If you’re begging for a quick mountain escape there are tons of Whistler tours from Vancouver available.
That said, with these two tourist behemoths the menu is sadly more quantity over quality.
That’s why I’ve set out to list the best Vancouver to Whistler tours so you can enjoy them hassle-free.
Let’s take a look!
The Top Vancouver to Whistler Tours
If you’re reading this it’s clear you’re looking for a quick way to tour Whistler from Vancouver.
With this in mind, I’m going to assume you’re also probably looking for:
- A great price-quality ratio to keep things affordable
- Convenient departure points near downtown Vancouver hotels
- The ability to see stunning alpine scenery and famous Whistler landmarks
- Unique local wildlife and popular attractions tossed in for good measure
- Quick-book smartphone tickets with free cancellation for the utmost flexibility
Using these criteria I’ve narrowed down the list into what I consider the top five Vancouver to Whistler tours currently on offer.
Let’s take a look!
Related: Best Whistler Restaurants
Whistler and Shannon Falls Day Tour from Vancouver
Departure Point: Sandman Hotel | Length: 10.5 hours | Cost: From $199.99 CAD
Here you get to embrace every facet of the true west coast lifestyle.
The 10.5-hour adventure along the Sea to Sky corridor from Vancouver to Whistler includes a pass through Stanley Park, a drive over the Lions Gate Bridge, and a ride along one of the world’s most scenic highways.
Your first stop is at beautiful Shannon Falls Provincial Park – where you’ll feel the sheer power of the glacial water pouring off the mountainside.
After returning to your shuttle, you’ll continue on past the world’s second-largest granite monolith, affectionately dubbed The Chief – to the charming mountain town of Squamish.
Here you’ll break for a quick snack and an immersive cultural experience at the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre.
Then it’s on to the pièce de résistance: Whistler Village.
Here you can book one of Whistler’s top things to do, do some shopping, or stroll the streets of this charming alpine resort.
Each Whistler & Shannon Falls tour includes:
- Round-trip transportation between Vancouver and Whistler
- A stop at Shannon Falls Provincial Park
- Admission to Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre
- Admission to Squamish Adventure Centre
- Free time in Whistler Village
- Hotel drop-off
- Possibility to reschedule up to 48 hours before
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Related: Best Hotels in Whistler
Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola Day Trip from Vancouver
Departure Point: Canada Place | Length: 12 hours | Cost: From $199.00 CAD
This Vancouver to Whistler tour package is similar to the tour above – with one key difference.
After your stop in Shannon Falls, the cultural experience in Squamish will be replaced by a journey up the iconic Sea to Sky Gondola.
At this 885 metre high Swiss-style gondola you’ll have 90 minutes to take in breathtaking views of the Coast Mountains, the local rainforest, and Howe Sound.
Considered a world-class attraction in its own right, the gondola tour is best for those looking to experience the region’s supernatural beauty.
From there you’ll jump back on the bus to Whistler Village – where you get a few hours to explore on your own.
Each Whistler & Sea to Sky Gondola tour includes:
- Hotel pick-up (by request)
- Round-trip transportation between Vancouver and Whistler
- A stop at Shannon Falls Provincial Park
- A ride up the famous Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish
- Free time to explore the attractions, shops, cafes and hiking trails around Whistler Village
- A stop to admire the towering Shannon Falls
- Incredible mountain and oceanic scenery along the Sea to Sky Highway
- Possibility to reschedule up to 24 hours before departure
For Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola tour reviews and the lowest price online click the orange button below.
Book My Whistler Sea to Sky Gondola Trip
Related: Best Luxury Hotels in Whistler
Vancouver to Whistler Day Trip by Seaplane
Departure Point: Coal Harbour | Length: 9 hours | Cost: From $473.27 CAD
If you’re looking for a Vancouver to Whistler day trip that truly maximizes your time, then here it is.
In fact, this is the only tour that guarantees a full day of sightseeing.
The package includes a round-trip seaplane flight from Vancouver to Whistler. These 35-minute scenic flights are popular attractions in their own right.
Along the way you’ll get spectacular sights of downtown Vancouver, the Coast Mountains and Howe Sound.
You’ll then soar high above the area’s sparkling waters, lush alpine meadows and rugged peaks – en route to Whistler for a full day of exploring.
Each Whistler seaplane day trip tour includes:
- Round-trip 35-minute seaplane flights between Vancouver and Whistler
- Spectacular aerial views
- A full day to explore Whistler Village at your leisure
- Complimentary shuttle to and from Whistler Village or optional bike rental
- Option to cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before departure
Book My Vancouver to Whistler Seaplane Tour
Whistler Tour from Vancouver via Biking Trails + Village
Departure Point: Your DT Hotel | Length: 9 hours | Cost: From $215.00 CAD
This Vancouver to Whistler day trip package allows visitors to take full advantage of this backcountry paradise.
It also dispels the notion that packaged tours are solely for the aged, cruise-ship crowd.
In this guided trail tour you’ll bike or hike across paved trails and boardwalks in the Whistler area – before stopping for a snack in front of the beautiful mountain vistas at a lakeside campground.
Then you get a few hours to explore the sights and sounds of Whistler Village – before being shuttled back to your Vancouver hotel.
Delivered straight to nature, made simple.
Each Whistler trail and village tour includes:
- Round trip transportation to and from Whistler from your Vancouver hotel
- A guided tour of Whistler’s trails and lakes
- Bike rental
- Time to explore Whistler Village
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Book My Full Day Whistler Trail Article
Related: Best Hostels in Whistler
Full Day Whistler Private Tour from Vancouver
Departure Point: DT Hotels/Cruise terminal | Length: 10 hours | Cost: From $675.00 pp CAD
If you’re looking for the ultimate in comfort, luxury and flexibility then you should look no further.
The full-day Whistler private tour from Vancouver offers pickup/drop off from your departure point of choice – before taking you along the Sea to Sky Corridor on an itinerary of your choosing, including:
- Shannon Falls Provincial Park
- The Britannia Mine Museum
- Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
- The Sea to Sky Gondola
- Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre
Once you arrive there you’ll have around 4 hours to explore Whistler at your own pace.
Remember, this is a private tour – so the driver is at your service. Since you’re booking the van itself, if you’ve got up to six passengers it actually comes in at $225.00 per person so there’s value here.
Travelling in more than six? It’s possible but you’ll have to pay extra per person as it requires a bigger vehicle.
Each Full Day Whistler Private Tour includes:
- Luxurious transportation between Vancouver and Whistler
- Customized hotel/cruise port drop off/pick up
- Personal driver/guide
- Live commentary
- Private tour
- Option to formulate a customized itinerary
- Time to explore Whistler Village at your leisure
- Option to reserve now pay later
- Cancellation up to 24 hours prior to departure
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Are Vancouver to Whistler Tours Worth It?
Not every traveler has $200.00 to head up the Sea to Sky Highway for a 10-hour tour, or even more for a private tour.
If these prices seem a little high you may want to consider the Vancouver to Whistler bus then doing things on your own.
This provides shuttle service from downtown or Vancouver airport to Whistler in as little as 90 minutes.
That said, you won’t be able to visit destinations like Shannon Falls, the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre, and the Sea to Sky Gondola along the way.
If these things are important, and you value some structure and some guidance along then way then guided tours of Whistler from Vancouver are something to seriously consider.
Vancouver to Whistler Tours FAQ
How much do Whistler tours from Vancouver cost?
The basic Whistler & Shannon Falls, Whistler & Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler trail and village tours start at around $150-215 CAD. From there the prices can rise exponentially for Whistler floatplane tours ($473.27), and private tours ($675.00).
What are the best Whistler tours from Vancouver?
The best tours for most travellers are the Whistler & Shannon Falls day tour and the Whistler & Sea to Sky Gondola tours.
The former offers more of a cultural experience with a visit to the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre, while the latter is catered to those more interested in the area’s natural beauty. However, both options are reasonably affordable and provide some flexibility once you arrive in Whistler Village.
Having said that, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Whistler Seaplane Tour and Whistler Private Tour will obviously offer the highest degree of time, flexibility and freedom. This will allow you to explore more of the region’s unparalleled natural beauty, and outdoor activities or engage in additional tours.
What will I see on my Whistler tour?
While each tour differs slightly according to its focus, you’re guaranteed to encounter stunning oceanic and mountain scenery along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. From there you may stop at destinations like the Shannon Falls Provincial Park, Squamish or Sea to Sky Gondola to further hammer home the region’s cultural significance and natural beauty.
In most instances, you’ll then be provided with a few hours of free time to do as you please upon arrival in Whistler. You can engage in outdoor activities, check out the local dining scene or take in a quick tour – it’s entirely up to you.
What do I need to bring with me on my Vancouver to Whistler Tour?
Firstly, I’d recommend bringing weather-suitable clothing. Remember that there can be significant divergences in temperature between Vancouver and Whistler. During the winter it is obviously much cooler at altitude – with a higher probability of snowfall.
Surprisingly, in the summer months Whistler is actually a few degrees warmer.
If you plan on taking the Whistler Trail and Village tour, comfortable shoes & clothing, a sun hat, water and snacks would be recommended.
Other than that, the first thing I’d recommend is to bring a camera.
The alpine and oceanic scenery you’ll encounter is virtually unparalleled — and smartphones aren’t always up to the task. Most tours will also require you to bring a photo ID (passport or ID card) and your smartphone ticket in order to board.
Ready for a Vancouver to Whistler Tour?
We aim to answer every question about living and travelling in the Vancouver and Whistler area, and I hope I’ve accomplished that here.
However, if you feel there’s something I missed on Vancouver to Whistler tours feel free to hit me up in the comments section below for customized travel advice.
Whether you’re taking these tours or not, we hope you’ll use us for all your Vancouver & Whistler planning needs 🤝
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