to the experience.
For more spa options, visit our wellness page.
Insider Tip: Dedicate at least three hours to get the most out of your visit to the Scandinave Spa.
Yoga, Pilates & Dance
Stretch it out in the studio. Yogacara, Reform Whistler and ALGN are all located right in the heart of Whistler Village, and you can do drop-in sessions. We caught up with local yoga instructor Emily Kane, and she took us through some handy pre-adventure stretches and poses in Pre and Post Mountain Yoga Stretches for Skiers and Snowboarders.
Best Time to Go: Check the schedules for Yogacara, Reform and ALGN to see what’s happening while you’re here.
Hit Some Balls
The Whistler Racket Club is something of a hidden gem. It is multi-purpose, with sporting activities such as indoor and outdoor tennis (summer only), pickleball, cornhole and axe throwing.
Not to mention, the cafe and patio serve tasty snack foods and all your favourite drinks, making it a great place to spend an evening trying your hand at different activities and grabbing a bite with a few friends. It’s open into the evening and is an easy walk from the Village.
Another place you can hit some balls is at Whistler Golf Club and Nicklaus North Golf Course. They both have simulators where you can practice that swing all year.
When to Do This: Anytime of the day!
Axe Throwing in Whistler
Forged Axe Throwing is open nightly until 9 PM, making it one of the best Whistler evening activities, whether there’s just one or two of you or an entire group. It’s very easy to try, and your session will include demonstrations, tips, and safety protocols. Plus, the guides are always happy to help you nail some trick shots. They are located in Function Junction, and it’s good to note that Coast Brewing is right next door!
Read more about this experience in How I Conquered the Axe Throwing Challenge.
When to Do This: We would roll this into spending a few hours in Function Junction. You can drive, catch a bus or take a taxi, as it’s about 10 minutes south of Whistler Village. Explore the shops, art galleries, cafes and breweries and then go throw some axes!
Whistler Winter Activity FAQ
Is Whistler worth visiting if you don’t ski?
Yes. Whistler has plenty of winter experiences that don’t require skiing or snowboarding, including gondola sightseeing, snowshoeing, spas, museums, cultural experiences and guided adventure tours.
Can non-skiers ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola?
Yes. Non-skiers can purchase a sightseeing ticket to access Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, subject to operating conditions.
What are the best free winter activities in Whistler?
Explore Whistler Village, visit free galleries, toboggan at the Snow Zone, take a self-guided Go Whistler Tour around the beautiful festive lights or watch the seasonal Fire & Ice Show.
What can families do in Whistler without skiing?
Families can enjoy snow tubing, ice skating, Vallea Lumina, escape rooms, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and other indoor and outdoor experiences.
What can you do in Whistler on a snowy or rainy day?
Explore the Audain Art Museum, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, try an escape room, enjoy indoor skating or book a relaxing spa experience.
Whistler Winter Planning Tips: Booking Ahead & Seasonal Considerations
Our biggest tip for activities in Whistler is to book ahead. Most companies offer good cancellation policies for changing plans, so it’s better to book than be disappointed.
Whistler’s winter is long and has its subtle changes and nuances. Late November and early December embody the magic of the festive season and are when the mountains open for the season, whereas January and February are considered deep winter, and March and April bring the longer, sunnier days of spring. Different events happen over the months, and we dig into those in the blog When to Visit Whistler in the Winter.
Local Whistler Insights
There is so much to do in Whistler. I’ve been here for twenty years now and have only just scratched the surface. I am also still building up the courage to try one of the ultimate outdoor activities in Whistler – ice climbing! For even more inspiration, flick through some of Whistler.com’s winter activity itineraries. It’s always a good idea to take a look at our events calendar too, to see what’s happening in Whistler while you’re here.
