Winter weekend getaway: 48 hours in Whistler, B.C.

by Nancy Baye

Whistler is a destination for B.C. residents and international visitors throughout the year, especially during the snowy winter season. The award-winning ski resort boasts soaring mountains with hundreds of runs, 11 metres of annual snowfall, luxury hotels, world-class restaurants, glaciers, heli-skiing, backcountry adventures and much more. Whether you’re an adventure-seeking ski bunny or you’re just looking for some slope-side R&R, Whistler is the ideal spot for a winter weekend getaway. [Photo credit: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane]

There are plenty of luxury resorts and big-name hotel chains in Whistler, but you might want to consider checking in at a smaller B&B for some local character. At Golden Dreams Bed and Breakfast, owners Ann and Terry Spence have been serving visitors since the 1990s; the B&B features simple rooms, an outdoor deck, hot tub, private guest living room, scrumptious breakfasts and discounts on some ski passes and activities. The Bear Tracks Whistler Chalet B&B is an eight-minute walk to the Village and offers cozy rooms and a number of amenities, including an outdoor hot tub, free WiFi, ski storage, hot breakfasts and guided adventures.

Once you’ve checked in, head out to explore the picturesque Whistler Village, a pedestrian-only zone full of shops, galleries, restaurants, cafés and bars. For a casual pint, stop in at The Amsterdam Pub and Café; this relaxed watering hole attracts locals and tourists, but you’ll have to play by their six DAM rules as you sip on a Talk Dirty or Salty Dog. Stay on for some pub fare or venture into the cold and head to Sachi Sushi. Chef and owner Toshiyuki Kobayashi creates award-winning Japanese cuisine made with fresh ingredients. The hot pots will warm you up, colourful rolls will satisfy your daily veggie intake, and the sake will keep the blood circulating.

Whether you’re planning a full day on or off the slopes, it’s important to get a morning caffeine fix. The java artists at the independently owned and operated Mount Currie Coffee Company are self-proclaimed mountain-loving coffee geeks. Since opening here in 2012, they’ve garnered a devoted following and earned several awards. Top-notch beans, well-trained baristas and thoughtful food (made in-store, natural, organic, local) make this an ideal first pit stop for the day.

As the largest ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb offers trails for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Spend the day exploring more than 8,000 acres of varied terrain spanning two side-by-side mountains. With more than 200 marked runs (including 32 kilometers of cross-country trails) even the most seasoned riders will tire themselves out.

Don’t fancy hitting the slopes? Whistler offers non-skiers a wide selection of outdoor activities to enjoy during the winter season. Head to Canadian Wilderness Adventures in the Village to book snowmobile outings, dog-sledding and snowshoe treks. The three-hour Mountain Safari snowmobile tour is a scenic adventure that winds its way through a sunset forest and ends with a nighttime view at 6,000 feet on Blackcomb. Let a professional musher and well-loved pack of sled dogs race you through the Callaghan Valley, or don snowshoes for a trek along old trappers’ paths, aka Medicine Trail, and get a serious workout!

If you have any juice left, pay a visit to the Whistler Sliding Centre and tour the 2010 Winter Olympic Games venue for bobsled, luge and skeleton events. Dare devils get the opportunity to try out the fastest ice track in the world firsthand during passenger rides.

Ready for a little après-ski action? Head to The Bearfoot Bistro and unwind with drinks in the champagne lounge; its elegant stamped-pewter bar has a rail filled with ice to keep your bubbly cold while you feast on oysters. Don’t miss a chance to see the swashbuckler bartenders who slice the top off a champagne bottle with a saber. For more drinks, venture down to the Ketel One Ice Room; at -32 C, this is the world’s coldest vodka tasting room (don’t worry, down parkas are provided). If you prefer the heat, consider dinner in the kitchen at the Chef’s Table. Famed chef Melissa Craig creates a seasonal menu showcasing regional wild game and seafood.

No time for a hangover…there’s too much to see and do! Coffee helps, so make the short trek up Alpine Meadows to the Alpine Café. Chefs Martini Bart and Kevin Wood opened this local favourite in 2004, serving a diverse daytime menu and organic coffees in a stunning mountain setting. We suggest kick-starting your day with a hearty breakfast burrito, hash, scramble or an Alpine burger. Get an extra coffee to go, you’ll need to be wide-awake for the next stop.

Even if you aren’t shredding the slopes, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is a must-see – and it’s totally accessible for walk-on sightseers. “Riding the PEAK 2 PEAK is a great activity for non-skiers to see the mountain in winter and enjoy beautiful scenic views,” notes Tania Sears of Tourism Whistler. The world’s longest and highest lift of its kind offers 360-degree views of stunning alpine scenery. The 4.4-kilometre ride between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains takes about 10 minutes. Tip: there are 28 cabins in operation, try to catch a ride on one of the two with a glass bottom floor!

If you need a break from all the outdoorsy adventures, stop in at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to view thought-provoking artworks and historic exhibits on the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations people. Tours include a film, drumming show, authentic art and carvings, plus a take home project. In the midst of Whistler’s luxurious amenities, this museum is a reminder of who was here in the beginning. Displays reveal the hidden meaning behind legends, songs and ceremonies. Groundbreaking exhibitions like one exploring the residential school system, offer understanding and hope for healing.

Round out your winter weekend getaway in Whistler with a stop at Stonesedge Kitchen for wholesome comfort food. Try roast duck mac and cheese or a healthy vegetarian quinoa burrito bowl. Gaze out at the white beauty and plan your next visit to western Canada’s largest wintertime playground.