Looking for the best Whistler deals? Then look no further! We went up to Whistler Village this week for a mini getaway and scoped out the latest hot spots. It has been a minute since we last visited in an official DL way (since this ziplining trip), so it was time to get reacquainted.
We had an easy breezy couple of days. We ate delicious meals, hopped around for happy hour, enjoyed some art, and camped out at a new pod hotel – all impressively under budget. We’re not going to keep all these Village secrets to ourselves! Here’s the latest on enjoying Whistler on the cheap.
Where to stay in Whistler
Pangea Pod Hotel – We stayed at Pangea Pod, Whistler’s first pod hotel. It’s a modern boutique accommodation with a laid back, cheerful vibe (rates start at $69/night). It felt like a cross between lux hostels in Europe and capsule hotels that are all the rage in Japan. The dorm-style pods are about 40 square feet each, decked out with a double bed, mini shelves, a locker, towels, and phone charging outlets. In other words, you’ll be set up with all the essentials. Ideal for travellers on the go – or in our case, a girls weekend.
Things that brought us delight: touch-screen check-in upon arrival, a handy bracelet to access your pod dorm and pay for incidentals (like your bar tab), convenient bike rentals and storage, a cute rooftop bar (the only one in the Village), daily events and activities like karaoke night, a lounge with great coffee, snacks, board games, and a happy hour menu (more on that below), and fast wifi throughout. Love the bright splashes of color and mural art by Vancouver’s Ola Volo covering the walls.
Other Whistler accommodation deals
Whistler Premium – Great option if you’re visiting Whistler with a big group of friends and family. You may be pleasantly surprised that renting one upscale townhouse could be way cheaper than two hotel rooms. We’ve stayed in this townhouse before on a family getaway and everyone loved it.
VRBO and Airbnb – Reliably cheaper than hotel options. If you plan on staying for a good chunk of time, ask the owner to consider offering a lower rate. We’ve done this before with much success.
Travelzoo – Don’t forget to take a look at what deals Travel Zoo is offering. They often have 4-star hotel Whistler deals for 35% off or higher. It often works out to be more competitive than other hotel sites.
Whistler’s best happy hours
The best tips come from staffers. Thank you to all the resourceful locals who tipped us off and shared all these gems with us. Some of these Whistler deals are tried and true, others are new to us!
- 3 Below – Where the locals hide out after work. Daily food and drink deals including hard bar doubles for $6.75.
- Araxi – Aprés Ski Special (3-5pm) is 10 oysters for $18. A pretty good deal considering the quality and upscale experience.
- Bar Oso – Good happy hour with cozy tapas bar vibes for great cocktails and snacks. Pro tip: You can order half charcuterie boards – we asked.
- Basalt Wine & Salumeria – Post up on the centrally located yet tucked-in patio with $6 Steamworks beer or $8 wine.
- Cinnamon Bear Bar – (the CBB) Tucked into the Hilton, this popular happy hour includes lagers for $4.25 and rum for $6.30.
- Crystal Lounge – The cheapest chicken wings in town at $0.35 each when you get a drink.
- Dubh Lin Gate – Happy hour runs 3x daily: Breakfast ($6 mimosas and Caesars), Aprés and Late Night ($5 pints, highballs, and house wine).
- Earls – There’s something for everyone on their happy hour menu (3-5pm and 10-close daily).
- El Furniture Warehouse – The concept of the good old Warehouse is basically happy hour all day, every day. Every food item is priced at $5.95.
- La Cantina – Nothing crushes those late night cravings like $2.50 tacos and $4.50 Coronas. Happy hour is nightly from 9-11pm.
- Pangea Pod – The only rooftop bar in the Village and it’s open to the public. Happy hour (1pm til late) starting from $3.90 beer and $4.90 shots.
- Raven Room – Popular happy hour dishes include spicy Thai fried chicken and jackfruit bao buns (3-530pm & 10pm-1am daily.)
Money-saving tips and recos for Whistler art, activities, and more
- Whistler lakes – Lake life awaits through early fall, late spring, and summer seasons. The hit list: Alpha Lake, Nita Lake, Alta Lake, Lost Lake, and Green Lake.
- Whistler Farmer’s Market – Over 90 vendors on a typical market day. Find them at the Upper Village every Sunday, Wednesday, and Holiday Saturday.
- Audain Museum – Free for youth under 18. Check their events schedule for free-with-admission activities from art workshops to yoga.
- Whistler Contemporary Art Gallery – Head downstairs to Art Gallery Row in the Hilton Whistler Resort. Love these bold, contemporary pieces of art. Always free to see.
- PEAK 2 PEAK – Book your tickets early to save $5 per ticket. It’s well worth the price for the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola, the new Cloudraker Skybridge, and Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk. Love the quieter hiking trails.
- Vallea Lumina – Pick up The Adventure Group gift cards at Costco. It’s a 25% discount ($74.99 for 2x$50 gift cards), which you can use for Vallea Lumina or other experiences.
- Scandinave Spa – Pick up Way Spa gift cards at Costco. It’s a 25% discount ($74.99 for 2x$50 gift card value), which Scandinave accepts. Also, many establishments around the Village have 10% off cards at the cash register (i.e. Whistler Grocery Store).
- Function Junction – Head 10 minutes south of Whistler Village to the industrial and artsy nook of Function Junction. You will find local gems minus the touristy crowds. Faves: Pure Bread, Camp Lifestyle + Coffee Co, Wild Wood Cafe, and Whistler Brewing Company. For our thrifty readers, the Re-use it Centre here has a ton of treasures.
Bus to Whistler
If you’re not driving up to Whistler, the cheapest way is by bus. It’s super convenient as the pick-up and drop-off points are Burrard Station/Hyatt Regency Hotel (downtown Vancouver) and Whistler Village.
- Whistler Rides charges $32 for a round trip from Vancouver to Whistler. Pangea Pod guests can use promo code ‘WRPangea’ to book it for a cheaper rate of $27 per person.
- Epic Rides is another competitive option. They charge $35 for a round trip from Vancouver to Whistler.
You’re all set.
If you have more Whistler deals and steals to add, let us know. Tag us on Instagram (@districtlocal #districtlocal) to keep us posted on your latest local adventures. Happy travels!