Whistler might not seem like a logical destination for someone who doesn't ski or mountain bike — and is afraid of heights.
But after enjoying a "girls" weekend in the mountain village, the popular destination turned out to be everything we could ask for — and more. Prior to this trip, I’d considered summer in Whistler as a kind of off-season, but the reality is the village is busy year-round and with celebrations for Canada 150 in full swing, there has never been a better time to visit.
For our weekend away we stayed at the iconically Canadian Fairmont Chateau Whistler, which is celebrating Canada 150 in a big way with special packages, but also a Canadian-inspired menu. The eight-course dinner features fun takes on traditional dishes including arctic char in smoldering cedar paper, bison tartare with fried bannock and Saskatoon berry compote, smoked salmon poutine, and a beaver tail with maple ice cream.
Considering a trip to Whistler in 2017? Here are some ideas for celebrating Canada 150:
Anyone who visits Whistler has got to get their heights on by riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, part of the Peak to Peak 360 Experience, which is spread over two mountains, has more than 50-kilometres of hiking trails, incredible views and free and custom-guided tours. For those less inclined to hike and more likely to be found with a glass of wine in their hand, you can stop by the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. This summer guests can enjoy mountaintop dining and live music on the newly renovated patio — all at 1,800-metres.
The hills will be alive with the sound of music, especially in the afternoon on Canada Day when chamber music will be performed by students of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Institute at Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. Later in the day, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will once again bring classical music to Whistler Olympic Plaza. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy music performed by a full orchestra playing under the stars.
Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre
The Squamish and Lil’wat Nations built the cultural centre to house and showcase their art, history and culture.Their vision is to share cultural knowledge to inspire understanding and respect amongst all people.
Canada 150 Scavenger Hunt
Try to find at least 20 of the items included on the scavenger hunt list, take photos and remember to share them on social media, tagging @GoWhistler and using the hashtags #OnlyInWhistler and #Canada150. Take your scavenger hunt form and proof of your shared images to the Whistler Visitor Centre for your Canada 150 themed prize. Items listed on the scavenger hunt include Canadian flags, the inuksuk, poutine and more.
Play spot the animals
We tried this as we travelled the Peak 2 Peak, which gave us a bird's-eye view of the mountainous terrain below. Depending on the time of year, look for squirrels, chipmunks, birds, deer and bears. The local golf courses are also a popular spot to see wildlife.
Relive the Spirit of the 2010 Games
View (or even roll down) the track at the Whistler Sliding Centre or visit Whistler Olympic Park, host to the Nordic, biathlon and ski jumping events and now offering hiking and horseback riding in the summer. Whistler Olympic Plaza was home to nightly medal ceremonies and the outdoor area is now a hub for everything from live music to public art to picnics.
Rent a cruiser bike and then choose your route. The Valley Trail is a paved pathway that runs for 40-kilometres and connects all of Whistler’s single-track trails, patios and cafes, beaches and lakes, parks and golf-courses. It’s pet-friendly and stroller-accessible.
Eating is always a favourite part of any weekend away and considering Whistler has become a major foodie destination known for its world-class restaurants, the choices and options are vast. But a variety of tasting tours is making it easier to check them out by offering multi-course movable meals, curated by an expert guide.
On that note, I do have some favourites of my own in Whistler:
We enjoyed lunch at Basalt an hour after arriving in Whistler and decided to share some plates to get the most out of the menu, which features fresh and location options, including a grilled peach, tomato and whipped ricotta salad I still think about.
A favourite at Basalt is their charcuterie plates, so of course we dived right in, savouring spicy chorizo, salty salamis and beautiful cheeses, sourced from B.C. and beyond.
It was a gorgeous day in Whistler so we were able to sit in the sun with a glass of wine and watch the world go by, which we decided was a pretty great way to start our weekend away.
Bar Oso is also a place I'd recommend you share dishes because you'll want everything on this Spanish-influenced menu. While charcuterie is a star a Bar Oso, you'll want to save room for dishes including wild scallop crudo, pork jowl and octopus. If you can score a seat at the bar of this tiny space, you'll have the privilege of watching executive chef Jorge Muñoz Santos's mad knife skills as he work his magic with the finest ingredients.
Bar Oso has also become a favourite with locals and visitors for its innovative cocktail menu created by bar manager Jason Redmond, who uses fresh, local ingredients for his specialties. Tip: His gin and tonic menu is worthy of royalty.
Mallard Lounge in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
The signature Canada 150 cocktail at the Mallard was created with Vancouver Island Sheringham Gin, an in-house preserve made of local organic raspberries handpicked by the Mallard Lounge team and sweetened with executive chef Isabel Chung's rooftop honey, is topped with foam formed from Quails’ Gate Optima late harvest wine and garnished with a gold-dipped maple leaf. To savour this sipper a little longer, guests receive the gold leaves and crystal coupe glass the cocktail is served in, as well as a personalized jar of honey-raspberry preserves and recipe card so they may recreate their own Canadian cocktail at home. Fittingly, the Canada 150 Cocktail costs $150 (Canadian).
Getting there:
Sure , can drive to Whistler, but once you've taken in the view from above with Harbour Air it's pretty touch to climb back in that four-door coup.
I'm afraid of heights, so when I first laid eyes on the tiny six-passenger plane we were flying to Whistler, I have to admit it was a little frightening. But, the flight was all part of the girls weekend we had planned so there was no chance of running the other way. Instead, I decided to suck it up and enjoy the spectacular views, though I'll admit to having a pretty good grip on my arm rests for the duration of the 45-minute flight.
We caught the plane at Harbour Air's terminal behind the Vancouver Convention Centre and got off after it landed on the aptly named Green Lake where a waiting shuttle whisked us off to the Fairmont. For more information on Harbour Air, visit harbourair.com.
For more ideas on how to celebrate Canada 150 in Whistler, visit whistler.com.
@sthomas10
