Choosing A Hotel in Whistler
Quick Summary of Most Popular Areas
Whistler Village: the heart of Whistler, home to countless accommodations, restaurants and shops - the hub of activity
Whistler Creekside: family-friendly and historic area, 7km outside the Village away from the hustle and bustle
How to choose a hotel in Whistler
The first thing to do when booking a hotel in Whistler is to decide if you'd like to stay in Whistler Village, the hub of activity and excitement, or Whistler Creekside, a more quaint and family-friendly area just outside of the Village. The majority of Whistler hotels are found within the Village, so if you are looking for a variety of options and styles (inns, hotels, lodges, resorts, etc.) then a Whistler Village hotel is where you'll want to be. This area is home to the Village Stroll, a pedestrian-only walkway that allows visitors to leisurely browse the shops and eateries that define Whistler Village. The price of an accommodation can range quite a bit in the Village from relatively cheap Whistler Village hotels to much more expensive resorts and inns. If you are going with a group there are also quite a few apartments for rent. Prices can range for these accommodations depending on your budget and requirements.
What to do in Whistler
With a population of only about 10,000 people and roughly 2 million visitors annually it can seem like everyone in Whistler is a tourist. Winter brings endless activities for visitors that enjoy the company of snow and frigid temperatures. Whistler winters offer everything from downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, Heli skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and zip-lining. Yes, I said zip-lining in the winter. Sounds crazy? Yes, it is, but it is also awesome. Visiting in the summer instead? No problem. There are many bike trails and hiking options and not to mention whitewater rafting for the thrill-seekers. And yes, you can zip-line in the summer as well.
Surrounding Area
Whistler is only about a 2 hour drive north of Vancouver, making it a popular spot not only for visitors from all over the world, but for locals as well. First-time visitors to British Columbia are lucky in that a trip to Whistler can also mean a reasonable drive to Vancouver - one of Canada's largest and most popular cities.
