Saving Money on the Mountain: Free Things to Do in Whistler, B.C.

Whistler, B.C. is a fantastic destination for vacations, but it can also be expensive if you want to enjoy as many activities as you can and see all of the attractions. If you would like to save some money, however, there are plenty of free things to do, and here are a few to keep in mind.

7-Eleven Fire and Ice Show

If you are staying in Whistler Sundays from December 22, 2019 – March 29, 2020, you can go along to watch this exciting show, which is held every Sunday at 7 p.m. It is free to watch and everyone is welcome, and you will be able to watch the best skiers and riders on the mountain, including ski instructors, spin through a burning hoop. It’s great fun for everyone, so relax with a hot chocolate and enjoy the show.

Go Skating

The Whistler Olympic Plaza is the best place to go outdoor skating during the winter months. It is open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. up until March 25. It is free to skate if you have your own skates, otherwise you can pay to rent a pair.

Go Hiking

Hiking is one of the cheapest activities you can enjoy in Whistler, and there are many hikes to choose from. The hiking itself is free, but you may have to spend a bit of money on equipment or to camp overnight.

One of the easiest and most convenient hikes is the Valley Trail, which you can easily reach from Whistler Village if you are staying in one of the numerous Whistler luxury hotels. This 30-km paved trail is very easy to walk along, but you can also go biking or roller blading if you prefer. It takes in five lakes, beautiful views of the mountains, golf courses, and more, making it the perfect free activity for an afternoon.

The Train Wreck is another excellent option for an easy hike, and it will only take you a few minutes by car to reach it because it is located just off the Sea to Sky Highway. You can then hike along the trail through the forest and enjoy views of Cheakamus River, and soon you will come across the train wrecks. There are seven in total, and they are covered in colorful graffiti and are really interesting to explore. There are many flat trails to walk along, making it a great option for an afternoon’s outing.

Alternatively you could visit Northair Mine, an old gold mine near to Whistler Olympic Park. There are also plenty of other harder hikes in Garibaldi Provincial Park you could enjoy, so take your pick.

Visit Whistler Farmers’ Market

The Farmers’ Market is located in the Upper Village and is held every Sunday from June to October. Here you will find artisans and farmers selling their crafts and produce, and there is an adventure zone and face painting for kids as well as live music.

Enjoy Whistler for Less

Whistler is a fantastic place for all the family to enjoy an active outdoor vacation. Just because some activities cost money, you can still do many things here for free or at least without spending much. So keep these ideas in mind when you arrive in Whistler and enjoy yourselves for less.

Nathan Samuels is always on the lookout for ways to save money on travel, so he can discover more places. An avid blogger, he likes to share his experiences online. Look for his posts on various vacation and travel blogs.