Summer-Fall 2019

Whistler resort, known in the early 1900s as Alta Lake, started out as a summertime fishing destination, and skiing followed a few decades later. However, not long after the resort was born, it became a destination for all kinds of adventure. Endless expanses of forested mountains provide world-class opportunities for outdoor recreation, whether you prefer a simple hike or the intense rush of whitewater rafting.

It’s not often that you can come to Whistler and experience both the Coast Mountains and the Canadian Rockies without leaving the resort. However, this summer, you can do just that. In celebration of the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies’ 50th anniversary, “Artistry Revealed: Peter Whyte, Catharine Robb Whyte and Their Contemporaries” has come to Whistler.

The bear chooses us. Indigenous peoples have always known this. Many indigenous nations organize themselves under houses such as bear, salmon or deer. Each family is born into an animal with the duty to protect. In this way, all animals are cared for. So, for those not falling within this family system, an animal, like the bear, instead comes looking for us.

Forget basic, simple salads. Summer is for pushing culinary boundaries and dining expectations by exploring exactly what the perfectly composed salad can be, using the freshest, most delicious ingredients available from this season’s bounty.

There are two types of people in the world: Those who can press their two fists flat against each other while extending both arms straight, and those who can’t. So, if your arms resemble a cowboy’s bowed legs rather than two vertical, heaven-reaching tree trunks (go on, try it), do the unthinkable.

This year Whistler Traveller turns 10! Summer 2019 is our 21st edition, and we continue to offer readers interesting stories, tips and striking imagery to complement your visit.

It’s hard to imagine your world-class golfing experience in Whistler getting any more elevated (pun intended). However, the governing bodies of the sport, the Royal and Ancient (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA), have actually teamed up to make that happen.

Taste the best of the season and make it bloom with a flower-infused summer sipper. Pull up a seat at the bar to discover the magic that happens when Whistler’s finest bartenders use creative techniques to imbue their concoctions with bright, seasonal flavours.

If you are planning to list your home, an experienced Realtor will be able to advise you on the most important things to consider that will make your home more appealing and saleable. Small, inexpensive changes can give you an edge over the competition.

The icy cold weather of winter in the north freezes the lakes and brings snowfall for months on end. While much of the rest of Canada is grumbling about shovelling driveways, Whistler locals and visitors alike are gleefully checking the forecast and peeking out windows in awe at the bounty of snowflakes falling on the valley.

If your only experience of sake was a served-too-warm, headache-inducing, palate-blasting brew, it’s time to think again and give sake another chance. Light, bright, delicate and deliciously smooth, modern sake is brewed in stainless steel or ceramic-lined tanks, rather than barrels, which allows its natural floral, citrus and herbaceous notes to shine through. We asked three Whistler restaurant professionals to tell us which cold sake they’ll be serving this season to pair with everything from ocean-fresh seafood to briny oysters to sushi and sashimi!

Rob Boyd’s World Cup downhill victory in 1989 has been hailed by many as the greatest sporting moment in Whistler’s history — even surpassing the Olympic gold medals won by locals Ross Rebagliati, Maelle Ricker and Ashley McIvor DeMerit, because it happened right here in town.

A street in Whistler, slightly off the beaten path, is home to a mouthwatering smorgasbord of international cuisines. This foodie heaven is called Main Street, and within steps of each other, you can opt for Italian, Mexican, Australian, Asian and North American fare.

Whistler’s spectacular scenery is the backdrop for an exceptional variety of activities. Why don't you try some of these unforgettable Whistler experiences this summer? Let gravity assist you as you experience the Whistler Bike Park on a Gravity A-Ride with Alpine Riding; light up your night with Vallea Lumina as you discover a secret valley and unravel the story of a two hikers, a father-daughter duo, who set off to discover it long ago; turn off … tune in … chill out as you experience the tranquility of forest bathing on Canadian Wilderness Adventures’ Medicine Trail in the serene old-growth forest of the Callaghan Valley; embark on a high-elevation heli adventure with a scenic flight to a spectacular ancient ice cave — or combine the ice cave tour with a trip to the steaming cavern of an active volcano — with No Limits Heli Adventures.

Ah, summer in the mountains: afternoons by the lake, hiking in the alpine, a barbecue and drinks on the patio … what could top that? And what place could be better than Whistler to enjoy it all — less than 90 minutes from Vancouver, with more options for dining, shopping, arts and culture, and outdoor adventure than any other mountain town in North America?

“Emily Carr: Fresh Seeing - French Modernism and the West Coast,” which runs from Sept. 21, 2019 to Jan. 19, 2020, is the museum’s most ambitious exhibit to date. Upon arriving home to the West Coast of Canada from France, Emily Carr’s approach to painting underwent a dramatic change from her initially conservative art training. This exhibit showcases the vibrant changes to Carr’s style over three significant years: 1910 to 1912.

In the early 1990s, Whistler was in the throes of a development boom. “We talked about a ‘crane-o-metre’ at the time,” said then and current Whistler resident Ken Melamed, speaking about the formative years of the community’s then-fledgling environmental group, the Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE).

Visit Whistler’s exceptional galleries to admire an array of artistic talent and perhaps find that unique piece for your home. From Canadian wildlife and landscapes, to photo-stenciling works to internationally renowned contemporary pieces.

Be inspired by the style and indulgence found in Whistler. If you are looking for a day off from adventure, or perhaps you need to gear up for your next adventure, check out these featured products and visit our local retail partners. Happy Shopping!

Giving you the inside information on what’s happening, what’s fun and what’s new in Whistler. Find out more about the Spearhead Huts Project; learn about our featured local animal, the wolverine; plus read about Whistler's E-Bike strategy.

Nestled in a fertile, verdant valley surrounded by incredible mountain peaks, the community of Pemberton is a hidden gem in the heart of the Coast Mountains. Located just 25 minutes north of Whistler, Pemberton (known to locals as Spud Valley) enjoys a slightly warmer and sunnier climate. Offering favourable weather and a large span of level ground, the valley is a prime agricultural zone.

From mountaintop summer feasts to BeerBQ's, from winemaker dinners to food & wine festivals. Enjoy these delicious dining events throughout the season.

Not long ago, Squamish was one of British Columbia’s best-kept secrets as a tourist destination. The logging town at the north end of Howe Sound was mostly thought of as a sojourn along Highway 99 between Vancouver and Whistler. In recent years, however, Squamish has emerged as a thriving venue for all sorts of adventures — from tame to hardcore.

From art and dining to shopping and exploring historic neighbourhoods, there is something for everyone in Vancouver, the largest Canadian city west of Toronto and the country’s West Coast hub. If you only have a couple of days to explore Vancouver, deciding what to do and see in one of the world’s most beautiful cities will depend not only on what strikes your fancy, but on when you visit.

Whistler has you covered for tasty food, drink and unique gifts. Treat yourself to delicious Whistler-inspired Grizzly Claw from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory; pick up or order a custom gift basket to thank that special person at Blackcomb Liquor Store; fuel-up with a tasty, goodness-packed Aussie breakfast pie at Peaked Pies - complete your breakfast with a combo with coffee!

Experience what we love this summer with some local Whistler favourites. Pick-up a fresh loaf of naturally leavened organic sourdough and enjoy an espresso with an in-house baked goody at BReD – Organic Sourdough in Creekside; grab a fresh slice for lunch or order your favorite Sicilian pan-style pizza with a Detroit crust — cheesed right to the edge, at Functional Pie Pizza in Function Junction; whether it’s brunch, lunch or dinner, Pangea Pod’s Living Room has delicious and affordable eats and check out the exceptional view over the Village Stroll while enjoying a refreshing beverage on their rooftop patio.

Find out more about some of the many events happening in Whistler this summer! From festivals to concerts to sporting events and cultural attractions, there's something for everyone! For more information visit whistlertraveller.com/calendar or whistler.com/events.