Vacation Rentals are our PASSION here at Outpost and we look forward to assisting you with every step of your journey to Whistler! We offer an assortment of Vacation Rental options to fit the needs of every guest.
All of our properties are privately owned, however, when renting through Outpost, you can be sure that the kitchen is well stocked, fresh and crisp linen will be provided and our premium amenities will be enjoyed. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Reservations Team directly at reservations@outpostwhistler.com or 1.877.938.2211 to find the perfect property to fit the needs of your group.
Taking a vacation in the idyllic town of Whistler is a great idea any time of year. Famous for having the largest skiable terrain of any ski resort in all of North America, Whistler has much more to offer regardless of your interest in hitting the slopes. This is a fantastic travel destination if you are passionate about mountain biking and the outdoors, experiencing stunning mountain vistas, dining in up-market restaurants and bars, playing golf, or renting a cabin and getting a feel for the quaint European-style, pedestrian-friendly village.
Like any destination, if you want to make the most out of your Whistler vacation, you are going to need not only the right vacation rental but the right information and research at your disposal which is why we have brought all of the key information about the world’s best travel destination into one place for you.
Whistler sees on average around 3 million over-night and day visitors annually, with 45% of these visitors arriving during the winter months. This means that you won’t be alone during your visit and will have the opportunity to meet many like-minded people.
Whistler and the surrounding areas hold thousands of years of history as these lands were the home of the Coast Salish First Nations before Europeans arrived, with Whistler serving as a valuable trading post between the Squamish and Lil’wat nations. Many of the hiking tracks around Whistler are actually the traditional routes of the Coast Salish peoples, and you can follow their paths to view nature and the landscape similarly to how they once did. You can also visit the Squamish-Lil’wat Cultural Centre to get a complete grasp of the region’s history and identity.
Named “Whistler” thanks to the shrill sound that the local hoary marmot populations make, the early 1900s saw European settlement, first as a small hunting and fishing village, then as a successful mining town until the 1950s turned it into a popular summer vacation spot. The 1960s saw the first ski resort on the mountain open, and then in 2010, Whistler hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
You will find Whistler just two hours’ drive (125 km) north of Vancouver, nestled in the stunning Pacific ranges of the Coast Mountains in British Columbia, and just 36 km south of the town of Pemberton. The Coast Mountains of Canada span a distance of almost 1,600 km all the way to Yukon, so it is perfect that Whistler is located so close to Vancouver for easy access to everything you need before embarking on your vacation.
While most visitors arrive by car, you can make your way there easily by train, arriving at Whistler Station. And while there isn’t a dedicated land airport in Whistler, there are a number of helicopter landing pads along with one of the world’s largest seaplane airlines. Harbor Air Seaplane Group can give you amazing views of the surrounding landscape from the air as well as fast and direct access to Whistler from Vancouver or Victoria.
Whistler is flanked by glaciated mountains on both sides with the town sitting at an altitude of 670 meters, although the nearby Whistler and Blackcomb mountains reach altitudes of over 2,000 meters.
The landscape consists of a number of different microclimates which in turn provides you with a range of environments to explore, from alpine tundra to dry slopes and forests of mixed tree species that are essentially a continuation of the Pacific Northwest’s rainforest.
First of all, the ski slopes of Whistler have an almost 200 day-long season, so you have plenty of opportunities to make the most of the snow on the mountains whether you love skiing, snowboarding, sleigh rides, or snowmobiling. For a more chilled out winter vacation, keep in mind that there are lots of snow tubing options and outdoor ice skating at the Olympic plaza.
Summertime gives you sightseeing gondola tours to view the landscape, access to the many lakes, beaches, and parks, hiking, golf, mountain biking, ziplining, and even bear viewing! The temperatures are even warm enough in the summer for white water rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
The temperatures of Whistler throughout the year vary enough for it to have the perfect summer temperatures for outdoor and water activities and cold enough in winter for the perfect level of snowfall. July and August in particular can see temperatures in excess of 30°C while December and January can see temperatures fall below the -10°C mark. The months from January through to April are considered the best time in the year to go skiing thanks to the quality of the snow, with the Whistler area receiving on average around 11.9 meters of snow annually. January 2020 alone saw 477cms of snowfall, making this the prime time of year to hit the slopes.
37 lifts that give you access to over 200 ski runs and more than 3,000 hectares of skiable area places these two mountains at the top of this list. A number of restaurants and eateries are also located on the mountain and within short walking distances of the gondola base in case you need a warm meal by the mountain.
One of the facilities built for the 2010 winter games, you can explore the Whistler Winter Park and check out the unusual looking jumps, join other vacationers on the Nordic skiing trails, or try your hand at biathlon rifle shooting and mountain biking. You can also go on a self-guided tour of the Whistler Sliding Center and have a go on the bobsled and skeleton tracks for some highspeed adrenaline-packed fun.
The peak-to-peak gondola is one of the core experiences that you need to try when in Whistler. Traversing between the mountain peaks with good weather gives you stunning views of the snow-caps, alpine lakes, and dense forests. At times you will find yourself over 500 meters above the ground! From end to end this gondola ride is over 4 kilometers long.
There are currently three professionally-designed golf clubs in Whistler where you can play 18 holes with the snowy mountains in the background while being sheltered by the pristine conifer forests and lush vegetation. Booking in advance is almost always necessary however due to the demand for playing on these high-quality courses. You can choose between the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club, the Nicklaus North Golf Course, and the Whistler Golf Club designed by Arnold Palmer.
Just like the rest of British Columbia, Whistler has a wide range of walks, hikes, and climbing opportunities for all experience levels. You can start off with some easy walks around the Lost Lake before going up for some elevated mountain-climbing missions. You can choose to go on one of the many one-day hikes to the neighboring Garibaldi or Brandywine Falls provincial parks, or to Garibaldi lake, Cheakamus lake, or Wedgemount lake.
Whistler is home to some of the highest quality mountain biking trails in the world, and there is something for everyone from smooth beginner trails to challenging cross-country and downhill trails for experienced riders. You will find the hub for everything mountain biking in Whistler at Fitzsimmon’s Chair with access to beginner trails such as EZ Does It, jump trails like the A-Line, and pro trails like the Crabapple Hits and the Dwayne Johnson. At the top of Fitzsimmon’s Chair you will also find the GMC Pump Track and Skills Center where you can get some practice in on your technique before hitting one of the other trails.
Once you are done at Fitzsimmons, take a look at the Garbanzo Chair for steeper and longer descent trails for more experienced riders, or find the Peak Chair for the world’s best alpine riding from an altitude of over 2100 meters.
Whistler is also the home of the world famous Crankworkz mountain biking festival, where the best athletes from around the world take part in the Red Bull Joyride, Dual Slalom Races, the Rockshox Ultimate Pumptrack Challenge, and many more events during August.
Whistler is about so much more than the great outdoors and alpine attractions. This is also the cultural hub of the Squamish and Lil’wat nations, boasting some of the richest history in the area. You will have a great time by visiting the following places and combining education, cultural appreciation, and fun.
This modern museum and cultural center gives visitors a true taste of the Squamish and Lil’wat cultures who have lived in Whistler for longer than memory. The cultural center holds collections of carvings, weavings, and stories through which you can learn about the history and traditions of these two nations. The attached café serves First Nation-inspired food, and every Tuesday and Sunday evening there is a First Nation feast and performance experience.
One of the newest cultural attractions in Whistler, the Audain Art Museum opened its doors in 2016 and quickly became a favorite place for locals and visitors alike. Their focus is on showcasing British Columbian artists and art from the late 1700s onward, combining exhibits of traditional First Nation pieces with modern work from renowned artists such as Emily Carr and James Hart. They also host traveling exhibits, lectures, and educational opportunities for both children and adults.
There is a great range of activities for the whole family in Whistler that are designed with children in mind. On top of the famous gondola rides and beginner-level skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking options, you can also choose to go ziplining for a safe yet exciting family activity. Everyone can get lessons and try their hand at axe throwing at Forged Axe Throwing in Function Junction, or you can have a go on the indoor climbing walls at Whistler Core Fitness. There are dedicated snow tubing areas on the mountains, dog sledding experiences, and the chance to experience the Vallea Lumina multimedia park at night.
If the kids are more interested in fun problem solving games, then head on over to Escape! Whistler to experience Whistler’s own escape room facility where you can choose from four different room themes and beginning piecing together clues, solving puzzles, and working together to get out.
Whistler’s next greatest attraction and reason for visiting, right behind the slopes and mountain biking trails, is its nightlife. There is literally something for everyone, from vibrant and boisterous dance clubs to relaxing, quiet bars where you can chill out and enjoy craft beer while playing pool. You can enjoy a number of fine dining options where you are served fresh food that has been harvested just moments before, such as at the Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar and the Bearfoot Bistro, or you can find one of the many grills and pizzerias to munch on your favorite pizza and steak dishes.
