Whistler

Whistler is a purpose-built mountain resort town about 125 kilometres north of Vancouver along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, and it's one of the most celebrated ski destinations in North America. Developed significantly around the 1968 Olympics bid and then transformed by the 2010 Winter Olympics, it sits at the base of two connected peaks — Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain — giving it one of the largest skiable areas on the continent. But Whistler isn't just a winter destination. The village hums year-round with mountain bikers, hikers, festival-goers, and people who simply want to eat and drink well in an extraordinary alpine setting.

In winter, the skiing and snowboarding are the main draw: over 8,000 acres of terrain, more than 200 marked runs, and reliable snow from roughly November through April. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola — a record-setting cable car linking the two mountains — is worth riding just for the views even if you never put on skis. In summer, Whistler flips into a mountain biking mecca; the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is considered among the best in the world, with trails ranging from gentle flow tracks to terrifying double blacks. Hikers have access to alpine meadows, turquoise lakes like Alta Lake and Green Lake, and the high-alpine trails around Flute and Piccolo summits. The pedestrian-only Whistler Village itself is lively and walkable, lined with restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

Whistler is a full-day commitment at minimum — most people stay overnight or for several days. Drive up early to beat weekend traffic from Vancouver, which can back up badly on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. Lift tickets and bike park passes should be purchased in advance online, especially during peak season. If you're not skiing or biking, the village is still very enjoyable for a day of eating, gondola rides, and lakeside walks — just don't expect a quiet off-the-beaten-path experience. This is a well-oiled resort town, and it knows it.