One of the most well-known vacation destinations in Canada,
Whistler is a wonderland any time of the year.
Whistler has a well-deserved reputation as a skiing paradise, but the town boasts many other attractions. Spend the day on the slopes, hike abundant natural trails, take in a summer concert, or dine at one of the fabulous restaurants. You’ll enjoy a relaxing, luxurious getaway whatever your interests. Jane recommends comfortable lodgings, dining destinations, and more in iconic Whistler.
Premier Lodgings for an Elegant Stay
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Expect elegance, comfort, and flawless service at the luxury mountain Fairmont Chateau. It occupies the most coveted ski-in/ski-out (or putt-in/putt-out, depending on the season!) location on the hill. It’s walking distance to everything the Village has to offer. And it’s home to a magnificent championship golf course, an excellent spa, and several top-notch restaurants. The Chateau Whistler’s architecture boasts sumptuous and contemporary rooms with views over the glaciers and valley. Don’t miss the traditional alpine fondue experience when the snow is falling!
Adventuring in Whistler
Heli-Skiing and Cat-Skiing
Whistler Blackcomb is a skier’s paradise. It’s BC’s largest ski resort, but the exceptional terrain extends far beyond the ski area borders. Explore the heavenly powder off-piste with a private or semi-private heli-skiing or cat-tour adventure. No lift lines, first tracks, and memories to last a lifetime (there are packages suitable to every ability level). It really is an experience that soars. Visiting Whistler in the summer? Take the same trip to the top for an alpine meadow heli-picnic, catered by one of the city’s best restaurants.
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Among the longest and highest unsupported gondola spans in the world, Peak 2 Peak riders enjoy 4.4 km of unparalleled views over the Coast Mountains. It’s also decidedly the most stunning way to access the skiing and hiking terrain between Blackcomb and Whistler. This ride is breathtaking in every season, and well worth a visit.
Relax, Unwind & Explore
Whistler Village
The Village Stroll offers plenty of excitement in a condensed and appealing atmosphere. Browse the numerous boutique and high-end shop storefronts. Cafes, bistros, and artisanal chocolatiers invite you in for a warming treat. People-watching is practically an Olympic sport in the Village, and après-activity options abound.
Lost Lake Nature Trail
Whether hiking in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter, Lost Lake boasts the area’s most picturesque trails (and there’s some tough competition). More than 25km of flat, pretty routes, it’s excellent for strolling, jogging, or cross-country skiing. It’s also wheel- and pet-friendly, and is perfect for a picnic on the shore when the weather is dry. This peaceful spot is preferred by locals and is only a few minutes from town.
Outdoor Concerts at Olympic Plaza
In the summer, the city hosts free concerts at the Olympic Plaza; headliners include major North American recording artists from many genres. But the town is filled with song all year long! Discover new talent among the buskers and troubadours that wander the village streets in summer and winter, or the public events that feature local and national bands during the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, Victoria Day, Canada Day, and more. Local favourite, Dusty’s, in Creekside features exciting live music and DJs, nightly. The fireside Mallard Lounge at the Chateau Whistler showcases more intimate performances (and a divine chocolate bar).
Spas
You’re in a world-class resort, you deserve premier pampering! Whether you’ve spent the day skiing, hiking, or golfing, you’ll probably be ready for relaxing. Whistler boasts several exceptional day spas, but those in the know frequent the Spa at the Four Seasons, succumbing to their signature Sea to Sky massage. Other top-tier options: find your calm at the Vida Spa, located in the Chateau Whistler, or indulge your muscles in the saunas and pools of the unique indoor-outdoor Scandinave Spa Whistler.
Delicious Local Eateries for Every Palate
Bearfoot Bistro
Considered one of the best restaurants in the world, Bearfoot Bistro is at once sophisticated and decadent. The exceptional menu offers only the best (from BC and beyond). Award-winning Executive Chef Melissa Craig focuses on regional ingredients and global flavours, and on creating a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience. Add a glass of Champagne for a spectacular evening. This is the restaurant that put Whistler on the world culinary map.
Red Door Bistro
Venture out of the Village for the locals’ favourite date night experience. Red Door, in Creekside, serves up French-meets-West Coast cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Cozy and warm, with bar seating that overlooks the open kitchen, the restaurant boasts excellent food, an extensive wine list, and a specials board that changes with the availability of the ingredients (or at Chef RD Stewart’s fancy). Everything about Red Door makes it an absolute Whistler must. The wait-list is long, so plan in advance!
Araxi
Farm-to-table, slopeside. Araxi is a trailblazer in the West Coast’s fresh, local, sustainable food movement. It’s also long been a leader in Whistler’s upscale dining scene. The elegant, understated decor allows the innovative dishes to shine. The menu features seasonally-inspired fare with a Continental/Mediterranean influence that consistently succeeds. Right in the heart of Village Square, you can take advantage of the award-winning wine list and then walk back to your hotel through the charming Village.
Rimrock Cafe
For 30 years, Rimrock Cafe has been a stalwart of excellent cuisine, nestled halfway between Creekside and the main Village. Classic seafood and meat dishes are always beautifully prepared and impeccably served. The flavour influence is European, but there is a true Pacific Northwest approach in the kitchen—and every bite is memorable. The upscale chalet decor is welcoming and genuine, and the choice seats near the stone fireplace are reserved well in advance.
BReD Made by Ed
While it may not be a restaurant, it’s inarguably the best place for fresh-baked, artisanal breads in Whistler. British expats, Ed and Natasha Tatton, create handmade sourdough loaves from Ed’s own starter, as well as cinnamon buns, to-die-for cookies, and more at their Creekside bakery. All ingredients are as local as possible and responsibly sourced. Grab a cup of direct-trade coffee or chai, too.
Cure Lounge & Patio
There’s no shortage of places to enjoy a drink in and around Whistler. But if you’re looking for something truly invigorating to mind and spirit, follow the locals to the stunning lakeside bar at Nita Lake Lodge for happy hour. The comfortable stone patio is particularly inviting in the summertime. Creative drinks and delicious light bites with a gorgeous mountain view? Each an excellent reason to raise your glass to the Whistler good life!
Bar Oso
Authentic Spanish tapas and inventive cocktails make this Village Square hotspot an excellent choice among Whistler’s late-night offerings. Make new friends as you take your seat along the communal bar. The menu features authentic flavours that are perfectly matched to the behind-the-bar creations. The expert mixologists can custom-make something based on your tastes, too. ¡Salud!
Sidecut Bar
Canadian charcuterie and perfectly-paired wines are featured at this alluring and casual lounge in the Four Seasons. Along with a unique (and eye-catchingly-served) cocktail list and enviable beer list, this is a place to truly get a taste of the BC mountain spirit. Comfortable seating arrangements and inviting club chairs offer plenty of privacy and room to talk. Cozy up to the fireside and share your day’s adventures, here!
Our world holds so many places to explore, though we know it may be hard to tear yourself away from the majestic Okanagan valley! Travel helps you grow, and we hope our suggestions can help you enjoy these locales like a local.
When you’re ready to come home, the experts at Jane Hoffman Realty can help you find the perfect Okanagan property. Because the world is amazing, but there’s no place like home. Contact us at 1-888-535-6962 for assistance with any real estate needs.