A cosy Whistler getaway nestled in forest, lakes and mountains doesn’t have to come at a steep price this fall.
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed weekend or some quiet midweek solitude, travellers in southern B.C. can book at Parkbridge’s Riverside Resort for an affordable escape just steps from Whistler’s expansive trails, nightlife and most popular spa.
“Whistler is a beautiful place to spend some time in the fall and the Riverside Resort is a great accommodation in the vicinity of Whistler Village,” says resort manager Stephen Miller.
“We've got a lot of unique accommodation offerings.”
Those offerings include overnight voyageur camping, walk-in tent sites and winterized RV sites, but also affordable log cabins and rustic yurts for guests looking for something beyond the typical Whistler hotel experience.
Meantime, the heart of Whistler Village is less than a 15-minute stroll away, where guests can easily access the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, Whistler Olympic Park and Peak 2 Peak Gondola, and enjoy world-class dining, shopping and entertainment.
Riverside’s cabins, which sleep four, come equipped with beds, compact kitchens, washrooms and common living areas with a sofa, flat-screen TV and dining table.
Yurts, which sleep five, are perched on platforms nestled in the woods. They offer the feel of tenting in nature but with bunk beds, a futon, a lockable front door and electricity and heating.
Yurts at Parkbridge’s Riverside Resort. Photo: Parkbridge.
Either would be perfect for a girls’ or guys’ weekend getaway or family vacation, offering that memorable Whistler experience of adventure, relaxation and entertainment in the safety of one’s bubble — and without breaking the bank.
Resort guests also enjoy the comfort and convenience of community amenities like the Riverside Junction Café and Riverside Market convenience store, WiFi, laundry facilities, and comfort stations with heated floors, washrooms and showers.
Miller says many autumn visitors come to Riverside to use nearby hiking and biking trails. They also appreciate the resort’s proximity to Alta Lake and Rainbow Park, and various provincial parks. Some thrill-seekers even try zip-lining and bungee jumping in the area.
Recreation on the resort includes bocce, a mini-putt course, snowshoe rental, a playground, beach volleyball, recreation field and BBQ and picnic areas.
And guests looking to easily unwind without leaving the resort can visit the Scandinave Spa, a traditional Scandinavian baths and massage experience surrounded by nature.
Fall visitors will be attracted by off-season rates — the lowest of the year — in effect from Oct. 10 to Dec. 19.
Miller says Riverside’s summer season was strong due to a rise in domestic tourism amid the pandemic.
He anticipates a steady shoulder season, too, given the added stress brought by the pandemic and people’s need for an affordable escape.
Rec Hall at Parkbridge’s Riverside Resort. Photo: Parkbridge.
“We're noticing a lot of Lower Mainland traffic coming up to stay at the resort,” he says.
“The feedback has been really positive. People are really happy to get to Whistler and stay at the resort where there’s space. They can enjoy (a vacation) with family and friends, and a bit of respite from the pandemic situation in the city.”
Miller says that with fewer big events happening in Whistler this year due to the pandemic, there are more opportunities for guests to try popular spots where there would have typically been lineups, and to do so with easy physical distancing.
“It may be an opportunity to enjoy Whistler in the fall and it will be even quieter than normal,” Miller says.
Still, locals are excited for events such as the Whistler Wine Walk, Cornucopia fall festival of food and drink, and the Whistler Film Festival.
To make guests even more comfortable, Riverside is putting safety first and doing contactless check-in. Courteous staff are also available to help guests with whatever they need, Miller says.
“It’s accessible and friendly for everybody,” Miller says. “We see that in the diversity of the people staying here, from young families to couples to retirees.”
The 40-acre site is just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway and near Green Lake and the Niklaus North Golf Course.
Book now at [email protected], 604-905-5533, or parkbridge.com/riverside-resort.
