Vancouver vs Whistler:Battle of the Bachelor Party Destinations.

If you have your heart set on a Bachelor Party in B.C. then chances are both Vancouver and Whistler will be on your radar, but which one should you go for?

 It’s a good question and not one that can be answered straight off the bat.

There is plenty of fun to be had in both destinations and it’s even possible to combine the two together, due to only being separated by a two-hour drive on the sea-to-sky highway.

It often comes down to the personality of the group members and what sort of bachelor party weekend you want to have. Here we look at both options to help you decide which one to go for.

 Destination Overview

Vancouver:

Vancouver is a city located in southwestern British Columbia and is the main urban hub of Western Canada. It is considered one of the most picturesque cities in the world and one like no other. Wherever you look you can see water, mountains, or even both. It’s a true all-year-round destination with local skiing in the winter just 30 minutes from the downtown area and crowded beaches in the summer.

 Whistler:

Whistler can be found in the coastal mountains and is only 2 hours north of Vancouver. It has legendary status amongst outdoor enthusiasts with endless skiing, mountain biking, and hiking opportunities attracting people from all over the world. There is a laid-back vibe combined with an exciting energy of adventure.

Group Accommodation Options

Vancouver:

Naturally, as a big city, there is a multitude of hotel options in the downtown area. There are also bigger rental houses available in areas such as Shaughnessy, Kitsilano, and Oakridge if you are prepared to be a bit further out from the main nightlife and entertainment districts, then these areas can serve you well. Many bachelor parties prefer being in one house unit rather than separate hotel rooms and luckily Vancouver has plenty of options to cater to all bachelor party accommodation preferences.

Whistler:

Whistler also has a wide range of accommodation options from hotels and condos to homes and chalets. However, accommodation prices can come at a bit of a premium, especially during the peak skiing season in the winter. If you are a large group the most cost-effective and convenient way is often to book multiple units in the same building. For example, for a group of 18, you can book 3 x units that are next to each other that all accommodate 6 people. For the skiers and snowboarders, there are several ski-in/ski-out options meaning you can get from the slopes to the hot tub for an Après Ski beer in no time at all!

Daytime Activities

Vancouver:

Vancouver has a whole host of activities to ensure any bachelor party can put together a weekend itinerary of adventure, fun, and memorable times. There are classic options such as Go Karting, Paintball, Brewery Tours, and Golf as well as more unique things like Bubble Soccer and Seaplane Tours.

Vancouver is also a superb base for other more adventurous activities such as Whitewater Rafting that can be enjoyed as part of a day trip out in nearby Chilliwack or Squamish.

Whistler:

Whistler is without doubt British Columbia’s playground and all year round there is a heart-pumping adventure to be had! Making it a perfect destination for any thrill-seeking bachelor parties. Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowmobiling, Ziplining, Skydiving, Bungee Jumping, Whitewater Rafting, and many more are available to you.

If your group wants to take things a little slower then there are also more low-key activities such as Axe Throwing, Lawn Games or even just relaxing in a spa!

Transport

Vancouver:

Vancouver is a very easy city to navigate with multiple public transport options available as well as all the usual ride-sharing apps when you need to get back to your accommodation after a night out!

Whistler:

Being a smaller mountain resort Whistler is easy to navigate on foot without a vehicle and it’s possible to stroll between restaurants, ski lifts, and hotels along the pedestrian-only streets. Uber and Lyft are not available but Whistler does have its own version called Whistle! Taxis are also readily available as well as a free transit shuttle system that connects ski lifts with popular parks.

Nightlife

Vancouver:

Vancouver’s nightlife is among the best in Canada, meaning it’s a great place for any bachelor parties that want to party hard! Granville Street is the recognized hub of all things after hours and is littered with pubs, bars, nightclubs, and strip clubs. If you want a detailed look at all the nightclub districts in Vancouver then check out our Vancouver Bachelor Party Ideas blog for a full low-down.

Whistler:

Whistler’s nightlife is pumping! The vast array of options from bars, lounges, and nightclubs means that Whistler has gained the reputation of a party town. What we love about Whistler is that everything is within walking distance of each other and it’s very popular with locals and tourists alike. This guide by our friends at Gibbons gives a great overview of how to party in Whistler!

Conclusion

Both Vancouver and Whistler are incredibly solid destinations for any bachelor party and it would be down to your group to decide which is the best option for you. If your group are skiers/snowboarders and looking for a winter bachelor party then Whistler wins hands down. However, if you are looking for a summer option then Vancouver may just clinch it.

The good news…. you are in for a treat whatever the time of year!

Are you looking to plan a bachelor party in Vancouver or Whistler in 2023? If so, we can help! Check out our range of activities and if you want to put together an awesome weekend itinerary then get in touch today!