Whistler Village in the town of Whistler is unique as far as ski villages go, given that it’s an actual village, rather than a tourist attraction designed to look like a village. It has lots of tourist-facing restaurants and attractions, but also supports locals who live there with amenities like grocery stores, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and more. And anywhere there’s mountain locals, you’ll find mountain dogs, and that’s true as ever in Whistler.
Unlike many resort towns where pet policies can feel like an afterthought, Whistler is a community where dogs are woven into everyday life. Dogs are a familiar sight in the bustling pedestrian village, and it’s a rare store that doesn’t let your dog walk right in with you – in fact, your dog will probably quickly learn that most employees have dog treats hidden behind the counters.
Photos: Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane and Suzie Dundas
Whistler Village is extremely well connected to multiple trail systems, and the dog-friendly Village Trail runs from Whistler’s furthest south neighborhood (Function Junction) all the way north past the ski villages to Green Lake. That makes it easy for dogs and their owners to access dozens (honestly, probably hundreds) of trailheads without needing to hop in the car. Lost Lake, a local park only about a 10-minute walk from the Whistler Upper Village, has a dedicated dog beach, and it’s not unusual to see happy dogs paddleboarding or swimming alongside their owners at lakes like Alpha and Alta.
Whistler has leash laws, and they’re sensible, but relaxed. It’s common to see off-leash dogs under voice control trotting alongside trail runners or chasing after mountain bikers, and the gorgeous but rarely crowded Ancient Cedars Trail lets you and your pup walk in the shadows of trees more than 1,500 years old. And when you’re ready to venture beyond Whistler, you don’t need to leave the dog behind. Squamish’s new Squamish Canyon boardwalk trail is dog friendly every day after 2 PM, and the 1.5-mile Bathtub Trail to the north in Pemberton is canine central all summer long.
Most major hotels, from the luxury Fairmont Whistler to the more casual Pinnacle Hotel welcome pups, and the town has amenities like dog waste stations and water fountains spread throughout most pedestrian areas.
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Dogs are as welcome as people at the Westin Whistler, with dog-friendly rooms and amenities, plus an excellent location with the Whistler Village on one side and a grassy golf course on the other. Humans can take advantage of all-suite rooms, several on-site restaurants, and an excellent high-end spa.
The Fairmont Château Whistler is one of the most elegant hotels in Whistler, with a prime ski-in, ski-out location in the Upper Village, plus amenities like a massive pool and hot tub deck, ski valet service, a complimentary hotel shuttle, and a “Comfort Pet Amenity” for four-legged friends.
The Pan Pacific Whistler Village Center is steps from the gondolas, with high-end amenities like ski butler service and roomy suites. But perhaps most importantly, dogs are treated like true guests, with no weight restrictions, pet-friendly suites, and thoughtful touches like beds, bowls, and treats waiting on arrival.
Aava Whistler is one of the town’s best affordable dog-friendly hotels. Rooms are modern and trendy, with easy access to grassy areas and nearby trails. There are no weight limits — in fact, the hotel only requests that your dog be “between a small mouse and a pony,” size-wise. And the mellow vibe means you won’t feel out of place if your dog walks through the lobby with a little dirt on his paws.
Nita Lake Lodge is an elegant, alpine modern hotel a few miles south of Whistler Village, closer to the Creekside Village. It’s a good pick for pups who may be overwhelmed by the more crowded Whistler Village, as it’s on the shore of Nita Lake and within walking distance of grassy areas and trail systems. Nita Lake Lodge also has excellent shoulder-season dining deals, if you visit in spring or fall. 