It’s a horrifying confession to make, and one that has gotten me judged many a time, but I, Christina, am a Vancouver-born Canadian who does. not. ski.

Blessed with the grace of a baby deer and the coordination of a drunk bumblebee, skiing was never in the cards for me, and as I grow older and more brittle, it’s looking like it never will.

But if you’re the type of person who is searching up winter “things to do in Whistler besides skiing” then I’d venture to guess we have a thing or two in common.

Luckily for you, I’ve been to Whistler countless times in all seasons, from day trips with friends and overnight trips with family to very, very cold Bachelorette weekends. All that to say, I’ve learned first hand just how many wintery things there are to do in Whistler besides hopping on the slopes.

So, whether you’re a non-skier looking for fun Whistler activities or simply a haggard skier looking for a break (in which case, sorry about all that ski bashing earlier), I bring you a list of fun things to do in Whistler, BC that don’t involve skiing at all. Yay! Enjoy.

1. Spend the day at Scandinave Spa 

I’m going to start with a fun Whistler must-do that is (to me) the opposite of skiing: a day luxuriating in bubbling pools, steamy saunas, and swishy hammocks.

Truly, if you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Whistler, a visit to Scandinave Spa is worth the splurge.

This spa features a dry steam room along with hot and cold pools outside surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. There are waterfall features and greenery everywhere you look (or snow!) which makes it perfect for true relaxation in nature.

The best part? They enforce a silence / no phone policy here, meaning true uninterrupted peace… although if you want to snap a gloaty photo, you can do so from the on-site bistro as I did here:

2. Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

For those unafraid of heights, a ride on the legendary PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is an unforgettable winter must-do in Whistler.

Connecting the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb, this unique ride boasts one of the world’s “longest unsupported span between two cable car towers”, offering unmatched views of Whistler’s breathtaking landscapes as you’re strung along a 4.4-kilometre (2.7 mile), 11-minute journey.

The views on this are truly next-level and (once you get over the panic of moving 7.5 metres per second) it can be quite the relaxing ride too.

PS: While boarding, keep an eye out for these blue gondolas – they’re the ones with the glass floors, which give an even cooler and more unique perspective.

3. Go tubing

If you’re looking for fun ways to go downhill on the slopes in Whistler without having to learn how to ski or snowboard, then an easy beginner-friendly alternative is going tubing!

Thebubly™ Tube Park offers over 1000 feet of sliding opportunities, along with a conveyor lift that saves you from walking uphill each time.

And while tubing is often dismissed as a kids’ activity, I dare you to not have fun while hurling yourself down a snowy mountain in a giant donut.

At less than $30 an hour, it’s also a fairly affordable winter activity in Whistler, compared to the cost of lift passes/equipment rentals you need for skiing and snowboarding.

You can access the park via the Excalibur Gondola in Whistler Village, and the ride up is even free!

4. Enjoy a unique Passenger Bobsleigh experience

When the Whistler Sliding Centre opened up in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics, it became the world’s fastest bobsled track… 

And guess what? It is still the only place in the country where members of the public like you and me can try out bobsledding with zero prior experience.

Yes, visit the Whistler Sliding Centre and you can hop in a real bobsleigh that charges through ten twists and turns, reaching spine-tingling speeds of over 125 km an hour. Don’t worry though – you’ll be driven around by a trained professional, so all you need to do is worry about feeling the rush.

This experience is only available from December to April, making it a winter Whistler must-do! Learn more here.

5. Go on a snowmobile tour

While skiing and snowboarding are the go-to ways to explore the snowy terrains of Whistler, another pretty epic option is snowmobiling.

There are a lot of different snowmobile companies to choose from in Whistler, with plentiful options whether you’re looking to go for a tour, self-guided or even after-hours.

This highly rated tour takes you through Callaghan Valley and brings you to see an abandoned gold mine, while this one includes famous sights from the Olympics and an optional add-on breakfast.

For bonus fun points, play some music in your head and pretend like you’re on some kind of winter wonderland version of Baywatch.

6. Enjoy some mountain-top fondue 

Cheesy fondue via snowmobile 6000 ft above ground? Yes, this might sound like one of those crazy dates they’d have on The Bachelor, but it is indeed a real Whistler winter activity that you can book.

This 4 hour experience can be booked via Canadian Wilderness Adventures, and involves driving yourself up Blackcomb Mountain on a snowmobile to then enjoy a cozy meal up at the Crystal Lodge, live musical entertainment included.

PS: Not into cheese? This company also offers snowmobile + steak night experiences as well as breakfast.

7. Do a snowshoeing tour 

The droolworthy winter landscapes of Whistler are truly a sight to behold, and if you’re looking for a relatively easy way to take them all in, then snowshoeing (pretty much just walking with tennis rackets on your feet) is a great option.

Whether you want to go self-guided or with a tour, there are a lot of different options for snowshoers to enjoy.

This highly rated tour lasts 2.5 hours and brings you along the famous Whistler Medicine Trail.

8. Go dogsledding

The only thing more magical than being whisked through the snow-dusted forests of Callaghan Valley is if your guide is a pack of hyper-intelligent and hyper-fluffy sled dogs.

… Luckily yes, dog sledding is another winter thing you can do in Whistler!

This 3 hour roundtrip experience via Canadian Wilderness Adventures allows you to explore a forested trail with a powerful team of sled dogs, learning commands and how-tos through a professional musher who helps you harness and stage the majestic floofs.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable Whistler winter activity and are willing to pay the big bucks for it (because yes, it’s an expensive experience!), then be sure to add dog sledding in Whistler to your bucket list.

9. Go bungee jumping

Since 2002, Whistler Bungee has been the go-to place for adrenaline junkies to hurl themselves off a bridge…

And yes, the experience is available year-round, meaning you’re fresh out of excuses if you want to blame the weather! 

Bungee jumping is an amazing winter thing to do in Whistler because of the jump’s scenic surroundings. Time your visit properly and you’ll be surrounded by snow-dusted trees (or even be jumping as it snows). 

The only thing more thrilling than a bungee jump is doing it in the middle of Narnia, so be sure to add this experience to your winter in Whistler bucket list!

10. Go ziplining

If you’re that special brand of scaredy cat that won’t ski but is happy to yeet themselves off into a naturey abyss, then ziplining is definitely another Whistler winter activity to add to your list!

There are two main companies that offer ziplining in Whistler year-round:

• ZipTrek: Known for ‘the Sasquatch’, AKA the longest zipline in North America, but also has their Eagle Tour which runs year-round
• SuperFly: Fun zipline experience ft. 4 tandem ziplines – has a winter version too so a great adventurous activity for any time of year

PS: There actually is photographic evidence of me being brave enough to do this, but fair warning – I had to block out my ex.

11. Do the Vallea Lumina Trail

For a truly enchanting night-time activity, head to the Vallea Lumina Trail to walk through a forest illuminated with pretty light installations.

Vallea Lumina takes place in the Cougar Mountain area, a serene forested landscape near Whistler. The experience blends technology and artistry to create an otherworldly atmosphere where participants can engage with the natural surroundings in a new way.

The trail is illuminated with a combination of lighting effects, projection mapping, soundscapes, and interactive elements that create a fantastical narrative throughout the journey. It would definitely make for a unique and romantic date-night idea!

12. Go on a scenic plane tour 

Okay, so it’s not the cheapest thing to do in Whistler, but if you want to enjoy Whistler’s scenic peaks and views from a unique vantage point, yes, there are plane/helicopter tours that you can book.

In fact, for those who are willing to pay the price, there is a shocking selection of helicopter tours to choose from… whether you want to explore an ice cave or volcano, have a mountain-top picnic or golf game, or literally if you even want to get married, there are Whistler helicopter tours that can help you do just that. 

From my research, it seems that No Limits Heli Adventures is one of the few companies to do regular flights in the winter time, so be sure to check them out!

13. Sample vodka in the world’s coldest vodka tasting room

Okay, sipping on vodka at -32 degrees Celsius (that’s -25 Fahrenheit) might sound like a truly insane idea of fun, but if you’re looking for unique winter activities in Whistler that don’t involve the mountains, then the Ketel One Ice Room might just be the place.

Located at Bearfoot Bistro in the heart of Whistler Village, this below-freezing experience allows you to sample different vodkas from around the world in a room so cold that it’s literally the only place that does it.

Of course, the room itself is fully decked out with ice shelves/display cases… and you get a giant warm parka to prevent unwanted consequences such as dying.

14. Enjoy some Australian-style pies

Peaked Pies is an Australian bakery-café that was originally created to give the (MANY) Australians living in Whistler a taste of home.

Boasting what may be the cutest origin story of any Whistler business, it is said that Peaked Pies was born when a Canadian guy met an Aussie gal at a Whistler pub, and he made her a tasty Australian-style meat pie as a remedy for her homesickness. Apparently, the pie was so good they built an entire business around it, now with three locations!

Whistler is of course the OG location though, so be sure to stop by for comforting savoury meat pies, sweet pies, and other Aussie-style coffees/desserts. If you’re looking for a quick and Whistler-affordable bite to eat, then this is the place.

15. Partake in some après-ski action

I have a fun little secret: even if you’re not skiing during your time in Whistler, you can still take part in one of the best parts of ski culture: après ski!

Because yes, after a long day of gliding down mountains, there’s nothing skiers love more than drinking their faces off, often imbibing in shots served off skis or buying pricey bottles brought out by sparkler-wielding servers like some religious relic.

You’ll find no shortage of fun places to enjoy an après-ski party in Whistler, but the Longhorn Saloon is by far the loudest and most delightfully obnoxious.

16. Enjoy a beautiful brunch

Brunch is practically a religion in Vancouver, so little surprise it’s a big deal in Whistler too.

And while there are tons of places in Whistler that will offer you fancy eggs and cocktails, my personal pick is a spot called Hunter Gather.

It’s a bit tucked away from the touristy main drag of Whistler Village, but it’s home to some of the tastiest brunch dishes you’ll ever try in your life, all in a cheerful and unpretentious atmosphere – just how I like it.

17. Visit Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center 

While we’ve covered a lot of winter things to do in Whistler that involve the great outdoors, we have to face the sad reality that sometimes, weather isn’t in your favour in Whistler.

But that’s okay! Because there are quite a few rainy-day friendly activities to enjoy as well. 

One of the best ones is a visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center, where you’ll find a variety of exhibits that showcase the cultural heritage of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. The centre aims to promote cross-cultural understanding, share Indigenous knowledge, and contribute to the overall appreciation of Indigenous art, history, and way of life.

The centre also offers workshops and programs that allow visitors to engage more deeply with Indigenous traditions. These workshops often include activities like traditional craft-making, weaving, storytelling, and learning about the significance of Indigenous art forms.

The Audain Art Museum is a prominent cultural institution in Whistler that showcases a diverse collection of art, with a focus on the art of British Columbia, indigenous works, and other important pieces from Canada and around the world.

If you’re in need of some culture, make sure you visit! The museum’s building is a work of art in itself. Designed by architect John Patkau, the structure seamlessly blends modern design with the surrounding natural environment.

The museum houses a significant and growing collection of artworks that span a wide range of artistic styles, mediums, and time periods. The collection includes pieces from indigenous artists, historical Canadian artists, contemporary artists, and international works.

Notably, the collection also features works by prominent British Columbia artists such as Emily Carr and E.J. Hughes.

19. Visit Whistler Museum

This interesting local history museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and development of the Whistler area, including its transformation from a small mountain community into a world-renowned resort destination.

The Whistler Museum features a variety of exhibits that highlight the history, culture, and evolution of the Whistler area. Topics covered include the early pioneers and settlers, the development of the ski resort, the 2010 Winter Olympics hosted in Whistler, and the unique mountain lifestyle that has emerged in the region.

This museum is another excellent option for when the weather isn’t great, or if you’re more interested in learning about the history of Whistler as a ski resort than actually going skiing yourself!

20. Try an escape game 

Another fun indoor Whistler activity is Whistler Escape Rooms, which is centrally located in the Hilton Hotel in Whistler Village. 

If you’ve never tried an escape room before, I promise it’s a lot more fun than it sounds! Long story short, you get locked in a room.

…

And theeeen you get to solve puzzles and figure out clues to find your way out. See, I told you it’s actually fun.

Escape! Whistler offers several themed rooms, all of which give you a time limit of 45 minutes. If you want to test the boundaries of trust/teamwork with your friends and family, then this is one super fun winter-friendly activity in Whistler you should try.

21. Enjoy the most amazing baked goods

Purebread is a Whistler institution that has been serving up the most beautiful spread of sweet and savoury goodies since 2008, when they first began selling at local markets.

Over a decade and six locations later, Purebread remains a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike. If you’re looking for a place to treat yourself, run to your nearest Purebread location (there are two in Whistler!) and let your senses guide you.

There are really no misses here, although I’m very partial to their Millionaire’s Shortbread.

22. Do some axe throwing

Another very fun, very Canadian thing to do in Whistler? It’s time to throw some axes! Yay!

This one hour axe throwing experience will have you feeling like a true Canadian lumberjack in no time, with a briefing when you arrive on safety and how to throw the axes, before you get time to perfect your aim. This makes for a very off-beat date idea or just a fun outing for a family or group of friends.

Don’t feel like axes will cut it? You can also book a shooting experience in Whistler and learn how to shoot guns in a safe environment.

23. Drive out to see the Whistler train wreck

The Whistler Train Wreck is a unique outdoor attraction located around a ten-minute drive from Whistler Village.

It’s not an actual train wreck site (or at least, not anymore) but rather an art installation featuring several colourful boxcars from a train that derailed decades ago. The train cars have been painted and decorated by various artists, creating a visually striking and Instagram-worthy destination.

The train cars that make up the Train Wreck site are remnants of a train derailment that occurred in the 1950s. The cars came to rest in the dense forest alongside the Cheakamus River. Over time, the cars became a canvas for artists and graffiti enthusiasts.

The Train Wreck site is located in a forested area near the Cheakamus River, accessible via a hiking trail. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to explore, take photographs, and enjoy the unconventional art display.

24. Enjoy a Whistler dining tour

Looking for a more food-forward activity? Foodies heading to Whistler should definitely take advantage of this unique dining tour experience where you’ll get to enjoy some hidden culinary gems throughout Whistler Village!

This delightful tour meanders through some of the best attractions in Whistler as well as to some lesser-known (but excellent) eateries, with a local guide to give you insider info with fun trivia games along the way. Seriously, food, trivia and museums? All of my favourite things!

The best part is definitely getting to eat tapas, charcuterie, a main course, chocolates AND dessert, with an option to add on some drink pairings, so make sure you come hungry.

25. Visit Whistler Brewing Company

The Whistler Brewing Company is a well-known local craft brewery that produces beers that capture the essence of the Whistler mountain lifestyle.

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11am visitors can join a guided brewery tour that provides insight into the brewing process, the ingredients used, and the history of the company. Four different beers are also included for you to sample, of course.

Alternatively, you can also just visit the taphouse to try out any beers and non-alcoholic drinks you like, while also having a light meal. The outdoor seating areas are dog-friendly and they even host fundraising events for the local shelter or BC SPCA with plenty of pups so it’s a great destination for dog lovers!

26. Have some awesome and hilarious ice cream 

If you’re wondering why we’d include inhaling ice cream in a list of “things to do in Whistler during the winter”, the answer is: there’s no bad time to be inhaling ice cream.

Rain or shine, snow or sun, winter or summer, COWS is a Whistler institution that scoops up the most udderly delightful ice cream and cow-themed merchandise.

What started out on Prince Edward Island in the 80s as a small creamery has now become an a-moozing empire with 11 shops across Canada (plus one in China).

No trip to Whistler is complete without a trip to COWS, if even just to giggle at the punny merch and suck in that irresistible smell of fresh-baked waffle cones.

For more incredible views, you can drive the hour back towards Vancouver to Squamish and experience another aerial journey up a mountainside; the Sea to Sky Gondola!

This scenic gondola ride takes you 885 meters (2,903 feet) to the summit of Mt. Habrich, with breathtaking views of the surrounding coastal landscape, including the Howe Sound fjord and the Coast Mountains.

The journey takes about ten minutes, but once at the top, there are more viewing platforms, a lodge with a lovely restaurant and a variety of hikes you can do in the area. You can also walk across the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge – if you dare!

Did I miss any of your favourite Whistler things to do?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more winter Whistler activities to the list.