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If you’re considering a winter getaway, Whistler, British Columbia, should be at the top of your list. This world-renowned resort town offers a little something for everyone — whether you want to hit the slopes or play board games by the fire with the kids. Or better yet, both.
Known for its stunning alpine views, and culture of VIP service combined with that famous Canadian kindness, Whistler is a winter wonderland like no other, offering unmatched outdoor adventure with family-friendly fun.
If a Whistler vacation sounds like your family’s kind of escape, I’ve got the inside scoop on where to stay and what to do with the whole crew.
Get to know Whistler
Whistler, British Columbia, is renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, attracting over two million visitors annually. Nestled in the breathtaking Coast Mountains, Whistler’s alpine village is not only a hub for winter sports enthusiasts but also a year-round destination for mountain biking, hiking, indulgent relaxation and family fun.
Before its rise as a global resort town, Whistler’s land was a shared ancestral territory of the Squamish and Líl̓wat peoples, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. The area’s deep connection to the land is evident in the ancient village of Spoez, once a hub of trade between the two nations, now buried under rubble from a volcanic eruption.
European settlement began in the 1860s, though it wasn’t until the early 1900s that Whistler began to draw attention from adventurers and tourists. In 1914, Myrtle and Alex Philip established the Rainbow Lodge on Alta Lake, laying the foundation for what would become Whistler’s resort community. Officially designated as a Resort Municipality in 1975, Whistler continues to honor its heritage while offering a premier destination for travelers seeking both adventure and a tranquil escape in nature.
Picture-perfect family stays
Wedge Mountain Lodge and Spa: The ultimate luxury family getaway
Looking for a family vacation that combines celebrity-style pampering, fine dining and child-centered amenities? Renting Wedge Mountain Lodge and Spa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood, this stunning property offers a spacious, stylish retreat perfect for family reunions and multi-family getaways.
With 10 individual suites, dazzling panoramic views, two massage rooms (and a masseuse, if requested), a steam room, dry sauna, cold plunge, hot tub and pool, this private oasis has everything you need and more to unwind after a day on the slopes (or perhaps forget the slopes and just unwind at your indulgent home away from home).
From the ground up, this luxe lodge was designed by visionaries and young parents Keltie and Dan Holdsworth. Every detail, from the locking pool cover to the pickleball court, was brought to life with families in mind. The house features a game room with a pool table, a movie theater with plush velvet seats, and even a very large sink next to the open-concept dining and lounge areas so that you can bathe a baby without missing out on the grownup conversations happening nearby over canapés.
The property’s VIP treatment ensures a seamless stay. Your reservation includes a private chef and a concierge team with chauffeur-driven vehicles that are available from dawn until 11 p.m., providing easy access to Whistler Village and the mountains. Enjoy skiing, après activities and more without the hassle of parking or worrying about having a drink. Your friendly chauffeur will even take care of your skis and snowboards.
Rates start at around $5,700 per night for rental of the entire lodge and spa, including all ten private suites.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: Top-shelf service and a kid-friendly buffet
For a seamless family getaway, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Gold package offers a nearly all-inclusive retreat that combines perks perfect for families with young children with classically lovely Fairmont accommodations.
Tucked at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, this all-season resort provides a beautiful mountain backdrop and an exceptional level of service. With Fairmont Gold, families are treated to a private check-in and access to the private eighth-floor Fairmont Gold Lounge.
Throughout the day, the all-ages lounge serves kid-favorite bites and a curated spread of main courses, gourmet snacks and top-shelf drinks including exclusive wines and signature cocktails, perfect for parents looking to relax after a day of skiing. One family I spoke with said that the cost of the Gold Package upgrade easily pays for itself, because families have the option to avoid taking children to pricey restaurants for every meal.
In addition to the stately amenities, Fairmont Gold ensures that every need is met with personalized attention, from tailored concierge services to in-room aromatherapy shower capsules. The Gold Lounge also includes board games and a take-and-leave library, making it ideal for families who value relaxation, adventure and engagement.
Rates for the Gold Package start around $500 per night. It’s always a good idea to call and check current rates for the dates your family will be vacationing.
Summit Lodge: Your furry friend’s favorite spot
For families looking for a polished yet laid-back home base, Summit Lodge delivers. Right in the heart of Whistler’s North Village, this boutique hotel puts you just steps from Olympic Plaza and fantastic dining, and it’s a quick 10-minute walk down the charming Village Stroll to the gondola. If little legs aren’t up for the stroll, the free Marketplace Shuttle picks up just around the corner during ski season.
Spacious studios and suites offer a thoughtful mix of comfort and convenience, with kitchenettes stocked with a stovetop, fridge, microwave, toaster and coffee maker — perfect for easy breakfasts before adventuring out. Families can upgrade to a one-bedroom suite for additional counter space and a dishwasher (because who wants to do dishes on vacation?). Cribs and extra beds are available upon request.
Insider tip: If your family includes four-legged members, pets stay free, and dog beds, bowls, treats and even doggy bags are available to make your furballs feel right at home.
Rates for one-bedroom suites that include a king bed and a queen sofa-bed start around $250 per night.
Family-friendly Whistler activities
The Burrow for books, bat kits and beyond
A true gem in the heart of the Village, Whistler Public Library is more than just great books for bedtimes — it’s a modern sanctuary for curious minds. Ranked as one of the “Top 10 Most Beautiful Canadian Libraries” by Canadian Geographic Magazine, the Whistler branch’s striking hemlock-and-stone building is home to a cozy kids’ area called The Burrow, and a treasure trove of things you’d never imagine you could borrow from a library. Items like a bat detector kit, a cute robot to teach coding skills and a telescope to take a closer look at the stars are all available to check out free of charge.
Friendly librarians are available to help out-of-towners sign up for a free visitor’s membership card.
A tour from the clouds
For families seeking a truly unforgettable adventure in Whistler, start with an aerial tour with Blackcomb Helicopters. This exhilarating 24-minute flight takes off from the north end of Whistler Valley and ascends into the majestic Coast Mountains, where expansive glaciers and towering peaks stretch out beneath you. Absolutely magical mountaintop landings are included in tours (weather permitting), offering a rare chance to step out onto the snow-capped peaks for 15 minutes — perfect for snapping stunning family photos and soaking in the breathtaking views. Children age 2 and younger fly free on a parent’s lap, and with a maximum of five passengers, it’s a truly intimate way to explore Whistler’s winter wonderland.
Sightseeing tours start around $230 per seat.
An afternoon of art and culture
For a cultural escape that both educates and inspires, the Audain Art Museum is a must-visit for families. This contemporary masterpiece, designed by the renowned Patkau Architects, houses a dynamic collection that spans centuries. Highlights include a remarkable array of Indigenous masks and the largest permanent display of Emily Carr’s colorful paintings. The museum’s current exhibit, “Curve! Women Carvers on the Northwest Coast,” is an immersive exploration of the role women have played in shaping Native art. The show features striking exhibitions and a fascinating mix of historic and contemporary works that will spark wonder in even the littlest art aficionados. The exhibit will be up through May 5, 2025.
Admission for youth ages 18 and younger is always free.
A milder ride down the slopes
For a thrill that’s not quite as daunting as plummeting down a mountain on skis or snowboards, head over to the bubly Tube Park on Blackcomb Mountain. With over 1,000 feet of sliding lanes and a conveyor lift to whisk you up the slopes, it’s all the fun of tobogganing — minus the uphill climb. Go after dark for a night tubing adventure under the lights! Children must be at least 36 inches tall to tube.
For kids ages 3 to 6, the rate for one hour of tubing is around $14.
How to get to there
For Seattle-based travelers heading north, the trip is a breeze. Alaska Airlines offers a convenient one-hour flight to Vancouver International Airport, where shuttles and gig cars are available to whisk you away to Whistler Village. The ride takes about two hours from the airport.
If you prefer to drive, the road trip from Seattle to Whistler is a scenic journey. The trip takes about four to five hours from Seattle, depending on traffic, weather and border backups. The route follows Interstate 5 north toward the Canadian border. Once you cross into Canada, you’ll continue on the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99), which offers gorgeous views of mountains, forests and the Pacific Ocean.
While the drive is straightforward, it’s worth checking road conditions in the winter, as snowy weather can occasionally result in road closures. Upon arrival in Whistler, parking is plentiful — just be sure to check signs for fees to avoid tickets. And reminder American travelers: Don’t forget your passports, as you’ll be crossing the border into Canada.
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Editor’s note: This trip was hosted by Tourism Whistler, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer. Rates listed here are in U.S. dollars, based on current prices and currency exchange rates as of the time of publication.
