Where to Stay in Whistler (2023 • COOLEST Areas!)

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Best Airbnb in Whistler: A pine-nestled sanctuary right in the action

You’ll be skiing in and out of this place right around the corner from the main lifts, no need to waste a minute of fun. There’s space to dry your gear, and you’re only a short walk away from the main village. The warm lighting, pine views, and hot tub access make this a great place for winding down apres ski.

Best Hostel in Whistler: HI Whistler

HI Whistler was built in 2010 and was at the time used as accommodation for the athletes competing in the Winter Olympics. It has now been turned into a hostel offering private bedrooms with an ensuite bathroom and single beds in mixed, female or male only dormitory rooms. Linens and towels are included, and there is free Wifi access.

Best Budget Hotel in Whistler: Whistler Village Inn and Suites

The Whistler Village Inn & Suites offers regular rooms and studios in the heart of Whistler. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom with a bathtub, air conditioning and a flat screen TV with international channels. The studios have a balcony with a view and a seating area. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool which can be used in all seasons.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Whistler: Summit Lodge and Spa

The Summit Lodge and Spa offer comfortable studios fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a terrace, a kitchenette and a dining area. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool which can be used during the summer, a bar and a restaurant.

FIRST TIME IN WHISTLER

FIRST TIME IN WHISTLER

Upper Whistler

Located within walking distance of the main Whistler Village, Upper Whistler is the perfect place to stay for your first time in Whistler

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ON A BUDGET

ON A BUDGET

Whistler Village

Whistler Village is where most of the action takes place in Whistler. It is a beautiful pedestrian village with lots of shops, restaurants, and a crazy nightlife

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NIGHTLIFE

NIGHTLIFE

Alta Vista

Alta Vista is a small neighbourhood located near a big lake. Lots of hiking and cross-country skiing trails can be found around there, and you will be staying really close to nature

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COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

Function Junction

Until recently, Function junction used to be an industrial and mechanical space where no one really went to in Whistler. However, things have changed and Function Junction is now one of the coolest areas around

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FOR FAMILIES

FOR FAMILIES

Creekside

While it is now overlooked to the profit of Whistler Village, Creekside is actually where the whole Blackcomb resort history started. Indeed, Creekside was the place where the first chair to go skiing was installed years ago

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Whistler in the home of Whistler Blackcomb, one of the most famous and largest ski resorts in North America. It is located a couple hours drive away from Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia, Canada.

Whislter is most popular during the winter, but also has a lot of summer activities to offer. If you are into hiking, zip lining or golfing, among others, Whistler could be your dream summer destination too!

The beating heart of Whistler is Whistler Village, the most urbanised area of the resort. This is where you will be able to find most shops, restaurants and nightlife. Two gondolas also take you up to the slopes from Whistler Village. Most of the Airbnbs in Whistler are situated here and a few more are at Blackcomb Mountain.

Upper Whistler is located within walking distance of Whistler Village and is even closer to the slopes. From there, gondolas will also take you up the mountain to begin your skiing day. In the summer, the main golf is in Upper Whistler. A lot is going on in Upper Whistler, but you will have the feeling to be secluded in the mountain. Priceless.

A bit further away, Creekside is where the first chair was built in Whistler. It has a more laid-back and quiet vibe than Whistler Village itself, while still providing easy access to lots of shops and restaurants – which families will love. You can also ski in and out of Creekside without needing a car.

Alta Vista is also a quieter alternative, but is located closer to the Village which is more convenient if you think you will be in the mood for a party or two during your stay!

At this point, you might still feel confused about where to stay in Whistler. Here is a more detailed overview of the 5 best neighbourhoods to stay in Whistler.

1. Upper Whistler – Where to Stay in Whistler your First Time

Located within walking distance of the main Whistler Village, Upper Whistler is the perfect place to stay for your first time in Whistler. Although it is so close to all the main action, Upper Whistler will make you feel like you are in a secluded village in the middle of nowhere. The pine tree forests surrounding it make Upper Whistler feel like it is isolated from the rest of the world, which is really nice if you are trying to really unplug!

Tray staying in one of Whistler’s awesome cabins if your want to have a unique experience and even more privacy!

Two gondolas can take you directly from Upper Whistler to the top of the slopes. The biggest one is Merlin’s Wizard Express, which can be reached from right outside your door. Skiing in and out of your hotel is, let’s admit it, a luxury I love.

If you are more into cross-country skiing, the Lost Lake provides great terrain to practice. During the summer, you can hike around it and stop for a nice picnic in the forest.

Best Airbnb in Upper Whistler: A pine-nestled sanctuary right in the action

You’ll be skiing in and out of this place right around the corner from the main lifts, no need to waste a minute of fun. There’s space to dry your gear, and you’re only a short walk away from the main village. The warm lighting, pine views, and hot tub access make this a great place for winding down apres ski.

Best Budget Hotel in Upper Whistler: Glacier Lodge

This budget-friendly accommodation in Upper Whistler is the perfect choice for groups or families heading to the area for the first time. Glacier Lodge offers studios, maisonettes and apartments, so you can live comfortably at a fraction of the price of other resorts. Guests can enjoy their own kitchen and bathroom facilities, and make use of the shared hot tub and pool.

Best Hotel in Upper Whistler: Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort is an iconic resort in Upper Whistler. It has an outdoor swimming pool and a bar, as well as a restaurant. Each room in the resort can accommodate families and features 2 large beds, a private bathroom, air conditioning, a seating area and a free Wifi connection.

Things to see and do in Upper Whistler

1. Take the Merlin’s Wizard Express gondola to the top of the slopes
2. Go cross-country skiing around Lost Lake
3. Get some fresh produce at the weekly Farmers’ Market

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2. Whistler Village – Where to Stay in Whistler on a Budget

Whistler Village is where most of the action takes place in Whistler. It is a beautiful pedestrian village with lots of shops, restaurants, and a crazy nightlife. As there are many more hotels and apartments to rent in Whistler Village than in Upper Whistler, prices tend to be cheaper and more accommodating for backpackers.

Whistler Village is also a convenient place to go skiing from, as two gondolas will take you directly from there to the slopes. You cannot ski in and out of most accommodations, but both gondolas will always be within walking distance.

Whistler Village has a lot of shopping and dining opportunities. Take the time to stroll around the cobbled streets to buy some new snow equipment, souvenirs, or even new trendy apparel. When it comes to food, there are so many options you could spend weeks in Whistler and still have some to try. A good way to start is to take a food tour like Whistler Tasting Tour, where each course is taken in a different restaurant.

Best Airbnb in Whistler Village: Studio Condo for Two

Whistler is by no means a budget-friendly place, but this modern studio condo puts you in the heart of the action for a very reasonable price. It sleeps two guests and comes with a small kitchen, full bathroom, a fireplace and internet access. The studio is located opposite shops, restaurants and cafés, and the base of Whistler Mountain is just a ten minute stroll away.

Best Hostel in Whistler Village: Pangea Pod Hotel

The Pangea Pod Hotel offers private pods in dormitory rooms in the heart of Whistler Village. It boasts boutique hotel features such as a shared Living room, an espresso machine, craft beer and a rooftop bar. Each pod can be individually locked for safety and includes a plug and a reading light.

Best Budget Hotel in Whistler Village: Whistler Village Inn and Suites

The Whistler Village Inn & Suites offers regular rooms and studios in the heart of Whistler. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom with a bathtub, air conditioning and a flat screen TV with international channels. The studios have a balcony with a view and a seating area. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool which can be used in all seasons.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Whistler Village: Summit Lodge and Spa

The Summit Lodge and Spa offer comfortable studios fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a terrace, a kitchenette and a dining area. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool which can be used during the summer, a bar and a restaurant.

Things to see and do in Whistler Village

1. Go skiing directly from the Whistler Village Gondola
2. Shop around the cobblestone streets
3. Spend a wild evening in Tommy Africa’s
4. Take a food tour with Whistler Tasting Tour

3. Alta Vista – Best Area to Stay in Whistler for Nightlife

Alta Vista is a small neighbourhood located near a big lake. Lots of hiking and cross-country skiing trails can be found around there, and you will be staying really close to nature.

However, due to its proximity to Whistler Village, Alta Vista is a great compromise for party-goers. Indeed, it gives you the opportunity to go out and party late while coming back to a tranquil area in order to get a good rest and feel refreshed for the next day’s activities.

During the summer, you can enjoy one of Whistler best beaches at Lakeside Park. There, you can have a picnic on the lakeside lawn, indulge in some supervises swimming in the lake, or rent a pedal boat to explore the lake.

The river of Golden Dreams is an iconic place in the region to go kayaking. There you will catch epic views over the surrounding mountains and forests, and learn more about the wildlife around you.

Best Hotel in Alta Vista: The Ironwood by Whiski Jack

This hotel comprises condos and apartments suitable for any type of traveler visiting Whistler. Each room comes with a full kitchen and internet access, and guests can make use of the communal pool and hot tub. The hotel also provides ski equipment, passes, and other adventure activities for an extra fee.

Best Airbnb in Alta Vista: Modern Family Friendly Apartment

This stylish Airbnb in Alta Vista is suitable for up to six guests, and has stunning views over Whistler. The apartment comes with a fully stocked kitchen and all the comforts of home, including cable TV and laundry facilities. Alta Lake and the Village are both within 20 minutes’ walk, and there are plenty of trails nearby.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Alta Vista: Golden Dreams B&B

The Golden Dreams B&B offers comfortable private rooms with a shared or an ensuite bathroom. It’s tucked away from the main Alta Vista neighbourhood and close to the river of Golden Dreams. The B&B has a hot tub and prepares a free breakfast in the morning.

Best Hostel in Alta Vista: Whistler Lodge Hostel

The Whistler Lodge Hostel is a 42-bed hostel for backpackers, located on the road to Creekside. Located in a beautiful chalet-style house, the hostel offers bunk beds in mixed dormitory rooms as well as private bedrooms with a shared bathroom. In the hostel, guests have access to a sauna and a hot tub.

Things to see and do in Alta Vista

1. Go hiking around Alta Lake
2. Party all night in Whistler Village and come back to get a good rest
3. Enjoy the beach in Lakeside Park
4. Try some kayaking in the River of Golden Dreams

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4. Function Junction – Coolest Place to Stay in Whistler

Until recently, Function junction used to be an industrial and mechanical space where no one really went to in Whistler. However, things have changed and Function Junction is now one of the coolest areas around.

Function Junction has a very artsy vibe, with lots of cool shops and restaurants around. It is located just about 10 minutes away from the main Whistler Village and is easy to access. Function Junction is a good alternative if you want to avoid the crazy crowds of Whistler and find a more laid-back, hippy environment.

Plenty of activities are also available in Function Junction, such as mountain biking. Special bike parks have been set up in the mountain to cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced. If you have never tried it before, we recommend taking a teacher who can show you the techniques to get the most out of it without risking falling or getting injured!

If you’re looking for a long-term place to stay, there are many VRBOs in Whistler that are in and around this area that offer great packages for long-term rentals.

Best Hostel in Function Junction: HI Whistler

HI Whistler was built in 2010 and was at the time used as accommodation for the athletes competing in the Winter Olympics. It has now been turned into a hostel offering private bedrooms with an ensuite bathroom and single beds in mixed, female or male only dormitory rooms. Linens and towels are included, and there is free Wifi access.

Best Budget Hotel in Function Junction: Legends Hotel

The Legends Hotel is located in Creekside, a couple kilometres away from Function Junction. It offers comfortable suites with one to three bedrooms fitted with a private bathroom, a seating area, air conditioning, a washing machine and a balcony. Free Wifi access is provided. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool for the summer.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Function Junction: Nita Lake Lodge

Nita Lake Lodge is located near Creekside on the shores of the Nita Lake. It offers stylish rooms fitted with a private bathroom with a bathtub, a flat screen TV with international channels, a seating area, a kitchenette and air conditioning. The hotel also has a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a bar and a restaurant.

Best Airbnb in Function Junction: Private 2-bed Suite

This guest suite is perfect for anyone looking to have some extra privacy, as it’s in a quiet area 10km south of Whistler Village. It’s situated on a private estate in front of the Cheakamus River, so there are plenty of walking trails nearby. Sleeping up to four guests, it’s a great place to come for an escape in nature.

Things to see and do in Function Junction

1. Experience mountain biking
2. Try a new kind of exercise at the Bounce Acrobatic Academy
3. Stop for some food at the Wildwood Café

5. Creekside – Best Neighbourhood in Whistler for Families

While it is now overlooked to the profit of Whistler Village, Creekside is actually where the whole Blackcomb resort history started. Indeed, Creekside was the place where the first chair to go skiing was installed years ago.

As a  result, there are still many resorts and hotel you can ski in and out from, which can be really enjoyable when you have kids who do not carry their own equipment around! The Creekside gondola will take you up the mountain in just a few minutes and is easy to access.

Apart from skiing, from Creekside, you can take an easy walk to the main Whistler Village. This is a good alternative option on an off day or during the summer. Take some snacks with you and the kids will follow!

Creekside is also where the Whislter Railway station is located. From there, you can embark on historic train rides retracing the travels of the gold diggers back in the day, all the way around British Columbia.

Best Budget Hotel in Creekside: Evolution

Evolution offers modern mountain-style accommodation in Creekside. One and two-bedroom suites are available and are fitted with a private bathroom, a seating area with a sofa, a kitchen, a dining room and air conditioning. The hotel features a swimming pool as well as a good fitness centre.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Creekside: Lake Placid Lodge

The Lake Placid Lodge is a vacation club offering apartments you can ski in and out of during the winter. It features an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace and a free wifi connection for guests. The apartments are well decorated and fitted with an ensuite bathroom, a kitchen, a dining room and a seating area.

Best Airbnb in Creekside: Chic penthouse with heaps of room

This modern, well-designed penthouse really makes the most of its space. Every nook and crannies got somewhere useful for you to store everyone’s stuff. Between the peak views and the pool (!), there’s a lot to keep the kids entertained here. With Whistler been a pretty pricey affair, the well-supplied kitchen might get a lot of use if you’re trying to keep costs down.

Things to see and do in Creekside

1. Go skiing from the Creekside gondola
2. Take an easy hike to the main Whistler Village
3. Embark on a historic train ride at the Whistler Railway station

Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Whistler and where to stay.

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Whistler is a real winter wonderland where people with all levels of skiing can enjoy the beauty of the mountain while getting a good workout in. In the summer, there are also a lot of activities to discover, from kayaking to mountain biking, and even beaches on the surrounding lake shores.

My favourite place to stay in Whistler is Whistler Village, as all the main activities and action are located there, and there is plenty of accommodation available to suit all budgets.

My top hotel choice in Whistler is the Summit Lodge and Spa, offering nice studios in the centre of the Village, within easy access to everything.

If you are travelling on a backpacker’s budget, I recommend the HI Whistler, built in 2010 to accommodate the Olympic Games’ athletes. It is modern, friendly and comfortable.

Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments and I will add it to this guide!

Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Want to be featured in our list? Email [email protected] to find out how.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!