A Weekend Guide to Whistler
We are so lucky to live a mere 2 hours from Whistler village. Whistler is the ultimate West Coast destination – with good traffic, it’s just around 1.5 hours to make the trip up from downtown Vancouver. If you are not from Vancouver, you probably recognize it from the 2010 Winter Olympic games!
Whistler has world class dining, some of the most incredible natural beauty you could ever see in all seasons, a legitimate playground for the active/thrill-seeking type and an amazing energy throughout the whole town. We try to go up a few times a year, so I thought why not make a quick weekend guide for you to follow!
Officially opening as a destination ski resort in 1966, the village has bloomed into an ever-thriving international bucket list item. With dozens of restaurants, shops and hotels, the village in the winter is always of note in ski and snowboard magazines. For summer enthusiasts, Whistler Village is often considered the birthplace of modern, lift-accessed mountain biking, drawing riders from across the world.
Fun fact, did you know that in 1900, Whistler was named after whistling marmots? I found that out and had to share, such a quirky fact.
How to Get to Whistler
There are multiple ways to get from Vancouver to Whistler- the easiest being the bus that leaves from the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver and has WiFi on board to get work done or catch up on a book. A quick 2.5-hour ride later, you’ll find yourself in the middle of either Upper or Lower Village.
You can also drive up yourself or take a sea-plane. Can you imagine the views from the plane?! One day that’s how I’ll go up there.
What to Do
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
For those who love heights (not me!), the Peak 2 Peak Gondola needs to be the first thing on your list. It’s a great way to see your surroundings and get a sense of Whistler as a whole. The views are apparently some of the best in the world. Maybe one day, I’ll gather enough nerve to experience this!
Hike
There are an abundance of hiking trails surrounding Whistler. You can’t beat the scenery from these hikes. Whistler Village is the perfect starting place for a number of incredible hikes, ranging from multi-day backcountry treks to do-able day hikes.
Ski or Snowboard
When it’s ski season, hit up the slopes for some Olympic class skiing or snowboarding. You can even heli-ski during the summer.
Bike
In the summer to fall, mountain bikers line the mountain side. Redbull hosts an event every summer too. Red Bull Joyride continues to be the largest slopestyle mountain-biking competition in the world and the blue-riband event of the sport. Also known as Crankworx, I’ve been up there at this time and it’s a party all weekend.
Zipline
I can’t say I’ve tried this yet, but have heard so many great things about the ziplines in Whistler. I can only imagine gliding over spectacular creeks and through those trees would be amazing.
What to See
Art
Audain Art Museum is where you will find great architecture housing some really thought-provoking pieces. It’s literally in the village and a great way to spend a morning or afternoon before dinner.
Vallea Lumina
If you follow me on Instagram, you will remember I went to the opening night of Vallea Lumina in the summer. Naturally, I wanted to bring Curtis back to experience it with me. The only way to describe it is magical, simply magical. It’s not an all-year round activity, they close up end of October due to weather.
At sundown, join other adventurers on a multimedia night walk into the enchanted forest of Cougar Mountain. The spectacular evening of lights and sound brings the forest to life as you set off a journey into finding two missing hikers in a hidden valley. My photos do not do it justice, you have to experience it yourself.
Where to Eat
Brewhouse at Whistler
This is one of the busiest locations in Whistler village. It’s situated right on the main path and offers solid food and drinks. I love being on their patio and taking in a little people watching while sipping a drink.
StonesEdge
This little space is tucked away behind Buffalo Bills in the village. I loved the shabby chic decor and delicious menu. We went for brunch and I can’t wait to return for dinner. I ordered the salmon bagel bennie, house cured salmon, vermouth cucumber, fried capers, smoked hollandaise, 2 poached eggs, arugula and fresh fennel. It was to die for!
Earl’s Happy Hour
After Vallea Lumina, there weren’t too many options for late night eats. So we went to our go-to at home for a late happy hour menu. And it seems this is a popular spot by locals and visitors. In my opinion, they have one of the best happy hours in BC.
Portobello
Portobello Whistler
I love eating here at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, the menu is always good, the BBQ is worth a visit alone and if you are looking for a cozy spot for cocktails, this is it.
Purebread
What more can I say than a wide selection of scrumptious desserts are awaiting you here. They are so popular, they have expanded into Vancouver and most recently in my neighbourhood of Kitsilano. Which could potentially be very dangerous for my waistline haha.
Peaked Pies
This popular Aussie pie shop serves up delicious pies filled with meat to veggie options. They have savoury pies, sweet pies, breakfast pies, Australian style coffees and desserts. We usually order the Get Peaked add-on, which is mashed potatoes, peas and gravy.
Araxi
Brunch is my favourite meal here, but they do serve up a wicked dinner. It’s right in the village as well and is a popular favourite with a large patio for summer.
Where to Stay
Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre
This couldn’t be more of a perfect location, right smack in the village. Yes, it’s not right on the mountain side as it’s sister location, but that’s only a five minute walk away. You get village and mountain views and you’re a few feet from a Starbucks.
They also house a pool on-site and a breakfast buffet in the morning. This is great for anyone hitting the slopes or off for a hike early morning. I love how each room has a fireplace, kitchenette and even bath salts! Yes, bath salts, I found this little touch very important. After a long day, you want to soak in that tub with bath salts.
Where to Relax
Scandinave Spa
A visit to Whistler wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Scandinave Spa. This was our first time at the spa, it’s a gorgeous property that’s a five minute drive from the village. I loved wrapping up our weekend here, relaxing before our drive down and the work week ahead. It’s a phone free zone, and let me tell you, not having that on hand for a few hours was heavenly.
Here’s a breakdown of the baths experience (you can also book a massage): based off of traditional Scandinavian spa practices, you cycle through hot (10 minutes in either a hot bath, sauna or steam room), cold (5-10 seconds in either a cold bath or Nordic shower) and finally, spend at least 10-15 minutes relaxing in hammock haven, a solarium, curled up in a chair in the sun or by an outdoor fireplace, or in these very cool hanging chairs.
Cycle through this all at least 4-5 times and you’ll achieve your bliss. And embrace those naps you might have in the relaxing portion of your cycle. I sure did, each and every time.
Curtis wants to come back during the winter and experience it with snow covering the grounds. I agree, I am already planning our return in my head. But a trip to Scandinave Spa is gorgeous at any time of year.
What are your favourite things to do/see/eat while in Whistler for a weekend?! Let me know in the comments below. Another great escape from Vancouver is to Rowena’s Inn.
Beautiful fall colors!