Updated January 2020

Whistler first made its mark as a world class ski resort. And while American Thanksgiving in Whistler always marks the official opening of Whistler Blackcomb (the mountain often opens early if the conditions allow), there are so many fun activities in Whistler for non-skiers and snowboarders. Here are 10 ideas of things to do in Whistler instead of skiing:

1) AXE THROWING

Head to Forged Axe Throwing in Function Junction, just an 8-minute drive from town centre, to try Whistler’s newest attraction – hucking axes at a wall.    

2) BUNGEE JUMPING

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Try Whistler Bungee jumping! I’ve jumped a couple times in places around the world and can honestly say, it’s amazing to do it when you’re looking out at beautiful mountain scenery. See my guide to 3 activities for adrenaline junkies in Whistler here. 

3) WHISTLER BREWERY

Mosey on over to Whistler Brewing in Function Junction and try some local beer. Don’t miss newcomer Coast Mountain Brewing. Just down the road, it’s quickly becoming a locals’ favourite. 

4) SPA-AAAAAH

I’ve been visiting, and revisiting, Scandinave Spa since it opened in early 2010 (yes, I’ve lived in Whistler a long time!) There is honestly no better way to relax than spending a few hours with a book or taking a snooze as you go through the therapeutic hot-cold-relax cycle. You can read my girl Meaghan’s take on getting in the zen zone here.

5) HIKING IN WHISTLER

Rain, shine, snow or sleet, there are so many year round hikes in Whistler. Try Train Wreck – it is a favourite of mine. An old train derailment from the 1950’s, it’s tucked back in the old growth forest and covered in cool graffiti art. It’s also an an easy, all-ages hike that’s accessible year round.  

6) SWEET TREAT

Bold words but every Whistlerite will agree, Pure Bread is THE best bakery in Whistler hands down. (My personal favourites are the Crack Bar – known for being so addictive – and the flourless brownie, for all you healthy folk. Heh.) Two locations include the main village across from Olympic Plaza and the original location in Function Junction. If you’re looking for an eclectic cafe with some serious local flavour, check out these best Whistler coffee shops: Gone Eatery (at the back of Armchair Books Store), Alpine Cafe (a 7-minute drive north the main village) or Cranked Espresso Bar in the Rainbow neighbourhood. 

7) SNOWSHOE TEEPEE TOUR IN WHISTLER

In 2019, locally-owned Blackcomb Snowmobile started offering snowshoe tours to their unique, custom teepee with Whistler mountain views. I personally loved the Après Teepee Tour if you want to catch an epic mountain sunset or you can do the Daytime Teepee Tour earlier in the day. Click for everything you need to know about a snowshoe teepee tour in Whistler.

8) WHISTLER CULTURE VULTURE

Learn about Whistler’s local First Nations culture at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre or visit the Audain Art Museum to discover the historical and modern art of British Columbia. 

9) LIVE MUSIC IN WHISTLER

For such a small town, the music scene in Whistler is pretty epic. Mallard Lounge at Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Dubh Linn Gate at Pan Pacific have live music every night. 

10) POND HOCKEY

It wouldn’t be a winter vacation without skating on a frozen lake in Canada. Head to one of Whistler’s frozen lakes to go skating or play pickup pond hockey (Nita Lake, Alta Lake, and Green Lake are great options).

Take this advice from a Whistler local, there is so much to do in Whistler for non-skiers. Comment below and tell me your favourite Whistler activity. Have I missed any?

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