If you are looking for the most instagrammable spots in Whistler then you are in the right place. Whether it is a pretty place for a photo, an epic landscape or a ski resort vibe, you will find it all in this post on Whistler Instagram spots!
Whistler is one of the best resorts in North America and the number one resort in Canada. It is located just 2 hours from Vancouver making it easy to get to at any time of the year! Known for world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking, hiking, and lake time in the summer no matter what time you visit, you are bound to fall in love with this Canadian ski resort. With mountains, lakes and that nordic vibe, there are no shortage of perfect places for photos while you are in Whistler
Top Instagrammable Spots in Whistler
Green Lake
Green Lake is a vivid green-coloured lake just a few minutes north of Whistler Village. When you pass Whistler Village on the Sea to Sky Highway, Green Lake appears along the highway on your right. Its remarkable coloris always impressive. Whether you choose to paddle across the lake or prefer to take a photo from shore, this is an easily accessible Whistler Instagram spot!
One of the best things to do in Whistler in August (or the rest of the summer months for that matter) is to take a rafting trip and capture photos like this!
Four Seasons Whistler
Known for its luxury, the Four Seasons is a favorite for many. It’s location in the upper village is perfect for access to the Blackcomb Gondola, and its patios provide for beautiful photos. They offer kids bathrobes if you are trying to get your little one in the photo too! Their vintage camper and firepits are also great photo spots!
Four Seasons Pool
it is not just rooms with a view, Whistler’s Four Seasons Hotel has the nicest pool deck in Whistler.
Innukshuk On Whistler Mountain
At the top of the Whistler Village Gondola is the Whistler Mountain Innukshuk. With the surrounding British Columbia mountains in the backdrop, you will not get a more beautiful alpine photo.
Check out what to do in Whistler in September for your end of summer visits!
Olympic Rings
Another Whistler Village photo spot is the 2010 Olympic Rings. Everyone who lives in and around Vancouver and Whistler have such fond memories of the Olympic and Paralympic Games that took place here.
Whistler Village
There is just something about a ski town that has such beauty. If you are a cityscapes type of Instagrammer or photographer, you will have plenty of options in and around Whistler Village.
Planning on a Christmas visit to Whistler? Read this guide to Whistler at Christmas.
River of Golden Dreams
The River of Golden Dreams flows from Alta Lake to Green Lake. This 5km journey provides clear water and stunning mountains as backdrops for your photos.
Vallea Lumina
Legends speak of a long-lost trail that leads to a secret valley. Join a twilight expedition to explore its mysterious beauty. Just 10 minutes drive north of Whistler Village, experience a range of activities from TAG Whistler. Vallea Lumina is a sound and light experience that takes you through the forest, telling a story along the way It is one of the popular Whistler activities that every visitor should do! You can visit in the summer and the winter. If you are visiting in the off season (spring and fall), check their website for the schedule.
Ziplining
Imagine yourself suspended hundreds of meters above the ground. That is what you can expect when ziplining in Whistler. You cannot get much more action and adrenaline than that! A ziplining photo is a popular Instagram shot in Whistler! You should book your zipline tour at least a day in advance. While this is a very popular August activity in Whistler, you can actually do it all year round!
Brandywine Falls
Along the Sea to Sky just outside of Whistler (about 15 minutes by car) you will find Brandywine falls one of the best waterfalls in British Columbia. It is just 5 minutes to get to the falls viewpoint. It is less than one-kilometer walk and is mostly flat! If you like minimal effort for rewarding backdrops, Brandywine falls is one of them!
Whistler Train Wreck
South of Whistler Village at Function Junction is the Whistler Train Wreck Hike.
Alta Lake
One of the most popular lakes in Whistler, Alta lake’s stunning backdrop makes for great photos.
More Whistler Travel Resources
If you are still in the planning stages, this information will help you plan your visit to Whistler.
Start with how to get from Vancouver to Whistler. If you are from out of town, there are ways to get to Whistler without a car.
Traveling with Kids? This post has all of the best things to do in Whistler with kids! It has things for all seasons!
Shopping? Whistler Village has plenty of shopping options from clothing, to gear to souvenirs. Make sure you read this post on Whistler souvenirs before your trip!
Insurance
Make sure you have a good travel insurance policy if you are visiting Canada from another country.
Whether it is an emergency room visit for something as simple as strep throat, or an emergency appendix surgery, or an unfortunate moped incident things do go wrong when people travel everyday. Canada is a very expensive country for medical care and a doctors visit in an Emergency Room is over $800 to just see the doctor.
I highly suggest travel insurance and a good policy. I personally never travel without it, and I even checked into my policy about care for my children if I am ever in an accident or hospitalized. There are just too many things to think about.
You can find out more information and buy your travel insurance here.
5 Things to pack for a Summer Whistler Trip
Make sure you have these things packed for your trip to Whistler
- Sunscreen and hat: With plenty of beach and pool time (and hiking time too), make sure you have a hat and sunscreen.
- Bug Spray: depending where you are, the bugs can be bad. If you are headed to the alpine lakes, you will need it for sure. At dusk it is bad on the trails around Whistler village, as well as at the skate park.
- Bathing Suit: Do not forget your bathing suit. Pools and lakes are what make Whistler so great in the warmer months
- Comfortable shoes: Even if you are not a hiker, there are plenty of walking trails in the village. Whistler Village is such a walkable area and with a focus on eco-experiences, park the car and walk as much as you can.
- Bikes: If you are a local, consider bringing a bike! The village trails are perfect to bike to the lakes, and all over the village. Most people will bike to dinner and places like the farmer’s market. This helps limit your car use as well! ALl hotels offer bike valet or bike storage for visitors.
That is far from all, read my Guide to What to wear in Whistler which has a complete packing list for visiting at any time of the year.
Where To Stay in Whistler
If you are packing your bags for Whistler, then you are likely spending the night! Whistler has plenty of hotels, AirBNB’s, cabins and hostel style accommodations. Whether you are looking for luxury, family friendly or budget accommodation in Whistler, there are options for your stay!
Below I have listed some popular properties in Whistler to stay.
LUXURY: Four Seasons Whistler – The Four Seasons is one of Whistler’s luxury 5 star properties. The Four Seasons Whistler has a swimming pool and hot tub. They offer a bike valet that is convenient and safe. In the winter, I love the ski valet option where you can leave your skis at the ski hill instead of having to bring them back to the hotel. Four Seasons is located in the Upper Village near the Blackcomb Gondola.
MIDRANGE: Delta Hotel Whistler – The Delta offers rooms with full kitchens. This is ideal for those who like condo style accommodation but want the convenience of a hotel. There is coin laundry on site which may be needed to dry out wet ski gear or bathing suits. The Delta is in Whistler Village close to everything.
MIDRANGE: Aava Hotel Whistler – Aava hotel is a midrange hotel in a great location. It is a short walk to the Gondola and just 2 minutes walk from Whistler Village.
BUDGET: Pangea Pod Hotel – Pangea Pod Hotel is conveniently located in the middle of Whistler, and is within 200 m of the Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas. It is ideal for modern hostel-style accommodation right in the village
AirBNB‘s are another great option as they offer more space. Most are designed for 4 or more people making them perfect for families or trips with friends. You can read more about Whistler AirBNB’s or check out my go-to favorite here. One downside to AirBNB’s is that they are not all in the village.
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!