North America
The Unofficial Whistler & Blackcomb Travel Guide
posted in North America . posted by Jenn on January 29, 2009 . 2 Comments
Whistler & Blackcomb is one of the most popular destinations in Canada for both ski enthusiasts and golfers alike. With two incredible mountains to choose from, visitors will find an endless supply of outdoor activities, restaurants, spa, and even shops.
Whistler & Blackcomb is located about 75 miles north of Vancouver and opened for business in the 1980’s as a car-free vacation destination. Now the area has grown to over 100 square miles and is home to welcoming local residents as well as annual tourists.
Things to See in Whistler & Blackcomb
Ok, we’d be silly to claim there are a ton of incredible historic sites in the area, because there just aren’t – but the mountains themselves really speak for themselves. Whistler and Blackcomb are two of the snowiest mountains on earth, receiving around 360 inches of snow each season, which usually lasts from the end of November until the beginning of June.
The entire resort area covers 8,100 acres of land with 3 glaciers and 12 alpine bowls. There are over 200 marked ski trails each with a ski-lift rivaled by none in North America. The most popular ski lifts on Whistler Mountain include the Whistler Village Gondola and the Creekside Gondola.
The most popular on Blackcomb is the Excalibur Gondola. Your lift ticket will give you access to both mountains, but amateur skiers and snowboarders should probably stick to the Blackcomb side of the resort.
Places to Eat when Visiting Whistler & Blackcomb
The downside to Whistler & Blackcomb is that if you’re on a modest budget you really need to save up some extra cash before you visit. While there are a handful options, the low cost dining alternatives are few and far between.
Elements Urban Tapas features reasonably priced Canadian cuisine in a quaint family atmosphere. The food here is creative but the portions are designed for sharing. Elements opens early in the day – so keep them in mind for breakfast as well. Visitors swear there’s not a better way to start the day.
The Mountain Club is an incredibly popular destination amongst both locals and tourists. Boasting a simple yet diverse menu, the combination of “earth” and “ocean” food choices leaves diners with an opportunity to taste a wide variety of food combinations. This is the place to be if you want to know who’s who in Whistler & Blackcomb – everyone who wants to be seen will eventually show up.
Whistler & Blackcomb Nightlife
The nightlife in Whistler & Blackcomb is just as exciting as your days on the slopes. There are a handful of spectacular bars, dance clubs, and theaters in the area so whether you enjoy a quiet night in or an amazing night on the town you’ll always be able to find something to do.
The Maurice Young Millennium Place is an eclectic theater. They regularly host a wide variety of performances including live music, dance, and theater. Those visiting the area for a brief period of time will enjoy taking advantage of their drop-in classes, including yoga and dance. They even have a child-care center and host regular weekly church services.
Buffalo Bill’s Bar & Grill is a hot spot for the over 25 crowd. The bar is often packed to capacity and they usually play mainstream music. They’re not often billed in advance, but it’s rumored that some very popular bands make appearances at Buffalo Bill’s at least two times a month.
BrewHouse is a hot destination for beer lovers looking for a good glass of ale after a hard day on the slopes. They brew a half dozen unique lagers and ales and offer Brewery tours to the public a few times per week. The pub is a great place to relax with friends, whether you want to sip your lager in front of the fire or while shooting pool with friends.
Special Events in Whistler & Blackcomb
Whistler & Blackcomb is the home to several annual festivals and events. In February things heat up with the Winterpride Whistler festival and in March you’ll find the ladies gathering for Women’s Week.
In May the resort pushes health and wellness during Whistler Wellness Week, featuring a series of seminars, demonstrations, and special events focused on promoting a healthier lifestyle. Visitors to the area in August will enjoy the Whistler Music & Arts Festival as well. With over 9 festivals hosted at the resort annually, it’s not difficult to plan your trip around a spectacular special event.
It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit Whistler & Blackcomb. You’ll find something spectacular to keep you occupied, whether you love skiing, snowboarding, hiking the outdoors, or curling up by the fire with friends!
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2 Comments for "The Unofficial Whistler & Blackcomb Travel Guide"
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