Whistler village is a tourist destination in its own right, more cosmopolitan than quaint. A mix of locals, tourists, and expats frequent Whistler. Families experience snow for the first time, party animals enjoy the night scene, and wine connoisseurs revel in high end dining. In short, there’s something for everyone.
Our carefully curated travel guide has been loving put together after several seasons skiing in Whistler, along with frequent trips to this all-season getaway just 1.5 hours from Vancouver. Enjoy our favourite places to eat vegetarian and vegan, stay and play!
Skiing!
Skiing in Whistler is awesome. With over 200 runs and 8,171 acres of terrain you will not get bored. As both a beginner and intermediate skier we fully enjoyed the slopes, views and variety of runs. The gondola ride up is meditative; trees capped in thick layers of icing sugar snow give way to rocky outcrops and abstract white slopes. Skiing down feels both exhilarating and relaxing, gently gliding or taking more challenging runs, swooping between trees or weaving across wide open terrain.
Umbrella Bar
The Umbrella Bar is my favourite place for a drink with a view in Whistler. It’s a great place to be after a day of skiing, but don’t feel you can’t participate if hitting the slopes was not for you. Located halfway up Whistler Blackcomb Mountain next to the Roundhouse Lodge you can take the Whistler Village Gondola up (which is a must do anyways for the views), and perch yourself on the edge of world, 6000 feet up.
Vodka Ice Bar
Ever since I first read about the concept of a Vodka Ice Bar in a travel magazine it’s been something I wanted to do, so I was so excited the first time we got to do this! The Vodka Ice Bar is situated in Bearfoot Bistro restaurant, but you can book vodka experiences separately (although the restaurant is really good as well). First of all you are given a big fluffy parka complete with hood to keep you comfortable in the subzero ice room. The room is kept at -32 degrees which takes out any bite from the vodka. You get to choose four different vodkas to sample and the whole experience is very cool! You can also arrange to sabre champagnes in the wine cellar if that’s more to your liking.
Scandinave Spa
I can’t believe it took us so long to go to the Scandinave Spa. We came with friends and had such a great time but it would be just as enjoyable as a solo experience. This tranquil setting is made up of hot and cold pools, icy waterfalls, hot saunas, and several relaxation rooms with hammocks, lounge chairs and amazing views. It was so relaxing sitting in a cozy robe, watching the tops of the evergreen trees sway after soaking in the hot pools. A few things to note – It can get quite busy here, but if you have extended health benefits you can make a reservation with an RMT masseuse and skip the wait. Otherwise plan for it to take a little time to get in to the pools only. The spa is restricted to no talking, no phone, and 19+ yrs, which only adds to the peaceful vibe.
Lost Lake
Lost Lake is gorgeous in both the Summer and Winter. In the summer the docks are filled with people sunbathing and swimming. In the winter it’s perfect for a brisk walk and chance to get in tune with nature. Ask your hotel if there is a shuttle service and you might be able to get a ride.
Peak to Peak Gondola
The Peak to Peak Gondola stretches 3.03 km, spanning from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain. When it was first built the gondola held the record for the longest continuous lift, now it remains the highest at 436 meters above the ground. If you’re patient, wait for the glass bottomed gondola for even better views of the valley below…way down below.
More Ways to Have Fun:
- Mountain climb on the Via Ferrata Tour
- Zip line through the old growth forests
- Go Mountain Biking during the summer
- Drive a luxury supercar up the Sea to Sky highway
- During the summer visit the 130-metre Cloudraker Skybridge
- The Vallea Lumina multi media night walk
- Annual Wanderlust Yoga Festival (On pause 2020, hopefully to return 2021)
Vegan and Vegetarian Dining
What would a travel food blog be without a few recommendations for dining?
Whistler Village
- Naked Sprout | Healthy organic wraps, bowls, and juices
- Green Moustache | Creative, nourishing and plant-based juices, meals and deserts.
- Alta Bistro | Fine dining, very vegan friendly with options rotating on the menu
- Tandoori Grill | Indian curries to warm you up
- Bearfoot Bistro | Fine dining, happy to accommodate vegans
- Harajuku | Offers vegan ramen and sushi rolls
- La Cantina | Selection of veggie tacos
- Mallard Lounge | Located in the Fairmont Hotel in the Upper Village, the Mallard Lounge has a great ambience, large windows, fireplaces, live music and an awesome vegetarian menu. From vegetarian pates with crispy lentils and taro root chips to fried artichoke sandwiches with eggplant bacon, it’s hard to choose what to order. The cocktails are fabulous as well – A Duck in the Fog comes in a little lantern carrier and when you open the door smoke swirls out from around the cocktail, revealing your beverage and making you the envy of all the other tables.
- La Bocca – A selection of Pastas, Pizzas and appies such as Arachini balls in the heart of the village. A mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dining.
- La Brasserie – Offers vegetarian brunch options and vegetarian poutin among their mixed menu, also located long the Village stroll next to La Bocca. Good for people watching.
Creekside
- BReD | Organic vegan breads and pizza doughs (to make at home – perfect for your airbnb!)
- Creekbread | Pizza place with a vegetarian and vegan options.
- Aura | Go for the Meatless Monday three-course vegan menu, with wine pairing available
- Raven’s Nest | Vegetarian restaurant located at the top of Creekside Gondola
Function Junction
- The Velvet Underground Cafe | A new local favourite for vegetarian
- Functional Pie | Serving vegan pizza with sausage and mozzarella!
- Green Moustache | Second location, vegetarian juices and nourishing meals.
Accommodation
Choose a hotel in Whistler’s Upper Village or in the main Village, both close to gondolas and a 10 min walk apart. Otherwise find an airbnb or rental for a cozier experience.
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler | A luxurious option in the Upper Village. The Mallard lounge is always good for a drink by the fire with live music in the evenings.
- Four Seasons | This hotel has the best pool and jacuzzis in my opinion.
- The Westin Resort and Spa | Located in a central location beside the gondolas, the hotel’s ski valet is a real treat – bringing your skis and boots right onto the slopes!
Getting There
From downtown Vancouver it’s a very scenic 1.5-2hr drive along the Sea to Sky highway. Stop along the way at Porteau Cove, Shannon Falls, The Chief, or Alice Lake to enjoy the mountain scenery.
In the summer arrive in style and take the floatplane from downtown Vancouver harbour, landing in Green Lake, just 3 km north of Whistler.
Whistler draws many visitors year round as a world-class ski resort, with a variety of all-season attractions. Whether you are coming to ski, mountain bike, pamper yourself, or dine at gourmet restaurants, Whistler offers fantastic memory making experiences. Welcome to our corner of winter paradise.
If you could send just one postcard home showing off your travels to Canada, Lake Louise might be the winner. It is no wonder the place is packed in the summer. Even with all the hype, as you step in front of the majestic mountains and crystal lake, it feels worth the wait.
“This is why people want to visit Canada!” I thought to myself, taking one photo after another and drinking in the scenery, giddy with excitement. In moving back to Canada we’ve been lucky to visit Banff and Lake Louise in the winter and spring. In our opinion the question is not should you visit the Canadian Rockies, but when?
This vegetarian travel guide for Banff and Lake Louise outlines our favourite places to eat, stay, shop and explore. Scroll down for all the details and we hope this can be a great resource for you as you plan your travels.
The history of Banff unfolded around us, stories slipping out about the Swiss mountaineering guides brought here by the Canadian Pacific Railway to help tourists find their way through the mountains. The first wooden skis then came from Europe encouraging local young daredevils to replicate their own. The Canadian Pacific Railway had a vision to create a tourism destination with a series of luxurious hotels across Western Canada, and when the Winter Carnival was created it sealed Banff’s popularity.
Off we went to check out Lake Louise, driving along the highway, stopping every so often to wade through deep snow and take photos of bubbling rivers in the winter sun. Eyes peeled for moose, we never saw one but rumour has it the best place to look is the ice fields where the moose can’t resist licking salt from the roads.
Lake Louise was a winter wonderland. At first I was surprised not to see the famous blue waters, the lake was frozen over a thick sheet as far as the eye could see. However the winter charms won us over, the jolly horses jingling with their sleds behind them, the swish of the skates on the ice, and miles of tracks over the lake to the valley on the other side. Our visit happened to be during the Ice Magic Festival, and in front of the Fairmont hotel glistening ice statues slowly transformed under the sun’s rays.
When we had the chance to visit the Rockies for a second time, we knew we wanted to come back in the spring and see the lake in its full emerald glory. Both times were marvellous – hard to choose a favourite!
Where to Stay – The Fairmont Hotels
- Fairmont Banff Springs | Staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs is like staying in a museum. The “castle in the sky” first opened its doors in 1888, welcoming guests from around the world including Marilyn Monroe and Winston Churchill. The hotel boasts a onsite spa with hot pools, an elegant lobby, sweeping mountain views, and multiple dining outlets to satisfy your thirst and hunger. Only a short walk into town (or catch the hotel’s car service), you can also hire snow boots, among other winter equipment, to walk the nearby trails along the Bow River.
View from the Royal Penthouse Suite
- The Fairmont Lake Louise | Lake Louise is located within the Banff National Park, less than an hour drive from the town of Banff. I’ve been told its a lovely experience to book a room at the Fairmont Lake Louise for the weekend, curl up in one of the bay windows with a book, and look out over the lake. We can attest to the wonderful feeling as you sit in the Lakeview Lounge enjoying a glass of wine, musing about how pretty the scenery is. There is excitement in the air, as if each guest knows they’ve found a special place on earth.
Where to Eat – Vegan & Vegetarian
BANFF
- Nourish | Hands down, our favourite vegetarian spot in Banff is Nourish. Good cocktails, a large selection of bitters and caesars made with in-house worcestershire sauce, great daily specials, and vegan ‘Glow Food‘ cheese made right here in Banff. This cozy spot is decorated with Edison style light bulbs, paper mâché, projection art and local paintings. Our recommendation would be to start with the Nachos, voted best Nachos since 2016, overflowing with 29 ingredients and accompanied by a strawberry salsa. The ravioli makes an excellent main to follow. After chatting with the bartender he shared with us his favourite part of Banff was the people.
Everyone’s a similar age group and you meet a lot of international travellers and interesting people.
Nourish Restaurant
- Wild Flour Bakery | Proudly local, Wild Flour is a great organic cafe that offers vegan sandwiches and a selection of freshly baked treats straight out of their stone hearth oven.
- Stock | Located within the Fairmont Banff Spring lobby, Stock is a good option for grab and go or a casual sit down meal. Choose from warming soups, avo toasts, exotic lattes, and fresh pastries. Check out the futuristic display fridge with fresh sprouts and greens, and challenge your mate to a game of giant scrabble.
Stock at the Fairmont Banff Springs
- Three Ravens | A highly rated fine dining restaurant in Banff with modern decor and great views which offers a selection of vegan and vegetarian options, if you can look past the otherwise mainly meat and fish based offerings.
- Sky Bistro | More for the view than the vegetarian selection, though they do have a few vegetarian dishes to choose from, Sky Bistro is a pretty special place for date night at the top of the mountain with a romantic gondola ride to get there.
- Juniper Bistro | Another spot with a wonderful view and some vegetarian/vegan options available.
LAKE LOUISE
- Fairmont Lake Louise – Lakeview Lounge | Stunning views from cozy plush chairs or sit outside on the patio on a sunny day, this is the spot to enjoy a glass of wine take in all the beauty of Lake Louise.
- Ice Bar | For a novel experience during the winter Ice Magic Festival order a drink from the Fairmont’s open air ice bar and watch the hockey players skate around the lake.
Lakeview Lounge at Fairmont Lake Louise
Lake Louise frozen over during the winter
Where to Shop
- Rocky Mountain Soap Company | Gorgeous collection of soaps and other skin care products. Choose a box and fill it with four of your favourite handmade soaps for great gifts all year long.
- Branches Marketplace | Just a super cute little shop with local and handmade items to peruse.
- Amaryllis Crystal Garden | The place in Banff for all your precious stones and crystals, take a wander and see which stones you are drawn to. This is one of the reasons you gotta pack light!
- Banff Tea Company | Local store selling loose leaf tea with delicious blends like Mama Bear and Banff Trail Mix.
Get Out & Explore!
- Ambraham Lake | Abraham lake is a bit of a drive from Banff (2 hours and 15 min) and off the beaten track, but this is a special sight which draws photographers from far and wide. Look to go in February or March when the lake freezes over and giant bubbles are trapped in the ice creating a gorgeous winter scene.
- Johnston Canyon Hike | A popular hike near Banff that runs through the canyon, along the river, up to multiple waterfalls and lookout points. Gets very busy with tour buses so plan your trip accordingly.
- The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course | A challenging course with gorgeous mountain scenery and exceptional views of the hotel, if you’re lucky you might see some elk sighting during your round.
- Skiing at Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay | Our favourite mountain was Sunshine Village for a day of skiing in the Rockies, and Lake Louise offered steeper slopes for more of a challenge.
- Banff Upper Hot Springs | Just the ticket for a soak after a day of hiking, skiing, rock climbing and river rafting, or let’s be honest… even after a day lounging around your hotel in a robe.
Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course
Elk Sighting in the springtime
Who should visit Banff and Lake Louise? You should start planning your trip if you like gorgeous mountains, pristine nature, outdoor adventures, rich history and want to see one of Canada’s most beautiful national parks.
Some of our best memories include the views from the ski slopes, exploring Banff village, dining at Nourish, walking snowy trails under thick trees with snow falling on our face, and learning about the rail history that first opened this region up to the world.
Let us know if you’re planning a trip or you’ve had a chance to visit, we’d love to hear from you. Our new favourite motto at Sails and Spices after visiting Banff and Lake Louise is ‘Ski your Blues and Eat your Greens’!
A quick search for Vancouver sight-seeing, day trips, or Vancouver suspension bridges inevitably yields Capilano Suspension Bridge as one of the city’s must-see. It’s certainly impressive, but our vote for the best suspension bridge in Metro Vancouver is in Lynn Canyon, easily accessible by transit or car in the District of North Vancouver. Since there is no entry fee to Lynn Canyon Park, save yourself the whopping $42.95 (2017) charge to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge and get high above the tree tops with your need-to-know guide to the Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge.
Twin Falls at Lynn Canyon Park, North Vancouver
Overview
Lynn Canyon Park, home of the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, first opened in 1912 and boasts over 600 acres of forest trails, swimming holes, and gorgeous natural landscape waiting to be explored. With a forest of west coast evergreen trees averaging 80-100 years old a mere 25 minutes from the city, a day trip to Lynn Canyon Park is city escapism at its finest.
Numerous trails connect the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge with 30 Foot Pool, Twin Falls Bridge, and the Ecology Centre. See them all within an hour’s walk. For those looking to head out a little further afield, the 48km Baden Powell Trail flanks the east side of the park and provides a challenging yet simple to navigate out-and-back hike of any duration you choose.
Lynn Canyon Park Trail Map
Walk Up from Twin Falls Bridge
Getting There
15km by road from downtown Vancouver, Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is accessible by car via the Lions Gate Bridge or the Second Narrows Bridge to Vancouver’s North Shore. There is free parking on site, though on busy days you may need to park outside the main park’s entrance and walk in.
For those without a vehicle, catch the SeaBus across beautiful Vancouver Harbour to Lonsdale Quay, and hop on the #229 or #228 bus to Lynn Valley Centre – a 15 minute walk from the Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance. If you would rather save your steps, the #227 bus will connect you from Lynn Valley Centre to the Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance so your walking shoes are ready to go inside the park.
Vancouver SeaBus from Downtown to North Vancouver
Hours
The park is open summers from 7:00am to 9:00pm PST, spring and autumn from 7:00am to 7:00pm PST, and in the winter from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
As with any forested outdoor activity, be sure to keep your visit well within dawn-to-dusk hours.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
The park’s main attraction, the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, remains a locals’ true hidden gem. It’s narrow, springs a little with each step, and gives breathtaking views of the waterfalls and forests below. You will be 50m (164ft), or about 16 stories, above the raging river so take your camera and get ready to capture some incredible shots!
Lynn Canyon Park North Vancouver
If the suspension bridge is your only priority in Lynn Canyon Park, it is easily accessible off the paved parking area for those visitors who are less mobile.
What to Bring
The trails at Lynn Canyon Park are a combination of wood plank boardwalk and dirt trail. Wear your day hikers as Vancouver is notoriously rain-city, so the trails may be wet. We believe there are no bad days, only bad gear, so with a decent rain coat and shoes you’ll be set no matter what the day’s weather brings.
There are numerous swimming holes in Lynn Canyon, though we’re talking mountain-top runoff and very fresh water… so it tends to be chilly! Even so, on a summer’s day a crystal-clear fresh water swim just can’t be beat so pack a towel, picnic, drinking water and snacks and you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a full day in west coast paradise.
Any of the accessible swimming locations are a minimum 15-20 minute walk from the carpark / suspension bridge. Mind the signs pointing out the swimming locations and do not jump a fence. It’s incredibly steep in some locations with unforeseen drop offs. Stay safe, and enjoy the park!
Learn
The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre offers young visitors of any age the opportunity to learn about the variety of plants and animals they may see in the park. There are numerous galleries to explore and with only a $2 suggested donation for entry, is easy on the pocket book.
Après
No doubt you’ll be ready for a bite after your visit to the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, so we’ve compiled a few of our favourite North Shore vegan and vegetarian friendly hotspots for a great post-hike meal on your way back to the city.
- Tao Organics Café. Raw/Vegan. 210-150 Esplanade West, North Vancouver
- Burgoo. Soups/Stews/Comfort Foods. 3 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver
- The Workshop. Vegetarian Japanese. 296 Pemberton Ave, North Vancouver
- Bluehose Market & Cafe. Organic/Local. 4342 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver
Did we miss your go-to veggie friendly restaurant? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
Baden Powell Trail Marker
We hope you enjoy your day at the beautiful Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge as much as we do! It’s a locals’ hidden gem, and unlike the Capilano Suspension Bridge, visiting is completely free. So grab your shoes and camera and head out for a gorgeous west coast adventure just half an hour from the city lights. Bon voyage!
]]>