Luxury travel in Whistler (for the glamorous traveler)

alpha lake luxury travel whistler

Introducing the scenic town of Whistler nestled in the mountains of British Columbia. We lived in Whistler for two years (from 2015 – 2017) and honestly it’s the prettiest place we’ve ever called home. This is despite us living in some of the most beautiful cities in the world including Sydney and Queenstown. We’re here today to tell you why you should make Whistler your next luxury travel destination.

Whistler is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip

Whistler is picture-perfect, it’s one of those places that has you saying ‘wow’ every 10 steps. It’s renowned the world over for its skiing, but for me there’s so much more to Whistler. From luxury hotels back-dropped by snow-capped mountains to some of the best restaurants in the world – Whistler has everything you could ask for of a luxury travel destination.

Lucky too that there are so many unique things to do in Whistler! Would you believe you can go bobsledding here and even take on one of the longest ziplines in the world.

Stay at the best luxury hotels in town

The Four Seasons located in Whistler’s upper village provides an epic panorama of Blackcomb Mountain. Inside the hotel massive open fireplaces welcome you with open arms and the rooms although luxurious provide a home away from home experience.

Right next door is the beautiful and grand Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The Fairmont is my absolute favourite hotel in town (although I may be biased as I worked here for two years). Boasting 500+ rooms but with all the ambience and personality of a small hotel – the Fairmont is best address in Whistler.

If you’re looking for something a little smaller and more ’boutique’, then look no further than Nita Lake Lodge. Nita Lake Lodge is considered one of the best hotels in the Whistler area. Built on the serene Nita Lake and a 5 minute drive from Whistler village – Nita Lake provides the tranquil and luxurious experience that most tourists to Whistler are looking for.

Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa – right in the center of Whistler Village and very close to the gondola, this large hotel is very popular with families.

The Westin – is a nice luxury option in Whistler’s lower village, it’s right next to the gondola and the rooms are spacious with great views.

Our recommended activities for the adventurous traveler

There are lots of adrenalin-fuelled activities in Whistler – it is after all the adventure capital of Canada! Whistler has everything from dog-sledding the nearby Callaghan Valley, a wine tasting tour of Whistler village and surrounding areas and heli-skiing over Whistler Blackcomb Mountain. Some slightly more tame activities (but still equally as fun) include kayaking in one of the lakes in town. A lightweight inflatable kayak is your best option for the calm waters here. My favorite place to kayak is Lost Lake or Alpha Lake.

All once-in-a-lifetime experiences, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Another bucket-list activity that you must do if you have time is drive the scenic road between Whistler and Banff. I advise allowing up to 5 days for this epic road trip!

How to best spend a relaxing day in Whistler

In the summer a walk to Lost Lake is a must-see.  A beautiful nature trail that offers a true Pacific Northwest nature experience. Sit on the banks of the lake and take in the magnificent views or if you’re feeling brave take a swim in its refreshing waters. The best cafe in my opinion is Camp Coffee & Lifestyle Co. in Function Junction – fantastic coffee in a modern lifestyle store.

nita lake lodge, luxury travel whistler
Nita Lake Lodge

The most delicious restaurants in Whistler and their best dishes

My number one choice is Rimrock Cafe near Creekside Village. It is continually ranked as the top restaurant in Whistler, it provides both a unique dining experience and the best fish dishes’ in all of British Columbia, in my opinion. A close second is Araxi in Whistler village which has some very innovative dishes including Quebec Rabbit dish (which is my personal favourite) . Also, worth a mention is Bearfoot Bistro with its famed wine cellar – it has one of the most extensive wine cellars in all of Canada. Their butter poached Atlantic Salmon is amzing.

Let’s talk desserts- where to find the best desserts in Whistler

Purebread is famous in Whistler. You won’t miss it, as there is usually a long winding queue out this small Cafe’s door. Their tantalising display of sweets has everything from Sticky Toffee Pudding to Raspberry Cheesecake Brownie. Pure mouth-watering bliss.

The best spas in Whistler

Scandinave Spa allows you to relax in the heart of nature. A nordic-inspired 20,000 square foot outdoor spa surrounded by cedar trees. Soak in the outdoor hot tub and experience the beautiful vista of Whistlers natural beauty.

backcountry hut whistler blackcomb
Backcountry hut on Whistler Blackcomb

End the day on a high – the best sunset spot in town

Lost Lake, in particular the huge pier along the right-side of the lake is an amazing setting to catch the sunset over the mountains. Green Lake outside of town is a great spot too. If you don’t fancy venturing too far from town why not grab a drink and sit on the large patio of Garibaldi Lift Company. It’s one of the highest patios in town and you will be able to spot Blackcomb, Whistler, Sproatt and Rainbow mountains from your prime position.

Lucky for you after the sun sets in Whistler you are treated to an alpenglow. Which is when the light illuminates the mountain peaks shades of orange and pink. It’s most dramatic in Winter when the peaks still have snow on them.

The best places to go for some evening drinks in Whistler

Bar Oso offers a profusion of Spanish-influenced small plates and fantastic cocktails in a cosy yet sophisticated environment. With 20,000 plus wine bottles, Bearfoot Bistro’s wine cellar is a must-see, you can also try your hand at sabering a bottle of champagne.

Why not read next – the best tips for the best Canadian roadtrip

Luxury travel in Whistler is certainly becoming more popular with fantastic 5-star hotels and fine dining restaurants scattered throughout this picture-perfect village. Whistler has everything for the traveler who loves luxury.

Tell me, have you ever visited Whistler? What did you think? We’d love to read about it in the comment section below.

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Whistler is a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip. We explain why you should choose Whistler as your next luxury travel destination.


12 thoughts on “Luxury travel in Whistler (for the glamorous traveler)

  1. I was raised in Vancouver, and only been to Whistler once..after I left…a total sin right?! lol….I hope to go back soon. Looks like you had an amazing time there and that lodge looks lovely!

    Valerie

  2. Aw I miss Whistler so much now! I am not a luxury traveler, but my parents are, and when I went with them we stayed at the Fairmont! It was beautiful and amazing, like you said. You’re lucky to have had the opportunity to work there for 2 years! Now I’m itching to go back to Whistler – hopefully the next ski season!

  3. I would love to spend a luxurious holiday in whistler! Lost lake is one of my faves and would live to go in winter to see an amazing sunset

  4. We went to Canada last year but in Salt Spring Island and Victoria… it is beautiful in your area… would need to check out Whistler the next time, thank you for this post..

  5. I have yet to visit Whistler, but after reading this post, it’s now on my Places to Go list. The scenery looks stunning and it looks like a perfect holiday. Great post!

  6. Whistler is definitely beautiful! And you can definitely travel in luxury there too! It was one of my stops on a BC trip two years ago, and while it wasn’t my favourite place (Tofino took that award) It was a stunning area.

  7. My husband and I were just talking about planning a trip to Whistler! It is beautiful and has been on our bucket list for a long time. We would love to visit in the snow too! I will keep Lake Lost in mind!

  8. I’ve never been to Canada but I’d love to go check the Whistler out after reading this post.

  9. Wow, Whistler looks like the quintessential mountain retreat! I will definitely be adding this to my bucket list!

  10. Great article! I spent six months in Vancouver, but I never went to Whistler (shame on me!!), At the time mostly because of money! But this looks so amazing! I saw that you lived in Queenstown too, I am in Auckland actually since three years 😀

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