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When Should You Visit Whistler with kids
Planning a trip to Whistler? Whistler in the summer is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or seeking relaxation, there’s something for everyone. There are great options for hiking, biking or enjoying the greens, Whistler promises an unforgettable family adventure. There are some great restaurants, low key vibe and plenty of outdoor activities. Bon appétit and happy exploring!
July to September are ideal months for maximizing your Whistler experience. The snow has melted, and hiking trails are open. Plus, the weather is fantastic! Expect a range of 65-80 degrees, but bring a sweater for any activities at altitude. The shoulder season in Whistler refers to two distinct periods: from mid-April to mid-June and from late September to late November. During these quieter times, the village is less crowded, making it an ideal opportunity to explore. You’ll find great deals on accommodations, and outdoor adventures are still abundant.
Where Should You Stay in Whistler with your kids
Luxury and Elegance
The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler is a 4-star gem, offering an upscale escape for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Situated just a 2-minute walk from the Whistler Blackcomb Gondola, the hotel provides easy access to the slopes and a great pool!
Also, from its location you can easily explore the charming Olympic Village and take in the fresh mountain air as you wander around Whistler or practice your swing at the Whistler Driving Range.
The Suites are thoughtfully appointed with kitchenettes and living spaces.
When the Westin website says that the suites have kitchens, yes, it is true that the suites include a very small fridge/freezer, a dishwasher, sink, two burner stove, oven and microwave. However, I wouldn’t call them kitchens.
They take up a small wall and are a bit tight…but manageable. We’ve been coming here for years with our family of four (and sometimes dogs), and we’ve worked with these kitchenettes fairly easily.
Yes! Westin is very dog friendly! They’ll provide food/water bowls, mats, and have treats at the front desk for your pooch. You’ll not infrequently see folks walking their dogs through the foyer.
There are a very limited number of 2-bedroom suites, so sometimes we end up with a 1-bedroom suite. My husband and I grab the bedroom (obviously) and the girls sleep on the pull out. The bed takes up the vast majority of the bedroom, although there are little alcoves in the bedroom to allow for two decently sized dressers and there is also a small closet with a safe. In the living room area, the pullout couch and the cushions take up the majority of the space there. But they fold up and away easily in the morning to make room for getting ready.
Sometimes in the mornings we make use of the kitchenette, making our own breakfast. Sometimes we head downstairs to the buffet. For non-owners, there is a restaurant that serves a delicious breakfast buffet. The last time we were there, the hotel had set up a completely separate owner’s breakfast area in one of the conference rooms. They had all the standard breakfast buffet foods that you would expect, and had some delicious healthy fruit juice shots, someone making omelets to order, and someone was always there to help. If there was something that we wanted, they were happy to oblige. Once my daughter really wanted whipped cream for her waffles, but there wasn’t any on the buffet. The attendant brought it out within a couple of minutes.
Which brings up another point that is important. The staff wanted to remember our names. I watched the attendants work to talk with every guest in that breakfast room. Sometimes people wanted their space, and the staff were accommodating with that need as well. But I want to make sure that you know ahead of time that I think their management hire friendly, interested teammates who want to ensure that you enjoy your stay.
Speaking of enjoying your stay, every.single.time we stay here, we spend time daily in the sauna, steam rooms, and….
heated indoor/outdoor pools with views of the Coast Mountains. In the summer, the indoor/outdoor pool is convenient, but in the winter, I would say that it’s amazing! You can enter and exit the pool inside of the hotel, but still swim around in the open air with snow falling lightly on your head.
Then you can hop to either the hot tub outside or the hot tub inside to round out your evening before heading to dinner.
Before we had kids, I spent a lot of time at the gym in this hotel, equipped with cardio machines, weights, and TRX® functional training equipment. I haven’t spent any time here in 8 years, but the gym is still rocking and they still have great equipment.
I HAVE enjoyed the on-site spa, which is beautiful and boasts an indulgent staff. Spend a day indulging in wellness and rejuvenation. Bear in mind that the spa is a separate business from the hotel itself.
Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside offers stunning mountain views and a prime location.
Nestled in the heart of Whistler Village, the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre beckons with its all-suite charm. Bear in mind that when they say Studio Suite, it looks like a room with a kitchen to me. But you say tomato, I say tomato, right? I’ve got some Aussie friends who love a good upscale hotel, who would absolutely love this place.
These suites offer a front-row seat to Whistler’s natural beauty whether you’ve got a mountain or a village view. The location is prime as well, just steps (951 feet to be specific) from the Excalibur Gondola.
While we’re Westin people, I do think that the rooms at the Pan Pacific are bigger than the rooms at the Westin. If you like to spread out a bit, you might consider choosing the Pan Pacific over the Westin for just that reason.
The Pan Pacific also has an outdoor heated pool and two hot tubs just waiting for you to soak your legs, soar from an all-day biking adventure.
Located on the lobby level, The Raven Room is your go-to spot for crafted cocktails and local brews. After a day on the slopes, unwind here with friends or fellow travelers. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, adding a touch of Whistler’s culinary flair.
Another 4-star option, Crystal Lodge and Suites, is in the heart of the village, and one of its advantages is the fact they offer 3-bedroom suites. To be clear, I have never stayed here, but will check it out when we go to Whistler this summer and will update this blog with some notes. But for now, here’s what I found out in my research.
The hotel offers spacious guest rooms (they do look much bigger than those at the Westin or the Pan Pacific), including studios and one, two, and three-bedroom suites. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, there’s a perfect room for your stay. The Crystal also boasts six on-site restaurants and lounges, catering to various tastes, a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, 24-hour fitness room, and an onsite salon and spa.
Nestled lakeside, Nita Lake Lodge offers a tranquil escape just 500 meters from Whistler Mountain and the Creekside Gondola. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of the mountains, the shimmering lake, or the lush forest. It’s a nature lover’s paradise!
We have never stayed here because with our family, we like to have a kitchen or kitchenette. BUT if that’s not part of your criteria, you should absolutely check this out. The lodge boasts a variety of suites, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options. Each suite features a luxurious king-size bed, a double-soaker tub in the main bathroom (perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure), and a cozy fireplace.
Nita Lake Lodge offers complimentary summer amenities including bicycles, paddle boards, and canoes.
They are also pet friendly and require a pet fee of $35 per night plus tax for a fee maximum of two nights.
When you’re feeling hungry, give in to your taste buds at The Den and Cure Lounge, where West Coast cuisine takes center stage. Fresh ingredients are sourced daily from local farms, foragers, fisheries, and even Nita Lake Lodge’s own rooftop garden. Don’t miss the homemade pastries, sandwiches, and ice cream at Fix Café!
How Do You Get to Whistler with your kids
Land
We live in Seattle, so when we go to Whistler, we drive. My husband likes cars, and really likes to drive. As in, he really, really likes to drive. Underscored and in big bold font. The Sea to Sky highway beckons him in his sleep. It’s like a postcard come to life.
Any way that you go (unless you have plenty of cash to fly to Vancouver then take a prop plane to Green Lake and then hire a car to your hotel), you’ll need to drive. The information below is relevant whether you are driving from the Seattle area/airport or the Vancouver area/airport.
Here’s the scoop:
The actual drive from Seattle to Whistler is around 200 miles and takes 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and pit stops. Not bad, right? First, you’ll head north on I-5, cruising through Mount Vernon and Bellingham. Then, east from Bellingham on Highway 539 toward the border. Border Crossing: Bring your passport, patience, and a friendly smile. The border guards appreciate those!
There are two Canadian border points of entry.
- Blaine Peace Arch – here is a link to the current wait times. This is the most direct route to Vancouver/Whistler.
- Blaine Pacific Highway – here is a link to the current wait times. This route can add 20 minutes or more but can be worth the detour depending on the wait times. It’s worth looking at both options to make sure that you’re minimizing your butts in seats.
PSA: Whatever you do, do not eat an apple while you are talking with the border patrol. There is an apple parasite concern or something. So, they want to make sure that you’re not bringing potentially infested apples into their province. I might or might not have been eating an apple when we were trying to cross the border once. I had to throw it away. Immediately. The border patrol was not amused. Seriously.
Once you cross into Canada, it’s time for the star of the show – Highway 99, also known as the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Trust me; it lives up to the hype! Picture this – coastal rainforests, pine-clad mountains, and the deep blue waters of Howe Sound. You’ll wind through lush landscapes, catching glimpses of snow-capped peaks.
Any car will do, but if you’ve got an SUV or a convertible, even better. Roof down, wind in your hair – you’re living the Pacific Northwest dream! Oh, and keep your camera handy – photo ops galore as long as you’ve got a quick shutter speed.
Along the way, hit up Shannon Falls, where water cascades like a dream. And don’t miss the Britannia Mine Museum – it’s like stepping into a mining adventure.
Sky
Whistler doesn’t have a major airport with those massive commercial planes. Why? Well, blame it on the gorgeous Coast Mountains surrounding the area. They’re a bit picky about where runways can go! But fear not! You can still get there in style. Imagine hopping on a chartered helicopter – fast, direct, and with views that’ll make your heart skip a beat. Or, during the warmer months, consider a floatplane. It’s like flying on water! Just keep an eye on the weather – these services are a tad moody when it comes to clouds and wind. You can take a Floatplane from downtown Vancouver or Vancouver Harbour. Soar over mountains, forests, and lakes, landing right on Green Lake in Whistler. It’s like a scenic shortcut! We have never done this because it’s kind of pricey, but the option does exist.
Sea
Alternatively, During the summer, you can take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Then drive through the island and hop on another ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Whistler. It’s a longer journey but incredibly picturesque. We’ve never done this, but the possibility does exist. Here is a map of the ferry routes in British Columbia. Once you get to Horseshoe Bay, you’ll still need a car to take you the rest of the way to Whistler, about an hour and 20 minutes or 63 miles.
Fun Kid Activities in Whistler
Check out this blog to dive into the adventurous wonderland that is Whistler, where snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and family-friendly activities await. Whistler has something for every explorer, including those school-aged kiddos!
Whistler is in a valley surrounded by mountains, so get ready to get outside and enjoy some Canadian nature.
Culinary Delights
Let’s embark on a culinary adventure through Whistler. These are the restaurants we ALWAYS go to when we travel to Whistler.
- Rimrock Cafe seamlessly blends attentive service with an elegantly rustic atmosphere. Their tantalizing menu features seafood, Polynesian delights, and vegetarian-friendly options. A must-visit for foodies seeking a memorable dining experience.
- Dive into chef-curated tasting menus, wine pairings, and even nitro ice cream. Bearfoot Bistro is a four-star experience that tantalizes all your senses. Don’t miss the Ice Room, where you can sabre champagne bottles like a pro! Yeah, that’s right!
- Hot Buns Bakery is your cozy escape for warm cinnamon buns, aromatic coffee, and friendly vibes AND delicious crepes.
- Beyond ice cream, COWS offers whimsical fashion. From “Dairy Potter” to “Cownor Bedard,” their cow-themed clothing collection guarantees smiles. It’s like stepping into a pasture of playful parodies!
- Whether you’re fueling up after hitting the slopes or satisfying late-night munchies, Avalanche Pizza delivers flavor that’ll leave you saying, “Slope-tastic!” They DO have a gluten-free option, and I’ll be checking that out next time we’re there to see how much it tastes like cardboard or if it’s decent. It’s a small shop, so just know that they deliver as well!
Enjoy your time in Whistler with these family-friendly suggestions and create memories that will last a lifetime!
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