WHISTLER, SQUAMISH, AND PEMBERTON
WHISTLER, SQUAMISH AND PEMBERTON
#SIAinWhistler
Where do I even start? I can’t even count the amount of times I have been to Whistler. It being a mere 1.5 hour drive away makes for a very popular day or even weekend getaway from Vancouver. I’ve had the privilege of traveling there numerous times over pretty much the last decade and I would say that I’ve been literally EVERYWHERE in and around Whistler. That goes for restaurants, leisurely hikes and trails, attractions and the like.
On my most recent trip, I actually just used Whistler as my home base and further explored Pemberton and Squamish which turned out to be super enjoyable! I found so many great gems that I have already returned to. It’s been really great and I hope that this guide can help this who need help narrowing down places to stay, go and dine out. Whistler is a world-class destination and I want to share that with everyone, new and old guests.
As stated, I regularly use Whistler as a base and stay there. When it comes to accommodation, there are only a few that I can recommend and regularly stay at. My favourite would be the Fairmont Chateau Whistler which is located in the Upper Village. It’s not quite as central to the action as I would like but hey, it’s literally a 10-minute walk over to where the main bulk of restaurants. The facilities are classic, it has the best pool (in my opinion) in the village, and the quality is always consistent.
If you’d like something a bit more central, close to the party, and won’t break the bank, I’d recommend either the The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler or Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites. Both of which offer large connecting rooms and suites with a full kitchen, glassware, plates and everything that you could possibly need if you’re planning a multi-night stay or with family. They are both equally central and with pools and hot tubs (bonus!), workout facilities, shops and more.
Are you disinterested in staying in the village? I don’t blame you. Even with the Fairmont being further out, it still can appear to be too close. If you don’t mind staying in Creekside (the area down Hwy 99 that is just before Whistler Village), I would highly recommend a stay at the grande Nita Lake Lodge that looks over the lake with the same name. It’s that perfect cabinesque retreat that is a less than 10-minute drive to the village, offering the BEST spa experience (yes, even better than Scandinave), and gorgeous rooms that are the epitome of the Pacific Northwest. Complimentary bicycles are also available during your stay (although I can’t verify this during COVID!). It’s all a nice touch - highly recommended.
Going on a budget? I’ve looked (but have never stayed) at many AirBnBs and there really are some beautiful stays on there. There is also a Marketplace IGA and another (expensive) grocery store located within the village if you plan on doing some on grocery shopping and cooking on your own.
Getting around Whistler:
Car - It is highly recommended having a car to get around and to Whistler. It’s a 1.5 hour drive to the village which isn’t bad at all. You’ll get to drive along the picturesque Sea to Sky Highway. If you are located and/or coming from downtown or will be crossing over the Lion’s Gate Bridge, just be sure to check out the traffic report as traffic is known to get SUPER congested there, especially during rush hour and on Sundays after the weekend. Also, because hotel valet parking can be pricey, park at any of the lots 1-5 for $2.50/hour. It’s also free after 5:00 PM til 8:00AM during the summer months with competitive pricing during ski season.
Charter bus - I’ve also commuted to Whistler via charter bus - and it actually wasn't too bad! I can't exactly remember which company I took but prices seem to be quite competitive: $35 roundtrip or $24 for a one-way. Keep in mind it does take just slightly longer than driving by car - about a 2-hour trip.
Whistler
Trails, hikes and the outdoors:
Whistler Interpretive Forest - Lots of trails here! I’d recommend the Train Wreck hike for a leisurely walk in the forest that the whole family will enjoy. Complete with a mini suspension bridge, history lesson, and a graffiti-laden old train wreck from the 50s!
Mystery Lake - Not much of a mystery but it is easily walkable from Whistler Village. It’s a popular swimming spot with spots to picnic and BBQ. Water sports available here for a fee.
Nita Lake - Quiet and pristine. Located just at the footsteps at Nita Lake Lodge.
Alta Lake - Another popular swimming spot! The parking lot is small and I would recommend going in the early evening to get a spot. There are some spots to the left (“The Circles” on GoogleMaps) to hangout and chill by the water on the rocks and tree trunks.
Green Lake - Some people swim here. Harbour Air lands here. Great for taking a photo break but not my favourite. Beware of leeches in the water!
Nairn Falls - Another leisurely walk. Glacier falls with a shaded walk in the park. Try to get some spots by the water if you want to chill out - just don’t fall out because you’re literally cliffside!
Garibaldi Provincial Park - LOTS of hiking trails to do here. The hike to Garibaldi isn’t particularly difficult, just long. Depending on your fitness level, this can take 4—5 hours to complete, roundtrip. Too much of a rush? Then camp it out - lots of spots available here to do just that.
Brandyine Falls - A little walk in the park which reveals a waterfall. Nothing outstanding but if you’re in the area, then you might as well check it out!
Food and beverage:
$
Pure Bread
Peaked Pies
Cow’s
Green Moustache
Eco
Mount Currie Coffee Co.
Coast Brewing Co
Whistler Brewery
$$
Elements Tapas Parlour
Crepe Montagne
Hunter Gather
The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
$$$
Araxi
Bearfoot Bistro
Il Caminetto
Alta Bistro
Rim Rock Cafe
Things to do:
Scandinave Spa - A sprawling spa with both indoor and outdoor options. Solariums, hot tubs, cold pools, yoga room, nap rooms, mountainside hammocks, massages, and more. I personally love coming here more in the wintertime more than the summer. I will warn you that it can get busy - try and go mid-week if you can for a more relaxing experience.
PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience - Yes, it’s touristy but the view from above it simply spectacular. The name is self-explanatory: go from the peak in Whistler to the peak in Blackcomb. There are TONS of trails up at the top too if you’re into that. The cost is a little steep at $75 per person and I would allot at least 1.5 hours to see a glimpse of what Whistler-Blackcomb truly offers.
Ski and snowboard - Yes, this should be #1 but I am such a shitty little snowboarder. Whistler-Blackcomb is a world class ski and snowboarding destination. That should be a no-brainer. Lift tickets are steep (especially after they got bought out by American company, Vail) and starts at $139 per day per adult. Multi-day tickets are available up to 10-days with discounted pricing.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre - It’s always great to pay homage to the land that Whistler was built on. This museum is steps away from the Fairmont and gives an in-depth look to the tribes that currently reside on this land. It’s exceptionally well done and modern, with lots of little trails around the area and an excellent cafe on-site. You must try the bannock and salmon chowder before you go.
Festivals - There are festivals and events that literally happen every. single. week in Whistler in the summertime. My favourites include Crankworx, Cornucopia, and the Whistler Film Festival.
Whistler Farmer’s Market - Want to see something local? The farmer’s market takes place every Sunday morning to early afternoon along the corridor in by Blackcomb Mountain. Due to COVID, it has now been relocated to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Lots of local produce, eats (must try the street food vendor, JEGGS!) and organic products.
Pemberton
Trails, hikes and the outdoors:
One Mile Lake - The name says it all. Honestly, I had low expectations for this lake but it really surprised me when I visited. It is an accessible park with a couple swimming areas and a concession stand. I really loved the boardwalk which goes around the entire perimeter of the lily-padded lake.
Joffre Lakes - This is an incredibly popular hike where you can get up close to some beautiful glacier lakes. I would recommend arriving at the small parking lot no later than 9:00AM. Take advantage and take that iconic photo on the log in the first lake ASAP as there will be a line up (not even kidding) on the way back. Once you get to the last and largest lake, you can even meander all the way across the rocks to the waterfall on the other side of the lake. Camping and restroom facilities are present here.
Food and beverage:
North Arm Farms - It’s more than just a farm. Not only do they provide and grow some incredibly produce, they offer some pretty good (and cheap) food as well. Don’t even think about visiting without getting one of their sandwiches, a slice of pie and their addicting pepperoni sticks. Also good to note: there is a market that happens on the farm on Saturdays!
Beer Farm - It’s literally what the name entails: a brewery on a farm. You may think you are not going in the right direction and wondering where all these cyclist are biking to, but once you arrive, you’ll be delighted at their generous beer flights, rotating food trucks (they tried their best on a lobster roll - good value but the lobster is clearly not fresh, especially not at $16 including a side salad and potato salad), the cutest roaming sheep and the best backdrop.
Pemberton Distillery - This tiny little distillery was a treat. They offer complimentary tastings on their whisky, brandy, vodka, liqueurs and more. Their hemp vodka is really interesting and their whisky was especially smooth.
Pemberton Brewing Co. - Not too far away from the distillery is this awesome little brewery. We loved all the beers that they had on top - they were all winners here. I would highly recommend their cream ale - still dreaming of that!
Squamish
Trails, hikes and the outdoors:
Squamish River - A great place to eagle watching and a dip in the glacier-fed river. You can even see bears and seals over here as well and I’ve heard that it’s a great spot for fishing salmon. I found THE best swimming spot along the Squamish River along with an entire sandy enclave. I’m not going to divulge where this is but if you ask nicely, I might just share!
Shannon Falls - Another pretty touristy thing to do but it is quite enigmatic to see in person. A gorgeous set of falls are here.
The Chief - At the falls but would rather climb it? Well, you can definitely do that here! There are three peaks at The Chief. Keep in mind it is quite a busy trail. Peak 1 is, by far, the busiest out of the three and the least steep. Peak 2 has some cool chains embedded in the rock that you’ll have to navigate around and Peak 3 is just…hella steep. Lots of rope walkers and rock climbers here as well.
Sea to Sky Gondola - One of the rare touristy things that I like to do. If you don’t feel like hiking, you can take the gondola up! It’s a steep price at $59.95 per person on the weekend but they offer some discounts if you purchase your ticket online or visit on a weekday. There are a number of little trails up the mountain, a cafe, a suspension bridge, and of course, some excellent views of Squamish.
Food and beverage:
Mag’s 99 Fried Chicken
Sunny Chiba’s
A-Frame Brewing
Geo Cider
Backcountry Brewing
Howe Sound Brewing
Saha Cafe
Not enough? You’ve done all these already and crossed off that list? Consider these short trips, parks and attractions that are within driving distance from the Squamish-Lillooet area:
Brittania Mine Museum
Murrin Park
There’s tons of things to do in and around the Whistler - makes for a great day, weekend or multi-day trip. Whistler and its surrounding areas is one of the classic getaways from Vancouver. I’ll be adding to this list regularly as it’s such an easy getaway.