Whistler, BC for Families
Whistler, BC for Families
Christina Holtom
Available for hire
Whistler is my home away from home. I've been coming here for 30 years - starting when I was a child and now I'm bringing my own daughter here. This guide covers the top hotels for families, hikes and adventures in the area, brunch spots, the best local eateries and a list of the coolest parks for kids. You will want to go back year after year to this outdoor paradise!
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Food
Breakfast/snack/light lunch
Purebread
@christinaholtom
The counters are jammed packed with the yummiest pastries, breads, cookies and cakes, with sweet and savory options. This place is a MUST VISIT when in Whistler.
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The Green Moustache Organic Café - Whistler Village
@christinaholtom
For those days you need a healthy options. Fantastic filling smoothies, nutrient dense salads and wraps. A variety of options. Highly recommend a smoothie for your kid's breakfast - quick , healthy and on the go.
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Ecologyst - Whistler Cafe
@christinaholtom
In the back of the clothing store, there is a little espresso stand with heavenly coffee, toast and waffles. You can pick from a variety of toppings for the waffles - sure to be loved by both adults and kids. Quick and easy snack or breakfast when you don't have time for a sit down.
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Zogs Dogs
@christinaholtom
Another good post ski/bike snack is this shack in the village by the whistler gondola. They have some of the best poutine!! If you haven’t had poutine, you are missing out - it is a Canadian delicacy! I make sure to have some everytime I am in Canada.
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Peaked Pies Whistler
@christinaholtom
Australian meat pies! This place makes for a fun snack or quick meal. If you aren’t sure, just check the google reviews. This place is soo good- you have to get your meat pie “peaked” with mashed potatoes, green peas and gravy! They have a small sitting area, but it's best if you take it to go and eat next to the playground while the kids play.
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Rockit Coffee
@christinaholtom
The vibes here are so good! There is a great outdoor patio to eat at, and it's right next to a small playground for kids. Pastries, salads, sandwiches, smoothies - lots of healthy options and plenty of food for the kids to enjoy.
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COWS Whistler
@christinaholtom
A Whistler icon, COWS ice cream is a must visit! Tons of unique flavors, located right in the village.
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Lunch/Dinner
Creekbread
@christinaholtom
Casual and fun spot to dine in with the whole family, or take it to go and eat on the grass at Alpha Lake Park just down the street. Some of the best flatbread style pizza I've ever had! I highly recommend the "Mopsy" pizza.
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HandleBar Pizza
@christinaholtom
This place is tied with Creekbread for favorite pizza in Whistler. They sell slices of NY style pizza and it’s GOOD. Grab a slice and sit on the patio in the upper village before jumping back on the mountain.
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Hunter Gather
@christinaholtom
Great for lunch or dinner. You order and pay first, seat yourself - very casual, good if you have kids. Their back patio is a lovely, quiet location. BBQ style entrees, pick your sides. Delicious chicken sandwiches and chicken shawarma!
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La Cantina Tacos
@christinaholtom
good spot for a quick, filling lunch of delicious & unique tacos. Eat inside or outdoors on the patio.
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21 Steps Kitchen + Bar
@christinaholtom
A family friendly restaurant, located right in the main village. For a gourmet meal, that you'll still feel relaxed taking kids to. Options for kid meals - they have a little of everything here. Meat, pasta, seafood and more. Make a reservation is you have a big group or come on a weekend.
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What to See & Do
Peak to Peak
A must do. The longest gondola in the world going from Whistler mountain to Blackcomb mountain. You can ride up one mountain, cross over to the other mountain, then down. Stop on the top of Whistler or Blackcomb mountain for some food/drink and enjoy the views on the outdoor patio. Then, take the steep chairlift up to the top of Whistler mountain and brave the suspension bridge. You can hike/trail run around up top, or not. All ages and skill levels enjoy this. Buy tickets at the base in the village or online.
Shop in the Whistler Village
My favorite shops are “The Beach,” for swimsuits and Australian brand clothes “3 Singing Birds,” for locally handcrafted treasures “The Circle Kids",” for the cutest kids clothes and toys, “The Velvet Underground Shop” for vintage, “Patagonia,” Escape Route,” and “Lululemon” for sporty clothes, and “Aritzia,” for my favorite work clothes at the best exchange rate.
the beach. whistler
@christinaholtom
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3 Singing Birds
@christinaholtom
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The Circle Kids
@christinaholtom
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The Velvet Underground Shop
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Patagonia Whistler
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Aritzia
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Escape Route
@christinaholtom
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Go to the Lake
Alpha Lake Park
@christinaholtom
A great spot to come in the morning at sunrise or at sunset. Jump off the dock for a refreshing swim. They have a cool log treehouse playground, dog park, picnic tables, sand area, and a trail around the lake.
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Lost Lake
@christinaholtom
A beautiful lake park in summer and winter. Bike or walk from the village. You can even cross country ski the trail around the lake in the winter. Lots of docks, a big sand area for kids to play, grass for laying out, picnic tables and bathrooms. Park in the big lots near the village and walk, as there isn't parking at the lake.
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Green Lake
@christinaholtom
The color of the water is breathtaking. This lake is huge and ideal for kayaking or paddle boarding.
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Hike/backpack
Joffre Lakes Trail
@christinaholtom
Must get a permit in advance online to park and hike here. There are 3 lakes - I recommend going all the way to the top. The third lake is majestic! Fairly moderate skill level - most kids would be fine doing this hike. Stunning glacier lakes - this is a very popular hike for good reason!
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Train Wreck
@christinaholtom
An easy couple mile RT trail that goes across a suspension bridge and ends at an old train wreck that is now works of art. A cool spot to explore. Great for a couple hour activity.
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Nairn Falls
@christinaholtom
Kid-friendly, easy walk, only 1.7 miles RT. Ends at some beautiful waterfalls along a boardwalk. Safe and perfect for families to get some fresh air.
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Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
@christinaholtom
A short, easy hike to see a waterfall. Keep walking and you’ll get to the bungee bridge where you can watch people jump off - not my cup of tea, but it’s fun to watch! I love to stop here on our way into Whistler to get out of the car and get fresh air!
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Ice Skating/Swimming
Meadow Park Sports Centre
@christinaholtom
The ultimate kid day - start off with ice skating. They have skate rentals and skate assistants for kids. Then after you finish, walk across the building and go swimming. There is a large lap pool, and a separate kids pool with whirl pool, lazy river and pool toys. I love the family locker rooms that make it easy for parents to get their kids changed.
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Water Park
Meadow Park Playground
@christinaholtom
In the same area as the sports centre, there is a park with a water area for kids. It is totally free and only turned on in the summer. There is a little water slide, tunnels, and other water features. Great for small kids on a hot day.
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Day trip to Squamish
I love Squamish! For rockclimbers, Squamish is a mecca. There is also a fun little downtown with shops and restaurants.
Alice + Brohm Ice Cream Co. (Garibaldi)
@christinaholtom
fresh fruit ice cream! Insanely creamy and will be a quick favorite!
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Sea to Sky Gondola
@christinaholtom
Take the lift to the top and walk along the suspension bridge, grab a snack in the lodge when the kids when cranky, and enjoy the views of Squamish. Located right off the highway, parking lot is right next to the base of the gondola.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina Holtom
Available for hire
Seattle based travel designer for the design minded + culturally curious.
With professional experience in the airline industry, and a background in design, I specialize in creating travel experiences that get to the heart of a place and its local culture through design and food. I have been traveling with my husband for the past decade and we added a daughter to our crew a couple years ago. I firmly believe that travel and adventure doesn't stop when you have kids, but can be enhanced through the eye of a child seeing the world. I'm here to share tips on how to travel with kids, without sacrificing luxury and relaxation. I'll help you see the world through the lens of design and local cuisine. My destinations of expertise include Europe (Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, England) and the US, but I'm always expanding my knowledge and love taking on requests for other places.
Shop my curated travel guides or check out my custom travel design services to elevate your experience and minimize the stress of travel planning.
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