Throughout history, mountains have often been a place of recuperation, serenity and escape. Artists have studied their majestic form, writers have tried to capture their beauty in prose, and travellers willing to slow their pace have found a place of connection.
Whistler is one of Canada’s most celebrated mountain destinations, known not only for skiing and snowboarding, but also for its wellness experiences, arts and culture, scenic sightseeing and slow winter activities. Travellers looking to relax, reconnect with nature and explore Whistler at a gentler pace will find no shortage of options.
We’ve put together some ideas of how to take Whistler at a slower, more relaxed pace, one that encourages a deeper dive into what this mountain resort town has to offer. This blog is especially useful for non-skiers and skiers looking for off-the-slope ideas.
1. Breathe in the Mountains: Winter Walks in Whistler
Whistler is one of the most walkable mountain resorts in North America, even in winter, thanks to its extensive, well-maintained Valley Trail network, which winds around the lakes, parks and neighbourhoods.
In the winter, approximately 38 kilometres are cleared, which makes for great winter walks, stopping off to admire the mountain views or grab a coffee or tea as you pass neighbourhoods (check what they’ve cleared on this Resort Municipality of Whistler map).
When you’re at walking pace, you can look out for Whistler’s winter birds, including the Stellar’s Jay with its stunning blue plumage, and the chattering Black-capped Chickadees. You might even see the tracks of a raccoon or snowshoe hare in the snow.
Watch the pink and purple hues of the alpenglow (which typically happens 30 minutes after sunset) take over the skies from Rainbow Park, with a view over the lake toward Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
For suggestions of where to go, read our dedicated Winter Walks blog post. The trail can be slippery, so we advise good winter boots with a traction device like YakTrax.
2. The Silence of Snow: Snowshoeing in Whistler
Snowshoeing is one of the most accessible winter activities in Whistler, requiring minimal equipment and no prior experience. The goal doesn’t have to be distance or vertical; it can simply be about finding stillness. Like finding a serene snowy spot for a forest-bathing session or meditation.
Snow has a dampening effect on sound, and there’s nothing like finding a place to perch and watching snowflakes fall from the sky. You can rent snowshoes and explore the trails at Lost Lake Park and Whistler Olympic Park, or choose to go on a guided tour. For tours focused more on connection with the land you’re on, take a look at Canadian Wilderness’s Medicine Trail (they also have an option with a sauna stop).
3. Above it All: Sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola
Whistler Blackcomb isn’t just for skiers and snowboarders.
The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is one of Whistler’s most iconic year-round sightseeing experiences and one of the longest unsupported lift spans in the world. Journeying up the mountain in a gondola and crossing the Whistler Valley in the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola with 360-degree views of the Coast Mountains is simply stunning. The ride from Whistler to Blackcomb Mountain (and vice versa) takes 11 minutes, but what you’re looking at is as old as time.
You look out over alpine bowls, glaciers, and jagged ridgelines in the Fitzsimmons and Spearhead ranges, including peaks like Overlord Mountain, Mount Fitzsimmons and Phalanx Mountain. On clear days, the view stretches south toward Garibaldi Provincial Park, where distinctive volcanic landmarks such as Black Tusk can be spotted on the horizon. The dramatic landscape below, carved by glaciers and shaped by ancient volcanic and tectonic forces, makes the ride as much a geology lesson as it is a sightseeing experience.
The view changes with the weather; on clear days, you can see ancient mountain tops stretching across the horizon, and on stormy days, you sail right into the mist, the mountains playing peekaboo as you go.
Head into the Roundhouse or Rendezvous for a quick bite or luxurious lunch. These large lodges are the perfect place to set up camp if you have a creative project you’re working on or simply want to read a book with an incredible view as your backdrop.
4. Creative Connections: Whistler’s Arts & Culture Scene
Whistler has a well-established arts and culture scene that reflects both its contemporary mountain community and the deep Indigenous history of the land. The arts have a way of taking you below the surface of a place, whether that means you’re literally painting something in situ that demands focus and understanding, or you’re connecting with the Indigenous caretakers of the land you’re on through storytelling.
Knowing the stories of a place not only gives you a deeper appreciation, but it also informs you on how to tread more sensitively as you explore. We’d start this journey at the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl Cultural Centre, where you can learn from Cultural Ambassadors who will introduce you to First Nations’ history, art and stories.
The Point Artist-Run Centre is a very special place to go. It’s located on the far side of Alta Lake, and it’s a hub for local and visiting artists to work, exhibit, perform, improve their craft and interact with the general public. They run events, exhibits and workshops throughout the year, and this winter, they have screenprinting, stop-motion, paint & sips and music jams on offer.
Arts Whistler, Whistler’s arts council, is another creative hub to check. They’re located in Whistler Village and have a free gallery and local artisan shop to explore, as well as a robust arts events calendar. Close by is the stunning Audain Art Museum, another must-visit place for a deep dive into the art of British Columbia, and another way to connect with the local arts community through its docent tours and events.
5. Soak It In: Whistler’s Spa Scene
Nothing says slowing down more than a trip to the spa, and Whistler has quite a range of them.
Scandinave Spa is a destination spa where you can while away the day. Whistler’s outdoor thermal spa experience encourages you to cycle through hot and cold experiences (saunas, hot pools, steam rooms and cold plunges) with periods of rest in between. It’s a digital-free zone that encourages silence for ultimate downtime. You can add a massage to the spa experience, and there’s a cozy bistro on-site for a light bite.
The Four Seasons Resort & Spa offers an award-winning spa experience with some unique treatments, some of which use Sḵwálwen products, an Indigenous skincare line that honours Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) plant knowledge and ancestral First Nations traditions by using sustainably harvested and sourced organic plants.
Nita Lake Lodge Spa is another go-to for relaxation and a great option if your accommodation doesn’t come with spa-style amenities. Their new Serenity Pass offers you five-hour access to their rooftop hot tubs, eucalyptus steam room, relaxation lounge, and new outdoor barrel sauna. They also offer a range of treatments, but the kundalini, reflexology and Heaven & Earth offerings sound especially relaxing (you get complimentary access to the amenities with a 1-hour+ treatment booking).
If your accommodation has a pool/hot tub/sauna offering, there’s nothing like coming back to that after a winter walk or alpine sightseeing. The locally-based team at Whistler.com know which properties offer these kinds of amenities, so chat to them when you book.
6. Mellow Vibes: Yoga, Sound Baths & Meditation
Wellness and movement practices are deeply embedded in Whistler’s year-round lifestyle, not just as visitor experiences but as part of the local community. Yogacara, located in the heart of Whistler Village, offers restorative yoga classes as well as workshops that include sound bath experiences, journalling and meditation.
Align Whistler is a local dance studio located close to the base of Whistler Mountain. They offer drop-in dance of all kinds as well as pilates and yoga. A Contemporary class that flows onto the ground might release tension, the beats of AfroSoul might bring back memories of travel, or Jazz Funk might help get you out of your head. Dance helps us reconnect with our body and breath, finding different rhythms that can change our mood.
7. Slow Down & Savour: Whistler’s World-Class Dining Scene
Slowing down while eating helps us really appreciate the flavours and textures of a dish, especially if the chef creating it is award-winning. Whistler boasts a world-class dining scene, offering a diverse range of international cuisines, from the local Pacific West Coast fare to Thai, Indian, Mexican, and Japanese options.
Places like Wild Blue, Mekong, Araxi, Sidecut and Bearfoot Bistro are artful at experiential dining. From the decor to the glassware, the ice in your glass, to the level of service, every element of your evening has been thoughtfully orchestrated. These places invite you to slow down, savour and indulge.
One way to experience these places is on a Whistler Tasting Tour, where a local guide takes you to four locations, giving you the background on the restaurant, chef and food. It’s a lovely way to meet other people, with conversation flowing easily thanks to the shared love of good food and drink.
8. Get a Guide: Whistler Valley Tours
Guided valley tours are one of the easiest ways to understand Whistler’s geography, history and neighbourhoods in a short amount of time.
Whistler Valley Tours takes you north of Whistler Village to Green Lake, which boasts some stunning surrounding mountain vistas. It weaves up Blackcomb Mountain to the Whistler Sliding Centre, where the Olympic track is for bobsleigh, skeleton and luge. From Rainbow Park, you’ll see across Alta Lake back toward Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, from where you can just about make out the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola joining the two.
Heading south, they take you to Whistler’s original town site, which is now called Creekside, and then on to Function Junction, which is home to two of Whistler’s local breweries and a distillery, along with bakeries and art studios.
9. Revel in Simplicity: Cafe-Hopping and Fireside Lounges
One of the pleasures of the cold on your cheeks is the contradictory feeling of having something warm in your hands. Whistler has some lovely coffee shops to explore, with the usual espresso-based offerings, but some are a bit more unique.
% Arabica is designed to feel like an igloo, which is quite fitting. They’ll serve you decadent java options like their popular Spanish Latte and Kyoto Latte. At Rockit Coffee Co. in Creekside, the decor is 70s/80s music-inspired, and it is a lovely spot to sit and take in the hubbub of Whistler life.
Your accommodation might come with a fireplace, but if it doesn’t, there are many hotel lounges, local bars and restaurants that have one you can cozy up to.
One of the more upscale options is The Library at Four Seasons Whistler. It’s a pop-up during winter where they partner with whiskey makers, Macallan. A modern spin on the old “cigar room”, it prompts you to sink into a chair and spend some serious time reminiscing with a good friend or delving into the hefty pages of a weighty classic.
Other options for good fireplaces are The Mallard Lounge at the Fairmont, Cinnamon Bear at the Hilton, Firerock Lounge at the Westin and Lakeside Lounge at Nita Lake Lodge. If you need a new read while you’re here, head to Armchair Books in Whistler Village. This is a gem of a bookstore; ask for what’s popular or what’s been penned locally.
Whistler has a vibrant local writers’ scene, and it’s another way you can slow down and connect. The Point, Whistler Public Library and Whistler Writing Society are good places to check for workshops, retreats and residencies.
Is Whistler worth visiting in winter if you don’t ski?
There’s so much to do in Whistler that doesn’t involve skis or a snowboard. From arts, culture and wellness, to an abundance of mountain-based activities and events. Read more in our blog about Whistler for non-skiers.
What are the most relaxing things to do in Whistler?
Revel in the beauty of the mountains from the valley to the peaks. Walk in the forests and/or explore the Whistler Valley Trail. Spend time at a spa. Delve into good food and drink.
Is Whistler good for wellness and spa trips?
Whistler has 10 spas to choose from, beauty and esthetics parlours, as well as yoga, dance and fitness facilities. What’s unique is Whistler’s access to forms of “active relaxation“, where you can do everything from running in the high alpine to biking the Valley Trail, paddle boarding on a lake, to throwing an axe.
Whistler is as much a place to slow down as it is a place to seek adventure, and winter offers some of the clearest opportunities to experience its quieter side. We hope this helps you strike the right balance during your stay in Whistler.
