Things to Do in Whistler with Family: The Ultimate Guide for a Whistler Family Vacation
Whistler, just a two-hour drive from Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, is one of Canada’s top destinations for families. Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, the resort town is packed with Whistler family activities — from outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to kid-friendly dining and entertainment.
If you’re planning a Whistler family vacation, the journey is as important as the destination. Driving with kids on winding roads can be tiring, which is why many families prefer private limousine transfers from Vancouver to Whistler. Spacious, comfortable, and stress-free, a limo lets your vacation start the moment you leave Vancouver. You can book a one-way transfer or a round-trip transfer for complete flexibility.
Here’s a detailed guide to the best family things to do in Whistler, plus a 3-day Whistler family vacation itinerary at the end to help you plan your trip.
PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola – Sky-High Family Adventure
- Why it’s perfect for families: The world-famous gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, giving kids and parents incredible 360-degree views.
- What to do:
- Ride the glass-bottom cabins for extra thrills.
- Try short, easy alpine hikes like the Alpine Loop.
- Stop for a family lunch at the Roundhouse Lodge.
- Ride the glass-bottom cabins for extra thrills.
Best time: Summer for hiking (June–September) or winter for skiing (December–March).
Explore Whistler Village – Heart of Whistler Family Activities
The pedestrian-only village is safe, lively, and full of attractions.
- Family highlights:
- Olympic Plaza Playground with slides and climbing structures.
- Candy shops, toy stores, and ice cream parlors.
- Seasonal festivals, live music, and free family-friendly events.
- Olympic Plaza Playground with slides and climbing structures.
- Family highlights:
Lost Lake Park – Summer Fun for Families
- Activities: Swimming, paddleboarding, biking trails, and lakeside picnics.
- Why families love it: Shallow water zones make it safe for kids, and trails are stroller-friendly.
- Best time: Summer and early fall.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre – Cultural Whistler Family Activity
- Highlights for kids and parents:
- Storytelling, drumming, and cultural performances.
- Hands-on workshops like drum-making or crafts.
- Indigenous-inspired café for family meals.
- Storytelling, drumming, and cultural performances.
Best time: Open year-round; a perfect rainy-day activity.
- Highlights for kids and parents:
Winter in Whistler – The Ultimate Family Snow Adventure
If your Whistler family vacation is in winter, here’s what to try:
- Whistler Blackcomb Ski School – Kids learn to ski with top instructors.
- Coca-Cola Tube Park – High-energy tubing lanes for all ages.
- Olympic Plaza Ice Rink – Skate under twinkling lights.
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides – Magical evening activity.
Snowshoe tours – Easy trails like Lost Lake Loop are beginner-friendly.
Summer in Whistler – Outdoor Family Fun
When the snow melts, the mountains transform into an adventure playground.
- Family activities:
- Ziptrek Ecotours (Kids Zip) – Safe ziplining designed for children.
- Whistler Bike Park (Family Zone) – Beginner-friendly biking trails.
- Alta Lake & Green Lake – Canoeing, kayaking, or beach days.
- Bear viewing tours – See Whistler’s black bears safely with a guide.
- Family hikes:
- Train Wreck Trail – Colorful graffiti-covered train cars.
- Train Wreck Trail – Colorful graffiti-covered train cars.
- Ziptrek Ecotours (Kids Zip) – Safe ziplining designed for children.
Brandywine Falls – Short walk to a dramatic waterfall.
- Family activities:
Family-Friendly Dining in Whistler
Food is a big part of any Whistler family vacation.
- Best restaurants for kids:
- Creekbread – Wood-fired pizzas.
- The Old Spaghetti Factory – Comfort food for all ages.
- Caramba! – Mediterranean family favorites.
- Creekbread – Wood-fired pizzas.
Cows Ice Cream – A must for dessert.
- Best restaurants for kids:
Rainy-Day Whistler Family Activities
Even when it rains, Whistler has indoor fun for families.
- Escape! Whistler – Kid-friendly escape rooms.
- Meadow Park Sports Centre – Pool with slides and play areas.
- Audain Art Museum – Inspires older kids with Canadian art.
Rainy-Day Whistler Family Activities
Getting to Whistler can be tricky with luggage, strollers, and kids. That’s why families love
private limousine transfers.
- Why book a limo for your Whistler family vacation:
- Spacious seating for kids and gear.
- Booster seats and entertainment onboard.
- Professional chauffeurs are familiar with mountain roads.
- Flexibility to stop at Shannon Falls or Sea to Sky Gondola along the way.
- Options for one-way trips or round-trip Whistler family vacation packages, so you can plan exactly how you want.
- Spacious seating for kids and gear.
With a limo, your family arrives relaxed, refreshed, and ready to explore.
3-Day Whistler Family Vacation Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Village Fun
- Take a private limo from Vancouver to Whistler, enjoying stops at Shannon Falls for photos.
- Check into your hotel or lodge.
- Explore Whistler Village: stroll through shops, let the kids play at Olympic Plaza Playground, and enjoy dinner at Creekbread (famous for family-style pizzas).
Day 2 – Mountain Adventure
- Morning: Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola for jaw-dropping mountain views.
- Afternoon: Choose your adventure based on the season:
- Winter – Skiing or snow tubing at Coca-Cola Tube Park.
- Summer – Family hike to Train Wreck Trail or swimming at Lost Lake.
- Winter – Skiing or snow tubing at Coca-Cola Tube Park.
- Evening: Ice skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza (winter) or lakeside picnic dinner (summer).
Day 3 – Culture & Departure
- Morning: Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for Indigenous storytelling and workshops.
- Afternoon: Enjoy one last family meal at The Old Spaghetti Factory or Caramba!.
- Return with your round-trip limousine transfer back to Vancouver — relaxed and stress-free after your adventure.
Final Thoughts
Whistler is one of Canada’s best destinations for families, with activities that balance adventure, learning, and relaxation. From gondola rides and snowy fun to lakeside picnics and cultural experiences, there are endless family things to do in Whistler.
Make your trip even better by booking a private limousine transfer. Whether you need a one-way transfer or a round-trip Whistler family vacation package, a limo ensures your journey is just as enjoyable as your destination.
