We spent time in Whistler this past summer after driving there from Vancouver, BC. The drive was beautiful and full of interesting sights. And it was fascinating to see what a top ski resort can become in the off season. Shops and restaurants are still humming. The lifts are running, but are full of geared up mountain bikers and their bikes hitching a ride up to the top for the ride down on trails.
Whistler Village, a 2010 Olympic facility, felt like a party town perpetually full of vacationers. Translation – fun! There was so much to do. So many tours available, activities, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and stores. Lots of languages floated within my hearing as we walked daily.
If you haven’t seen mineral-heavy glacial water, summer in Whistler is a good opportunity. During warmer months, iridescent blue-green glacial water with its origins at Fitzsimmons Glacier runs through the Village.
Recently the stars aligned and Whistler-based freelance writer, Rachael Hopwood offered to write a “Foodies Guide to traveling the Sea to Sky Highway Vancouver to Whistler” article for Carolina Epicurean. Since my husband and I had so recently driven that exact route, it was a perfect fit! Use Rachael’s excellent guide if you plan on traveling to that part of the world. Or read through as a virtual vacationer.
Guest Article by Rachael Hopwood
Ah, Whistler. One of the world’s leading ski resorts and the epitome of a Canadian winter wonderland. While winter in Whistler is truly awesome, the fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts and the months of summer roll around. Whistler is a summer paradise and has become a real foodie destination over the last decade or so. Fresh, local ingredients are transformed into casual and fine dining creations by world-class chefs and culinary entrepreneurs.
If you’re heading to Whistler this summer, you’ll likely arrive via the famous Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver. To get you there in style – and with a full stomach, we’ve created an epic foodie road trip perfect for those long days of adventure.
But first, Coffee
Perhaps you got an early flight into Vancouver and can’t stop yawning or just need a coffee to perk you up. Either way, your first stop at the Galileo Coffee Company is the ideal place to enjoy a delicious latte or frothy cappuccino. Located in Britannia Beach, watch on as a team of baristas delicately create artistic and delicious caffeine creations. The stunning views of the Howe Sound are sure to give any flat white a lift!
Breakfast in Squamish
Next stop along the highway is Squamish, where world-class brunch is essential to fuel the many outdoor adventures on offer. The Zephyr Cafe is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and their healthy menu selection is brimming with vegan and gluten-free dishes. If you’re feeling super healthy, try the homemade almond cranberry granola with lemon maple yogurt and blueberries. Alternatively, go all in with the “standing rock” – 2 local free-range eggs, grilled veggies, goat’s cheese, and spinach with the option to add bacon for extra sustenance.
Another hugely popular choice with the locals is the WaterShed Grill, and its location on the banks of the Squamish River offers breakfast with a view. The French toast and eggs benedict come highly recommended.
Lunch in Function Junction
The journey from Squamish to Whistler offers up some of the best views in the country, but be sure not to miss Function Junction along the way. This former industrial area has transformed into one of the coolest neighborhoods to hang out and is home to a whole host of independent local businesses, cafes, and restaurants.
Functional Pie is the place to indulge in New York inspired pan pizzas handcrafted from the freshest ingredients. “The Butcher” is a meat lover’s dream, piled high with four types of authentic Italian sausage. The “Train Wreck” – inspired by the local landmark with the same name – is loaded with capocollo, pepperoni, mushroom, and pecorino and is also on the shortlist.
The craft beer scene around Whistler has been a revelation and Whistler Brewing is a great place to sample superb local beers. Their food menu is worth checking out too, with the dish “Nachos as Big as Your Face” needing no explanation! Their German-style Pretzel is ideal as a quick snack or try the Brewer’s Beef Dip for a rich, hearty lunch.
While you’re there…
Work off a hefty lunch at Forged Axe Throwing, where you’ll be able to try your hand at a pastime as old as the lumberjack himself. Compete against friends as you hurl hatchets at a target with the goal of sinking a satisfying (and sometimes elusive) bullseye. You’ll enjoy a friendly welcome and expert instruction to get your throwing up to speed – even if you’ve never picked up an axe before. It’s not hard to see why this activity is rated as one of the best things to do in Whistler.
Dinner in Whistler
After all that axe throwing it’s time to move onto the serious stuff – dinner. This is where Whistler truly comes into its own with an array of tasty dinner options right across the village.
Here’s our top three:
Il Caminetto
The best of Italian cuisine in the heart of Canada. Il Caminetto blends local flavors from seasonal ingredients with traditional Italian style, pairing exquisite dishes with a sumptuous wine menu. While the food menu changes with each season, their fresh pasta comes highly recommended at any time of year.
Araxi
No list of Whistler restaurants would be complete without mention of Araxi. Named the Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Whistler for eight years, this seafood specialist offers up the freshest and most delicious oysters you could hope to try. Follow up with Diver Caught Scallops or a Pepper Crusted Venison Loin.
Basalt
Artisan and locally-focused, Basalt Wine and Salumeria is another solid option for dinner in Whistler. Their cheese and charcuterie menu is satisfying in itself and the locally inspired “The Stroll” consists of a large board brimming with unique and favored selections chosen by their team. The menu changes seasonally but the fish dishes are recommended at any time.
After-Dinner Cocktail
You’ll find the Mallard Lounge inside the spectacular Fairmont Chateau, and this is the ideal place to enjoy a post-dinner cocktail. Classy yet relaxed, and refined without being stuffy, the bar is home to some of Whistler’s best mixologists – their martinis are famous around town.
Head out on a night walk…
Legend has it there was a long-lost trail hidden away between trees and leading to a secret valley where stardust falls from the sky. If you’ve enjoyed one too many martinis, you might see this stardust without heading on a walk. If not, head out on the Vallea Lumina Night Tour, presented by Moment Factory and The Adventure Group. This spectacular expedition takes you on a journey retracing the footsteps of two bold travelers who uncovered the secret wonders of the woods. The illuminated creations are a sight to behold and a must-see this summer.
Other essential summer activities…
Hiking: Whistler is a hiker’s paradise, and you’ll find a labyrinth of hike trails varying in difficulty. Whether you opt for a rugged mountain trail or gradual valley walk, it’s advisable to opt for a Whistler guided hike to stay safe and enjoy all that this region has to offer.
Head out on an RZR Tour: For those seeking a faster paced afternoon of sightseeing, try The Adventure Group’s RZR Tours. Put on a helmet, fasten your seatbelt and hurtle through the legendary Whistler backcountry behind the wheel of a 2-seat or 4-seat RZR. Photographers will capture the fun along the way so you can purchase your pics later on.
Soar across the Valley: Ziplining has become an essential Whistler activity, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. There are loads of different options available including the monstrous 2 km Sasquatch zipline in the summer. You’ll probably want to take a deep breath as you step off the edge and the Superfly team will be there to keep you safe and help you enjoy this bucket list activity.
Get your yoga on: Yoga is a hugely popular activity in Whistler throughout the year, but particularly during the summer months. The resort hosts the annual Wanderlust Festival in August and there’s a whole host of places to get your yoga on. Wanderlust 2019 is all about wellness, bringing together instructors, speakers and influential figures from around the world to celebrate yoga, meditation, and the outdoors. Top musical acts and DJs provide the soundtrack, while top chefs serve up healthy and delicious culinary treats.
