Whistler
Whistler is a resort town located about 80 miles north of Vancouver, Canada. It’s well known for its involvement with the 2010 Winter Olympics where most of the alpine, Nordic, luge, skeleton, and bobsleigh events took place.
Top Things To Do
Skiing – Whistler has one of the largest ski areas in the world, with 8,000 acres of pistes and it has a more European feel than most North American resorts. The season tends to last from mid-November to May, giving it the longest ski season in North America, and the snowfall is reliable at about 12m.
There are 200 runs, 12 alpine bowls and 3 glaciers in the ski resort and a lift-served vertical of 1610m. Of the runs, about 20% are marked as easy, 55% as intermediate and 25% as difficult (due to the different European and American run difficulty systems it’s hard to say the precise numbers).
Whistler Mountain Bike Park – Visiting Whistler during the summer months but still want to do some interesting sports? This bike park is only open during the summer months and is considered one of best bike parks in the world. There is a mixture of run difficulties from beginner to ones only world class athletes would want to tackle. You can rent everything you need there and they have instructors who can help you if you are unsure when it comes to mountain biking.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre – This centre was built by the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations to house and showcase their art, history and culture. There are guided tours every hour, with a First Nation Ambassador, which includes a welcome song, film and craft activity. You can learn about different legends and ceremonies as well as the meaning behind carvings, art and songs.
Tickets cost $18 per adult and $5 per child. Opening hours are 10:00am – 5:00pm Tuesday-Sunday.
Other attractions include: the Whistler Olympic Park including the Sliding Centre where you can have a go at bobsleighing, the Whistler Valley Trail if you are interested in going for a walk, and the Audain Art Museum which has both temporary exhibitions and a permanent collection which is a visual journey through the history of art from coastal British Columbia.
A Place to Stay
Nita Lake Lodge – This beautiful four star hotel is located right next to Nita Lake and is only 550 yards from Whistler Mountain and Creekside Gondola. There are views of the mountains or Nita Lake available. During the summer months you can also rent kayaks, bikes, paddleboards, fishing rods and canoes for free.
There are three options for dining at the hotel, including Aura Restaurant for full meals and Fix Cafe for pastries, sandwiches and ice cream. There is also an on-site spa, outdoor heated pool and hot tub.
A Place to Eat
Rim Rock Cafe & Oyster Bar – This is known as ‘Whistler’s place for fish & game’ and is ranked as the number one restaurant in Whistler on Tripadvisor. You order a la carte, including a range of raw or cooked oysters or there is an option of a four-course menu. The food is seasonal and locally sourced, with the menu changing from season to season. There is also an extensive wine menu which is crafted to complement the food.
It is recommended that you make a reservation if you wish to dine during peak hours, or if you just want to walk in then arrive early as there is first come first serve seating.