Best spots in Whistler for families
Best spots in Whistler for families
Posted on February 05, 2024
What better place to celebrate the family holidays than in Whistler, where people come to have fun, connect with nature, and spend quality time together. It’s reflected in the smiles everywhere and the authentic and happy people you meet. Here are some quick tips for your next winter family holiday:
WHISTLER ACCOMMODATION FOR FAMILIES
When you have little ones, quick and easy access to food and activities is key. At Crystal Lodge guests love the fact that they’re centrally located on the Whistler Village Stroll just steps from the gondolas, shops, and restaurants. Kids get to enjoy the outdoor heated pool and hot tub while floating on their backs and catching snowflakes on their tongues. Moms love the fact that there’s a variety of room categories to choose the best fit for their family’s needs. And for Dad – it’s easy to get your kids’ ski equipment to the base of the mountain with our secure ski valet service and a quick 1-minute walk to the gondola.
At the end of an adventurous day, enjoy a round of ping pong in the Games Room while your gear drys off in the boot and glove drying rooms.
Deluxe Studios contain great little snack bars, which we fondly call wet bars due to their handy nature. For those wanting a full kitchen, then Junior King Studio and Lofts Suites are a great fit. If it’s privacy you seek, then be sure to check out our Two and Three Bedroom Suites.
Activities for Families
Whistler is one of the most family-friendly resorts in Canada, and there are many activities for families.
Skiing/Snowboarding
Absolutely, skiing/snowboarding is the most popular thing to do with your family on a winter mountain holiday. Winter season runs from December to April in Whistler, and if you’re coming for Family Day in February or Spring Break in March, these are very snowy months.
Whistler Mountain is home to two Family Fun Zones. Located in the mid-mountain area, the mountain is home to a large Tree Fort winter playground. The Tree Fort can be accessed via the Bear Club trail, close to the Big Red Express. There is also a Family Zone within the Whistler Mountain Terrain Park for all ages, from beginners to experts, to practice their skills.
Blackcomb Mountain is home to another couple of Family Fun Zones. Blackcomb’s Magic Castle can be found within the mountain’s Children’s Adventure Park. The area is accessible via the Easy Out trail just above the base of the Catskinner Chairlift.
TW / Justa Jeskova
bubly™ Tube Park
Another enjoyable family activity that gets you out on the snow is tubing. It doesn’t require special skills, just the willingness to go fast on snow! At the base of Blackcomb Mountain is Bubly Tube Park. The park has 7 tubing lanes ranging in difficulty from the mini slope up to the heart-pumping fast lanes—everything from slow, easy lanes for the kids to steeper, longer trails for the more adventurous. There is even a magic conveyer to get you up the hill, making it a safe way to get up. Just a few minutes walk from the mid-station on the Excalibur Gondola from Whistler Village, and as soon as you arrive, you will hear the music and the kids playing! For more information, please visit here.
Ziptrek
Adventure together with your family! There is nothing like getting out of your comfort zone, cheering each other on and making memories for family bonding.
The best zipline tour choice for the whole family can depend on the level of adventure you’re looking for. The Bear Tour is great for families with younger children, and tandem ziplining (with a guide) is available for kids on the lighter side. The Eagle Tour is perfect for families who have ziplined before or are after an adrenaline rush!
Ice Skating
Whenever you tire of the snow, head to town for another must-do winter activity: ice skating! Whistler’s outdoor skating rink is an unmissable family attraction at the Olympic Plaza. Open every day, you pay an affordable $2 entrance fee per person and can rent skates for another $9 (or bring your own). There are also free skating aids available for anyone who lacks confidence on the ice.
Events for Families
The followings are a small selection of large, family-friendly events that happen over winter in whistler, and something is happening every day with plenty of smaller events during the holiday season.
Vallea Lumina
One family-friendly event that did happen for sure in 2023 was Vallea Lumina. The illuminated multi-media light night walk opens every day after sundown, with tours leaving every half hour or so. Vallea Lumina usually costs about $35 for adults ages 16 or older and $30 for youth ages 6 to 15. Children under the age of 6 got in for free, as always.
P: Mike Crane
Fire and Ice Show
Every Sunday night, grab the kids and head to skiers plaza for Whistler Blackcomb’s Fire and Ice show, which is complimentary to all ages for a night of entertainment. Performers will entertain you with an electric mix of music, dance, and fire spinning. Watch world-class athletes flipping and twisting through a burning fire ring, then finish the night with a first-class fireworks display. For more information about this fantastic event, please visit here.
Winter in Whistler is such a fantastic time, especially for families. At Crystal Lodge, we love to make everybody’s experience one that they will never forget. Our expert Reservations Team has experience helping people create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions on how to make your Whistler getaway unforgettable, you can contact our Reservations Team. They can assist you in finding Whistler accommodation at the best rates and offers we have at [email protected] or 1 800 667 3363.