Whistler Day Trip from Vancouver: Quick Guide (2025)

A day trip to Whistler is one of the most popular things to do when visiting Vancouver. With a scenic 1 hour 45 min drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, it’s easy, flexible, and perfect for travellers who want to explore at their own pace.

Sea to Sky Highway

Why Visit Whistler for a Day?

• Close to Vancouver

• Stunning mountain views

• Skiing, hiking, lakes, and sightseeing year-round

• Free village walking and beautiful photo spots

• Much easier with your own car

Vibrant Mountains of Whistler

How to Get There

The best way is by car rental from Vancouver. Public transit doesn’t go directly to Whistler, and shuttle schedules are limited. With a rental car, you can stop anywhere along the Sea-to-Sky Highway and return whenever you like.

Driving times:

• Vancouver → Whistler: ~1 hr 45 min

• Richmond → Whistler: ~2 hr

• YVR Airport → Whistler: ~2 hr 10 min

Best Stops on the Drive

• Horseshoe Bay – quick marina photo

• Porteau Cove – ocean & mountain views

• Shannon Falls – 5-min walk to a 335m waterfall

• Sea-to-Sky Gondola (optional) – suspension bridge & viewpoints

Whistler & Sea to Sky Gondola Day Tour

Things to Do in Whistler (Top Picks)

• Walk Whistler Village

• Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola

• Visit Lost Lake

• Ski / snowboard in winter

• Stop at Brandywine Falls

Shannon Falls Park

Rent a Car for Your Whistler Trip

J&A Car Rentals offers the best prices for luxury rentals in Vancouver, including:

• 2025 Mercedes Benz GLC300 Coupe

• Porsche Macan S

• Mercedes Benz GLB250

• Toyota Grand Highlander XSE

📍 Richmond (near Aberdeen SkyTrain)

🚗 YVR airport pickup available

📱 English & Chinese support

Book your Whistler trip today: jnacarrentals.com