Top 10 Things to Do During Winter in Whistler

Top pf Solar Coaster at Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort
April Thompson
Written by April Thompson
Last updated July 11, 2024

If you are taking a rest day from skiing or doing other on-the-snow activities (like snowmobiling, dog-sledding), then we have a list of top 10 (mostly) off-the-snow things for you to do at Whistler!

RELAX AMONGST NATURE AT SCANDINAVE SPA

Head over to Scandinave Spa for a traditional Scandinavian bath experience, only 5 minutes drive from Whistler Village, and relax your muscles pulled from skiing.

Relax in their outdoor baths which situated amongst the cedar forest and surrounding mountains, or grab a Swedish massage to ease those sore muscles. If that’s not enough for you, they’ve got everything from a dry sauna to a Nordic Waterfall and cold plunge pools for those who are brave enough! This bath experience is only for those age 19 and over. It's not necessary to book for the baths but I recommend making a reservation for a massage. You don’t want to miss out!

Relaxing non-skiing spa activity

WHISTLER BUNGEE JUMP

This isn’t for everyone, but if you love heights, you’ll love the Whistler Bungee Jump and it's just 15 minutes drive south of Whistler Village.. It’s the highest bungee jump in British Columbia! The 49 m drop spanning 91 m over the Cheakamus River will definitely get your heart racing. If you need some reassurance, the guides there have over 20 years experience. The Whistler Bungee Jump is one of the most scenic bungee jumps in the world, as it’s nestled between an old growth forest. Take a moment to admire it when you arrive.

ICE FISHING

If you’re here in Whistler, you have to go ice fishing for an authentic Canadian experience. Pemberton Fish Finder offers ice fishing tours and operate in both Whistler and nearby Pemberton.

Whistler has some great fish and you can possibly fish the big ones with a trout easily weighing 10 lbs plus! In winter, you can catch anything from Rainbow Trout to a Kokanee. These guides have won Favourite Outdoor Guides from 2014 to 2017, so you know that they will give it their all for you to find some fish!

Ice fishing near Whistler

WHISTLER SLIDING CENTRE

The Whistler Sliding Center, which hosted the bobsleigh and skeleton competition for the 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games, offers the bobsleigh and skeleton sport experience to the public from mid-December to early April. This is highly recommended for adrenalin junkies. Grab your friends, jump into a four-person bobsled, and ride with speeds of 80 miles per hour or more and coast through 10 twists and turns. If you can’t convince your friends to go bobsledding, you can hop into your own skeleton sled and slide head-first to experience the rush of speeds up to 60 miles per hour! Don’t worry, the staff there will give you a very in-depth safety brief.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

If you’re not a mountain-shredder but still like to enjoy the outdoors, you can go cross country skiing in Lost Lake Park. This stunning park has 20 miles of groomed trails around with 3 miles of trails under lights for some night cross-country skiing.

There are also water stations and warming huts on the trail system to keep you warm and hydrated. You’ll need a trail pass to access all the different ski trails. Rentals and lessons are also available which include the trail pass. Lost Lake Park is within walking distance from Whistler Village or you can take the free Village shuttle bus.

Cross country skiing at Lost Lake near Whistler

WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL

If you’d rather stay warm after skiing, movie lovers can enjoy the Whistler Film Festival from late November to early December. This film festival is one of the best in the world and celebrates both Canadian and International films, showing a selection of their films in a range of theatres throughout Whistler. You can get a 6 pack of tickets to share amongst your friends or if you want to binge watch, keep them for yourself.

SKI FOR FREE AS SANTA

This is on-mountain, but it’s still deserves a spot on this list because who doesn’t love a dress up? To receive a free ski ticket on Santa Day, you have to be one of the first 100 Santas or Mrs Claus’s to finish the Santa race.

Even if you don’t get a free ski ticket, you can still say you skied down a mountain with over a hundred Santas! Alternatively, you can hang out with Santa at the Skate With Santa Event held in Whistler Olympic Plaza. The Skate With Santa Event gives out hot chocolate, cookies, and crafts! If you haven’t had your Santa photo taken yet this yet, you can get it here!

WHISTLER PRIDE AND SKI FESTIVAL

From guided skiing to the cowboy party, this festival has it all. The Whistler Pride and Ski Festival is one of the biggest winter pride festivals in the world and has been running for over 25 years. Join members of the LGBTQ community and their friends to enjoy the Annual Pride Ski Parade, an indoor pool party, as well as many parties all leading up to the main event, the Snowball.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT THE VILLAGE

It's hard to miss the lights if you’re already in the Village but it's definitely worth the mention! Every winter, Whistler Village overflows with Christmas lights which are set up all around Olympic Plaza, storefronts, and trees lining the village pathways. 

The village is full of great restaurants, bars, and shops with lots of events throughout the holiday season. At night, you can skate at the outdoor ice rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza, which has its own set of lights to skate under. You can also see the surrounding Christmas lights as you skate around the rink.

Christmas lights

ENJOY FAMILY APRÉS

For some family aprés, visit Whistler Olympic Plaza for free outdoor family-friendly activities and entertainment. Activities are always changing but a few of them can include snowman building competitions, sledding, music, hockey and of course hot drinks and snacks. The best part is, they’re free to enjoy! Be sure to check out the Fire & Ice show. This show is a Whistler tradition, combining music, dancing, snow, and fire in the most brilliant way. You’ll be amazed by professional skiers and snowboarders flipping through rings of fire located at the top of steep jumps. Plus every show finishes with a fireworks display!