This post is for anyone who’s planning their family vacations in BC; a visit to Whistler with kids is an absolute must. I’ll cover when to visit Whistler, how to get to Whistler, and the best hotels in Whistler for families to suit any budget. Find out where to stay in Whistler for your next family trip!
Whistler Blackcomb may be the ultimate destination for hardcore skiers and snowboarders, but it’s also an amazing place for families. We’ve been going to Whistler for the past four years now, and each time we visit it’s a completely different experience.
There are plenty of things to do in Whistler with kids – read our post to find out why we spend our winter and spring break vacations in Whistler, Blackcomb. And, if you need a guidebook, we recommend this one of Vancouver & Whistler by Moon Guides.
When to Visit Whistler
Before deciding to go to Whistler, do some research. Snow conditions are best between late January and mid-February, if you’re REALLY into skiing. The resort is comprised of two adjacent mountains which are connected by the Peak to Peak gondola.
Its 8,100 acres of terrain receive an annual average of 360 inches of snow, and are divided into 15% beginner, 55% intermediate, 15% advanced and 15% expert trails. Since my kids are novice skiers, this year we visited at the end of March, to avoid a lot of the hardcore ski enthusiasts.
How to get to Whistler
We booked transportation from Vancouver airport directly to our AirBnB rental (click here to get $25 off your first AirBnb rental) in Whistler through Pacific Coach. The bus ride to Whistler Village was roughly 2 hours since the weather was nice and clear. Add another hour if conditions are bad. An adult ticket will cost you $55 and $25 per child, which was not bad considering the length of the route. There is WIFI on board and they also give discounts if you travel with more than 4 in your group. Whistler is a very pedestrian-friendly city, so you really don’t need to rent a car when you get there.
If you’re in Vancouver, you can book your bus ride from downtown Vancouver to Whistler below:
The Best Hotels in Whistler for Families
One of the biggest to-dos of planning a family trip to Whistler is figuring out where to stay. There are 100s of hotels in Whistler, but not every one of them is family-friendly. Wondering what’s the best place to stay in Whistler, Blackcomb? Here’s a list of our favorite kid-friendly hotels in Whistler and alternative Whistler family accommodations that’s guaranteed to fit any family travel budget.
Every time we visit Whistler, we pick a new accommodation to stay at, so we can get a feel for the place, and of course recommend a larger selection of places to suit every budget.
Budget Whistler Accommodations
| Accommodation Name | Check Prices |
|---|---|
| AirBnB | Get $25 off your first AirBnB booking |
| Blackcomb Lodge | Click here to check the latest prices |
| Whistler Village Inn & Suites | Check the latest rates & availability |
| Coast Blackcomb Suites | Check the latest rates & availability |
In the past we’ve used Airbnb (click here to get $25 off your first booking) which gives us the opportunity to go to the grocery store and cook our own meals. It’s a great option if you’re on a budget.
Other budget hotel recommendations: Blackcomb Lodge, Whistler Village Inn & Suites, Coast Blackcomb Suites
Mid-Range Whistler Hotel: Aava Whistler Hotel
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgrYPiegyN6/?taken-by=aavawhistlerhotel
| Hotel Name | Star Rating | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Aava Whistler Hotel | *** | Click to find the latest prices & availability |
| Summit Lodge | **** | Click to find the latest prices & availability |
| Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside | **** | Click here to check the latest prices |
The Aava Whistler Hotel is located just minutes away from Whistler Stroll in the heart of the charming Whistler Village. The location is very convenient and you’re able to get up in the mornings and walk over to the ski lifts. They have junior suites and if you’re a larger family traveling together, two bedroom suites to suit your travel needs. Bonus points for being a dog-friendly hotel in Whistler!
Other recommendations: Summit Lodge, Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
High End Whistler Hotel: Four Seasons Whistler
| Hotel Name | Star Rating | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Whistler | ***** | Click to find the latest prices & availability |
| Fairmont Chateau Whistler | ***** | Click to find the latest prices & availability |
| Westin Resort & Spa Whistler | **** | Click here to check the latest prices |
On one of our trips, we splurged and stayed at Four Seasons Whistler and oh boy, did we get to indulge. We appreciate the attention to detail that the hotel provides, and in the winter time, the kids absolutely loved coming from the slopes and roasting s’mores at the fire pit and drinking some hot chocolate.
Other recommendations: Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Westin Resort & Spa Whistler
Can’t find a hotel you like on this list? Here are even more hotels in Whistler Blackcomb
If you visited Whistler with family, what was your favorite family-friendly hotel? If you’re a local, tell me the best hotels in Whistler for families to recommend to our tribe of family travelers!
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Recommended Reading for Planning Your Ski Trip to Whistler, Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada
- Wondering where to eat in Whistler? Check out our list of top Kid-friendly Restaurants in Whistler, Canada
- There’s plenty to do in Whistler, Blackcomb with kids – read our post on why you should Spend Your Winter Vacation in Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
- Our trips to Whistler always start off with spending a couple of days in Vancouver. It’s a city that’s incredibly diverse and especially kid-friendly. Here’s 5 things to do in Vancouver BC with kids and for the foodie families, you cannot miss Richmond Night Market in Vancouver
- Don’t forget to check out Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment: The Coolest Park in Richmond, Canada.
- A couple of recommended culinary and sightseeing tours you must take in Vancouver