8 ways to enjoy winter in Whistler when you don’t ski
Flying down a mountain at breakneck speed definitely isn’t for everyone. Maybe you just prefer your adrenaline rush to come from sights and scenery, not from black diamond runs. Whatever your reason, Whistler in winter is incredible even if you never touch a ski or snowboard. Here's how I’ve come to enjoy the winter adventure town for its unadventurous side.
1. Wander the Car-Free Whistler Village
The Whistler Village Stroll has the feel of a Canadian alpine town crossed with a high-end ski resort. No cars allowed, just pedestrians meandering through snow and twinkly lights over hand-laid pathways. Shop to your budget’s desire (even the window shopping is fun!), grab a hot chocolate or coffee, and make sure you check out the circus at the ski lifts, even if you’re not hopping on.
2. Dine Out in Downtown Whistler
The food scene here doesn't mess around. To name some favourites… Hunter Gather does farm-to-table so well you'll absolutely love the flavours regardless of what you order. Portobello is an all-time favourite comfort food any time of day. But the real move is happy hour on the heated patio at Pangea Pod Hotel. Order a craft cocktail, people-watch the parade of ski bunnies and snowboarders, and congratulate yourself on being warm and tipsy instead of cold and exhausted (they even have a great games shelf!). Think apres-ski… minus the skiing part. For more pub/food crawl ideas, check out our guide here.
3. Surrender to Bliss at Scandinave Spa
If your perfect day involves doing absolutely nothing, Scandinave Spa is where you were meant to be. This Nordic spa in the forest is all about hot pools, cold plunges, steam rooms, and saunas surrounded by snow-covered trees. There's a silence and no phone policy, so it's blissfully free of all audible distractions. Just you, the steam rising into the mountain air, and the overwhelming urge to never leave. It's self-care as a full-body experience. Take a book or a notebook if you struggle with too much silence, but I’m sure you’ll get used to it.
4. Take in the Peak 2 Peak Gondola
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola delivers stunning 360-degree mountain views without the whole "physical exertion" thing. It holds a world record for being ridiculously long and high, giving you insane views of glaciers, mountains, and forests while you just... sit there. Feeling spicy? Take one of the glass-bottomed cars to get better views of the insane valley below! Grab a hot drink at the top to savour the experience a little longer.
5. Get Cultured at the Audain Art Museum
Not every moment in Whistler needs to be about hot tubs and happy hours. The Audain Art Museum is genuinely beautiful—stunning architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows with mountain views, and a legit collection of B.C. art, including Indigenous works and Emily Carr pieces. It's the perfect "I'm well-rounded and cultured" activity, plus it's a great escape when the weather turns. Also makes for excellent date vibes.
6. Explore Function Junction for Brews and Axes
Function Junction is where actual locals hang out, which automatically makes it cooler. Start at Coast Mountain Brewing for craft beers in an industrial-chic space that feels appropriately non-touristy. Then—and this is where it gets fun—go throw axes at Forged Axe Throwing next door. Yes, axes. It's weirdly therapeutic, surprisingly easy to learn, and gives you major lumberjack energy (it’s the Canadian way). The perfect combination of slightly dangerous and totally manageable.
7. Experience Magic at Vallea Lumina
This one's for when you want to feel like you're inside a fantasy movie. Vallea Lumina is a nighttime forest walk with lights, projections, and sound that turns the woods into something actually magical. It's a whole vibe—romantic if you're on a date, enchanting if you’re looking for a trip highlight with backpacking buddies, Instagrammable regardless. The walk is super easy and only takes about an hour.
8. Skate and Sled at Whistler Olympic Plaza
Free outdoor ice skating in the middle of a mountain village with the actual Olympic rings as your backdrop delivers a whole mood. Whistler Olympic Plaza has skate rentals and a chill sledding hill that's perfect for unleashing your inner child. Plus there are usually fire pits and *sometimes* live music.
BONUS: Rest Up at HI Whistler
When you're done exploring, crash at HI Whistler—a chic, budget-friendly option that used to be the Olympic Athletes' Village. It's got everything from shared dorms to private rooms with en-suites, plus an on-site café with mountain views. HI members get discounts at the Audain and other local spots. It's close enough to the village but far enough away that you can actually sleep.
Whistler without skiing is still Whistler. You get the mountain town magic, the ridiculous scenery, the cozy winter vibes, and the après-ski scene—minus the slopes.
