Sponsored Listings:
Whistler’s Inukshuk. Photo ©CanadianandWorldTourism/Canada en Español/Cactus Rock New Media – Canada 150 logo used with permission from the Government of Canada (For Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Canadian Heritage). Member Canada 150 Alliance |
Whistler in the winter is a winter wonderland at just 1 1/2 hours north of Vancouvver. Yes, it’s ideal for ski bums and snowboarders as one of the best ski resorts in North America. But what if you don’t ski or snowboard? Is it still an attractive destination? Actually, it is. Here are 3 awesome things to do in Whistler for non-skiers:
1. Peak-to-Peak Gondola. The Peak-to-Peak Gondola takes you from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb mountain and vice-versa. The views are awesome. Go up to the top of Whistler and travel on the Gondola to Blackcomb for about 3 kms (almost 2 miles) suspended in the air at almost 500 meters above the ground!
2. Scandinave Spa. Inspired by Swedish culture, spend half a day or a whole day pampering yourself at the Scandinave Spa in the Village.
3. Whistler Sliding Centre. You can visit the centre and just look around or you can book a “tour” down the track in a 4 person bobsled piloted by an experienced athlete! A bucket-list kind of attraction.
Research Hotels in Whistler, British Columbia on TripAdvisor for one that fits your style. These are my suggestions: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler. If I can afford it I prefer to stay at this top of the line resort or the Fairmont Whistler. Both are excellent (but can be quite pricey). Fairmont Chateau Whistler. See above. Nita Lake Lodge. I don’t know this hotel/lodge, but I’ll include it here because it’s No. 1 on TripAdvisor’s Whistler section. It caught my eye also because it’s on a lake (Nita Lake). So it’s not very close to the base of either Whistler or Blackcomb mountains, but the privacy may be worth it. Delta Whistler Village Suites. I am pretty sure I’ve stayed here. Years ago, I worked on a promotional campaign for Delta Hotels and started staying at several of the properties. Always excellent hotels. Not luxury like Fairmont or Four Seasons, but excellent option if you want something very good but not as expensive as those 2. Whistler Cascade Lodge. We can dream of staying at the most luxurious resorts in the world, but most of the time, most of us cannot afford that. This hotel get very good reviews on TripAdvisor and it’s rates are quite reasonable. It’s a relatively short walk to the lifts from this hotel. ResortQuest Whistler. I include this hotel/condo brand because of its moderate prices, but do your research. Read reviews, etc., to make sure it’s up to your standards. I haven’t stayed there, so I can’t say either way. ResortQuest seems to have a few different properties in Whistler, this is one of them. Hotels in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Granville Island Hotel. Right on Granville Island by False Creek. Excellent boutique hotel in one of the coolest areas of VancouverFairmont Pacific Rim. Location is unbeatable. #1 on TripAdvisor. I have stayed at the FPR before and it’s worth it if this type of luxury hotel is in your budget. The Westin Bayshore. High-end hotel right in Coal Harbour. Stayed there years ago, so I can’t say how good or not it is now. The Westin brand is usually very good though, if you don’t mind the rates.YWCA Hotel. On the other side of the spectrum is this inexpensive, clean hotel. Good location near False Creek, BC Place stadium and Rogers Arena. For young travelers and explorers on a budget.Wedgewood Hotel and Spa. High-end. Relais et Chateaux property. Excellent for couples who are used to the best. In a great location near Robson Square and the shopping district. If you don’t stay here for whatever reason, may I recommendyou try WH’s Afternoon Tea on a Saturday or Sunday between 2 and 4 pm (reservations recommended).Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre. If you’re driving on your holiday and want a good but moderately priced hotel, this Holiday Inn is a good option. Not far from the Granville Island and Kitsilano Beach areas. If you don’t have a car during your stay you can use Vancouver’s public transportation system. Not the best in Canada, but acceptable. Btw, as of this writing, Uber is not allowed in Vancouver (perhaps in 2017). |
Source: canadianandworldtourism.com