It’s easy to write Whistler off as just another touristy money pit. The whole resort is designed to be a moneymaker, and tourism dollars is the only way they know how to do that. If you’ve never been here and just go by the whims of the industry, I wouldn’t blame you for it not being your cup of tea.
But then there’s the real Whistler—the one that drew people here in the first place, long before it was an international resort. That is the town that seeks authentic moments with friends and loved ones, and a kinship to nature. The good news is that it still exists. You just have to get out of the Village to see it.
As a Sea to Sky family, we are constantly in and out of Whistler (our daughter was conceived here!), but when we actually want to book a staycation, Nita Lake Lodge is at the top of our list.
Just 4km south of Whistler Village is Creekside, which was where the resort began. Back in the day, the train would deliver passengers to Whistler Creek, and people would trundle up to the gondola barn at the base of what would become the Dave Murray Downhill. From 1965-1981, this was the only way to access the mountain by a lift. Then, when the Village was built, all attention shifted northward and creekside became a mostly forgotten relic.
Creekside had a bit of a revitilization in the early 2000’s. One of the big improvements was a hotel on the shores of Nita Lake. It was larger than anything else in the area, and with a degree of class mostly reserved for larger hotels. They call it the Nita Lake Lodge, and over the years has become a hidden gem for people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle.
For a family with small children, we prefer the scene, in fact. Really anyone who prefers a laid-back, more local vibe to the touristy scene would enjoy Creekside.
The Nita Lake Lodge
The beauty of the Nita Lake Lodge is in the details. From the natural wood decor, to the earth-toned color motif, the design feels like a rustic lodge but with all the modern day amenities. We found it to be a perfect blend of quality construction that didn’t feel over-the-top.
In the room, the comfort was next level. We had a lakeview suite with a massive king-sized bed that had excellent comfort, and a private balcony overlooking Nita Lake. There is a small living room area with couches that allowed our family to feel close without being cramped.
The view from our room looking northward.
But perhaps the best part of the suite was the bathroom. More specifically, the remarkably large bathtub could fit us all in for a bath time that felt like our own private hot tub. Luckily we had great weather during our stay but if luck wasn’t on our side I would have had no problem wasting a stormy day away in the comfort of our suite.
Summer at Nita Lake Lodge
Summer is one of the best times to visit Whistler in general, but Nita Lake Lodge is extra special. The valley trail is right outside the back door, allowing for hours upon hours of biking around the valley. Mountain bike trails exist on both sides of the valley… you can take the creekside gondola up Whistler mountain for the bike park, or head to the west side trails for some classic enduro riding.
Alpha lake park is right next door, so you have beach days covered. Keep in mind the water is quite cold… but summer temps can be above 30 degrees celsius, so a cold dip can be very welcome. The playground is also one of the best, and features a grove of old-growth trees right out the back.
All in all, summer is an excellent time to visit Nita Lake Lodge and creekside in general.
This picture was taken in the spring, hence the jacket… but the view is the same!
The Pool and Sauna
The pool sits in the back of the hotel on ground level, which is an ideal location for reasons I’ll explain shortly. While the pool itself isn’t anything remarkable, it’s what is next to the pool that makes it a bit more of a treat.
The sauna is a relatively new addition that sits on the pool deck, enticing those who enjoy a good sweat with a poolside session. For those brave enough to make the 100-or-so meter trek to the lake, you can test your mettle with a cold dip right afterward, offering one of the easiest access saunas to a natural cold plunge in Whistler.
Nita Lake comes straight from glacier-fed Whistler Creek, so you can be sure that it’s colder than most. In the wintertime you can often find that someone has cut open a hole for those who really want to test their willpower by lowering past a sheet of ice. But those who know the benefits, will find this appealing, and a large majority of people might think this is crazy. I’m in the former group and appreciate the ambiance of nature to really exaggerate the extreme feeling of a cold plunge under ice.
A classic cedar barrel sauna next to the pool, with the glacier-fed Nita lake less than 100m away.
The Restaurants at Nita Lake Lodge
Nita Lake Lodge has a few different options for food, all on different price/quality scales. Inside the hotel you have The Cure lounge. It has a relaxed feel with some excellent options for pub-style food with a bit higher quality than most pubs in town. The burgers use local ingredients and are a standout in my opinion compared to much of the other pub fare in Whistler. We ate here the first night of our trip.
Despite the kids rowdiness, we were welcomed and given a nice corner table away from other guests, allowing us to be a little more at ease with them than usual for a restaurant.
Another option is Creekbread, a staple in Creekside for almost 15 years that was recently acquired by the Nita Lake Lodge. It’s only a block away from the hotel and always has a warm, welcoming vibe with the wood-fired pizza that ends up being one of the hottest seats in town. We preferred to order takeout and eat by the lake to avoid the lineups and crowded atmosphere. This was also to do others a favor to not deal with our loud and messy children.
But the signature restaurant at the Nita Lake Lodge is The Den, the upscale choice for more than just guests. The restaurant prioritizes local ingredients as well and the varied dishes suit a wide variety of palettes. I wouldn’t call myself a food critic so I won’t go into detail other than every one of us was happy with the amazing food and dessert, which is not an easy feat with our diverse tastes.
To Sum It All Up…
Staying at the Nita Lake Lodge is an ideal choice for families who prefer adventure over shopping, the quiet over the hustle and bustle, and a bit of luxury without the pretension. The staff is warm and welcoming to small kids, and the adults don’t get bored with the diverse menu and activities that surround the hotel.
With three lakes a short walk away, there is no shortage of things to do, and the village isn’t that far if you do want to go. But we love the feel in Creekside, it feels like our second home. So check the hotel out if you are looking for a bit more than your average accommodation, but don’t want (or need) the extras that often come with the price tag to match. We highly recommend getting some cozy indoor/outdoor travel slippers to enjoy while there. We will definitely be back!
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Whistler, BC is a little town with a massive reputation. Once the site of a quiet fishing lodge, the valley at the top of two watersheds is now an international tourist destination.
It’s easy to see why the vibe attracts so many. It’s close to an abundance of nature, it’s easy to navigate (even with micro-humans in tow), and visitors have their pick of world-class hotels and restaurants to suit any budget. But beyond the resort facade, there is a core community of people dedicating their lives to the pursuit of getting outside and exploring the wild.
As a 16-year local exploring the Sea to Sky corridor (and a visitor since I was a kid), I have been fortunate to experience the ins and outs of the area for most of my life. Now that we have two small children, we are rediscovering the valley in a whole new light.
Local Tip: Whistler has two different clocks. Before 10AM is a quiet mountain town with plenty of space to breathe. After 10 it’s an international resort with lineups and crowds. If you can beat the masses, you’ll be a step ahead for all the activities, no matter what season.
This Whistler family travel guide is packed with insider tips, family-tested activities, and flexible options for every season to help you plan the perfect trip.
Summer in Whistler is arguably even better than the winter!
Whistler With Kids: The Quick Version
Drive from Vancouver Airport (YVR)
~2.5 hrs from the terminal
Drive from Downtown Vancouver
~1.5 hrs from Burrard/Georgia
Best months with kids
Anytime, really. We love March-April for skiing, and September-October for less crowds.
Picking a good vacation isn’t easy, especially when you’re an active family looking for more than just a passive resort stay. We want to fully experience an area, get dirty, and build real memories. As a purpose-built resort municipality, Whistler makes this incredibly easy.
A Car-Free, Safe Village
The main village was designed in the early 80s as a pedestrian-only zone. When you are traveling with toddlers or kids, this means unparalleled safety. You can let the kids be a bit more free-range without constantly worrying about vehicle traffic.
Nature Everywhere You Look
Whistler sits in a temperate rainforest in the Coast Mountains. Being at the top of a mountain pass, numerous lakes take residence in the valley. Just in town, there are five lakes within a 10-15 minute bike ride of the village. You will find 800-year-old trees, incredible biodiversity, and fresh mountain air just steps from world-class amenities.
Activities for All Ages
There are things to do here for everyone from babies to grandparents (and great-grandparents, for that matter). Whistler has arts and cultural museums, golf courses, shopping, mountain biking, and one of the world’s best ski resorts. All of it is easily accessible from the village, either by a short bike ride or a few minutes by car.
Getting Here: The Sea to Sky Highway
Whistler sits roughly 2.5 hours north of Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
By Car
Driving from Vancouver to Whistler is easily one of the most beautiful stretches of road on the planet. The highway traverses the Coast Mountains along Howe Sound toward Squamish. From there, it’s roughly 40 minutes uphill, past Nch’Kay and Black Tusk mountains. You can easily rent a car from YVR or downtown Vancouver.
We’ve built the Sea to Sky Navigator app to make traveling the highway fun, breaking up the trip with cool stops all along the way. Check it out, it’s completely free!
Parking in Whistler
Whistler has ample parking. The challenge is finding free parking. The day lots 1-5 in the village offer 12 hour parking for a decent rate; last we checked it was $12. Hotels are significantly more, as is street parking or in the parks. Overcrowding is a thing so it’s best to take public transit or rent a bike if you can.
There is free parking in creekside at the parkade, however you can’t park overnight. Same with lots 6-8 on Glacier Drive on Blackcomb in the upper village.
By Bus & Ride Sharing
Skylynx is the most common transport option directly from YVR to Whistler. Epic Rides is a highly affordable option that departs from downtown Vancouver. You can also use Poparide, an app that helps drivers get some extra gas money while giving passengers affordable transportation.
How Many Days Do You Need in Whistler?
Several decades later, and we’re still finding fun spots to go in Whistler. So the answer is, as many days as you can possibly fit. You’ll want to come back. But we know that’s not realistic, so here’s a quick-hit itinerary if you have limited time.
Length of stay
What you can realistically do
One day
Village and Lost Lake
A weekend (2 nights)
Village, Peak 2 Peak, Lost Lake, Rainbow Park
Three to four nights
Village, Peak 2 Peak, Lost Lake, Rainbow Park, Creekside, Train Wreck
A week
Longer day trips to Pemberton, Squamish, and Callaghan Lake
Where to Stay In Whistler With Kids
Where
Area
Budget
Best for
Kitchen?
HI Whistler
Cheakamus Crossing
$
Biking families
Shared
Riverside Campground
North of Village
$–$$
RV, cabins, yurts
Yes
Nita Lake Lodge
Creekside
$$$
Quiet luxury, lakeside
Some units
Four Seasons
Upper Village
$$$$
Service, Lost Lake access
No
Smaller Budgets
HI Whistler: The most affordable hotel-style accommodation is booking a private family ensuite here. Located in Cheakamus Crossing (the 2010 Athlete’s Village), it is perfect for families who love mountain biking right out the front door.
Riverside Campground: Just north of the village, Riverside offers RV camping, cabins, and yurts. You are right next to the Scandinave Spa and the Lost Lake Trails, making it a fantastic basecamp.
Moderate to Luxury Budgets
Nita Lake Lodge: If you like luxury amenities but want to avoid the loud busyness of the main village, this Creekside hotel is our absolute favorite. The rooms are massive, the bathtubs are incredible, and the location right on the lake is unbeatable. Read our full family review of Nita Lake Lodge here!
Nita Lake Lodge feels like its own private escape.
Four Seasons Resort Whistler: It’s hard to go wrong here. Aside from top-notch room furnishings, the staff goes above and beyond to make kids feel welcome. It’s a short walk to Lost Lake park and the Chateau Whistler golf course.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: As close as you can get to the slopes on Blackcomb without sleeping in the lifty shack. It’s pricey, but oh-so-luxurious, and the service is from genuine people who are just plain caring and nice.
Northern lights not available all the time.
Top Things to Do in Whistler with Kids (By Season)
Year-Round
Peak2Peak Gondola: The quintissential day activity. Go up one mountain, ride across a world record breaking span to the other, and go down the other one.
Whistler Village: It’s a glorified shopping mall in the mountains, but it’s still worth cruising around.
Winter Activities
Skiing and Snowboarding: Consistently ranked among the best ski resorts on the planet, the family learning zones on both mountains are world-class. It’s pricey, though, but you probably know that if you are coming here. Kids 3 and under are free, however. The Epic Pass is by far the best value if you’re going to do more than five days on the mountain.
Tube Park: Easily accessible from Blackcomb’s Excalibur gondola, the tube park offers varying runs of difficulty for all ages. The minimum age is 3 years and minimum height 36 inches.
Ice Skating:The Olympic Plaza in the village offers free outdoor skating in the winter with cheap rentals. Try to go mid-afternoon to avoid the evening crowds.
The views in winter are something else.
Spring & Fall Activities
The Valley Trail: Whistler’s paved trail network connects the entire town. It is perfect for family bike rides (this is where we rigorously tested our Strider Balance Bikes!). A number of rental shops can get you and your kids outfitted. We are fans of Whistler Eco Tours and Arbutus Routes.
Nature Walks: The forest comes alive when it rains. Check out the Train Wreck trail or Cheakamus Lake trail to see the old-growth trees and powerful river rapids.
The fall colours come alive in Whistler Village, thanks to some great intentional landscaping.
Summer Activities
Lost Lake Park: The warmest of the major lakes, featuring a large grassy park and beginner-friendly cross-country mountain bike trails. You’ll find flush toilets here and food trucks in the summer months as part of the Park Eats program.
Ziptrek Ecotours: Zip between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains through the old-growth canopy. For smaller kids, the TreeTrek keeps your feet on suspension bridges rather than ziplines. Minimum age is 6 for standard ziplines, or 10 for the massive Sasquatch.
River of Golden Dreams: Rent a canoe or hire a guide through Whistler Eco Tours to lazily float between Alta Lake and Green Lake. It’s a 2 hour journey, and you can book a tour with Whistler Eco Tours.
Whistler Mountain Bike Park. This is a crowd-pleaser, and worth a visit if you ride bikes. Don’t let the crazy stunts dissuade you, there are mellow trails that are still super fun and worth a gander.
Best Family-Friendly Hikes in Whistler
Whistler has more hiking trails than there is time in the day. Here is a rundown on some of our favorite hikes for families to enjoy the best of the valley. You can also check out our page for the Best Toddler-Friendly Hikes in the Sea-to-sky for more ideas.
In our opinion, this is the best hike for families in Whistler. It is a fairly gentle, out and back trail that takes you into an ancient forest, with trees that are over 800 years old. The trail winds up at Cheakamus Lake, a glacier-fed beauty that can be seen from the top of Whistler Mountain.
The road can get really bumpy (and dusty) in the summer with lots of traffic. Be sure to take it slow, and avoid if you have a low-clearance vehicle. It’s managable, but just take it easy if you don’t have a SUV or 4×4 to deal with the potholes.
Train Wreck Trail
The trail winds through a beautiful forest near the Cheakamus river, ending up at the site of an old train wreck. Since then, people have sprayed graffiti all over the train cars to give a unique look in the green forest by the river. Kids love it, making for some truly unique photo opportunities.
The suspension bridge can be a bit intimidating, so just be sure to have kids who are a bit uneasy with heights close by.
Whistler Interpretive Forest / Logger’s Lake
The big highlight we like here is the short 450m hike from the parking lot to Loggers Lake, an old volcanic crater that gets warmer than other lakes due to the basalt basin the lake sites in. There is also a can’t-miss suspension bridge that kids love!
The Rainy Day Plan
The travel agents might “forget” to tell you that Whistler is in a temperate rainforest. While that may turn some people off, it’s also why the place is so green and full of life. Lean into it, dress appropriately, and explore the forest when it soaks up all the water coming down from the sky.
But even that can get old after a few days. Here are some other activities to enjoy:
Whistler Library: Right in the heart of the village, it’s a beautiful space that is kid-friendly. In addition to books you’ll also find movies, a “library of things”, and computers.
Audain Art Museum: Younger kids might get bored here but older kids and adults will appreciate a bit of culture. The museum has rotating collecitons and First Nations art that is beyond impressive.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre: Learn about the First Peoples who have been here for over 10,000 years. This joint effort from the two nations whose land Whistler sits on is a fascinating glimpse into the cultures of two distinct nations, with their own languages, clothing, and customs.
Meadow Park Sports Centre: A pool and ice rink. Need we say more?
Escape! Whistler: Whistler’s own set of escape rooms that will challenge even the most crafty amongst the family.
The Best Playgrounds in Whistler
Olympic Plaza
The Olympic Plaza at the far north end of the village has a fantastic, natural-style playground that is open year-round. There are numerous shops and cafés nearby, so kids can play while parents sip coffee.
Alpha Lake Park
The playground at Alpha Lake Park offers a unique treehouse like structure, with real metal slides. It also has a small climbing wall, a large swingset, a great beach, and a dog park.
The awesome custom play structure at Alpha Lake Park
Where To Eat With the Family
El Furniture Warehouse: Known for its highly affordable food menu. It gets busy, so hit it at off-peak hours.
Pasta Lupino: A local Main Street favorite for decades. Filling, affordable, and kids love the spaghetti.
Splitz Grill: Whistler’s famous burger joint. We highly recommend saving room for the banana split(z).
Creekbread: One of the best family-friendly restaurants in the valley, serving wood-fired pizza with organic ingredients in Creekside. High chairs are prevalent as this is one of the most kid-friendly restaurants in Whistler. They don’t have a dedicated kids’ menu, but what kid doesn’t like a cheese pizza? Really, that’s all we need on a menu for our kids to be happy.
Day Trips from Whistler
Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls provincial park offers an easily accessible viewpoint of the waterfall, just a short 10 minute walk from the highway. In the winter months the waterfall can freeze up for a really spectacular display.
Callaghan Valley
The Callaghan is just 15 minutes south of Whistler and opens up a world of options. In the summer, it’s all about the lake. Callaghan Lake Provincial Park is a gem for camping, (small) boating, fishing, and hiking.
The Callaghan Lake road is genuinely rough, so smaller cars will have an issue with the trek. That said…. we’ve seen it all on this road. It depends on how much you like the undersides. But like Cheakamus Lake, it’s worth the trek.
Callaghan lake and valley from the far side.
What a Family Weekend in Whistler Actually Costs
It’s true that Whistler is on the expensive side, but in comparison to a resort int eh US or Europe, it’s pretty comparable. In the busy months, expect at least $200/night for accommodation, all the way up to $1000/night in a top hotel during prime time.
Activities will range anywhere from $150-300, and often give discounts for kids, but it’s totally kid-dependant.
So a healthy budget for a long weekend away is $1000-2000 for a family of four, given you aren’t counting every expense. You can definitely do it a bit cheaper, and for sure can spend a lot more. But if you can budget that, it’ll be a good time in the valley without feeling like you’re missing out.
Summer is just as busy as winter, if not more these days, but the shoulder seasons do offer deals both on accommodation in the restaurants. So if you can plan accordingly, there are definitely savings by going against the grain.
Free
Costs money
Valley Trail, lakes and beaches, playgrounds, Train Wreck, most hiking that isn’t on Whistler/Blackcomb
Anything to do with Whistler/Blackcomb, Ziptrek, Bungy Jumping, ATVs/Snowmobile, etc.
Bears, Weather & Staying Safe
Whistler is in a valley at the top of a pass in the Coast Range. It’s wild nature, marketed as a resort. There are real risks and hazards here, but it’s all manageable. The first big thing that people worry about is bears. They are here and have been here longer than people.
So you need to be smart about how you interact with bears. Always make noise when walking on trails (even the Valley Trail, you’ll see bear scat frequently along the way). When out picnicking, make sure you keep your foot contained, and never leave unattended. If you do, try to hang it up in a tree, away from other people, or lock it up in your car, if possible.
The weather can change in an instant, so always have an extra layer. Higher up on the mountain it can even snow in the summer, so be prepared for anything.
The cubs can be scared, but mama was not far away, snorting and giving a nice warning to keep clear.
Local Tips For Visiting Whistler
Beat the Crowds: The biggest local secret? Most tourists don’t go out before 10 AM. If you are out the door by 8 AM, you’ll have the trails and mountains largely to yourself.
Shoulder Season Deals: May-June and October-November offer huge savings on food and accommodation.
The Weather: We are in a temperate rainforest. There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. Check out our Gear Reviews to ensure your family is packed properly!
Planning the whole Sea to Sky trip?
Get our free app to help you plan out all the adventures along the Sea to Sky highway — every stop between Horseshoe Bay and Pemberton, sorted for families.
Absolutely. Whistler was purpose-built as a pedestrian-friendly resort. Between the paved Valley Trail, the numerous playgrounds, and the easy access to nature, it is one of the most accessible outdoor destinations for families with kids of all ages.
What is the best month to visit Whistler with kids?
For summer activities, September is incredible—the lakes are still warm, the dirt is tacky for biking, and the summer crowds have gone home. For skiing, late January through February offers the most reliable snow conditions.
Do I need a car in Whistler?
No! If you stay near the Village or Creekside, you can easily navigate the town using the free local shuttle system, the paved Valley Trail, or simply walking.
How many days do you need in Whistler with kids?
As many as you can get! Realistically, you don’t want to do less than two days. But everyone has a limited schedule, so try a long weekend to get your bearings. If you’re a mountain biker, you can stay busy for a lifetime. After 16 years as a local and even longer as a mountain biker, I’m still finding trails and routes that I’ve never tried before! Then add Squamish and Pemberton, and you unlock another dimension altogether. Same goes for hiking.
Is Whistler expensive for a family?
No lie, it can be. But it can also be incredibly affordable. Accommodation is probably the biggest expense, so if you are into camping, there are countless options around the valley on crown land. Food can be pricey but if you purchase groceries in Squamish or Vancouver before getting here, it’s often significantly cheaper. As for activities, they can add up, or you can just enjoy nature, which is free.
What is there to do in Whistler when it rains?
There is plenty to do when it rains. Number 1 is get outside! It’s a rainforest and the forest comes alive. We’re fans of Cheakamus Lake but if you want to stay closer to town, check out the Emerald Forest. If you prefer to stay inside, the Library is great, as is the Meadow Park Sports Centre. Or for a fun family activity, check out Escape! Whistler, the local escape rooms.
Can you take a stroller on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola?
Yes, the Peak 2 Peak has plenty of space for strollers. It’s perfectly safe to bring a kid onboard.
Are there bears in Whistler?
Yes! There are black bears that live in Whistler, and have lived here long before humans made it a destination resort. We’re in their space, not the other way around. They are active from early spring until November-December. They will mostly keep their distance with two exceptions: They are attracted to garbage, which is why there are the bear-proof garbage bins everywhere. Also, a mom will defend her cubs, so if you see a set of cubs, don’t stick around, as cute as they may be. Otherwise, they will keep to themselves and leave people alone.
Come Back in Another Season
The beauty of Whistler is that it truly is a four-season place to play. Every time we go back, there is something unique about the landscape we can enjoy. Even if you’re not a hard-core skier, the snow and silence in the winter is worth a visit. The rainy season may scare some people off, but it’s a rainforest, and it’s remarkable when the forest comes alive. Don’t just visit during the busy season, it does get quiet here, and the restaurant deals during the slow season are worth it in themselves.
Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions, we love to share the magic of this place beyond the usual tourist haunts. Hopefully we’ll see you out there!
Shannon Falls is an easy stopover while going up the Sea to Sky Highway. The massive falls are just minutes from the parking lot, and will give you a glimpse of the massive scale of the Coast Mountains… Read more: Shannon Falls: The Family Guide to This Sea To Sky Staple
