Are you planning a big family trip to Whistler at some point this year?
Well, we don’t blame you! Whether you go in winter or summer, this incredible destination in British Columbia is brimming with scintillating things to see and do.
Expect breath-taking alpine views, endless outdoor pursuits (including unparalleled skiing and snowboarding opportunities!), and a passionate local community who are ready and waiting to make your time there truly unforgettable.
However, with so much on offer throughout the year, planning an itinerary in Whistler can be easier said than done! Do you want some expert ideas on how to spend your days in this picture-perfect destination?
You’re in the right place! Check out these fun-filled family activities in Whistler.
Winter Activities for Family & Kids
As a world-famous ski resort, there’s no shortage of wintery things to do in Whistler with kids! Here are a few of the best options at your disposal:
Ice Skating
Whenever you tire of the snow, head on down into town for another must-do winter activity: ice skating!
Located at the Olympic Plaza, Whistler’s outdoor skating rink is an unmissable family attraction.
Open every day, you pay an affordable $2 entrance fee per person and can rent skates for another $8 (or bring your own). There are also free skating aids available for anyone (young or old!) who lacks confidence on the ice.
Whistler Olympic Plaza
4365 Blackcomb Way
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
(604) 932-5535
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Zip Lining
For any thrill-seeking families out there, things to do in Whistler don’t get much better than winter zip lining!
Courtesy of ZipTrek Whistler or Superfly Ziplines, kids and parents alike can hurtle over treetops to enjoy one-of-a-kind views of the surrounding area.
Some restrictions do apply though.
For example, depending on the service and line in question, children will need to be a certain age (6 is the youngest) and weight. Be sure to check the websites for full details.
Ziptrek Ecotours
4282 Mountain Square
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
(604) 935-0001
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Superfly Ziplines
4293 Mountain Square #211
Whistler, BC V8E 1B8
1 (855) 824-9955
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Explore the Winter Trails
Whistler offers an array of snowshoeing and Nordic skiing opportunities.
You have to purchase a trail pass to partake in either activity, but with that sorted, there are dozens of kilometers of designated trails to enjoy in the area!
For equipment rentals and/or lessons, head to Lost Lake Park (located just outside Whistler village). The team at Cross Country Connection will sort you out in no time.
Lost Lake Park
4700 Lost Lake Rd
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
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Have Fun at the Coca-Cola Tube Park
If your family’s into high-octane activities, why not have some fun tubing at the exhilarating Coca-Cola Tube Park?
You’ll find it at the Base 2 Zone on Blackcomb Mountain, where 7 lanes of varying difficulty await. Take note, though: children must be 3 years or older and at least 36” tall to experience this particular Whistler winter activity.
Bubly Tube Park
4870 Glacier Ln
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
1 (800) 766-0449
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Go Snowmobiling!
Nothing beats the thrill of zipping around backcountry trails on a snowmobile!
Try this Canadian pastime for yourself with a Whistler snowmobile tour. With options available for all ages, needs, desires, and skill-levels, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Go Tobogganing at Whistler Olympic Park
The Whistler Olympic Park offers a diverse array of winter activities in the same venue that hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. It’s also one of the most popular attractions in the area!
If you decide to pay the park a visit on your trip, make sure you take advantage of the free access to the sledding hill! Whether you hire a sled or bring your own, there’s no better place to engage in a spot of tobogganing.
Whistler Olympic Park
1500 Callaghan Rd
Whistler, BC V0N 1B0
(604) 964-0059
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Family Après at the Olympic Plaza
We highly recommend heading down to the Olympic Plaza on a Monday or Wednesday. Why?
To experience the annual winter Family Après! It’s free to attend and provides endless entertainment for the entire family.
Expect more tobogganing, ice-skating, arts and crafts and live bands then you can shake a stick at.
Whistler Olympic Plaza
4365 Blackcomb Way
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
(604) 932-5535
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Visit Whistler’s Best Coffee Shops
Whistler has some absolutely wonderful coffee shops that can make for a great afternoon destination for the entire family. Whether you want to quickly grab a warm cup of brew on the way to another activity, or relax and enjoy the ambiance of a cozy warm cafe in Whistler.
Parents will love the coffee, and as always there will be hot cocoa and other treats available for the kids.
We wrote an entire guide on Whistler’s best coffee shops, feel free to explore!
Summer Activities for Family & Kids
Contrary to what some people believe, Whistler isn’t just a winter destination. There are all sorts of amazing family-friendly activities here in summer too. Here’s a selection of the best:
Peak to Peak Gondola
Summer thrills don’t get much more exciting than the record-breaking Peak to Peak Gondola ride!
Connecting the Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, you’ll travel 4.4km, reach an altitude of 436m above the valley floor, and gaze out across breath-taking scenery.
Regularly rated the best thing to do in Whistler, your kids are guaranteed to love it (assuming they have a head for heights!).
Peak 2 Peak Gondola Whistler
Alder Creek
Whistler, BC V0N 1B2
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Visit Vallea Lumina
For something altogether different, why not book tickets to an annual Whistler event called Vallea Lumina? Atmospheric and enchanting, Vallea Lumina is a unique light show set in a forest just outside town.
Expect a visual and auditory extravaganza in a stunning location that’s a true delight for the whole family. Oh, and children aged 5 or below can go for free!
Take note, though:
A shuttle that usually runs to the venue from Whistler village isn’t running this year. You’ll have to make your own way to Vallea Lumina if you wish to attend.
Vallea Lumina Whistler
4293 Mountain Square #211
Whistler, BC V8E 1B8
1 (833) 800-8480
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Treetop Canopy Walks
It’s one thing to explore the forests around Whistler from ground level. It’s another altogether to experience them from above!
See what we mean by trying the treetop walks offered, once again, by Ziptrek Whistler and Superfly Ziplines (which also has a popular treetop adventure course!).
Heads up, the zip lining we mentioned in the previous section is also available in summer! This might be a more popular option for older children.
Ziptrek Ecotours
4282 Mountain Square
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
(604) 935-0001
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Superfly Ziplines
4293 Mountain Square #211
Whistler, BC V8E 1B8
1 (855) 824-9955
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Visit the Lakes
Fancy a relaxing day at a lake after all the excitement of our previous suggestions? You’re in luck!
Whistler spoils its summer visitors with an array of spectacular mountain lakes.
Whether you visit Lost Lake, Alta Lake, Alpha Lake, or any of the others, you can fish, swim, boat, and BBQ to your heart’s content.
Hiking and Biking
As you might expect, summer in Whistler is a haven for families who love hiking and biking. Trails abound for all ages and abilities!
Bikers, in particular, will delight in the 80km of trails that run down Whistler Mountain at this time of year. Don’t worry if you prefer cruising to mountain biking though.
The 40km “Valley Trail” extends around 5 lovely lakes, offering an ideal solution.
And for hikers, don’t miss the 5.8km Brandywine Trail, which takes you past the awe-inspiring 70m waterfall of the same name! Families with younger children may prefer the 2.7km Lost lake Nature Trail or the even easier 1.4km Alpine Walk Trail.
Go to the Farmer’s Market
Now located in the outdoor carpark at the Whistler Racket Club, the farmer’s market runs between 11am and 4pm every Sunday until October 10th.
Check it out for another laid-back, family-friendly weekend Whistler activity!
Whistler Farmer’s Market
4500 Northlands Blvd
Whistler, BC V8E 1C7
(604) 902-3678
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Visit the Family Adventure Park
Like the sound of mini-golf, bouncy castles, and glitter tattoos?
Well, you’ll love the Family Adventure Park at the base of the Blackcomb Mountain. Situated in the Upper Village, this place is purpose-built for family fun!
Weather permitting, there are also:
- Bungee trampolines
- Slides
- Giant airbags for jumping on
- And go carts to ride
…Among many others!
Whistler Family Adventure Park
4545 Blackcomb Way
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
(604) 967-8950
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Try These Family-Friendly Activities in Whistler
With a global reputation as a bucket-list destination, you’re all but guaranteed to have a wonderful trip to Whistler- regardless of when you visit.
We hope these insights and ideas for family-friendly activities in Whistler will make your visit to our little mountain town unforgettable!
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