Winter Wonderland: A Parent’s Ultimate Guide to Baby Fun!

Editor’s Note: I originally composed this entry in 2018; my daughter is now eight, but I consulted several parents of younger children to ensure this remains relevant, incorporating some new tips as well.

Whistler is fantastic for both little ones and older kids, with notable winter pastimes including ski lessons, ice skating, and sledding at Whistler Olympic Plaza, followed by a cozy hot chocolate to warm up afterwards. Nevertheless, if your infant isn’t walking yet, rolling a snowball, or consuming anything warmer than room temperature, the winter climate can feel a bit overwhelming.

My daughter, Ella, has now reached 14 months, and we’ve enjoyed numerous delightful mini-adventures as she has matured in Whistler. If you’re seeking winter fun with infants, here’s what we’ve been engaging in from 0-14 months….

Staying Active

If you possess a spirit of adventure, consider bundling up your little one and strapping on some snowshoes or XC skis, taking them along on the trails in a backpack or chariot. A friend and I went snowshoeing with Ella to Alexander Falls in the Callaghan Valley last winter, and it was breathtaking.

Whistler provides three locations for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing: Lost Lake Park (near Whistler Village), Whistler Olympic Park, and The Callaghan. All three areas offer rentals, with Whistler Olympic Park allowing complimentary usage of their ski chariots during weekdays (for those with a season pass).

Marmot Meadows at the Library

The children’s area at the Whistler Public Library is spacious, bright, and welcoming. There may be an event like Singing with Babies, but we often just find a cozy corner for a little reading session ourselves. They also feature a sizeable washroom with a changing table—always convenient.

Cultural Little Critter

When Ella was between 0-8 months, my husband and I would take her along to the Audain Art Museum. The serene ambiance of the galleries provided a pleasant escape for all of us, and breastfeeding amid the artwork of Emily Carr was undoubtedly a memorable experience for me. Another art-filled haven is The Gallery at Arts Whistler.

A further engaging indoor venue for young children is the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Their amicable Cultural Ambassadors conduct tours every hour, starting with a welcoming drumming song, which consistently captures Ella’s interest. The displays are enriched with artwork, carvings, textiles, and regalia, allowing your little one to appreciate while you gain a deeper understanding of the communities that have occupied Whistler and its neighboring regions for ages.

Ascending the Mountain

The wonderful aspect of the early months is that your infant isn’t highly mobile and tends to sleep frequently, making a trip up the gondola to share some ski laps one of the most enjoyable ways to relish winter with babies (check out Mike Atkinson’s first ski vacation with a newborn here). You can bring a stroller onto the Whistler, Blackcomb, and PEAK 2 PEAK gondolas or utilize a carrier—my recommendation is to have both.

We usually set up at The Roundhouse, get comfortable with coffee and pastries, and then take turns hitting the slopes. As your children grow, this becomes less feasible, so make the most of the opportunity while they’re not yet attempting to climb stairs and engage in playful antics with individuals sporting ski boots. (Editor’s note: Kids can begin Whistler Blackcomb ski school programs starting at age three, with various camps and sessions to transform them into skiing prodigies as they mature).

Comfy Dining

A favorite spot I adore taking Ella for lunch is Forecast, situated in the heart of the village near Armchair Bookstore. We secure a cozy corner booth and indulge in a sandwich, invariably followed by one of their delightful cookies.

If you happen to be in the Upper Village, Portobello is another location we enjoy visiting as there’s often a quaint nook we can settle into, and the diverse menu ensures everyone’s satisfaction.

Enjoying a Swim

Being a little water enthusiast, Ella and I frequently visit Meadow Park Sports Centre. The lifeguards are exceptionally welcoming and can assist if you’re not quite at ease with your own water enthusiast just yet. Meadow Park is situated approximately a five-minute drive north of Whistler Village, and to enhance the experience, we often opt for the bus.

Strollers with brakes are welcome, and drivers lower the front section of the bus to allow for easier boarding with your little one, plus the chairs in the front wheelchair area can be folded up for extra space. The Family Travel initiative allows your little one to travel free of charge!

Taking a Walk

If you’re in search of some fresh air, or if your little one relishes a nap while on the move, the Valley Trail around Whistler Golf Course is an excellent choice. The round-trip spans five kilometers and is cleared every day (check the Winter Trail Map for updates on which sections of the Whistler Valley Trail are maintained during the winter). I would still advise using traction devices (like Yaktrax) for your footwear when the conditions are slippery.

Keep an eye out for some informative storyboards along the path that share interesting tidbits about Whistler’s wildlife and settlement history. For a shorter walk, download the complimentary Go Whistler Tours app to explore self-guided tours that navigate through different areas of Whistler Village and Creekside.

Observing the Older Kids

There’s nothing more captivating than observing the older kids engaging in fun, so we stroll over to Whistler Olympic Plaza for Ella to see them sledging and skating. There are bonfires to sit by for keeping us warm, the lights strung in the trees are enchanting, and the cheers from the children elicit her giggles. Next year, it will be Ella speeding down the small hill, but for now, we’re content experiencing the moment together.

Still searching for ways to enjoy winter with infants? Visit Whistler.com for additional information on family-friendly activities, events, childcare, and camps.