Whistler is one of my most favorite places to visit. I have been twice and hope to go back later this year (hint, hint, Hubs). Both times we visited in August, which is considered the very end of summer in winter. Fine by me. I’ll trade Texas heat for possible snow storms any day.
Michael and I enjoy destinations where we can park our car for several days (or not rent a car at all) and just walk to wherever we want to go. Whistler Village is one such place. Many excursions like zip-lining, mountain biking, and white water rafting can all be accessed directly from the village.
Not that driving is difficult. We just don’t like to do a lot of it on vacation.
There is something for everyone here, during every season of the year, which makes Whistler that much more fun!
What makes Whistler so incredible to me is the variety of natural beauty one can experience in a single trip. Giant trees, coastal rainforest, rivers and waterways, and of course, the mountains- it’s all there. At sea level!
It’s hard to find air any cleaner than this, or natural beauty as untouched as what you will no doubt experience in Whistler. This is why we have gone multiple times. It’s impossible to appreciate in one trip.
Free Attractions
- The Village itself is a fun place to walk around. It’s so clean it looks like a movie set to me. Actually, it reminds me a lot of the Stars Hollow set from Gilmore Girls. There is usually live music somewhere
- Hiking – one of my favorite things about Whistler is that you get the experience of the mountains minus the altitude sickness. I think we could all agree that hiking is more fun when you’re not gasping for air.Ā
- Sight SeeingĀ – Whistler is not short on beautiful scenery. Take a drive and try (I dare you) to take in the beauty all around.Ā
Other Attractions
- GondolasĀ – Always a fun way to sight see when you need a break from hiking, biking, and walking.Ā
- Zip-liningĀ – We have done this both times we visited Whistler and it was amazing! Definitely recommend taking a couple of hours to zip – it will be some of the best sight-seeing and who doesn’t love an adventure?! I recommend Ziptrek to book your tour. They do an excellent job and you can access them directly from the village.Ā
- Mountain Biking – The annual Crankworx festival is held every August and attracts mountain bikers from around the world! We unintentionally booked our trip during the festival one year but made the most of it by sitting at a restaurant patio at the bottom of the mountain watching people eat it on their way down. Ahh, good memories.
- White water rafting and so much more!
Places to Stay
- I’m a fan of Fairmont Hotels. I haven’t stayed at this specific hotel, but I have stayed in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as well as the Fairmont Banff Springs Resort and they are AMAZING! With that being said, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort is bound to be incredible!
- Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa – This one I have stayed at and it is so nice, clean, and centrally located. The valet service was exceptional here.
- Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Whistler – A lot of the rooms here have kitchenettes. We wanted to save a little money the last time we visited Whistler so we made sure to stay somewhere that allowed us to cook our own breakfast each morning. Totally worth it when you are gluten free like we are.
Places to Eat
- Mongolie GrillĀ – $$$, A great dinner option. Mongolie makes custom stir fry and you pay by the pound, so watch out! If your eyes are bigger than your stomach, you may end up with a big bill at the checkout.Ā
- Earl’s Kitchen + BarĀ – $$, Excellent cuisine and even better views from the patio. If it’s a little cool they will bring you a space heater and a blanket. SO nice for this Texas girl!Ā
- Naked Sprout Juice Bar Cafe – $,Ā A quaint little juice bar that also serves sandwiches and paninis. Good option for a light meal or afternoon snack.Ā
- Caramba – $$, great European food that is moderately priced. Caramba made for a perfect lunch option because it was warm enough to sit outside.Ā
Have you been to Whistler? What were your favorite excursions? Where were your favorite places to eat? Tell me in the comments!