What's your winter personality: cosy wanderer or slope-chaser? Whistler, in British Columbia, lets you try both in the same day. This resort municipality sits about 125 kilometres north of Vancouver in the Coast Mountains, with two main ski peaks: Whistler and Blackcomb. These are linked by the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, famous for giving a suspended, panoramic valley view in just a few minutes of travel. The area gained fame when it co-hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, and some of those venues are still open to the public today. The name 'Whistler' comes from the high-pitched call of the local hoary marmots that were once common around the slopes.

Winter in Whistler is not only about skiing. Outdoor ice-skating, snowshoe trails through quiet forests and guided cultural experiences offered by the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre offer different ways to explore. Snow tubing at the family park near the gondolas is a cheerful break, especially as the light turns blue over the peaks. A December visit adds another layer: the Winter Village lights, market stalls and welcoming cafés make even a simple evening walk feel special. Practical yet playful—that's the winter spirit here.