It depends entirely on what you want to do, but the secret is getting out. Winter is what we are famous for, but summer has actually become our busiest season with beaches, biking, and packed patios. If you want to avoid crowds and save money, look at the Fall; it’s the last true "dead season" where you can actually find a deal, though the weather can be dark and rainy. Be warned that Spring used to be a secret, but now it’s one of the most popular times to visit, so don't expect cheap hotels anymore.

Whistler is famous for people chasing fresh snow, and of course a winter visit is more magical when there is snow in the village. Our resources page gives you a great overview of sources you should check if you want to know if it’s snowing. When in doubt, check the webcams. Forecast and resort snow reporting can be very inconsistent and not reflective of what conditions are actually like.

Yes. If you don't plan ahead, it will be prohibitively expensive because Whistler charges a "tax on spontaneity." To save money, book a place with a kitchen to avoid eating out every meal and follow the golden rule: buy your lift access ahead of time, because day-of ticket window prices are insane. If you are really hunting for value, visit in the fall to look for "dead season deals" at local restaurants, which often feature prix-fixe set menus at very reduced prices.

Five nights (four full days) is the sweet spot. You need enough time to explore the mountains without burning out, plus time to check out the lakes or the bike park. If you are here for the snow, remember that the weather is unpredictable, so give yourself a buffer window to ensure you catch a good day.

Unless you plan on exploring Pemberton or Squamish extensively, skip the rental car. The drive is beautiful, but parking in Whistler is tight, unnecessary, and expensive. Taking a shuttle bus is cheaper, stress-free, and drops you right at your hotel door.

In winter, hard no. Whistler is designed to be walked. Between the Valley Trail, the free transit system, and just walking through the Village, a car is usually more of a liability than an asset. If you stay in the Village or Creekside, you can walk to the lifts, dinner, and the bar. Parking in the winter is a nightmare and the drive up from the city can be extreme, so if you can get away with no car, do it.

As soon as you know you are coming. Lodging is limited and prices don't cool down as the weather heats up. If you are looking for those mythical "deals," booking months in advance or aiming for the Fall dead season is your only hope.

Your choice depends on your vibe. Whistler Village is the heartbeat; stay here if you want to be in the mix, close to the gondolas, and stumbling distance from the bars. Creekside is the locals' favourite; it’s quieter, has its own gondola, and offers some of the best food (Rim Rock, Red Door, Creekbread) without the chaos of the main village. The Upper Village/Blackcomb is great for ski-in/ski-out luxury, but it is a bit removed from the main action.

Do not buy tickets at the window. Ever. You will pay over $300 for a day of skiing. The strategy is to buy a pass product (Epic Pass or Day Pass) well before the season starts. If you miss the pre-season sales, buying online in advance is still better than the window.

Yes. Aside from improving your skills, booking a lesson is the ultimate "cheat code" for skipping lift lines. On weekends and holidays, lift lines can be 1+ hours, but Ski School gets priority boarding. If you have the budget, it’s the best way to maximise vertical. For a really great experience, look at booking a guide with Extremely Canadian. They are an extension of ski school with the same lift line privileges, but focus more on a guided experience in bigger terrain.

There is plenty to do if you don't slide on snow. Sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola is world-class. You can also hit the Scandinave Spa, go tubing, or just enjoy the Aprés scene, which can be a sport in itself here.

Goretex, goretex, goretex. The weather here is unpredictable; it can be raining in the village and dumping snow in the alpine. In Winter, waterproof outer layers are non-negotiable. In Summer, don’t be fooled by a sunny morning because temperatures change fast in the mountains, so bring layers.

If you want to eat at a popular spot like Sushi Village, Rim Rock, or Red Door Bistro, you need to book weeks (or months) in advance. For places like Sushi Village, if you have a group smaller than 6, you can't book—you have to show up at 5 PM and get on the list. If you missed the boat on reservations, places like Hunter Gather or Splitz Grill are great backups for walk-ins.