October 18, 2011 @ 08:24PM

Tips for Planning a Family Vacation to Whistler
Whistler can be a wonderful place to take a family vacation. There are a wide variety of Whistler hotels to choose from, including well known hotel chains, condos, smaller inns and family homes. There are also Whistler group discounts if you prefer to travel in the company of a larger group. As long as you reserve at least four rooms, you qualify for Whistler group discounts. You can also get a better rate by booking a package deal, either for Whistler ski vacations or for golfing vacations.

The first thing you need to determine is which type of activities you would like to do, as this will determine the time of year that you should visit Whistler. Whistler ski vacations are popular, but there are also many summertime activities available in Whistler. These include hiking, camping, mountain biking, windsurfing and in-line skating. Whether you choose a summer vacation or a ski vacation, you are sure to find plenty to do for everyone in the family. Whistler has a number of activities available just for children, both in the summertime and the wintertime.

Next, you might want to determine in which area of Whistler you would prefer to stay. Whistler Village is a pedestrian-only village with lots of boutiques, restaurants, shops, spas and other amenities. It is also where a lot of the nightlife takes place. Two gondolas are within walking distance of the village. If you want to be a bit further away from the hustle and bustle but still within walking distance of the village, you can stay in Whistler Village North or Upper Village. Both the Whistler Valley and Creekside areas are within a short drive of the main village. A number of Whistler hotels are available in each of these areas, but you may have fewer options if you come during the peak season and plan your vacation at the last minute.

Finally, you need to determine the dates when you want to visit. Whistler is home to several annual festivals and events. Visiting Whistler during these times will give you even more to do, but keep in mind that it will also be more crowded and you will need to make your hotel reservations further in advance to guarantee space will be available.