Expert guide to Whistler
The sprawling Whistler Village is home to the majority of the resort’s restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. Upper Village, at the foot of Blackcomb, about 10 minutes walk from the centre, is quieter, being further away from the nightlife. To the southwest is Creekside. Now Whistler mountain’s second base, it was where the resort started as a locals’ mountain in the mid-1960s. It has a gondola to Whistler mountain, and is now a quiet base of condo apartments and private homes – and Dusty’s bar and restaurant.
All three locations provide direct access to the ski area. There is a free bus service between Whistler Village and Upper Village, although it can be just as quick to walk along the pedestrian-only trails. It’s a five minute bus ride between the Village and Creekside – ticket charges apply.
Hotels do not include breakfast as standard and half-board accommodation is rare – however they may offer free shuttle buses around the resort for getting to the slopes and restaurants.
Hotels
Hotel Aava
In a downtown location in the heart of Whistler Village with a contemporary and innovative design Hotel Aava has large spacious rooms and a huge, modern lobby. Staff have excellent attention to detail.
Price:£
Pangea Pod hotel
Close to the lifts in Whistler village, Pangea Pod is a boutique hotel cum hostel. Its dorm-type rooms have individual private sleeping cabins for one (possibly two), and a shared bathroom. While there’s no standing up in the sleeping pods, duvets are comfortable, there’s hanging space and storage for luggage, and towels are provided. There’s also a good value restaurant and rooftop bar.
Price: £
Listel Hotel
A small hotel by Whistler’s standards, the Listel has 98 deluxe rooms and suites. Located in the centre of Whistler Village yet tucked away in a tranquil cul-de-sac it houses the highly rated Bearfoot Bistro and the Ketel One Ice Room, serving vodka.
Price: ££
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
An imposing, baronial ski-in/ski-out hotel at the base of Blackcomb mountain, this Whistler landmark has 528 rooms and a huge lobby, yet retains an intimate feel, with open fires and comfy sofas in communal areas. Bedrooms at the Fairmont are large and elegant, and there are some two-bedroom suites. Facilities include four restaurants and a large spa.
Price: £££
Four Seasons Resort
A few minutes from the pistes at Blackcomb, the luxurious Four Seasons has spacious rooms and suites with walk-in wardrobes and balconies. Décor combines swish leather-seating areas with rustic alpine charm. Service in the Sidecut restaurant and its excellent bar is impeccable, and there’s also a great spa with outdoor pool and hot tubs. Free hot chocolate with a variety of toppings is offered after a day on the slopes.
Price:£££
Condos and apartments
Lost Lake Lodge
A rustic, log cabin-style lodge in Upper Village, a few minutes from the Fairmont Chateau golf course as well as a number of cross-country skiing trails, Lost Lake Lodge has spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. All are equipped with washer and dryer, gas log fire, free Wi-Fi and access to a shared outdoor pool and hot tub.
Price: £
Legends
Great for families, Legends is right next to the Creekside gondola and facilities for arranging ski and snowboard lessons, equipment hire and child care. There are one-, two- and three-bedroom spacious condos available, all with access to a fitness centre, outdoor pool, hot tubs, and a games room.
Price: ££
Booking.com rates above are guide prices per person per night, please note that packages can differ across accommodation. Owing to the current coronavirus pandemic, these rates may change. Please check the properties’ websites for further information on what’s included.