Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for that person who’s impossible to shop for (we all know one), a meaningful piece for a loved one, or your own mountain souvenir, Whistler has plenty of great shopping options for unique finds.
From mountain-approved apparel to local art and amazing experiential gifts (any tips on how to wrap a zipline tour?), Whistler has it all. Here are some of the top places in Whistler where you can find unique gifts and possibly something for yourself (’tis the season).
1. Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
After taking a tour at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, which allows you to dive into the rich history of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation), Whistler’s Indigenous peoples, make sure you stop by their gift shop.
From stunning art pieces to clothing, kitchenwares, food items, blankets, candles, body products and jewelry, this is a beautiful gift shop to explore, with an emphasis on authentic Indigenous art and products.
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2. Audain Art Gallery
Where can you admire the work of artists like master carver Haida Chief James Hart and iconic painter Emily Carr, and get your holiday shopping done at the same time? The Audain Art Museum.
Their gift shop carries a variety of handmade jewelry, pottery, woodwork and homeware from BC artists, along with fun games, apparel and books for the artist in your life.
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3. Maury Young Arts Centre
The Maury Young Arts Centre is known as the arts and culture hub in Whistler, so it only makes sense that their gift shop, Arthentic, showcases some amazing products made by Sea to Sky artisans, from art pieces to pottery and jewelry. It’s a must-visit stop for anyone looking for a unique, locally made gift.
A portion of all sales is used to support The Gallery at the Art Centre, a community gallery showcasing local artists with free admission.
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4. Get the Goods
Get the Goods is Creekside’s destination for design-forward, thoughtfully chosen objects. Every piece in the store is a handpicked mix of beautiful, functional and delightfully unexpected goods sourced from makers and studios around the world. It’s a place where quality meets curiosity, and where you’ll always discover something you didn’t know you needed.
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5. Big Bear Trading Company & Cool As A Moose
Cool As A Moose is one of the best places in the village for Whistler-themed apparel, mugs and other goodies. This holiday season, they opened a sister store called Big Bear Trading Company, which is located just across the street.
It has a great selection of Sea to Sky-inspired gifts, like a cool MTNPK tumbler, with local mountain ranges hand-blown into the base, a colourful Treeline Collective blanket, and a Villager puzzle of Whistler.
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6. The Whistler Hat Gallery
Stay (quite literally) on the top of your loved one’s mind by giving them a hat from The Whistler Hat Gallery. Opened by Whistler locals in 1995, this shop offers styles of hats you may not have known existed. Grab a Canadian toque, an outback hat, a fedora or a borsalino, or ask the friendly staff for guidance.
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7. Mt. Waddington Outdoors
If you are an outdoor enthusiast or someone on your shopping list is, Mt. Waddington Outdoors is the place to go. It’s like Candy Land, but for skiers, climbers, hikers, pack rafters and explorers of all kinds.
Three hot items for this festive season include their 3D Sea to Sky maps and poster maps, books like John Baldwin’s fresh new print run of Exploring the Coast Mountains on Skis, and Rocky Talkie radios.
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8. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
When in doubt, chocolate is always a winning gift option. The special part about Whistler’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory? 80% of the products are made on-site, so you also get the added treat of watching the chefs make the goodies right in front of you.
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9. Amos & Andes: The Whistler Sweater Shop
There’s nothing like unwrapping a luxuriously soft sweater for Christmas, and at Amos & Andes, the choices are top shelf. They’ve been keeping people warm and cozy for over 30 years, and offer Nordic, Irish, Serbian and Canadian knits. Their Canadian sweaters are either genuine Cowichans, with a limited supply, or their own designs, available only from Amos & Andes.
As well as sweaters, you can also pick up beautiful scarves, hats, gloves and socks.
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10. Experiential Whistler Gifts
Give the gift of incredible memories and opt for a Whistler-based adventure. For adrenaline lovers, choose snowmobiling, ziplining, or bobsleigh. For fitness fans and nature lovers, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are ideal, and for families, Vallea Lumina is a favourite.
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You can book a specific activity and date or give them a Whistler.com gift certificate, letting them choose their own adventure. If you’re a BC or Washington resident, then it’s worth signing up for Whistler Rewards for additional discounts and deals throughout the year.
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11. The Circle Kids
Grab some mountain-approved cool clothing, snow gear, footwear and toys for the little adventurer in your life at The Circle Kids (a favourite amongst Whistler parents). They even offer a registry service and gift wrapping! You buy the gift in person or online, and they wrap it for you! Afterwards, head to their adult counterpart, The Circle Skate & Snowboard Shop, to treat yourself as well.
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12. Whoola Toys
Regardless of how old you are, it’s always exciting to step into the magic of a toy shop. Whoola Toys was created by four local moms who wanted to offer a place where kids of all ages had a safe and fun spot to spend their tooth fairy money.
Pick up the perfect fuzzy stuffed animal, bracelet-making kit, puzzle, board game and more from this top local spot.
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13. Art Junction
These unique wooden puzzles, designed by local artist Robyn Forsyth, are perfect for the creative in your life. Pick one up at Art Junction, a Canadian contemporary art gallery featuring established and up-and-coming talent from Western Canada, located in Function Junction.
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There are lots of shops to explore in Whistler, and in the winter season, the stroll is lined with glittering, festive lights, which adds to the whole experience. Plus, you get to feel good for supporting local. We’d also suggest stopping for a sweet treat or craft beer/cocktail while you shop (it’s thirsty work). Happy shopping!
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Editor’s Note: This piece was originally written in 2021 by Kate Farrell, but has been updated by editor Dee Raffo.
