When searching for the best place to secure a bit of quality R&R tempered with just the right amount of adventure, the first spot that springs to our mind is Whistler. When we headed up the Sea to Sky for just that, we ended up on the ultimate adventurist weekend. Check out our must-do checklist below and start planning your own adrenalin-fueled escape…
Stay
When you go, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of accommodation offerings at this time of year (deals are aplenty). On our list of preferred hotels is the luxurious-yet-laidback Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Tucked away in the Upper Village means that you can be in on all the action – yet retreat to your own world away from the chaos. The Fairmont offers exceptional amenities (the best mountainside outdoor pool and patio setting) and is within easy access of nearby running, walking, and biking trails.
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The level of service at Fairmont Whistler is outstanding and unrivaled by any other hotel in the area (alongside that of the Four Seasons next door). That said, we recommend scoring a room on their Gold Floor where you’ll feel all but transported to a hotel within a hotel upon check-in.
Eat
We recommend a celebratory brew at the Garabaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill (GLC) post-hike or bike. Its ample patio space guarantees you’ll sit back and sip under the sunshine as you rehash the day’s adventures.
Go casual and book a table at Sidecut this summer and bring your appetite to the party. We recommend heading to their family-style Thursday Evening BBQ dinner as part of their 10th Anniversary. You’ll get schooled on grilling, enjoy a huge feast with all the fixings, and revel in a side of live music.
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The upscale patio you’ll find at Araxi is perfect when on the hunt for fresh seafood and delectable pasta dishes, summer salads, and more. This award-winning restaurant features plenty of daily dishes focused on locally-sourced ingredients (Executive Chef James Walt was a pioneer of farm-to-table dining). Enjoy your meal alongside expertly chosen wines as you take in the village scene.
Always a must when in Whistler, head to the Bearfoot Bistro for an exceptional dining experience thanks to award-winning Executive Chef Melissa Craig, loaded with playful ambiance and stellar service (thank you Andre!). When we popped by, corks literally flew after a trip to their enviable cellar for some champagne sabering. Later on, we donned our parkas and checked out the Vodka Lounge (an in-house vodka bar built out of ice) for a few shots that helped get the party started.
Do
Whistler Alpine Guides offers a fantastic trek dubbed the Via Ferrata Tour and it is a definite must-do – and you don’t need to be a mountaineering pro. You’ll conquer any fear of heights as you strap into your harness and clip onto a series of secure ropes and literally climb up Whistler Mountain to its peak. At an average of three hours to complete, it’s well worth the money.
During the summer, what trip to Whistler isn’t complete without a jaunt to the Mountain Bike Park for a few spins? We did just that and were wowed by the two-wheeled challenge. We recommend you pony-up some extra cash and score yourself a guide for a half-day lesson. They’ll calmly show you everything you need to know about this popular sport and have you feeling confident in no time.
Cool off and relax with a trip to the Scandinave Spa after a day on the trails. This is a must-try for anyone heading to Whistler. After a soak in their series of plunge pools, rest up in the dry sauna and hang out in a hammock with a good book while you dry off surrounded by a serene mountain-scape.
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What’s your favourite thing about Whistler? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
