Vancouver & Whistler Winter Trip | Family Ski Guide

City days, mountain adventures and phenomenal skiing—why Vancouver and Whistler make such a great combination for a winter family getaway.

For years, our February break meant a ski trip. But one year we decided to change things up and head north to Vancouver and Whistler.

It turned out to be such a good combination.

Vancouver gave us a few days of wonderful restaurants, walking, and exploring before we headed into the mountains. Then, less than two hours away, we were in Whistler surrounded by snow and some truly phenomenal skiing.

I loved that the trip didn't feel like an entire week devoted to skiing.

We got city and mountains, great food and outdoor adventure—and some wonderful family memories along the way.

Start in Vancouver

Vancouver is one of those cities that immediately feels easy.

It's surrounded by mountains and water, yet has all the energy, restaurants and culture of a great city. And coming from San Francisco, it's close enough that you don't lose an entire day getting there.

We stayed at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, right on the waterfront.

I loved the location. We could walk to Stanley Park and downtown, and coming back to the hotel's Lobby Lounge for live music and a cocktail became a lovely way to end the day.

Walk or Bike Stanley Park

If the weather cooperates, get outside.

One of the best ways to experience Vancouver is along the Stanley Park Seawall. The combination of water, mountains, forest and city is what makes Vancouver feel so different from most urban destinations.

Wander Granville Island

Leave time for Granville Island Public Market.

I'm always drawn to markets when I travel, and this is exactly the kind of place I enjoy wandering without much of an agenda—food stalls, local ingredients, little shops and plenty to taste along the way.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

For something completely different, head into the forest and cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Yes, it's touristy.

I'd still do it.

There's something extraordinary about being suspended above the forest with enormous evergreens surrounding you.

Where We Ate in Vancouver

Two dinners from this trip still stand out.

Miku

We had a memorable Japanese dinner at Miku, particularly its signature Aburi-style flame-seared sushi.

Vij's

And I couldn't go to Vancouver without Indian food.

Vij's has been part of Vancouver's dining scene for decades, combining Indian flavors with ingredients from the Pacific Northwest.

I'd happily return to both.

Then Drive the Sea to Sky Highway

After a few days in Vancouver, we rented a car and headed to Whistler.

And this is one drive I wouldn't rush.

The Sea to Sky Highway takes you between the water and mountains, and the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach Whistler.

By the time you arrive, the city feels very far away.

Whistler

We stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, and it was exactly what I wanted after a day on the mountain: comfortable, warm and easy.

But the real reason to come, of course, is Whistler Blackcomb.

The skiing was phenomenal.

Having both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains gives you an enormous amount of terrain to explore, and the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connecting the two mountains is an experience in itself. Lift operations vary with weather and season, so it's worth checking the mountain schedule when planning your days.

DON'T MISS: PEAK 2 PEAK

Even if you're not the strongest skier in the family, ride it.

The views alone are worth it.

Beyond the Skiing

Some of my favorite memories from Whistler actually happened off the slopes.

And that's one of the reasons I think it works so well for a family ski trip.

Dog Sledding

This was definitely a highlight.

We went dog sledding as a family and were able to meet the dogs, help harness them and then head out for a scenic ride through the snow.

It was one of those experiences that felt completely different from anything we would normally do at home—and exactly the sort of memory I want from a family vacation.

A Sleigh Ride Through the Snow

We also did an evening sleigh ride, bundled under blankets with the lights of Whistler Village below us.

A little magical?

Absolutely.

But that's what winter vacations are for.

Snowshoeing

If you need a break from ski boots, go snowshoeing.

It's a much quieter way to experience the mountains and gives you an entirely different perspective on the landscape.

Scandinave Spa

This wasn't part of our original trip, but if I were returning to Whistler today, Scandinave Spa would be on my list.

Set in the forest just minutes from Whistler Village, it's a silent Nordic spa built around cycles of hot, cold and rest. The spa recommends allowing several hours for the experience.

After several days of skiing?

Yes, please.

What I Loved Most

Looking back, what made this trip memorable wasn't simply the skiing.

It was the contrast.

One day we were eating sushi and walking along Vancouver's waterfront. A few days later we were skiing between two mountains, dog sledding through the snow and riding a gondola high above the valley.

Whistler gave us the classic family ski vacation.

Vancouver made the trip feel like something more.

And that's exactly why I'd do them together again.

IF YOU GO

VANCOUVER
Stay: Fairmont Pacific Rim
Do: Stanley Park · Granville Island · Capilano Suspension Bridge
Eat: Miku · Vij's
Drink: Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific Rim

WHISTLER
Stay: Four Seasons Resort Whistler
Ski: Whistler Blackcomb
Don't Miss: PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola
Family Adventure: Dog sledding
Also Do: Snowshoeing · Sleigh ride
Add Now: Scandinave Spa

BEST FOR
Families · Skiers · Winter breaks · Anyone who likes combining a city with the mountains

MBELLISHED TIP
Don't fly straight into a ski vacation if you have the time. Give yourself a couple of nights in Vancouver first. It changes the rhythm of the entire trip.

Winter activities, lift operations and seasonal experiences change, so confirm current availability when planning your trip.

A Winter Week in Vancouver & Whistler