Local guide by Kyoko Hamazaki, Whistler luxury real estate advisor

Frequently labelled the “Best Resort in the World,” Whistler Blackcomb is legendary for skiing — but what truly sets it apart is everything beyond the slopes. At the heart of it all is Whistler Village: a vibrant, pedestrian-only hub where culture, cuisine, wellness, and community come together year-round.

Whether you’re planning a winter getaway, a summer escape, or exploring Whistler as a second-home destination, here’s a curated, local look at the best non-ski activities in Whistler — plus insider tips on where to stay and why so many visitors decide to make Whistler home.

Where Is Whistler?

Whistler sits in the Coast Mountains, about 120 km north of Vancouver, along the breathtaking Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99).

• 🚗 Drive time: ~2 hours from Vancouver

• ✈️ Nearest airport: Vancouver International (YVR)

• 🚐 Transfers available by shuttle, private SUV, limo — even helicopter (weather permitting)

This easy access is a big reason Whistler is so popular with second-home buyers and vacation investors.

Get to Know Whistler Village

Whistler Village was intentionally designed as a walkable, car-free alpine town. The Village Stroll winds past boutique shops, award-winning restaurants, galleries, hotels, and residences — all set against dramatic mountain views.

Key areas to know:

• Village Core: Central, lively, steps from lifts

• Upper Village (Blackcomb Base): Quieter, ski-in/ski-out feel

• Creekside: Whistler’s original base, relaxed and local, 3 km south

👉 From a real estate perspective, each neighbourhood offers a very different lifestyle and investment profile.

Dining in Whistler: A Destination in Itself

With 200+ restaurants, cafés, and bars, Whistler’s food scene rivals major cities. Highlights include:

• Snowmobile-accessed mountain fondue dinners

• Progressive tasting tours across top restaurants

• Local breweries and après-ski lounges

• Refined fine dining and cozy pubs

💡 Dining demand is one reason Village-area properties remain highly sought after for short-term rentals.

The Best Non-Ski Activities in Whistler

Even non-skiers fall in love with Whistler. Top experienceinclude:

• Scandinave Spa Whistler – Hot and cold pools in a serene forest setting

• Vallea Lumina – Immersive night-time light walk through the woods

• PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola – Iconic sightseeing between Whistler & Blackcomb

• Whistler Sliding Centre – Passenger bobsleigh & skeleton on an Olympic track

• Dogsledding, ziplining, snowmobiling, and biathlon experiences

Families will love snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and simply wandering the Village under thousands of twinkling winter lights.

Culture & Indigenous Heritage

Whistler lies on shared traditional territory of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. A visit to the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is a must — offering powerful insight into local history, art, and living culture.

Unmissable Events in Whistler

Whistler’s calendar is packed year-round:

• Whistler Film Festival

• World Ski & Snowboard Festival

• Weekly Fire & Ice shows

• Live music, comedy, art exhibitions, and races

📅 Events drive consistent tourism demand — an important factor for owners considering rental income.

Where to Stay in Whistler Village

Whistler offers:

• Luxury slope-side hotels

• Fully equipped condos

• Townhomes and alpine chalets

• Full-time residential neighbourhoods minutes from the Village

👉 Choosing the right property depends on your goals: lifestyle use, nightly rentals, long-term appreciation, or a mix of all three.

Planning Your Whistler Trip (and Maybe More)

Most visitors say longer stays are better — more time to explore, better value, and deeper connection to the community. Many of my clients first came for a holiday… and later returned as homeowners.

Thinking About Buying in Whistler?

As a Whistler-based luxury real estate advisor with deep local roots, I help clients:

• Find the right neighbourhood for their lifestyle

• Understand zoning & rental rules

• Evaluate investment and resale potential

• Navigate Whistler’s unique market with confidence

📩 Thinking about a Whistler getaway that could become something more? Reach out — I’m happy to help.

About the Author

Kyoko Hamazaki
Whistler Real Estate Advisor
Local knowledge • Global perspective

#WhistlerVillage #WhistlerBlackcomb #WhistlerLuxuryHomes
#WhistlerRealEstate #WhistlerLifestyle #WhistlerVacation
#NonSkiWhistler #LuxuryMountainLiving #SeaToSky
#WhistlerCondos #WhistlerHomesForSale #InvestInWhistler

BC’s annual property assessments have been released, and many Whistler owners are opening their notices with one big question:

“What does this actually mean for my home — and for the market?”

Let’s break it down clearly.

What Is BC Assessment?

BC Assessment is an independent Crown corporation that estimates the market value of properties as of July 1 of the previous year, using sales data and property characteristics.

Your 2025 assessment reflects estimated market value as of July 1, 2024 — not today’s market.

Assessment Value ≠ Market Value

This is the most important thing to understand.

• BC Assessment is a mass appraisal
  It looks at broad trends and comparable sales, not your specific home’s condition, upgrades, views, or rental history.

• Market value is what a buyer will pay today
  In Whistler, that can vary dramatically based on:

  • Zoning and permitted use

  • Nightly rental eligibility

  • Renovations and condition

  • Views, privacy, and access

  • Micro-neighbourhood demand

Two homes with the same assessment can sell hundreds of thousands of dollars apart.

Does a Higher Assessment Mean Higher Taxes?

Not automatically.

Property taxes are based on:

• Your assessment relative to other properties, and

• The municipal tax rate, which is set annually.

If most properties in Whistler increased similarly, your share of the tax burden may not change much, even if the assessed value is higher.

Why Assessments Matter (and When They Don’t)

Assessments are useful for:

• Understanding long-term value trends

• Flagging major discrepancies that may warrant a review

• General financial planning

They are not reliable for:

• Pricing a home for sale

• Estimating buyer demand

• Evaluating renovation ROI

• Making investment decisions

When You Should Look More Closely

You may want to dig deeper if:

• Your assessment jumped significantly more than similar nearby properties

• Key features are incorrect (size, zoning, use)

• You’re considering selling in the next 6–12 months

• You’re reviewing long-term holding or estate planning

In those cases, a property-specific analysis is far more useful than the assessment number alone.

A Whistler-Specific Note

Whistler is not a typical market.

Resort properties are influenced by factors BC Assessment can’t fully capture, including:

• STR regulations

• Owner-use vs rental use

• Seasonal demand

• International buyer behaviour

• Lifestyle and scarcity premiums

That’s why assessment values here often lag or diverge from actual market behaviour.

Bottom Line

BC Assessment is a reference point, not a verdict.

If you’re curious how your assessment compares to real Whistler sales, or what it means for your specific property, a local, property-level review is the best next step.

If you’d like a quiet, no-pressure look at how your Whistler home fits into the current market — beyond the assessment — I’m always happy to help.