An Epic 48 hr Weekend in Whistler (2022 Update)
There’s nothing better than driving up from the city for an epic Whistler getaway. The car ride up gives you plenty of time for you to figure out what to to do in Whistler for the weekend.
With close proximity to Vancouver, Whistler is an easy choice for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle. In just an hour and a half, you’ll be whisked away for adrenaline-inducing adventures, wining and dining on delicious local fare and knocking a few things off your bucket list.
With so many activities available, you might find it hard to decide on what to do in Whistler for the weekend. So here are our recommendations on making your weekend one to remember.
Getting to Whistler from Vancouver
By Car
The Sea to Sky Highway, also known as Highway 99, is a scenic adventure. This route is the most direct north from Vancouver into Whistler. Expect this to take approximately one and a half hours from the city centre.
By Bus
Travelling from Vancouver to Whistler is most commonly done by bus or private shuttle, especially if you are not familiar with driving in Canadian weather. Companies such as Epic Rides offer a straightforward service, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the views.
By Harbour Air
Skip the traffic and take flight from Vancouver, landing in Whistler’s pristine Green Lake. The floatplane service from Harbour Air is a unique and unforgettable way to travel to Whistler from Vancouver. Operating from May until September, you will get the best views of the Sea to Sky corridor.
A Guide on What To Do In Whistler This Weekend
There’s no better way to de-stress and leave the week behind than spending 48 hours in Whistler. There are lots of things to do in whistler this weekend and here’s what your itinerary could look like.
Fair warning: it will be jam-packed full of unique experiences that will make 48 hours feel more like a week.
Friday Night in Whistler
5:00 PM
Once the clock hits five and your “out of office” is on, pack up the car (or hop on the bus), grab your friends, and get to Whistler.
While the sights along the way may tempt you, maximize your weekend by heading directly to Function Junction just south of Whistler Village to start your weekend off right (and to avoid the weekend rush of traffic that descends on Whistler on Friday nights).
6:30 PM
In Function Junction, stop at the newly opened Functional Pie for a couple of slices of wood-fired pizza. You’ll be hungry from your drive, and the night is still young, so fuel up while you can. They offer whole pies to take away or fresh, single slices for a quick bite. Try the Mos Def, one of the best pizzas in Whistler.
7:00 PM
Spend your first night in Whistler warming up with a round of axe throwing.
Not only one of the most Canadian things to do in Whistler on the weekend but an hour spent axe throwing is a great way to get a weekend in Whistler started.
After conquering your hanger, head over to Forged Axe Throwing for an hour-long experience. Enthusiastic hosts will teach you the numerous ways to throw an axe before you and your friends go head-to-head in fun competitions and games that will get you into vacation mode.
Now fully licensed, Forged will enable you to pair your axe throwing skills with some of Whistler’s local brews. An hour will fly by, and your face will be sore from smiling as you gain a new party trick to share (along with a fantastic photo of your axe-wielding skills!).
8:00 PM
Now that you have started off your weekend in Whistler in the most Canadian way, walk next door to Coast Mountain Brewing, one of Whistler’s own brewing companies.
This local watering hole is small but mighty, and with a newly extended patio and games such as giant Jenga and Connect Four, you will pass the time quickly. So fill up a growler or grab a six-pack to bring back to the hotel with you to drink during your weekend in Whistler.
9:00 PM
It’s finally time to drive into Whistler Village to check into the hotel, drop your bags, and freshen up. If it’s your first time visiting Whistler and you’re travelling without a car, or you want to be close to all the action, staying in the main Whistler Village is the way to go.
Hotels such as The Westin Resort & Spa and the Crystal Lodge are go-to favourites of weekend visitors. Equipped with restaurants and bars on-site, with central locations and offering all the amenities you’ll need (including a pool and hot tub), you won’t have to stray far.
9:30 PM
From the hotel, walk over to the Tapley’s Pub, one of Whistler’s oldest night spots, to enjoy some appies, beverages, and live music. It is a local favourite for their Bingo nights, trivia nights, and a go-to for any big sporting event. Friday nights are home to live music, so make sure you pack your dancing shoes.
Your 48 hours in Whistler have just begun, and you’ve already done so much – cheers to the weekend and head back to the hotel for a late-night hot tub session or dance the night away.
Saturday Itinerary in Whistler
9:00 AM
Comfort food at Hunter Gather
Ready for a full day of adventure? Make your way to Hunter Gather and fuel up. They have a great variety of options, from breakfast sandwiches to full eggs bennies. Want an early morning protein kick? Order yourself some chicken and waffles.
If you spent all night dancing and find yourself waking up a bit dusty, the Hunter Gather Signature Ceasar will sort you out. Buckle down with the hair of the dog because you have a day of fun in front of you.
10:30 AM
Head back to the hotel to get ready for the highlight of your weekend: a helicopter tour of Whistler! They’ll pick you up and drive you to the Whistler Municipal Heliport just north of town before loading you into a helicopter and taking you high above the mountain peaks and valley below.
Touch down on a glacier and stand out on the ice for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with an SD card full of memories.
If helicopters aren’t really your thing, check out the Float Plane. Taking off from and landing on—yes on—Green Lake, you can get amazing views of the Whistler valley and glaciers.
12:00 PM
Come back down from cloud nine and go to Table Nineteen at Nicklaus North Golf Club for lunch on their huge outdoor patio overlooking Green Lake. Share a couple of flatbreads or a nacho platter with your friends and compare photos from the tour.
Let time pass you by as you watch float planes land on the lake and golfers teeing off before walking back to your hotel in Whistler Village via the trail that weaves through Lost Lake Park. The trek itself is easy and takes about one hour, and you’ll be rewarded with lake views, exercise, and towering old-growth trees along the way.
3:00PM
It would be rude to come all this way to Whistler and not go up the mountain. Forget the gondola—a Glacier Safari Jeep Tour is the perfect way to get up close and personal with nature.
You will make your way to the Blackcomb Glacier in a 4×4, making it easy to see the alpine wildflowers. Your guide will then navigate you toward the Horstman Glacier before descending. Keep your eyes peeled as this is prime time to see bears.
5:00 PM
Try something totally different and challenge yourself with an escape room. Located in the heart of Whistler Village, Escape! Whistler has a selection of themed rooms for you to choose from.
The aim of the adventure is quite simple: escape within 45 minutes. There are rooms such as the Pirate Ship designed for first-timers and advanced rooms like the Alice in Wonderland-inspired room that will put the sharpest minds to work.
6:00 PM
You’ve had a busy day – unwind at and eat dinner. Alpina by Basalt, is a chic European, alpine-inspired restaurant specialising in spritzes, wines, fondue, and aperitivo snacks. You might find that the relaxed vibe of Alpina is enough for the night, or you can venture into the many underground club offerings on the stroll. Just make sure you get enough sleep as you prepare for your final day in Whistler.
Sunday Itinerary in Whistler
9:00 AM
The final day of your weekend in Whistler has arrived, but don’t be sad, for the day will still be packed full of fun and adventure.
Pack your bags, say goodbye to the hotel, and prepare for your last bit of vacation. Local tip: Hotels will hold your bags or let you stay parked in their lot for the day while you are out and about.
10:00 AM
Fuel up at the Lift Coffee Company next to the Whistler Village Gondola with a light breakfast and carefully prepared latte. Be careful not to overeat, though, as your next adventure requires a bit of jostling around that will make you wish you ate less!
10:30 AM
When we are asked for suggestions on what to do in Whistler for the weekend, RZR adventures is one of our favourite activities to suggests.
So after you nosh on a muffin and coffee, head next door to check in for your RZR Tour with The Adventure Group. From the office in the village, they will take you via bus to their base at Cougar Mountain, where they’ll gear you up with helmets, goggles, and, if necessary, gloves and wet-weather clothes.
Now the fun begins: A guide will tour you around backcountry trails as you zoom past old-growth trees, splash through puddles, and climb steep hills. You’ll be amazed at what these powerful machines can do!
1:30 PM
All that speeding and splashing through puddles will have worked up your appetite, so head to Portabello for lunch.
Located in Whistler’s Upper Village, this is a hidden spot that offers gourmet sandwiches, hearty hot soups and chilis, and rotisserie chicken lunch with all the trimmings, perfect for two or four starving people.
2:30 PM
An easy hike for families, dog walkers and more near whistler
Wave goodbye to Whistler Village and begin your drive south. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as there are many excellent stops to make before the weekend is over. Start by driving to Cheakamus Crossing (across from Function Junction) and take a right on Jane Lake Road before parking at the side of the road.
Signage will point you toward the Train Wreck, a short trail through the forest. The signs lead you across the Cheakamus River via a beautiful new suspension bridge and over to the wreckage of old train cars that are scattered through the forest. The hike takes less than an hour round-trip and is a great way to break up the journey home.
3:30 PM
Head back to the highway and drive south toward Alexander Falls in the Callaghan Valley to see an impressive 43-metre-tall waterfall from an easily accessible viewing platform. Keep your eyes peeled during your drive, as it’s known for wildlife sightings.
4:00 PM
Head back on the Sea to Sky Highway heading south and stop at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. It’s an easy, short trail to view the 66-metre waterfall and has outstanding picnic facilities should you plan on spending more time here. Now pile back into the car, plan your next trip to Whistler, and be home in time for dinner.
A Weekend in Whistler: There Is Never Just One
After reading what could be an amazing time in Whistler, you shouldn’t need advice on what to do in Whistler this weekend but how to fit it all in. The truth is that there’s a whole lot you can fit into 48 hours in Whistler, especially with its proximity to Vancouver.
No matter the time of year or the weather, you should never struggle to find things to do in Whistler for the weekend. Wine and dine, relax at the spa, hike and bike, or hang out with family – Whistler is the perfect place for the young and young at heart.