Suddenly, the hulking mountain looked like a lair for mythical winged creatures. The misty blue islands seemed to be floating freely in the placid grey waters. Huge boulders were no longer just rocks, but the remnants of a battle between giants.
And the highway I was travelling on, the famous Sea-to-Sky that runs between Vancouver and Whistler, bore traces of an ancient trade route.
This appropriately named roadway wends its way along the dramatic coastline of British Columbia as it ascends into the Coast Mountains. The views around each curve are more stunning than the last, making the journey almost as rewarding as the destination. And it is a journey worth taking for many reasons.
Whistler’s reputation as one of the world’s top-ranked ski destinations is beyond question. Many of the 2010 Winter Olympics events were held here, and it’s consistently ranked the number one mountain resort in North America.
But I visited in summer, which draws even more tourists and recreation enthusiasts. Hiking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, relaxing, and dining are some of the main draws. The name Whistler comes from the sound a hoary marmot makes. Apparently, hoary marmots whistle.
Whistler is not only surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, it is spectacularly clean and well-maintained.
When I got off the bus in the centre of the small town, another smaller shuttle bus was waiting there to take me to the Four Seasons Hotel. The driver of the big bus smiled at me as I got off, and the driver of the shuttle bus smiled at me as I got on. After the gorgeous scenery, the second thing I noticed about Whistler is that everyone smiles. A lot.
The Four Seasons is at the far edge of town, at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, and it’s a spectacular destination on its own. A handsome wood-and-stone structure, it is the top-rated luxury resort in town. It elegantly captures the mountain resort look-and-feel with native art and other artifacts on display.
People stroll through Whistler Village. (Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova)
Peak-to-Peak gondola ride
I was in Whistler for two specific reasons, both Canadian Signature Experiences: the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and the Peak-to-Peak gondola ride from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain. So, after unpacking and enjoying the views from my suite, I headed for the centre of Whistler village and the gondola ride up to the top of Whistler Mountain.
I am not a skier, so I was really surprised by the height of Whistler Mountain and the extensive infrastructure that supports the sport. Standing at the top, by the Olympic rings, it was chilly and brisk even on a warm June day. You definitely need a warm jacket for this trip.
Riding the Peak-to-Peak gondola to the top of Blackcomb Mountain, it felt thrilling to be suspended from a cable between two mountains, with views in every direction, from the valley floor to the village of Whistler, to the mountain range in the distance. Even when you are the lowest point between the mountains, you are still higher from the ground than the height of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
On either side, there are cafes and shops, washrooms, and indoor and outdoor seating. You can easily make the Peak-to-Peak trip a fun half-day experience, which the entire family will enjoy.
Soaking in the waters of Scandinave Spa was another special experience. I spent a couple of hours at dusk soaking in the outdoor pools, set in an evergreen forest on the outskirts of Whistler. Scandinave Spa combines two things I love: nature and wellness. Alternating hot and cold water, called hydrotherapy, is very relaxing and by the end of my time there, I was in a bliss state.
Whistler’s famous Peak-to-Peak gondolas offer a thrilling ride and stunning view. (Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane)
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre showcases the aboriginal history, culture, art, and spirituality of this region. Whistler—the mountain and surrounding area—is the borderland between the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations, and the land historically belonged to both, which is why the museum and cultural centre was built here.
The stunning glass-fronted building houses exhibitions, artifacts, a cafe that serves native-inspired foods, and a store that sells locally made arts and crafts. The grounds feature walking trails and traditional dwellings, including a longhouse, where you can try your hand at making a cedar bracelet.
There are so many good reasons to visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, from learning about the First Nations culture to helping support an organization that has revitalized the people of these nations.
The building of the centre solved a land dispute between the Squamish and Lil’wat, it has provided training, skill development, and employment opportunities for the youth, and it has preserved the cultural heritage of two of Canada’s First Nations.
Interior of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. (Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane)
Soaking up the sun at Scandinave Spa. (Scandinave Spa/Chad Chomlack)
Biking the Top of the World on Whistler Mountain, with Black Tusk in the distance. (Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane)
There are many hiking and biking trails in the forest surrounding the village. (Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova)
Horseback riding in the Callaghan Valley with Canadian Wilderness Adventures. (Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane)
Various weaving designs at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. (Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane)
Bikers ride along Valley Trail. (Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova)
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Mariellen Ward is a travel writer and publisher of the meaningful adventure travel blog BreatheDreamGo.com for seekers and travellers to India, Canada, and beyond.
