Two Days in Whistler Itinerary: A Fun Weekend Getaway from Vancouver

I recently embarked on a staycation getaway with my boyfriend and my dog Beau. We were invited to spend two days in Whistler, which is a quick two-hour drive from Vancouver along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway.

I’m so excited to share this two days in Whistler itinerary! In my opinion, it’s the ultimate weekend getaway from Vancouver!

Two Days in Whistler Itinerary Overview

Here’s exactly how I would spend two days in Whistler. I do recommend arriving the night before Day 1 or as early as possible in order to make the most out of your time!

Day 1

• Morning: Sunrise bike ride along the Whistler Valley Trail & morning helicopter tour
• Afternoon: Swim at Alta Lake
• Evening: Window shop Whistler Village & Dinner at The Raven Room,

Day 2

• Morning: Hike the Sea to Sky trail with a stop at Brandywine Falls
• Afternoon: Sea to Sky Gondola with activities at the top
• Evening: Sunset at Green Lake & Dinner at La Cantina

Keep reading as I dive into all the details below. This way, you can mix and match the best things to do in Whistler to your specific 2-day itinerary.

About Whistler

Being one of North America’s largest ski resorts means that Whistler draws a crowd. It is located amidst the beautiful Coast Mountains of British Columbia. It’s reminiscent of other ski resort towns around the world in its charm and quaintness, with chalet-style houses and a compact village as the central hub.

Getting to Whistler

Traveling from Vancouver to Whistler is a breathtaking journey that offers some of the most scenic views in British Columbia. If you do not live in Vancouver, you will fly into the Vancouver airport and rent a car from here.

The most popular route is the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99), which stretches approximately 120 kilometers from the city to the Whistler.

As you drive, you’ll be treated to dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains on the other.

This route takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. However, if you have the time to spare there are several noteworthy stops along the way such as the stunning Shannon Falls and the quaint town of Squamish.

Best Time to Visit Whistler

Despite the reputation that Whistler maintains during the winter for various snow sports enthusiasts, the town is actually an amazing destination year-round. The peak winter season stretches from December to March when you’ll find skiers and snowboarders flocking to the slopes from all over the world.

The views are no less striking during the summertime (from June to August), looking like a little piece of Switzerland nestled in those mountains. The grass is a vibrant green and the mountains are breath-taking every single time you catch a glimpse of them. 

I absolutely love visiting in the summer months and this 2-day itinerary is best for visits between June and August.

Where We Stayed—Pan Pacific Whistler

Right in the heart of Whistler, you can find some great dog-friendly suites! This is super important as someone who loves taking her dog on as many trips as I can. As I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, I love my dog Beau.

During this 2-day trip, we stayed at the beautiful Pan Pacific Whistler located in the Whistler Village Centre.

Our room was equipped with a full kitchen, fireplace, and balcony with a view. You’ll also find an outdoor pool, two hot tubs, and the coziest dry cedar sauna.

Although this two-day Whistler itinerary doesn’t leave much time for relaxing, the hotel also has a spa and cocktail bar onsite.

Where We Ate

Two days in Whistler doesn’t give you a lot of time to try a number of different restaurants, and with a suite, you may not even want to eat out. If you do head out, here are a couple of suggestions.

The Raven Room is a new cocktail bar and eatery that is locally owned and operated by Jason and Steph, who kindly greeted us at the door. They explained the menu to us and how they strive to make the food options inclusive for all, making sure to cater to different allergies and dietary restrictions.

We also visited La Cantina, an authentic Mexican street food-style restaurant that pleasantly surprised us with its vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options!

Things to do with 2 Days in Whistler

There are so many things to do in Whistler that 2 days surely isn’t enough. However, we did our best to squeeze in as many fun activities as possible.

Thankfully, Whistler has great options for outdoor activities making it a fabulous dog-friendly destination. Beau was able to thoroughly enjoy his vacation as well!

1. Take a walk at Green Lake

Green Lake is such a nice spot, and definitely dog-friendly. The views are stunning, and there is a path you can follow around the whole lake with your pup, ensuring they get lots of exercise for the day!

2. Swim at Alta Lake

Alta Lake is one of my favorite stops in all of Whistler. It’s accessible from both ends of the Sea to Sky Highway and features a large grassy area and a picturesque beach.

There are several docks and swimming platforms, boat rentals, and ice cream stands. It’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon!

3. Bike along the Whistler Valley Trail

This trail consists of over 40 kilometres of pavement and boardwalk where you can walk, bicycle, run or rollerblade (alongside your furball, of course!).

It connects Whistler’s lakes, neighbourhoods, and vistas, so you can see some really nice spots on this one while enjoying nature and the wide-open space.

4. Hike the Sea to Sky Trail

Whistler Valley is connected to this trail. It begins at the Squamish waterfront and continues 180 kilometres north, to D’Arcy.

You can see lots of forest, Callaghan river views, and even Brandywine Falls, but that deserves a whole section by itself!

5. Explore Whistler Village

Exploring the Whistler Village is a great way to spend an hour or so during your weekend getaway. Here, you’ll find many quaint shops, local restaurants, some nightlife and plenty of opportunities to people-watch.

6. Marvel at Brandywine Falls

A visit to Brandywine Falls is a must on any Whistler itinerary! These epic falls can be reached via a short walk from the parking lot.

However, if you are up for more of an adventure, you can check out the 5.9-mile loop. It’s a moderate trail where you will pass an abandoned train and cross multiple bridges.

7. Have a Picnic at Whistler Interpretive Forest

Let your dog soak in the sights, smells, and sounds of this coastal temperate rainforest, which has a trail you can take to McLaurin’s Crossing suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River.-

8. Check out Nairn Falls

Just twenty minutes north of Whistler and five minutes from Pemberton town centre, Nairn Falls is another nice hiking option where your dog can come along. It’s incredibly scenic, and the hike to the waterfall isn’t too challenging.

The falls cut through two zig-zagging walls of rock, making it quite an aesthetically pleasing scene to look out at once you reach the viewing platform.

9. Explore Ancient Cedars Walk

This hike is more lowkey, but no less beautiful! It takes you and your pup through a forest of impressive Ancient Cedar trees, and it also has access to a view of Cougar Lake.

10. Get a Birds-eye View with Blackcomb Helicopters

I went on a helicopter excursion with Blackcomb Helicopters and it was amazing! We flew to land on a snow-covered viewpoint, enjoying spectacular views of the Coast Mountains the whole way.

If you have two days in Whistler, I suggest you try to fit in a helicopter ride. It’s an experience you will never forget.

12. Sea to Sky Gondola

A trip to Whistler wouldn’t be complete without taking the Sea to Sky Gondola! The sweeping views are incredible, and at the top you can do various outdoor activities.

After enjoying the amazing views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains on the way up, explore your options of things to do at the top.

Some of these activities include exploring interpretive loop walking trails, complete with viewing platforms. You can also go rock climbing, hiking, and the incredible Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.

The walking trails are easy-going if you’re looking for a more beginner experience.

However, if you are looking for more of a challenge, though, you’re in luck! Squamish and the Sea to Sky Corridor (right where the gondola operates) are known for having some of the best hiking in the world!

Is Whistler Worth a Visit?!

After spending two days in Whistler, we got a much-needed breath of fresh air in the great outdoors. It was a great escape for me, my boyfriend, and Beau and is 1,000 percent worth a visit.

Traveling to Whistler with a dog was definitely a fun experience that I would recommend to anyone looking for a fun and pet-friendly getaway full of nature and beauty.

If you had two days in Whistler with your dog, what would be on your list?

This two-day Whistler blog post is brought to you in collaboration with the Pan Pacific Whistler and Blackcomb Helicopters. Thank you for supporting the brands and destinations that support me.