Once the pandemic dies and travel restrictions are lifted, it’s a good time to get back into traveling. Perhaps you’ve been stuck for too long now, that you’re on the hunt for something to look forward to, like an adventure. Along that line, it doesn’t hurt to create some travel plans. Even if these musings might actually take some time first before becoming a reality, it’s enough to keep your hopes up!
Among all destinations you can choose from, Whistler in British Columbia, Canada is always a good idea. Whether you’re traveling short-haul or domestic, YVR to Whistler or other local trips, or through an international and long-haul journey, it’ll always end up being worth it.
Whistler is undeniably one of Canada’s most famous places to visit, particularly if you’re into skiing. But, apart from that, you aren’t just limited simply to skiing. There are so many other must-visit attractions you can enjoy at Whistler, B.C.
Here are some of these:
1. Whistler Village
Whistler Village is where the sense of community at Whistler begins. This is where visitors can have a taste of local life while mingling with the locals. Travelers often say that the best way to experience the most of your journey is to do as the locals do, and at Whistler Village, you can do just that!
When you’re around the area, you can find yourself a home in one of its cozy lodges. Dining isn’t a problem, too, as there’s quite a selection of restaurants and bars to choose from. If you visit during winter, the plaza is turned into an outdoor skating rink, which, in the summer, also becomes a place where free outdoor concerts happen.
2. Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Village has two peaks that rise above it: Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. Because of the combined terrain from these two, you’ll get to experience some of the best skiing experiences in North America, right there in the area.
If you wish to have a more relaxed holiday spending a week or more in this cozy town, you’re also in luck as Whistler boasts of one of the longest ski seasons in Canada.
If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll have their own fun, too, through the Coca-Cola Tube Park that just has a never-ending opportunity for some downhill fun.
In the summer season, skiing activities can also be replaced by hiking, which is just as fun.
3. Valley Trail
If you’re interested in hiking, but can’t overcome the more difficult terrain and hiking spots yet, a trail through Valley Trail is the right choice for you. This is the only hiking spot in the area where it’s paved and reserved for pedestrians only. So, it’s safe, particularly if you’re still a beginner.
While you’re on this trail, you can enjoy magnificent lakeside views. When you reach the Northeastern side of Green Lake, you’ll be welcomed by beautiful, postcard-perfect views. While mostly flat and easy, however, be sure you stick by the trail path or have a guide with you, as there are also times when bears can cross as part of their natural habitat.
4. Bobsled Experience
If you’re done with ice skating and skiing, you can try out something more adventurous at Whistler! Their bobsled experience is one of the must-visits as well. You can go for a heart-pumping ride, led by an experienced pilot, going as fast as 75 mph.
This will truly be an experience of a lifetime that you can brag about when you get home.
5. Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Now, something more relaxed. A good way to take in the views of Whistler Village and the peaks surrounding it is by going on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. While the distance will take you from one end to another spanning a total of 4.4 kilometers, the ride lasts only 11 minutes. While on the elevated gondola, you can look out to coniferous forests and alpine lakes.
During the extremely cold months, tea can be served to warm you up before going on the cable car, as the temperatures can get so cold. This is also one transportation mode that can be used by skiers to go from Blackcomb Peak to Whistler Peak.
6. Lost Lake Park
Hanging out by the Lost Lake Park is another one of the more subdued and more relaxed activities you can do with your entire family at Whistler. Think of a beautiful day where you can have a picnic and perhaps even have a good swim at the lake.
There are on-site barbeques where you can grill your food and kayaks and paddleboards to rent for some whole-day fun in the sand activities.
If hiking or spending a picnic in the lake isn’t what you fancy, you can also go biking around the area. There are on-site bike rentals that you can make use of. The view is charming.
7. Eat Your Way at Whistler Village
As you do as the locals do, a more specific way to experience Whistler as it truly is is also to eat your way around their local village. At Whistler Village, you’ve got a wide variety of food choices to choose from, starting with:
- Araxi. This is Whistler’s first fine-dining restaurant. Here, you can try either of the award-winning wine choices on their menu paired with grilled Canadian beef tenderloin and cultivated B.C. mushrooms made into a risotto.
- Sushi Village. This has been around in Whistler since 1985. It offers creative Japanese specialties on the likes of Beautiful Roll wrapped with salmon and avocado, spicy agedashi tofu, and KFC roll with karaage chicken.
- Alta. This place serves all the best from the locals: Pemberton Distillery liquor, Oceanwise fish, and Whistler brewing beers.
Conclusion
Whistler, B.C., is Canada’s little hidden resort town, just about two hours from the more popular Vancouver. Because it’s now so accessible both by public and private transport, there’s absolutely no reason not to hop in and pay a visit.
While it’s most popular as a skiing destination, it certainly has more to offer than just ski per se. The list above would show you that there are so many amazing things to do at Whistler. Now, start planning that trip so that when travel restrictions are lifted, you’re so ready to hop aboard a plane to experience Whistler.
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