Last Updated on June 22, 2020 by Laura Cooper
We’re your resource for where to stay, play, and eat in Whistler! Not just a ski destination, Whistler offers something for travellers year-round. Its scenery is beyond stunning – and the city is walkable and extremely friendly. Consider a winter vacation in your own backyard and visit Whistler in beautiful British Columbia.
STAY
If you want to be in the heart of the action: Crystal Lodge
Located in the center of the lively Whistler Village, Crystal Lodge has 22 shops and restaurants attached to it. With complimentary ski valet service, bike valet service, and bike tuning station, activities are easy to enjoy. The hotel has an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, sauna, fitness center, and game room. Each of the 159 rooms are equipped with a flat screen TV, iPod docking station, mini-fridge, kettle and coffee maker, and complimentary wireless internet. Room categories include traditional rooms, studios with kitchenettes, loft suites with bedrooms on the upper level, and 1-3 bedroom suites with coin-operated laundry facilities.
I stayed in the spacious Deluxe King Studio – also available with 2 queen beds – on the 3rd floor (request this room for the unique rustic ceilings). In addition to the standard amenities, the room has a balcony, living area with pull-out sofa bed, desk, and wet bar with a sink, microwave, glassware, dishes, and cutlery.
If you’re looking for a comfortable home-away-from home with family or larger groups: Lodging Ovations
Sister properties and neighbours, Legends, Evolution, and First Tracks Lodge are all located in Creekside Village, a more upscale, family-oriented, and quieter alternative to Whistler Village, only a 5-minute drive away. Guests must be 25+ to check-in and all check-ins occur in the Legends hotel lobby. Best known for its ski facilities, Creekside Village is becoming more and more of a summer destination with bike rentals, water sports, boating, and swimming becoming popular in the area’s three lakes.
Each of the three hotels provide free wifi, ski valet services, and the conveniences of a home, including a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, living area, private balcony, and washer and dryer in all of the suites.
Legends is the lead-in, oldest, and largest of the three properties, offering one, two, and three bedroom suites. It is a ski-in/ski-out hotel with a fitness room, game room, movie theatre, toy room, outdoor pool and hot tub, pool table, and barbeques.
Evolution is the mid-level and the newest of the three hotels. This pet-friendly property is equipped with a game room, movie theatre, gym, pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, and barbeques. The hotel has one and two bedroom suites distributed on four floors.
First Tracks, the most prestigious of the three hotels and another ski in/ski out hotel, features up to four bedroom suites, a fitness room, pool, hot tub, and steam room.
If you’re looking for romance, privacy, and serenity: Nita Lake Lodge
This hotel is about a 10 minute drive from Whistler Village, set right on Nita Lake with easy access to swimming, kayaking, and biking. The hotel features 77 luxurious suites, a yoga studio, fitness center, full service spa, and innovative cuisine. Visit the Fix Café to sample fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers and the hotel’s rooftop garden, relax in the hot tub or steam room, or spend some time in the art gallery. Later, retreat to your contemporary, oversized suite to enjoy the cozy fireplace, double soaker bathtub, and views of Whistler Valley. With a focus on wellness, this is the perfect place for a relaxing retreat into nature.
As if the standard 500-square foot studio suites aren’t impressive enough, the largest and most lavish room, the Glade Suite, boasts two bedrooms and entertaining space in its two-storey location, with a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and fireplace, perfect for family reunions or special occasions.
PLAY
Featuring over 200 shops, 90 pubs and restaurants, a movie theatre, grocery store, and all of the modern conveniences desired on a vacation, Whistler Village is a fantastic tourist spot for a winter family vacation. Whistler Olympic Plaza hosts free outdoor concerts and movies on the big screen during summer weekends, and turns into a free outdoor skating rink in the winter. Walk through quaint village stores, partake in skiing adventures, and sleep all in the same spot!
If you enjoy hiking, drive to Squamish to experience the new attraction, Sea to Sky Gondola. Take a gondola ride up into the mountains and admire the views from the platforms. Experience walking, biking, rock climbing, or simply enjoy a meal high in the mountains. Daily tours are available.
Gear up and glide across Fitzsimmon’s Creek that divides Whistler and Blackcomb mountains on one of Ziptreck’s ziplining eco tours. Choose from 3 guided tours and experience suspension bridges, trails, and informative nature tips along the way. (We did the “Bear” tour, but I know you can handle soaring like an “Eagle”!)
The outdoor Scandinave Spa is known for its hot and cold Scandinavian baths used for hydrotherapy and physical conditioning. Alternate from the baths to the steam room, sauna, and waterfalls to relax. Then, retreat to the solarium, hammock, or outdoor fireplace to clear your mind. If you wish, book a rejuvenating treatment in one of the indoor treatment rooms.
Test your skills on the terrain of Blackcomb Mountain as you ride your own ATV through valleys and hills on a Canadian Wilderness Adventures tour. Keep your eyes open for bears, mud, and of course, the breathtaking views. They also offer ski and snowboard schools, and snowmobile, dogsled, and snowshoe tours in the winter.
EAT
If you don’t get the chance to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, visit The Grill Room for a special occasion. Showcasing steak, seafood, and wines, this restaurant offers a romantic, welcoming ambiance.
Located in the Listel Hotel, Bearfoot Bistro is a fine dining restaurant by award-winning Executive Chef, Melissa Craig. Try your hand at sabering a bottle of Champagne in the cellar downstairs or visit the Belvedere Ice room, a room set to -32C for vodka tasting from a worldly collection of 50 different varieties. During dinner, let the wine director pair the perfect wine with your meal.
The Brewhouse, located in Whistler Village, specializes in hand-crafted beer and pub food. The TVs, fireplace, and music create a cozy, casual atmosphere to chill out and enjoy. Try the fish and chips or poutine- delish!
For more information about where to stay, play, and eat in Whistler, call 1-800-665-4981 and speak with a travel agent who’s been there!