Originally

Originally
known as Alta Lake, Whistler was renamed in 1965,
allegedly for the whistling marmots that roam the region’s alpine
forests. Today, the area encompasses both Whistler and Blackcomb
mountains, which played host to the Winter Olympics in 2010 and
offer more than 3,000 hectares of prime ski and snowboard country.

But the biggest drawcard of all in our book? Unlike most other
ski areas, this big-hitting resort offers more than just
high-octane thrills and après revelry (although it caters to both
supremely well). Look beyond the mountain powder and you’ll find
all-seasons outdoor activities to suit all ages and abilities, a
world-class line-up of acclaimed restaurants and an art scene
worthy of a visit in its own right.

Wander along Whistler’s car-free pedestrian high street, whose
rustic stone walkways and gabled roofs anchor the village firmly
into its fairy-tale alpine setting, and you’ll pass plucky
independent cafés, microbreweries, family-run bakeries and a First
Nations-run cultural centre preserving the vital heritage of the
area’s Indigenous Squamish and Lil’wat Nations.

This might be one of the best snowsports destinations in the
world, but come here just for the snow and you’ll be missing a
trick.

Where to stay

Whistler is one of the largest ski resorts in the world, so it’s
fitting that the town’s hotel scene is just as expansive. At the
top end you’ll find grande dames like Fairmont
Chateau Whistler – one of North America’s largest
ski-in/ski-out hotels – where elegant bedrooms and two
alpine-inspired restaurants are all backdropped by 360-degree
mountain views. In need of a post-ski stretch? Just sign up for one
of the hotel’s in-resort yoga sessions, which all come free with
your stay.

At the more boutique end of the spectrum, The Adara Hotel gets our vote for its
central-as-it-comes location, being just a stone’s throw away from
Mountain Square and a five-minute amble up to the main ski lifts.
If, like us, you’re partial to simple, Scandi-minimalist bedroom interiors, the pared-back
bolthole’s functional aesthetic (and affordable price tag) will
tick your boxes.

On the hunt for accommodation that delivers just as well in the
summer as it does in winter? Make waterside Nita Lake
Lodge your base, where alpine-chic interiors and an
award-winning spa meet a world-class network of hiking and biking
trails, as well as waterfalls, alpine lakes and a high-octane
zipline tour covering the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb
mountains.

Where to eat

One thing’s for sure, you won’t go hungry in Whistler. The
town’s staggering number of eateries (over 170 restaurants across
the village) means you’ll find cuisines from all around the world,
from sushi and ramen to pasta, as well as hearty traditional
recipes such as poutine and seafood chowder.

Start your day at Purebread, Whistler’s favourite family-run bakery,
where fresh-out-the-oven pastries, bread, cakes and sandwiches fuel
hungry locals on their way to the slopes. Or, for a sit-down
breakfast, make your way to Portobello – a contemporary rustic eatery with
exposed brick, wood and metal interiors designed by the
award-winning Frank Architecture. Gather at the open-plan kitchen
for made-to-order sandwiches, rotisserie chicken and smoky brisket,
or head to the grab-and-go counter for top-notch coffee and gourmet
pastries.

There’s arguably no better food after a day on the mountain than
a good plate of Italian grub. Open since 1996, family-run Quattro
has been internationally recognised for its extensive wine list,
putting it firmly on Whistler’s culinary map, and is loved locally
for its warm service and whimsical menu of Venetian delicacies.
Settle in for an eclectic mix of small plates (bocconi – radish
hearts with mozzarella, parma ham and a sweet cherry glaze – is the
must-order dish) and hearty mains like pappardelle bolognese and
king salmon risotto. For a more casual setting, stop in at The Raven Room
for local fare and craft cocktails.

Where to drink

Unlike most European ski resorts, where après begins on the
mountain before woozily winding into town, Whistler’s post-ski
drinks scene starts at the bottom of the slopes, just after the
final lifts close. Park up your skis and follow the music to
Black’s Pub, where thumping DJ sets soundtrack the afternoon as
merrymakers gather around cosy outdoor fire pits, fuelled by draft
beers and cocktails by the pitcher.

Continue the evening at Tapley’s, Whistler’s first pub, where
poutine and pizzas circulate the bar. Or, for a more refined
affair, make tracks to Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Mallard Lounge, where a sophisticated wine and
cocktail menu is served beside crackling log fires. Come morning,
kick off the day with a caffeine hit at The
Living Room at Pangea, a coffee and brunch spot within
Whistler’s first and only pod hotel.

Where to shop

As is the case with any large ski resort, activewear outlets
such as Lululemon, Rip Curl and Salomon are scattered along the
high street, but venture past the big-name chains and you’ll find
an impressive line-up of local businesses guarding their corner
among the big brands.

Looking to blend in with the seasonaires’ dress code? Pick up
super-cool mountain gear at Evolution
Whistler, an independent bike and snowboard shop run by locals
since 1995, or head to circular fashion pioneers Ecologyst for natural
threads that come with a lifetime repair guarantee. Elsewhere,
sustainability superhero 3 Singing Birds offers a line-up of conscious
fashion and lifestyle wares all made locally, including Skwalen Botanicals – an
Indigenous skincare label that honours cultural knowledge and
employs sustainable harvesting methods.

Flying the flag for small, family-owned businesses, Rocks and
Gems is a third-generation-owned emporium selling gemstones,
minerals, meteorites and fossils – keep an eye out for the 100,000
year old Russian cave bear fossil in the shop window.

Finally, those with a sweet tooth should look no further than
Rocky Mountain
Chocolate, a Willy Wonka-esque local chocolatier famous for its
rocky pop (slow-cooked, copper-kettle caramel with popcorn,
almonds, peanuts and cashews), chocolate-coated apples and
deliciously rich homemade fudge (churned in store).

Photo credit: Destination Canada

What to do

You’ll find nine art galleries in Whistler village, each
showcasing a vast array of work from local artisans, including
basket weavers, potters, painters and jewellers. Designed by the
award-winning Patkau Architects, the visually-arresting Audain Art Museum
takes visitors on a whistle-stop journey through British Columbia’s
artistic history. Blending seamlessly into the forest with its dark
metal and wood exterior, the gallery is home to one of the world’s
finest collections of First Nations masks and a large collection of
paintings by acclaimed First Nations-rights activist Emily Carr, as
well as works by some of Canada’s most celebrated contemporary
artists.

To truly get to grips with Whistler’s heritage, make a beeline
for Squamish Lil’wat
Cultural Centre – a first-of-its-kind museum and exhibition
space celebrating the history of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations,
who together shared the land on which Whistler was built. Its
design inspired by the Squamish Longhouse and Lil’wat Istken
(earthen dwelling), the cultural centre offers fascinating guided
tours conducted by representatives of both nations, as well as a
café serving delicious Indigenous-influenced cuisine (don’t miss
the hearty bannock bread, a slightly sweet-tasting traditional
flatbread).

Still got time for the snow? This is one of the only places in
the world where you can comb fresh powder on the slopes, zipline
across alpine valleys and catch a world-class art exhibition, all
before dinner.

The longest unsupported lift span in the world, the Peak 2 Peak
Gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains – a 4.4km journey
that takes 11 minutes – granting access to more than 3,000 hectares
of alpine terrain, including more than 200 trails, three glaciers
and 16 alpine bowls to suit all ski and snowboard abilities. Ride
the gondola to the top of Whistler and you’ll be met with open arms
by the Salish Welcome Figure, a wooden figurine carved in
traditional style that welcomes riders to the shared territory of
the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations.