Whistler is an iconic vacation destination, boasting beautiful views and action-packed activities year-round.

While “shoulder season” tends to be a slower time, there is still plenty to enjoy. An early May trip brings a mix of rain and sun, early blooms, and local wildlife. Hungry bears are out and about, so remember to keep your distance and discard trash safely.

Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a culinary experience, or a cultural outing, Whistler provides something for everyone.

1. Book accommodations.

As a resort municipality, Whistler offers a number of accommodation types. Hotels, hostels, AirBnBs and classic BnBs provide easy access to the mountain and surrounding town. The bonus of a spring trip is that many places offer a seasonal discount.

We’d also like to shout out a few of our partners, Sundial Hotel, Pan Pacific Whistler, and Nita Lake Lodge.

2. Visit the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre.

The Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre is a stunning landmark showcasing two distinct cultures that share Whistler as their traditional territory. TEDxWhistler is taking place in this impressive building, and we highly recommend taking a tour of the UNCEDED photo exhibit or sampling local Indigenous cuisine at the cafe.

3. Visit the Audain Art Museum.

Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to the Audain Art Museum. This architecture itself is a showpiece, and is home to a comprehensive permanent collection as well as two special exhibitions, The Collectors’ Cosmos: The Meakins–McClaran Print Collection and Svava Tergesen: Ornamental Cookery.

4. Enjoy spring skiing.

Snow enthusiasts can still score some days on the mountain! Blackcomb is open until May 22 with plenty of slush to get those spring turns, followed by an apres-ski at any number of spots located right at the base of the hill.

5. Try a bike tour.

If you’ve put away your winter gear but still want to experience the outdoors at a fast pace, try a local bike tour. This is a great way to take in Whistler’s breathtaking vistas while getting your heart rate up.

6. Explore the village.

Whistler Village is home to many boutique shops, cafes (including our partner Cafe Artigiano!), and restaurants. This charming stroll also features cultural landmarks like Totem Poles and the Olympic Rings.

7. Unwind at the Scandinave Spa.

Whether you’re planning to spend the day indulging in luxurious treatments or want to soak in the thermal baths after a long day out-and-about, Scandinave Spa (another one of our amazing local partners!) provides the ultimate retreat for disconnecting and relaxing.

8. Sample local cuisine.

Whistler is known for its world-class cuisine, serving up a variety of dishes to suit every palate. Many restaurants are offering spring dining specials, which you can check out here.

9. Vallea Lumina.

Vallea Lumina is a multimedia evening experience that delivers an award-winning immersive light show. Located at Cougar Mountain, this family-friendly adventure is brilliant and breathtaking.

10. Join us for TEDxWhistler!

With limited tickets available, there is still time to snag a seat at this premiere event. Our lineup of inspiring speakers will be sharing their personal stories about finding their “why” and pursuing their purpose.

You can join us in person or online by registering here.

We are also looking for fabulous volunteers to add to our team! Learn more here.