1 Day In Whistler
Are you thinking about visiting Whistler? I have the PERFECT plan for your 1 day in Whistler! You will have the most relaxing, rejuvenating, magical day! I can assure you that. I have explored Whistler six times and this is the BEST way to spend your 1 day in Whistler.
Whistler is famous for its snowboarding and skiing as it has one of the largest ski resorts in Canada! You will find many Australians on a working holiday at the ski resorts and it’s because of the complete change of scenery and the massive snowy mountains!
This blog post is not about skiing or snowboarding in Whistler but it’s about having a peaceful yet extraordinary day as you experience activities while discovering the true beauty of Whistler!
How to get to Whistler from Vancouver by bus?
If you don’t have a car then the most affordable and easy way to get to Whistler is by taking the Epic Rides Express Bus.
From Vancouver, it’s about a 2-hour bus drive to get to Whistler. Epic Rides Express Bus tickets cost CAD 35 per person including return.
The bus departs at Burrard Station, Vancouver, and arrives at the Gateway Bus Loop in the heart of Whistler Village.
Make sure to book your bus tickets in advance! You can check their schedule on the website below. If you are visiting Whistler during winter the bus will be packed with snowboarders and skiers.
Epic Rides Express Bus Website
I recommend booking the earliest bus at 8 am and the latest bus back at 9 pm to make the most of your day in Whistler. Keep in mind that the 9 pm bus is only scheduled on Fridays and Sundays.
How to get from Vancouver to Whistler by car?
The directions to Whistler from Vancouver are simple and easy to navigate.
Take the Sea to Sky Highway from the Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 W/BC-99N until you reach Whistler Way and turn right into the Village.
If you’re driving by car I recommend making a quick stop at Shannon Falls which is along the way to Whistler.
1 Day in Whistler Itinerary
1. Scandinave Spa
Winster is the best and most beautiful time to spend the day at this luxury high-end spa BUT you can visit the spa at any time of the year. The Scandinave Spa is the most relaxing, rejuvenating, exquisite day spa!
How to get to Scandinave Spa from Whistler Village?
To get to the Scandinave Spa from the Gateway Bus Loop in Whistler Village you will need to take the 30 Alpine/Emerald Via Nesters bus that picks you up from the shuttle pick up and drop off stop on Village Gate Blvd.
Ride the bus for 8 stops and get off at Spruce Grove Way. Make sure to take some coins for the bus ride there and back! I think it’s around CAD 2.50 each way. You will then need to walk about 11 minutes to get to the spa.
Where the bus drops you off keep walking in the direction the bus is heading, along Mons Road, and turn right after you see Spruce Grove Park and before the Camping and RV resort. Follow the road until you see Centennial Trail, a road to the right that will lead you to the spa.
If you want to take a taxi instead of the bus it costs around CAD 10 each way.
Scandinave Spa Admission
You don’t need to make a reservation to use the baths but you need to make a reservation if you want to book a massage treatment (although I would check this because it may have changed during COVID).
The price of admission varies in price depending on the season but starts at around CAD 75 per person plus CAD 12 for a robe rental if required.
If you book a massage treatment this includes access to the baths and you can book on their website below.
If you have health benefits you can claim on the RMT massages but make sure to check if your plan has a limit as the massages are quite expensive.
The baths are open from 10 am to 9 pm daily and the admission fee is for the day so you can spend as long as you like here and trust me you’re going to want to!
What do I need to bring to the Scandinave Spa?
You only need to bring your swimmers and thongs to Scandinave Spa.
If you would like to you can bring your own robe but there are robes to rent if you choose.
Scandinave Spa Experience
I would spend at least a few hours at Scandinave Spa to enjoy the peace and tranquillity. I can guarantee that you will leave the spa feeling rejuvenated and stress-free!
Along with their strict no-talking policy, electronic devices are also not allowed around the baths. Staff members do monitor and make sure that people are not talking or have their mobile phones with them.
They are not afraid to give you warnings either, I am pretty sure I got spoken to at least twice for talking! I felt like a school kid getting in trouble with my teacher.
Tea, water, and fruit are provided for refreshments just outside of the changing rooms. There is also a small bistro where they serve light meals and desserts which is great for lunch if you’re staying all day!
Hydrotherapy Cycle
The Scandinave Spa follows the Hydrotherapy Cycle of hot, cold, and relax.
The hot cycle is experienced in the Eucalyptus Steam Bath (this one is intense but cleansing), Wood Burning Sauna, Finnish Sauna, and Hot Baths.
Next is the cold cycle which you can experience in the Nordic Waterfall, Nordic Showers, or the Cold Plunge Baths.
Finally, to relax they have Solariums, a Hammock Haven (available in summer), Outdoor Fireplaces, and a Yoga Studio. The relaxation areas were my favourite, you can nap, read a book or simply sit in silence and meditate.
2. Dinner in Whistler Village
After an amazing time at Scandinave Spa head back to the village for an early dinner.
To get back to Whistler Village you will have to walk back to the bus stop you were dropped off at but catch the bus from the other side of the road. Take the 30 to Village bus to the village gate stop.
If you like Japanese food such as Sushi I recommend eating dinner at Sushi Village. This restaurant is very popular so the wait time can be long! They don’t accept reservations unless it’s for a group of 4 or more. I suggest getting there when it first opens at 4 pm. Their food is tasty, fresh, and AUTHENTIC.
If you’re looking for someplace cheap to eat dinner then check out El Furniture Warehouse in Whistler village. Every item on the food menu is CAD 5.95!
El Furniture Warehouse Website
Vallea Lumina
Vallea Lumina is an ENCHANTING night walk with lights and special effects in a forest not that far from Whistler Village. It’s the most beautiful during winter as you are surrounded by snow but you can also enjoy this at any time of the year.
Vallea Lumina follows a legend story of two lost hikers from a long time ago and their wondrous journey in the forest. It is a magical experience and the best way to finish your 1 day in Whistler!
Vallea Lumina Admission
Book tickets to Vallea Lumina online on the website below. The price of an adult ticket varies by season but starts at around CAD 29.99. Vallea Lumina is open rain, hail, or shine!
How to get to Vallea Lumina from Whistler Village?
A complimentary shuttle bus picks you up from the Gateway Loop, Gate Way Drive, and also drops you back here when you’re done. The shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes.
An important note to keep in mind is that the time on your ticket does not include the travel time so make sure you catch a shuttle bus that will arrive before or on the time you booked.
Vallea Lumina Night Walk
The earliest you can book for is sundown which is the time you will need to book for if you need to make it back for the 9 pm bus back to Vancouver.
Make sure to allow two hours to get there, enjoy the 1-1.5km walk, and get back. It’s a very easy walk that anyone young and old can easily do!
What to wear to Vallea Lumina?
If you are visiting in the winter make sure to dress warm because it’s really cold especially in the evenings. Wear layers, a scarf, gloves, and a beanie to keep warm. Wear comfortable waterproof walking shoes to wear in the snow.
If you can wear waterproof clothing for Vallea Lumina then that would be smart in case it rains as umbrellas are not permitted.
After visiting the Scandinave Spa and eating some amazing food this will be the cherry on top to a perfect 1 day in Whistler!
