For Multi-Sport Days, Nothing Beats Whistler in Spring

Skiers and snowboarders the world over hold Whistler Blackcomb in high regard as the largest ski area in North America. It’s a veritable winter wonderland — that much we know. But Whistler is so much more than its slopes, especially in spring. In fact, many locals and sage travelers say spring is the time to visit for an even wider range of action sports, outdoor thrills, and big wilderness — plus the bustling arts, dining, and entertainment scene that “the Village” is known for.

There are two main reasons for this: First, as the seasons transition, you can enjoy early spring savings and more availability at local accommodations, culinary deals, and better value on everything Whistler has to offer (including end-of-season skiing). Second, as the days stretch out and thaw, you can take even more advantage of Whistler’s two dozen multi-sport activities in a single day.

To help you plan, save, and make the most of a trip to wonderful Whistler this spring, here are five things nature lovers, energetic travelers, and active couples and families should consider before booking their next stay.

More daylight, more sports

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

It goes without saying just how fast time flies. The good news is that the days get longer (and warmer) in Whistler with the arrival of spring. That means more time for biking, hiking, zip-lining, and other outdoor recreation (plus the start of golf season). Of course, ski season doesn’t end with the arrival of spring, either. So you still get Whistler and Blackcomb’s world-class slopes on top of all the added activities and daylight that shines on the Fitzsimmons Range in the Coast Mountains beginning in March. (Fun fact: March is the snowiest month.)

Maybe you’ll dedicate one spring day to water sports: Wake up to waterfront yoga, rent a SUP at Lakeside Park, take it for a spin on Alta Lake, and then up the exhilaration with some whitewater rafting on the Green River. You could start another day with righteous groomers off Blackcomb’s 7th Heaven lift, then swap the snow for a beautifully forested cross-country bike trail near Lost Lake to experience one of the area’s most peaceful pockets. (To pair downhill with downhill, Whistler Mountain Bike Park generally opens in May, too.)

Want a slower pace with a hint of a thrill? You could book a morning tee time at one of Whistler’s four golf courses — Big Sky, Nicklaus North, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, or Whistler Golf Club — then venture off-road on a two-hour Easy Rider ATV Tour through the woods. Or perhaps you’d prefer to tackle a sizable section of the Whistler Valley Trail on foot. The car-free trail network that connects Whistler’s neighborhoods and open spaces should be (mostly) snow-free by early spring, so it’s yours to meander.

You get the idea. Whistler in spring is all about two-for-one outdoor fun.

It takes a village

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

Is après-winter a thing? It should be. Because the arts, entertainment, dining, shopping, and cultural energy don’t stop in Whistler at winter’s close. In fact, the pedestrian-friendly Whistler Village is just as vibrant and more temperature-friendly in spring — and there are patios aplenty to lean into the vibe. Earn your Whistler cred at the rollicking The Longhorn Saloon or keep it breezy (literally) at HandleBar.

Late spring kicks off the Whistler Farmers’ Market. Starting in May, producers from across the region congregate at the Upper Village Stroll to share their grown-with-love crops, responsibly raised meats, pre-prepared specialties, and more. May also sees the return of the Whistler Children’s Festival, which has been entertaining families with tunes, scavenger hunts, magic shows, and roving performers for more than 40 years — longer than any other festival in Whistler. In other words, the community heats up in more ways than one with the arrival of spring.

Delicious dining for less

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

Few settings are as stunning as Whistler. But beyond the views, Whistler also “tastes” fantastic as an established culinary hotspot that successfully merges the great outdoors with fine dining. In spring, visitors can sample fresh and inspired new menus at the many restaurants, pubs, and eateries that fill the area.

Coastal-inspired, local-focused Wild Blue is one to have on your radar if you’re feeling celebratory — specifically, the seafood towers (that’s right, plural). Elsewhere, the tapas at Bar Oso and many plates of pasta at Il Caminetto are standouts for continental fare, while Sushi Village brings a whole different culinary tradition to Whistler. For something quicker (and more portable if a picnic in the park or trailside lunch is calling), Portobello is an all-day go-to for breakfast bowls and burritos, signature sammies, and baked goods (try the donuts).

Better yet, many participating restaurants offer dining deals and special rates on multi-course meals in spring. New offers on upscale Pacific Northwest cuisine, sustainable seafood, charcuterie boards, farmers market fare, noodle bowls, and loaded waffles begin mid-March — just in time to complement the overall value of spring.

Stay longer, save more

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Mirae Campbell/Scandinave Spa

Truth be told, there’s never a bad time to visit Whistler. But during spring, when virtually every activity is available, it just makes sense. This is especially true for travelers seeking extra discounts to prolong and maximize their vacation dollars. With so many ways to save in spring, you’ll want to stay longer to take it all in.

For guests coming from Ontario, additional discounts and spring savings are offered to those who extend their stay to more than just a weekend. Talk about a great way to take advantage of all the activities that spring affords without breaking the bank. Stay longer and do more for less — it’s a no-brainer.