Where to Stay in Whistler → 6 Best Areas (with Hotels!)

Are you looking for where to stay in Whistler, British Columbia? If so, this post has got your back. I’ve thoroughly researched and compared all the best accommodation options in this small resort town known for top-notch customer service.

I’ve included the 3 areas inside the Whistler Village (Upper Village, Village Center, and Village North) and the 3 best surrounding neighborhoods (Creekside, Function Junction, and Alta Vista). I’m excited to share that out of the 6, Village Center is the best area to stay (especially if you’re visiting for the first time).

In each area, I share various accommodation options for all budgets. If you’re staying in town for skiing, I’ve prepared a bonus with accommodation ideas for all Whistler ski enthusiasts!

Given that Whistler is a tremendously popular destination throughout the year, I highly recommend booking your stay in advance.

I’ve got a lot to share, so let’s get started!

If you are in a hurry

Don’t have time to read until the end? Here is the overview of the hotels in Whistler Village, in Village Center precisely:

The map below can help you visualize the best areas where to stay in Whistler:

1. Whistler Village Center – where to stay for the first time

Whistler Village Center is among the top picks for first-time visitors. It features a range of suite options, easy access to gondolas to both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, accessible dining stops, and more.

Since it is just a short walk from the gondolas, you’ll save time, energy, and money on driving or carrying your ski equipment across town. If you’re into golf, you’ll be happy to learn that the Whistler Golf Club is minutes away.

If you’re not into sports, you can hit the local Starbucks to get some work done or have a drink at the Irish Pub if you’re looking for casual pub-style dining while surrounded by local boutiques and shops!

Whistler Village Center is the best area to go for walks and admire the architecture of this charming place. If you ever run out of things to do, you can always enjoy some quality spa time, hot tubs, and other outstanding luxury amenities at the hotels that Village Center is known for. Just remember to book your hotel on time to ensure the best deals!

Other accommodation options in Whistler Village Center

2. Upper Village – where to stay for families with kids

Located near the Village Center and the Whistler Blackcomb Gondolas, the Upper Village (also referred to as the Upper Whistler) is excellent for a quiet, secluded getaway for families.

What I especially love about Upper Village is how suitable it is for families with small children. There is a kids center called the Adventure Zone with fantastic amenities like a magic climbing wall, a STACYC bike track, bungee trampolines, and more.

NOTE: the Adventure Zone is only open during the summer from mid-June to the beginning of September.

If you’re in town for skiing fun, you won’t be disappointed either. Have the best après ski in Merlin’s Bar and Grill or other delish restaurants. In addition, you can explore fun artifacts and arts at Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre on a guided tour or independently.

Given that Upper Whistler is at the foot of the Whistler Blackcomb Mountain, many hotels offer breathtaking views. Let’s see some of them.

Other accommodation options in Whistler Upper Village

3. Village North – where to stay in Whistler for comfort

If you’re looking for a comfortable stay and don’t want to be too far from the Center, Village North is the ideal solution. A stone’s throw from outdoor activities, this area offers the best combination of comfort and convenience.

Much like when staying in other areas outside the Village Center, you can take a free shuttle bus or a 7-minute walk from the Whistler Olympic Plaza in the Village North to the Village Square in the Center.

This part of the village is also ideal if you plan a vacation with a large group of friends, as this is where most condo deals are. Choose from a range of two-bedroom suites for a fraction of the cost of booking a luxury hotel downtown!

If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll be minutes away from the center of the nightlife and entertainment activities at the Whistler Olympic Plaza! Winter-time visitors can enjoy the ice skating rink and some exciting après ski activities for the whole family.

Other accommodation options in Village North

4. Creekside – where to stay in Whistler for relaxation

If you want a quieter alternative to the action-packed Whistler Village with easy access to pristine nature and lakes, check out the Whistler Creekside neighborhood to the south of Whistler.

The combination of great shopping opportunities (Creekside Village Mall and local market), magnificent views, and affordable accommodations make Creekside ideal for visitors who want to experience the best of Whistler, all while being near the center of the action.

The area is perfect if you want to recharge your batteries, as you can walk along the Nita and Alpha Lakes and soak in fresh mountain air all year long. When you feel like tasting traditional cuisine from the area, do not skip the Southside Diner.

Those wanting to stay near Whistler’s scenic hiking trails, hear me out: staying in Creekside gives you direct access to the Valley Trail, a 45-km (less than 30 mi) long paved track featuring environmentally friendly initiatives ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and more. If you’re visiting during the winter, this is hands down one of the most scenic cross-country skiing trails in the area!

Other accommodation options in Creekside

5. Function Junction – where to stay in Whistler for partying

The Function Junction neighborhood (7-minute drive from Whistler Village) has seen dramatic change over the past few decades, and it quickly grew to become the chic place to stay for the adventurous spirits!

Often named the coolest neighborhood of Whistler, Function Junction is the place for all the fun activities outside of skiing: ax-throwing, partying, beer tasting, and more. Honestly, there’s no better area to stay if you’re coming with friends and are looking for an unforgettable stay.

Function Junction is also near the Whistler Interpretive Forest hiking area. If you’re lucky, you can enjoy black bear sightings, especially if you’re visiting from May to September.

Given that Function Junction is an industrial area that’s quickly growing into a tourist hotspot, there still aren’t proper accommodation facilities in this neighborhood other than the HI Whistler hostel. However, there are many places at Creekside within a 5-minute drive to ensure you never miss a fun moment in Function Junction. If you’re going to rent a car in Canada, you won’t have to worry about the distance.

I recommend staying at Nita Lake Lodge in the nearby Creekside if you want to splurge on your stay.

Other accommodation options in the Function Junction area

6. Alta Vista – where to stay in Whistler for the sights

If you’re looking for a place to stay where you can be close to the lake but also be just a short drive from the ski-friendly areas in Whistler, Alta Vista is a great choice. This secluded neighborhood offers some magnificent views of Alta Lake. It also features one of the most famous open-air landmarks in the area, Lakeside Park.

Alta Vista is dominantly a residential neighborhood and other than the park and natural sights, there aren’t really any eateries or fun facilities you can visit. This can either come as a pro or a con, depending on the type of stay you’re after.

This being said, note that there are also limited accommodation options here, almost exclusively limited to what I found for you below.

Other accommodation options in the Alta Vista area

BONUS: Best hotels in Whistler for skiing

If you’re visiting Whistler, chances are you’re into skiing and are looking for the best deal for your next winter adventure. I’ve included the best Whistler hotels for ski-in/ski-out options and ski storage. I present to you the options from the most to least expensive (from US$100 – US$500 per night).

1. Blackcomb Springs Suites by CLIQUE
Blackcomb Springs Suites has ski-to-door access within walking distance to the closest ski lift. The main village part is also 10 minutes away, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on other entertainment activities either! The only downside that explains the slightly lower rating than I would usually recommend is that there is no breakfast offer.

2. Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
Presenting one of my personal favorites when it comes to the best ski-friendly hotels in Whistler, with an outdoor swimming pool, two hot tubs, and a 2-minute walk from the Blackcomb Gondola. Boasting a spa and wellness center, it’s no wonder why Westin Resort is prioritized by wellness enthusiasts. And if you’re bringing pets, this hotel is super pet-friendly!

3. Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a fantastic place to stay for avid skiers. Within walking distance from the Magic Chair, Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola, Fitzsimmons Express, and Whistler Village Gondola, you can choose a different route every time. Recharge your batteries in the steam room, sauna, 2 swimming pools, and a delicious restaurant. Long-distance walkers can stroll to the Lost Lake for beautiful sights.

4. Legends
With direct access to the main ski lift, this legendary (pun intended) hotel is another perfect solution for skiing aficionados. Ski-in and ski-out with the Creekside Gondola literally being at the hotel’s door. The vicinity of the Alpha and Nita Lakes makes for an incredibly scenic location recommended for extended stays.

FAQs about where to stay in Whistler

🧳 What part of Whistler should I stay in?

I recommend the Village Center (especially the Sundial Hotel) if you’re visiting for the first time and want to stay in the main village area. For a more secluded stay, choose the Upper Village or Creekside.

🎿 Is it better to stay in Whistler Village or Creekside?

Whistler Village is a better choice if you’re equally interested in skiing, sightseeing, and fine dining. However, if you prefer a quieter alternative in nature, Creekside is better, and Nita Lake Lodge is the accommodation I recommend here.

🗓️ What is the best month to visit Whistler?

For skiing, visit from December to March. The best time for summer activities is from June to August.

🚙 Can you do Whistler without a car?

Yes. Most of the activities around Whistler are doable without a car, and everything is super close unless you want to visit Lost Lake and other natural sights a bit further from the village. In this case, consider car rental.

Conclusion

There you go, my dear readers. You now have a complete overview of the best areas to stay in Whistler. As you can see, Whistler Village and its areas are where some of the best hotels in Whistler are located and also where all the après ski action takes place.

Creekside and Alta Vista, on the other hand, are better if you want to fully immerse yourself in nature, hiking, and staying away from the crowds.

If you’re overwhelmed by the number of hotels I included above and still can’t make up your mind about where to stay in Whistler, I’ll share my 2 absolute favorite hotels:

• Sundial Hotel – a luxury boutique hotel with perfect location, service, and amenities like a rooftop hot tub, swimming pool, and a private hot tub.
• Fairmont Chateau – if I were coming to Whistler for skiing, I would stay at this charming place with a rustic atmosphere.

Now that you know where to stay in Whistler, I suggest you book your accommodation in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the ski season. It’s better to be safe knowing you have picked the best offer, including seasonal packages and deals!

Should you have any questions or suggestions, drop a comment below. I’ll be happy to answer!

Wishing you a pleasant journey,

Darija

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