Quick answer
Whistler is about 120–130 km (roughly 2 hours) north of Vancouver on the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99), or reachable by daily shuttle buses. Winter is for skiing at Whistler Blackcomb (8,171 skiable acres, targeted to open November 20, 2026); summer brings the bike park, alpine hiking and lakes. Winter tires or chains are required on Highway 99 from October 1 to April 30.
Getting to Whistler
- Drive: Tourism Whistler puts the Sea-to-Sky drive at about 120 km and roughly two hours from Vancouver, passing Squamish (Tourism Whistler).
- Bus: YVR Skylynx runs daily from Vancouver International Airport (express) and via downtown Vancouver and Squamish. Tourism Whistler also lists Epic Rides from downtown Vancouver.
- Winter driving: winter tires (mountain/snowflake or M+S symbol, at least 3.5 mm tread) or chains are required on Highway 99 from October 1 to April 30. Check DriveBC before you go.
Whistler Blackcomb by the numbers
- Skiable terrain
- 8,171 acres
- Lifts
- 34
- Marked runs
- 200+
- Alpine bowls
- 16
- Top lift elevation
- 2,284 m
- Average snowfall
- 1,072 cm
Figures from Whistler Blackcomb, which co-hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. The 2026–27 season was targeted to open on November 20, 2026, conditions permitting; the season typically runs into spring.
PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola
The gondola links Whistler and Blackcomb mountains across 4.4 km in about 11 minutes, with an unsupported span of about 3 km (Whistler Blackcomb). It once held the record for the world’s longest free span, since surpassed by a cable car in Germany, but it’s still one of the most spectacular lift rides anywhere.
Summer in Whistler
- Whistler Mountain Bike Park: opened for 2026 on May 15, with more zones opening into June. The Crankworx festival runs in late July.
- Train Wreck Trail: an easy 2.6 km gravel trail, open all seasons, crossing the Cheakamus River on a suspension bridge to the colorful wreck site of a 1956 derailment (Resort Municipality of Whistler).
- Lost Lake: trails and swimming near the village; check the municipal trails page for diversions.
- Brandywine Falls Provincial Park: a 70 m waterfall a 10–20 minute walk from the parking lot, 47 km north of Squamish. There’s no access to the lower falls (BC Parks).
- Sea to Sky Gondola (Squamish): rises to a summit lodge 885 m above Howe Sound, with a suspension bridge and trails (Sea to Sky Gondola). It closes for annual maintenance in late November.
BC Parks day-use passes
Popular parks near Whistler need free day-use passes in peak season. In 2026, the Province required a trail pass for Joffre Lakes (May 11 to October 25) and a vehicle pass for Garibaldi Provincial Park trailheads (June 12 to October 12, Friday to Monday and holidays). Since September 2026, booking requires a verified BC Parks account, with passes released at 7 am two days ahead (Government of BC). 2027 dates hadn’t been announced yet.
Joffre Lakes closures
Joffre Lakes (Pipi7íyekw) Park has seasonal closures for Líl̓wat Nation and N’Quatqua harvesting and cultural use, and the dates have been disputed between the Nations and the Province. Check BC Parks for current access before planning a visit.
When to visit
- December to March: peak ski season.
- June to September: hiking, biking, lakes and festivals.
- Shoulder seasons (spring, late fall): quieter and often cheaper, but some lifts and trails are closed.
More Canada planning: best time to visit Canada, what to pack for Canada and Banff for first-timers.
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
