Whistler
The record-breaking Peak 2 Peak
Gondola is a can’t-miss activity
sPa retreat
Relax and replenish in the Nordic-
inspired Scandinave Spa. Begin in one
of the steam rooms, saunas or outdoor
pools, then take a cold plunge before
lounging in a tranquil relaxation room
or by an outdoor fireplace. Then repeat
the ahhhh-inspiring process again—
and again. Those needing a little extra
attention can book a massage as well.
diNiNG
› Want to try it all? Then embark on a
›
PoPulation 11,850
time Zone Pacific
maiN attractioN
Take in Whistler’s jaw-dropping views
on the record-breaking Peak 2 Peak
Gondola. This feat of engineering
found its way into the Guinness World
Records three times over—for being the
longest unsupported span, highest lift
and longest continuous lift system in
the world—and it should find its way
into your vacation album, too.
audaiN art museum
Not all of Whistler’s wonders are
outdoors. The Audain Art Museum’s
permanent collection offers an over-
view of BC’s art over the last 200 years.
Traditional and contemporary First
Nations art is showcased alongside
works by celebrated Canadian artists
such as Emily Carr, Jack Shadbolt
and Rodney Graham. Be sure not to
miss James Hart’s monumental “The
Dance Screen (The Scream Too).” Even
the building’s architecture is a work
of art, designed to blend in with the
natural surroundings.
Visitor information 604-935-335
www.whistler.com
hikes
If your boots are made for walking, then
head out on a hike. The Whistler Summit
Interpretive Walk begins with a ride up
the Peak Express Chairlift to Roundhouse
Lodge. This easy walk loops around the
summit of Whistler Mountain, for incred-
ible views punctuated by local-history
storyboards. The Ancient Cedars Trail is
a longer hike at 5 km (3 mi), but stand-
ing amongst the 900-year-old trees also
makes this one of the most breathtaking
jaunts out there. For more hikes, see
feature on page 20.
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mouth-watering evening with Whistler
Tasting Tours. Explore everything
from hidden gems to delectable des-
sert spots to award-winning eateries
on these multi-course outings.
A pioneer of farm-to-table fare, Araxi
celebrates the bounty of the Pacific
Northwest with sophisticated yet
unfussy dishes that highlight local
ingredients. Fresh oysters, a winning
wine list and seasonally inspired
cocktails round out the experience.
Decked out in black-and-white tile,
chic Bar Oso specializes in tapas-style
small plates and inventive cocktails.
The Spanish-inspired flavours and
local ingredients meet in house-made
charcuterie, pintxos (small bites on a
skewer) and chilled seafood dishes.
Fine-dining fixture Bearfoot Bistro is
the kind of place foodies write home
about. Sabre a bottle of champagne
in the 20,000-bottle wine cellar, don
a parka to sip sub-zero spirits in the
Ketel One Ice Room, and indulge in
a multi-course tasting menu—all in
one night.
Pedal Pushers
mountain biking has picked up speed in Whistler—and now, what was once considered an
off-season sport has edged up on skiing as the resort’s main event. and there’s little wonder
why: the terrain and trail systems are some of North america’s most epic. the lift-accessed
Whistler mountain bike Park alone offers 70 trails across four mountain zones, plus plenty
that wind their way through old-growth forests. if bombing down a mountain on two wheels
isn’t your speed, put up your kickstand and explore the paved valley trail, which weaves
through parks and forests for 40 km (25 mi). or even better, rent an electric bicycle and
don’t even break a sweat. ride on! BY JILL VON SPRECKEN
Rocky Mountaineer Magazine 2018
45