Deciding where to stay in Whistler may seem daunting, given the resort's six unique "neighbourhoods" – Whistler Village, Upper Village, Village North, Creekside, Whistler Valley, and Pemberton. Each enclave offers diverse lodging and experiences for every budget and traveller's style. Explore the distinctive strengths of each area to plan a personalized and memorable vacation experience.
WHISTLER VILLAGE
Whistler Village is the power centre of the resort, and a top choice on where to stay in Whistler for easy ski access. High speed lifts transport skiers and riders from the pedestrian-only village on a journey that takes you over a vertical mile into the Coast Range mountains.
For many vacationers, Whistler Village is more than enough; you can tour art galleries, go shopping and base yourself from your slopeside hotel for a variety of non-ski related winter activities (snowmobiling, sightseeing, snowshoeing, and zip-lining, to name a few).
Foodies revel in the many culinary styles from award-winning chefs - even the chocolate shops are divine. Once après-ski starts (just after lunch, depending on what time you want to quit), Whistler puts on its party clothes and rocks furiously into the wee hours.
BEST FOR:
Food: From A (Araxi, Alta Bistro) to Z (Zog’s), Whistler Village restaurants satisfy virtually every palate. Spanish tapas, French crepes, fine Italian pasta, Grade A Canadian steaks and some of the finest sushi on this side of the Pacific make Whistler a foodie favourite.
Slopeside: That booming sound inside your head isn’t your hangover, it’s the sound of avalanche guns making the slopes safe for another day of skiing and riding. If you are looking for skiing access, most Village accommodation is a short walk to either Whistler or Blackcomb high speed lifts or ski in ski out. Creekside is another alternative for slopeside access. If sleep is important, choose Village North.
Shopping: With over 200 shops and services, Whistler Village has all the amenities and experiences of the best cosmopolitan resorts.
It’s all here: branded stores by global retailers like Salomon, Roxy/Quiksilver, Patagonia and The North Face. Buy a First Nations mask or a more contemporary art piece at any one of several galleries.
Browse for bestsellers and regional favourites in one of BC’s finest bookstores or take home a box of Cuban cigars.
Nature: Whistler Village pulses with an intensity that makes it the centre of the action, but you can still get away from it all with a short walk north (Lost Lake) or south (Valley Trail) from the Village.
Family: With dozens of funky shops and a complete calendar of kids’ activities including Family Après at Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler Village is a favourite basecamp with the Snapchat set. (Selfie opportunities abound!). If early bedtimes are a requisite, choose Village North for accommodation.
UPPER VILLAGE / BENCHLANDS
A short stroll from the village over the Fitzsimmons Creek bridge along a forested path takes you to the Upper Village - sort of a “village within a village.”
Luxe accommodations (Fairmont, Four Seasons), a luxury-oriented shopping concourse, and a selection of superb restaurants provide a more refined ambiance than the Village without sacrificing slopeside access. Between the Audain Art Museum and the nearby Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, the Upper Village is perfect for visitors keen on exploring arts, culture and heritage.
BEST FOR:
Shopping: Luxury goods abound in the shopping concourse adjacent to Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Slopeside: Blackcomb Gondola, a 10-person high speed gondola that goes up Blackcomb Mountain and a great beginner learning area.
Family: Spacious, luxurious condominiums where families can spread out a bit are the norm up here. The high-end luxury hotels offer family-friendly programs, so parents get a bit of a break.
Nature: The Upper Village offers peace and serenity, with paths along Fitzsimmon’s Creek leading to Lost Lake’s network of snowshoe and cross-country trails close by.
Food: Superb array of restaurants in the various luxury hotels, and if you yearn for nightlife, well, the Village is just a few minutes down the trail.
VILLAGE NORTH
Village North, nestled amidst stunning landscapes, is an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between convenience, nature, delectable food, and proximity to the slopes.
Families and groups looking for larger, condo-style accommodation at lower rates and a lower key “village experience” will find plenty to choose from here, with a great selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units.
Just an easy walk (or free shuttle bus ride) from the main village, it’s a wonderful place to be if you like to stay connected to everything the main village has to offer and don’t mind the short stroll to a quieter, more secluded home base.
BEST FOR:
Family: The Winter Olympic Plaza is in Whistler Village North and has activities and entertainment for the whole family. Live performances, ice skating, and many free kid-friendly activities are offered on select nights.
Nature: Experience serenity surrounded by lakes, parks, and scenic trails. Village North offers nature lovers a tranquil escape just a short walk away from the vibrant hub. Strategically positioned for quick access to the slopes, you can stroll over to the lifts or take a free shuttle bus and enjoy the views as you get ready for your adventure.
Shopping: Enjoy the quaint cobblestone streets of the Village while shopping for your mountain gear at Eddie Bauer, Patagonia, and many more shops and boutiques. Village North has it’s own marketplace with a supermarket, liquor store, and post office, so you can make yourself at home!
CREEKSIDE
This is where it all began just over fifty years ago, with a silver gondola rising through deep green coastal rainforest into a vast playground of alpine bowls, glaciers, and tree runs.
Today, basing yourself out of Creekside still feels like an adventure, since the great majority of retail and nightlife take place a short bus/cab ride away in Whistler Village, but still offers all the amenities and shops you will need for your stay.
If you’re the kind of skier/rider who values a good night’s sleep, likes to make their own breakfast and some dinners, and wants to catch that first gondola in the morning, Creekside is your place.
BEST FOR:
Nature: Still retains some of the rustic ambience that attracted Whistler’s first skiing pioneers in the 1960s.
Slopeside: Superb access to Creekside Gondola; both Franz’s and Dave Murray Downhill are can’t miss ski trails. Access to Blackcomb is via the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola at the Roundhouse.
Family: Offers good value since it’s a bit off the beaten track. Families love the mostly condo-style accommodation like Legends, First Tracks Lodge and Evolution which also feature large outdoor pools and hot tubs. Ski school is available at the Creekside base.
Food/nightlife/shopping opportunities are more limited but well-loved by locals and there is excellent bus service to and from the Village.
WHISTLER VALLEY
Whistler Valley combines the Blueberry Hill and Nicklaus North neighbourhoods, both of which seamlessly combine urban living with natural beauty. Panoramic lake, glacier, and mountain views await from cozy accommodations ranging from cabins to luxury chalets.
BEST FOR:
Convenience: Both Whistler Valley neighbourhoods are nestled right in between Whistler Village and Creekside Village, giving you access to all of the dining, entertainment and shopping options within a 5 minute drive in either direction. You can even hop on a bus for two minute drive to the Whistler Gondola and save on parking for your days on the mountain.
Nature: Blueberry Hill is on the Valley Trail, which is a paved pedestrian trail that will take you into the Village while taking in the scenery. If you prefer your time in nature to be on the golf course, Nicklaus North Golf Course weaves between ancient fir trees and blends seamlessly with the incredible natural surroundings.
PEMBERTON
Pemberton, surrounded by mountains and valleys, captivates with its raw natural beauty and offers a perfect blend of nature, culinary delights, and adventure. The genuine adventure culture of this mountain neighbourhood position it as a compelling alternative basecamp for your Whistler vacation.
Nestled just a scenic 25-minute drive north of Whistler, Pemberton boasts a diverse range of accommodations catering to every style and budget. Notably, the Pemberton Valley Lodge stands out, providing a selection of spacious, fully-equipped Studio, One & Two Bedroom Suites complete with a private balcony or terrace, offering awe-inspiring mountain views.
BEST FOR:
Adventure: Aside from the mountain activities just a quick drive away in Whistler, Pemberton is a winter wonderland in and of itself with endless recreational possibilities. Enjoy snowmobiling, back and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing set against breathtaking vistas right outside of your homebase.
Food: Experience farm-to-table dining in Pemberton, boasting fresh produce and an artisanal culinary scene. The North Arm Farm is open for breakfast and lunch and makes a great choice for an outing with younger travellers who might enjoy seeing the farm animals or picking berries in season. Pemberton also features a distillery and two breweries open for tastings, and the Mount Currie Coffee Co will satisfy your coffee needs plus provide an ambiance steeped in community and mountain culture.
Plan the Perfect Stay!
From basic studio suites to family-friendly hotels and luxury 5-star resorts, Whistler offers lodging options to suit any lifestyle or budget. Whether you prefer the vibrancy of Whistler Village, the refined ambiance of the Upper Village, or the laid-back vibes of Creekside, find the perfect location and amenities for your stay.
For more information and to plan your stay visit Whistler Blackcomb Lodging
