This was published 1 year ago
Whistler, Canada travel guide and things to do: Nine winter highlights
By Anabel Dean
Whistler and Blackcomb are both suitable for all levels of skiing or snowboarding ability.Credit: Blake Jorgenson
THE ONE ATTRACTION
Nowhere is quite in the same league as North America's largest and most celebrated ski resort. Landscape is a force of nature with reliable snowfall across two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, both suitable for all levels of skiing or snowboarding ability. Recent upgrades have seen the Creekside gondola and Big Red Express chairlift increase uphill carrying capacity by up to 35 per cent. The slopes are topped by regular dumps of white powder streaming in from the nearby Pacific. See whistlerblackcomb.com
THE ONE SKYRIDE
Credit: Tourism Whistler and Fairmont
It's an exhilarating ride on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, one of the world's highest and longest links between two consistently top-ranked mountains in British Columbia. Spanning the distance between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the gondola provides views of towering volcanic peaks, coastal rainforests and ancient glaciers. Disembark to experience winter ski touring and snowshoeing through an extraordinary world of pristine snowdrifts and evergreen forests. See whistler.com/activities/peak-to-peak-gondola
THE ONE EXPERIENCE
Hear the stories, follow the tracks and copy the techniques of an elite expert on an all-day, guided ski adventure with a Canadian Olympian. There's a smorgasbord of champions - 12 skiers and four snowboarders - with whom you can either go one-on-one, or make a group of four skiing companions (from $C1149/$1249 a day). Four-times Olympic halfpipe snowboarder Mercedes Nicoll is my pick but it's a tough choice. See whistlerblackcomb.com/plan-your-trip/ski-and-ride-lessons/ski-or-ride-with-an-olympian.aspx
THE ONE HOTEL
The landmark Fairmont Chateau Whistler is the grand dame of hotels. A five-year remodelling project has now expanded the high-end boutique hotel-within-a-hotel called Fairmont Gold, with spacious renovated guestrooms, a private concierge and an exclusive lounge for almost continuous culinary offerings and a self-serve honour bar. With a highly-desirable ski-in, ski-out location just a few steps from the Blackcomb Gondola, and a classic elegance that belies its 1980s origin, the Chateau remains Whistler's most indulgent stay. Daily winter season room rates start from $699 ($760). See fairmont.com/whistler
THE ONE RESTAURANT
Whistler's nightlife cranks up with a lively apres ski scene but, if you can, get a booking at the new Wild Blue Restaurant. It's a high-end Pacific Northwest seafood house outfitted with turquoise velvet seats and other to-die-for designer features. A partnership between three heavy hitters with decades of experience in the culinary scene makes this a destination worth visiting for the fish soup Provencal alone. See wildbluerestaurant.com
THE ONE GALLERY
Audain Art Museum, one of Canada's most distinguished art museums, is a showcase of notable British Columbian artists with changing exhibitions from global art institutions. The collection takes visitors on a transformative journey from the late 18th century to the present. Highlights include hereditary Haida Chief James Hart's The Dance Screen (The Scream Too), an exceptional collection of historical and contemporary Indigenous masks, and the largest permanent display of paintings by Emily Carr who was inspired by the Indigenous peoples of Canada's Pacific Northwest. See audainartmuseum.com/vision
THE ONE EXCURSION
A 10-minute drive from the heart of Whistler village, in a hidden valley on Cougar Mountain, Vallea Lumina Winter Show is an unexpected enchantment in the evening. Legends hold that mysteries thrill the heart long after leaving this immersive light show where stardust falls from the sky and shimmering lights lead the way home. See vallealumina.com
THE ONE SPA
Who knew that a little downtime could be the highlight of a visit to Whistler, a destination celebrated for outdoor exploits? Sink deep into Scandinave Spa wellness centre, set in a spruce and cedar forest overlooking white mountain vistas. It's a Nordic-inspired oasis of calm. Complete silence is mandatory for the recommended two-hour cycle of hot, cold, then relax, to soothe and restore mountain-weary bodies. See Scandinave.com
THE ONE MUSEUM
At the heart of Whistler's winter wonderland is a thriving cultural community. A vibrant arts scene flourishes with engaging exhibitions and rich indigenous culture. The award-winning Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is devoted to local First Nations culture, showcasing their heritage and customs through demonstrations of weaving, carving and traditional crafts. See whistler.com/arts/squamish-lilwat-cultural-centre
ONE MORE THING
The show-stopping Fire & Ice performance has just returned to Whistler after a two-year hiatus. It's an elevated production – a narrative focused on the origins of the mountains – with pyrotechnics and music, and jaw-dropping big air performances featuring world-class freestyle skiers and riders. The all-ages event is free of charge and guests are encouraged to dress warmly and arrive early at the Skiers Plaza, to maximise the viewing experience. It runs on Sundays until March 12. See whistlerblackcomb.com
Anabel Dean travelled with support from Destination Canada, Destination British Columbia, Tourism Whistler and Fairmont.
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