Whether you’re planning a winter ski getaway or a summer outdoor adventure in British Columbia, figuring out where to stay in Whistler will be one of the most important decisions you’ll face.
The small resort town of Whistler, located about 90 minutes north of Vancouver, is one of Canada’s ultimate outdoor destinations.
In winter, Whistler brims with skiers and snowboarders from all over the world keen on tackling the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, one of North America’s premier ski resorts; in summer, the mountainous terrain shifts into a hiking and mountain biking paradise, offering even more adrenaline-pumping activities like ziplining.
Ready to find the best hotels in Whistler, Canada? Plan your trip with this complete area and accommodations guide!
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our Canada Travel Guide for recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Recommended places to stay in Whistler
Although the town itself is relatively small, choosing where to base yourself in Whistler isn’t always the easiest task. Whistler is one of Canada’s most popular outdoor destinations, and with its national fame comes the difficulty of finding a great place to stay, especially if you’re visiting during the insanely busy ski season.
Most of the top accommodations in Whistler are located in Whistler Village at the base of Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. The Village is split into several areas, the most popular of which for travellers are Village North and the Upper Village.
Besides the main village, there are a handful of other neighbourhoods to stay in and around Whistler, including Alta Lake and Creekside. Staying in these areas will take you a little further away from the action, but in exchange, you’ll be able to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and better-value accommodations than in the town itself.
The best areas to stay in Whistler include:
- Whistler Village: As the main tourist area in Whistler, The Village is the best place to stay in Whistler for first-time travellers and anyone looking to take on all of the town’s outdoor activities with gusto.
- Upper Village: Situated even closer to the mountainside, this a great choice for skiers and snowboarders who are serious about hitting the slopes.
- Village North: Located north of the main village, this neighbourhood is a quieter alternative to the main tourist area while still having plenty of great amenities for a comfortable stay.
- Creekside: Home to the town’s original chair-lift, this is a great neighbourhood to escape the crowds while still having convenient access to the slopes.
- Alta Vista: Wedged between Whistler and Creekside, this area is an excellent choice for travellers looking for a quieter alternative to the main tourist centre with plenty of hiking & cross-country skiing trails and stunning lake views.
Whistler Village
✔ Best area to stay in Whistler for first-time visitors & outdoor adventure junkies
The heart of the British Columbia resort town beats in Whistler Village. If you’ve ever spent time in a North American mountain retreat, you’ll have an idea of the type of atmosphere to expect in Whistler’s touristy centre.
In the height of tourist season, The Village, as it’s most often referred to, is always abuzz with energy. The streets here are full of boutique shops, restaurants, and cafés—as well as a smattering of pubs and bars for some “après-ski” hijinks.
Recommended hotels in Whistler Village
As you’d expect, with its popularity and central location, The Village isn’t always the most budget-friendly place to stay in Whistler. There’s a great selection of accommodation here, though, ranging between everything from hostels to luxury hotel resorts.
- The Crystal Lodge: Located in the heart of the village, this resort offers everything from budget-friendly single rooms to three-bedroom sites. Amenities here include 6 on-site restaurants & bars, free WiFi, a hair salon, fitness centre, and spa. For golf-enthusiasts, Whistler Golf Club is just 3 minutes away. For winter visits, the gondolas are similarly close.
- Sundial Boutique Hotel: Boasting a rooftop hot tub with views over the ski slopes, this rustic hotel is one of the top choices in Whistler Village for skiers. It’s located just one minute away from the Whistler Blackcomb Gondola and is home to two on-site restaurants and Black’s Pub, one of the most popular après-ski retreats in town.
- Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside: Pulling out all the stops for a perfect stay, this ski-in/ski-out hotel charms guests with floor-to-ceiling windows that shine in breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains. Each suite features a fireplace and balcony.
- The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler: One of the absolute best Whistler hotels, this resort spotlights full-service suites that include everything from kitchens to deep soaker tubs. The on-site FireRock Lounge is a popular hangout for casual pub-style dining after a day of adventure.
Upper Village
✔ Best place to stay in Whistler for families & luxury travellers
Although its located just ten minutes from the main village by foot, Upper Village can feel like its own little alpine world. This charming mountainside area teems with restaurants, boutique shops, and a range of kid-friendly amenities. It’s the perfect choice for families visiting Whistler on a winter ski vacation.
Skiers and snowboarders will especially love Upper Village’s brand-new 10-person gondola, the first fully sheltered year-round lift to Blackcomb’s PEAK 2 PEAK connection.
Upper Village is also a popular spot for luxury travellers, as it’s home to several of the best luxury hotels in Whistler.
Recommended hotels in Upper Village
While Upper Village is known for hosting some of Whistler’s most iconic luxury hotels, there’s a little of everything here in terms of accommodations, including ski-in/ski-out suites, holiday homes, lodges, and apartments.
- Embarc Whistler by Diamond Resorts: With its spacious alpine-inspired rooms and suites, this property is a fantastic choice for families and couples alike. It’s located just minutes from the base of the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and features a hot tub and seasonal outdoor pool.
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler: Along with its sister properties in Lake Louise and Banff, this elegant 5-star hotel is one of the most recognizable resorts in Whistler. Guests will fall in love with the hotel’s luxurious amenities, which include a spa, saunas, heated outdoor pool, on-site restaurants, and ski-in/ski-out access to Blackcomb Mountain.
- Four Seasons Resort Whistler: Like all of its brand properties, this top-rated Whistler hotel delivers impeccable 5-star service that’ll be the highlight of your visit to Whistler. Besides its stylish rooms with incredible mountain views, the Four Seasons Resort is chock-full of extras like a heated outdoor pool, three hot tubs, and a complimentary shuttle to The Village and Whistler Mountain during ski season.
Village North
✔ Best area in Whistler for mid-range travellers looking for a quieter central alternative
If you’re not overly enchanted by the crazy bustle of the main tourist area, Village North is a great alternative. Although it’s slightly quieter than the town centre, this neighbourhood is still home to plenty of excellent hotels & restaurants for your trip. There’s even a handful of museums & some of the top tourist attractions in Whistler, like the Whistler Museum and Olympic Park, celebrating the town’s renown as the main ski venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
Even in walking among the quaint pedestrian-only cobblestone streets of Village North, you’re still only minutes from all the action in The Village and from the Whistler Blackcomb Gondolas where you can zip up to the ski slopes.
Recommended hotels in Village North
Not as expensive as other parts of The Village, Village North is a good alternative for mid-range travellers, families, and solo travellers on a slightly tighter budget.
There are some great properties here with excellent facilities to ensure your vacation is as memorable as can be.
- Pinnacle Hotel Whistler: One of the best choices in the area, this comfortable hotel offers a wide array of excellent amenities and bonuses that defy its budget-friendly price range. All the rooms here include kitchens, spa baths, and gas fireplaces to cozy up to during the cool winter months. Guests will also love the outdoor pool, hot tub, and two on-site eating options, Quattro Italian Restaurant and Alta Bistro.
- Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Whistler: A mere 10-minute walk from the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola, this stylish boutique hotel is the perfect choice for visitors keen on carving the slopes of one of Canada’s premier ski resorts. Each of the sleek modern rooms features free WiFi, a fireplace, and a flat-screen TV.
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites: The whole family will absolutely love spending a night at this top-notch mid-range hotel. Featuring an outdoor pool and three hot tubs, this getaway is a relaxing escape from the scramble of the central town. Whistler Mountain is just 8 minutes away by foot.
Creekside
✔ Best neighbourhood to stay in Whistler for a quiet natural retreat & lakeside recreation
Although it’s home to the area’s first gondola, Creekside has fallen out of favour for the newer resorts in Whistler Village. Nonetheless, Creekside is still a viable alternative to the busier streets & more expensive options elsewhere in Whistler.
Despite its waned popularity, Creekside still has an active lift that’ll zip you up the mountain for quick access to Whistler’s most famous slopes.
There’s even a handful of convenient ski-in ski-out resorts in Creekside that offer some savings compared to those in the tourist centre.
Creekside is also home to the Whistler Railway Station. While it used to be a popular destination on the Pacific Grand Eastern Railway, the station currently only serves as a quick stop along the Rainforest to Gold Rush tourist train route between Vancouver and Jasper.
Recommended hotels in Creekside
Compared to the town centre, the selection of accommodations in Creekside is fairly limited. Most options here are at the mid-range price point.
- Whistler Lodge Hostel: One of the best options for budget backpackers, this popular hostel is nestled in the woods for a true mountain lodge feel. Creekside Village is just a few minutes away by car.
- Nita Lake Lodge: Hugging the shores of beautiful Lake Nita, these lovely lodgings are an excellent option for families and couples alike. If you’re visiting Whistler in summer, be sure to enjoy the lakeside recreational opportunities here, including kayaking, biking, and paddle-boarding.
- Legends: The best ski-in/ski-out accommodations in Creekside, this property offers—dare we say?—legendary views of the surrounding forests and mountains along with some superb amenities, including a fitness centre, outdoor pool, and two hot tubs. The Creekside Gondola is just 3 minutes away by foot.
Alta Vista
✔ Best place to stay in Whistler for spending time on the beach or cross-country skiing trails
Named after Alta Lake, the small neighbourhood of Alta Vista is a great choice for travellers looking for a quieter alternative to the main tourist centre without getting too far away.
Even if you choose not to spend the bulk of your time in the Village, less than 5 minutes away by car, the Alta Vista area is blessed with nature for your enjoyment.
In summer, take to the area’s hiking trails or the beautiful beaches at Lakeside Park, Blueberry Beach Park, and Wayside Park. If you’re visiting in winter, enjoy the cross-country skiing trails or grab your skis and take the short 5-minute drive to the lifts in the heart of the resort town.
Recommended hotels in Alta Vista
With even fewer accommodation options than in nearby Creekside, you’ll need to be a tad crafty to find a place in Alta Vista. Expect mostly chalets, apartments, and home rentals in the area.
- The Ironwood by Whiski Jack: Offering a variety of modern condos and apartments, this property is one of the top picks in the Alta Lake area. The views from the outdoor pool and hot tub terrace are incredible. Blueberry Beach Park is a 3-minute walk away.
- Alta Vista: For a little extra privacy on your family trip to Whistler, book yourself into this cozy two-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to six people.
- Whistler Alpine Chalet Retreat & Wellness: If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury and comfort, carve some room in your travel budget for this heavenly chalet. With a private hot tub, steam shower, private fitness centre, yoga centre, and nine bedrooms each featuring an ensuite bathroom and balcony, this is the perfect getaway for your next B.C. group vacation.
