As a resident, business owner and frequent skiier at Whistler, I have realized that there are "secrets", things to see and do that the average visitor to Whistler has NO idea about. I'll try to pass along a local's knowledge, but know that Whistler is a paradise all of its own - these secrets merely add to the magic!
Hotels can be $300 a night and up during ski season, and peak summer season - but three ideas have saved me money on accommodation. First, there is a condo booking agency called resortquest that can offer off season specials - I stayed in a gorgeous townhouse a block from the village square, with hot tub, fireplace, kitchen, sleeping 4-6 people for $100 in the early fall - ask about any deals like that!
If you are sociable, and willing to both ENJOY and put up with the common areas of a bed and breakfast - resortquest had bed and breakfast in a spectacular chalet looking out on the mountains for $90-125. Very social hosts, and a dining table looking out on the mountains with double sided fireplace and mulled wine while visitors from around the world discuss snow and ski conditions simply can't be beat!
Lastly, there are two hostels - the venerable Shoestring Lodge, just north of Whistler maybe ten blocks distance, and slated to be "developed" into townhouses before the Olympics, has beds for $25, as does the hostel across the Lake from Whistler - you may share a room with some interesting strangers, but that price leaves plenty of money for food and entertainment!
Whistler has an incredible array of high end restaurants, but one I found outstanding was the resortquest, just north of Whistler a few miles. Check the picture in the website, combined with the Zagat quote "venison to die for" (they have their own venison farm) and you'll be on your way!
At the other end of the spectrum, the mall beside the Whistler Conference Center hosts Shakespeare's Pies - Australian meat pies for under $4 that you will come back for over and over, especially after visiting Whistler's bars and nightclubs!
Three bars stand out as amongst Whistler's best, and offer a unique experience. Tommy Africa's will attract the early 20s crowd, with glass DJ booth, the best local DJs and a zebra striped door! The Savage Beagle is a two level bar on the main walkway, with a crowded dance floor downstairs, and a "belly up to the bar" section upstairs. The "cougar bar" for 30s and up is Buffalo Bills, at the other end of the main walkway - live bands, great DJs and comedians have offered many great nights over the years.
Ski lift passes are often available at the 7-11 in Squamish or Vancouver on your way to Whistler for a discount that can be $10-20 per lift ticket. Lift lines are shortest at the Whistler Creekside lift, if you want to get going quickly, but I prefer the skiing at Blackcomb, the other mountain (they are joined at Whistler Village)
The best kept secrets about Whistler are the summer activities - there are a group of pristine lakes to swim or canoe, mountain bikes with full protection gear are rocketed to the top of the mountain for rapid or tricky, descents, and the ski hill has a glacier at the top that is kept open until August!
Oh yeah, some guys named Palmer and Nicholas have golf courses, and there are ski camps, tennis camps, zip trek lines, heli hiking, white water rafting, fishing, horseback riding, ATVs - there are a LOT of great things to do, but bring money!!
Enjoy it now, before the Olympics - because 2 weeks of staring at this on TV is going to make the world go crazy for Whistler!
Andrew Larder
resortquest
That time of the year is finally here. You know... Read More
Lake Havasu, Arizona has become a treasured destination for tourists,... Read More
==> Try to buy your vacation travel package from a... Read More
Making the decision to dive into the world of timeshares... Read More
If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: 'leisure... Read More
Following the horrendous events on Boxing Day 2005 The Maldives... Read More
The typical scenario goes something like this: your casual mention... Read More
Aquitaine with its 5 departments; Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyr?n?es-Atlantiques.Weather:... Read More
How to find a Town Houses that will make your... Read More
After France, Spain is Europe's most popular holiday destination, and... Read More
Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family... Read More
Did you ever worry when traveling about the weather? Most... Read More
When you travel abroad, especially far away from home you... Read More
More than one million tourists visit Costa Rica each year.... Read More
Welcome to Washington, DC - The nation's capital is a... Read More
Bahamas vacation villas are the way to go if you... Read More
Fancy holidaying somewhere unusual? How about a 7 day tornado... Read More
When you venture to Orlando, Davenport, or Kissimmee, Florida, why... Read More
How many of you have seen the classic Chevy Chase... Read More
So you may be asking yourself, why would I want... Read More
It is a common assumption for most Americans that they... Read More
Destinations such as Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas, and Bahamas have... Read More
Have you ever done something spontaneous? Are you in love... Read More
Everybody knows someone who has been on one and an... Read More
The first words that come to mind when people think... Read More
premium house cleaning Glenview ..Traveling with children will be a memorable event ? the... Read More
Scam artists pose as potential renters everyday on many different... Read More
Have you ever wanted to travel to far away places... Read More
Lake Tahoe is a pristine recreational lake area. With high-stake... Read More
Just drive out to one of these delightful wine estates... Read More
Bahamas house rental or a hotel? Vacation rentals are becoming... Read More
What is a villa? Come to Orlando, Florida to find... Read More
For most of us, the basis of a car rental... Read More
Gatlinburg has a small but thriving community of property owners.... Read More
Did you know there are no Smokey Mountain cabins for... Read More
If you're dreaming of a unique vacation experience, but don't... Read More
A Fabulous Guide to Florida's Best Rentals: Condos for rent,... Read More
There are many wonderful resorts with tons of activity in... Read More
Pigeon Forge is rapidly becoming one of the major tourist... Read More
You are the owner of a timeshare and have decided... Read More
When I was young, family vacations with my parents consisted... Read More
A chalet is a traditional Swiss style house with a... Read More
Because many people want to live in or near Lake... Read More
The Amazonat Jungle Lodge is offering in addition to her... Read More
If you are thinking about renting a condo in the... Read More
How many of you have seen the classic Chevy Chase... Read More
What kind of traveler are you? Do you want everything... Read More
As beautiful and modern as Cozumel is, visitors must remember... Read More
Fancy holidaying somewhere unusual? How about a 7 day tornado... Read More
Summer vacations - what better topic could there be for... Read More
Vacation Rental |