For a long time Whistler was just a far away dream, somewhere I would one day learn to ski. The truth is, I couldn’t have picked a more beautiful spot. While riding the gondola you realize how many people have travel from all around the world to ski at Whistler. You can meet people from Europe, South America and the States, who are all equally enamoured with the snow capped peaks.
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.
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