Whistler: Day Trips and Tours from Vancouver

Home to one of North America’s biggest ski resorts, Whistler is popular for snow sports and a classic road trip destination in British Columbia, Canada.

You can take Whistler day trips from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway or travel via seaplane. There are countless tours to choose from, each with a unique itinerary of interesting stops and attractions.

You will find below everything you need to know about visiting Whistler, one of the best destinations for day trips from Vancouver.

How to get to Whistler from Vancouver?

Whistler is a resort town in the Coast Mountains region of British Columbia and is located about 120 kilometers north of Vancouver.

From Vancouver to Whistler by car

You can travel from Vancouver to Whistler by car in 90 minutes. Head northeast on Hornby Street towards the BC-99 if you travel from Vancouver’s city center. Then, follow the BC-99 to Whistler and turn right when you get to Village Gate Boulevard.

From Vancouver to Whistler by bus/public transport

The bus from Vancouver to Whistler takes about two hours. Most buses depart several times a day from downtown Vancouver and take the BC-99 to Whistler.

Guided tour to Whistler from Vancouver

From group tours and private luxury coaches to seaplanes over Coal Harbor, there are many guided tours to Whistler from Vancouver. You can take a day trip or an overnight trip, as tour operators offer trips of varying durations.

Most tour guides offer pickup directly from your hotel or accommodation, while others stipulate specific pickup or departure spots.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Whistler from Vancouver?

Day tours from Vancouver to Whistler usually offer pickup from Vancouver National Airport and accommodations in Vancouver and Richmond. You will most likely travel via a minivan, SUV, large motor coach or bus.

Tours travel over the Sea to Sky Highway and some of them make stops at famous attractions en route.

On arrival in Whistler, some tours allow you free time to roam around town, while others will take you to the best skiing and hiking spots in the area. After sightseeing in Whistler, you will get on the BC-99 again and head back to Vancouver. Some tours include stops along the return route.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Whistler?

Guided tours to Whistler from Vancouver

Guided group tours are open to the public and include a knowledgeable tour guide to accompany you on the journey. Group tours are a great way to get informed, as tour guides know everything about enjoying a Whistler excursion.

Besides knowledge of Whistler's history, your guide can also let you know the best places for eating, entertainment, lodging and more.

Seaplane day trips to Whistler from Vancouver

Seaplane tours from Vancouver to Whistler offer spectacular aerial views of the ocean and mountains. Some tours offer a journey of under an hour, while others span the course of a day.

Private tours to Whistler from Vancouver

Private tours are exclusively for you and your friends and family, unlike other tours where you may have to travel with strangers. These tours are generally more expensive than other tours and allow more flexibility concerning the tour itinerary.

Day trip to Whistler plus Sea to Sky Gondola from Vancouver

These day trips will stop in Squamish so you can visit the famous Sea to Sky Gondola, a gondola ride over the Howe Sound. You will then continue your journey to Whistler for a day of hiking, shopping and more before returning to Vancouver.

Day tour to Whistler plus Horseshoe Bay and Shannon Falls from Vancouver

These day tours pass by Horseshoe Bay, a small fishing village in West Vancouver. You will drive past the quaint village, then make a stop at Shannon Falls Provincial Park for a scenic hike.

After your hike, enjoy the last stretch of your day tour to Whistler and some free time in town before heading back to Vancouver.

Exotic driving experience to Whistler from Vancouver

Exotic driving experiences give you the chance to drive yourself to Whistler in luxury cars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Your operator will arrange for you to swap cars at various points along the way.

How much does a tour to Whistler from Vancouver cost?

Whistler day trips from Vancouver vary greatly in cost depending on your mode of transport and the number of passengers you travel with.

Seaplane day trips under an hour cost roughly CA$200 (US$160). Seaplane trips that span the whole day range between CA$460 and CA$650 (US$360 - US$500).

Guided tours start around CA$160 (US$120) for small group tours and CA$1,000 (US$770) for private tours.

Day trips to Whistler plus Sea to Sky Gondola cost around CA$200 (US$160). For day trips that go to Whistler, Shannon Falls and Horseshoe Bay, you can expect to pay about the same.

Exotic driving experiences start around CA$1,100 (US$850).

What will you see and do on a Whistler day trip from Vancouver?

Whistler Blackcomb

Home to the world’s best alpine hiking spots, Whistler Blackcomb is fun in winter and summer. The resort offers wildlife tours, zip lining, mountain biking, tobogganing, heli-skiing and snowmobile tours, making it a popular Whistler jaunt.

Peak 2 Peak Gondola

The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is the highest gondola lift station in the world, carrying skiers over 460 meters in the air. You can see a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and pine trees in a 22-minute round trip.

Sea to Sky Gondola

Sea to Sky Gondola is another famous gondola lift station with sweeping views. You can take a 10-minute ride to see its 885-meter drop to the Howe Sound.

Horseshoe Bay

Some Whistler day trips from Vancouver stop at Horseshoe Bay, a seaside village in West Vancouver. The bay is a good spot to take photographs before you kick off your road trip and you can buy treats at the local cafes.

Shannon Falls

Located in Shannon Falls Provincial Park, Shannon Falls is the third tallest waterfall in British Columbia. You can take a short hike up the falls to see an outstanding view from the top and its impressive 335-meter drop.

When is the best time to visit Whistler?

You can enjoy Whistler day trips from Vancouver all year round. Whistler is ideal for snow sports from December to February.

March, April, and May offer slightly warmer weather, but there is still snow on the mountain peaks. The summer months offer ample hiking, rafting, and biking activities to choose from.

Travel tips

• To secure your place on a day tour to Whistler from Vancouver, be sure to book in advance.
• Wear comfortable clothes for the journey and be sure to pack appropriately depending on the weather forecast during your Whistler excursion.
• Before packing your own skis, make sure your tour bus allows skis on board.
• Remember to bring a camera for the scenic vistas in Whistler and the views along the Sea to Sky Highway.