🇨🇦 WHISTLER

I’ve had the chance to visit Whistler, B.C. on three occasions. First in the winter of 2010, in the summer of 2019 and again in the winter of 2021.

Did you know that over two million people visit Whistler annually, primarily for alpine skiing and mountain biking?! In 2010 it even hosted the Winter Olympics.

ACCOMODATIONS

The first time I went to Whistler was on a road trip during the Holiday season as I was studying out West. We booked our room very last minute for a couple of nights at Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites. You can usually get a room for approximately $270 a night. Whistler ain’t cheap but our room was worth it and the pool was very nice!

When I went back in the summer of 2019, I booked a room in the village via Expedia at the Resort Quest at Whistler Peak Lodge. It was very well located and our room had a little kitchenette. Our four nights ended up costing $788 and I saved an extra $116 as I had accumulated Expedia Reward Points. So we actually paid $168 per night which is pretty decent for Whistler!

On my third visit, in February of 2021, since we mostly went skiing, we booked again at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites. We got a suite with a fireplace and a balcony and we took full advantage of the heated outdoor pool. I made the reservation through Expedia for the sum of $807.36 CAD for two nights.

HOW TO GET THERE

The closest airport is Vancouver Airport (YVR). I fortunately had accumulated enough points with my TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card that I got my two-way ticket for free in 2019. A ticket from Montreal is usually around $600 CAD, that’s what it cost me when I went to British Columbia for a wedding back in 2012.

HOW TO GET TO WHISTLER FROM VANCOUVER

I you don’t hire a car and drive up there yourself, the easiest and cheapest way I found was with Ride Booker. I took the shuttle at the airport and it was scheduled around my flight time arrival. I was also in contact with an employee who gave me clear directions by text message, it was perfect! The shuttle dropped me off at my Hotel and picked me up there on my way back to the Airport. It was about a 2h30 drive and it cost me a total of $134.40 (two-way).

ACTIVITIES

1- Hike, mountain bike or alpine ski

Both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain offer over 50 kilometres of trails to practice your favourite activity.

You can even ride the chairlifts and gondolas to access trails that wind through a volcanic landscape surrounded by ancient glaciers and alpine lakes.

A really special hike we did in February 2021 was the “Train Wreck Hike”. The start is located on Whistler Quarry Road, a short drive from the village of Whistler. The hike follows the Sea To Sky Trail and crosses a suspension bridge, offering panoramic views of the Cheakakmus River before arriving at the brightly-covered wagons, which have been in the forest for nearly 65 years following a train derailment.

In 1956, a high-speed train loaded with wood derailed near the Cheakamus River in a section of the track that was under repair. Several of the destroyed train cars that blocked the tracks have been dragged through the woods and left to rust, and over the decades they have been reused by local artists and are now the centerpieces of this quite unique hiking and biking trail.  

2 – Attend an Event or a Festival

Whistler has so many events and festivals to offer such as Tough Mudder, Red Bull 400, Granfondo, Beer Festival, Cornucopia Festival, Writers Festival, Film Festival and so much more. I personally attended the Wanderlust Yoga and Wellness Festival and it was amazing! Unfortunately they won’t be returning this year but they’ll be in other cities in North America.

3 – PEAK 2 PEAK experience

At 1 427 ft above the valley floor, the PEAK 2 PEAK is the world’s highest lift!

At the top, you can enjoy Whistler’s Roundhouse Umbrella Bar or have dinner on Blackcomb at Christine’s Restaurant.

Go to the very top by taking a chairlift after your gondola ride and access the Cloudraker suspended Skybridge located at the Top of the World Summit to have amazing views! The Skybridge will span 130m from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge, crossing high above Whistler Bowl.

It was by far my favourite activity in Whitsler and I went twice in two days! I went in the summer and you could see some snow left on the peaks, it was breathtaking! I suggest you pre-purchase your tickets as you’ll save $5 CAD. An adult ticket is $65 CAD.

4 – Take a walk through the village

Nestled at the base of the mountains, Whistler has a resort village unlike any other you’ve ever experienced! The pedestrian-only Village is huge and has lots to offer! It has an array of shops, cafés and bars, restaurants and a great nightlife. 

5 – Scandinave Spa

I love Scandinavian spas! So whenever I get the chance to go…I go!

Scandinave Spa Whistler offers a traditional Scandinavian baths experience in a natural environment. The spa is nestled on the edge of the Lost Lake Park spruce and cedar forest and the decor is enchanting!

Note that guests must be 19 and older. I suggest you book a massage as your access to the baths and robe rental will be included!

Depending on when you go, the baths access varies between $75 to $100.

6 – Vallea Lumina

Vallea Lumina is an incredible and magical multimedia light show and night walk through the forest of Cougar Mountain. I had previously been to Tonga Lumina in Tremblant back in 2018 and had immediately fell in love with the concept!

This experience invites guests into an enchanting universe, inspired by Whistler’s unparalleled natural beauty and local culture. 

You have to purchase your tickets online since you have to choose a time at which you will go. A shuttle from Whistler Village will bring you to Vallea Lumina. Tickets for adults are $30 CAD.

Enjoy beautiful British Columbia!!

XX

Mlle Wanderlust

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