The first crunching footsteps can be heard on the freshly fallen snow, while the curious Gray Jays flitter about, in search for their first meal of the day. Whistler is slowly waking up and welcoming winter funseekers to its slopes. The landscape around Whistler is defined by majestic snow-capped mountains, surrounding lush green valleys with meandering rivers and turquoise tinted lakes.
In summer, the temperate coastal rainforest and mountains surrounding Whistler attract hikers and adventure seekers alike. In winter, skiers and snowboarders make up the bulk of visitors. Hailed as one of the best winter resorts in the world, Whistler is the epitome of winter fun. After a day of skiing, snowboarding, ziplining, dog sledding or snowshoeing, it is time to relax and recover from the day’s activities. I’ve teamed up with Expedia.ca to recommend 5 cosy places around Whistler to do just that.
A Quick Snack At Crystal Hut
After enjoying a day on Blackcomb Mountain, visit the Crystal Hut on Crystal Ridge. This cosy mountain lodge, with customary wooden interior throughout, offers Belgian waffles and oven-baked delicacies. Take in the breathtaking vistas from the patio while sipping a well-deserved hot chocolate.
Rejuvenate At The Scandinave Spa
Treat yourself to some much needed pampering after a day on the slope. The world-renowned Scandinave Spa, perched amid old growth forest near Lost Lake, is the perfect spot to relax sore muscles. Relax, rejuvenate, and restore your body in one of the hot baths while taking in the spectacular mountain views around you.
The cosy wooden chalets blend in perfectly with the natural surroundings and embody the sense of calm the spa is so famous for.
Dinner At The Chalet At The Fairmont Chateau
The Chalet at The Fairmont Chateau oozes Bavarian charm. Wooden beams grace the high ceiling and a stone slabbed, log fireplace situated in the middle of the room, give this restaurant the cozy log cabin look and feel we’ve all come to love. A day of high intensity activities such as: skiing or snowboarding will leave you craving a hearty meal.
Famous for its winter alpine dining, their fondues and artisan charcuterie platters have been an all-time favourite among visitors.
Après Ski At Mallard Lounge And Terrace
After a rejuvenating spa session and a filling meal, it’s time for a nightcap at a cosy, intimate bar. The Mallard Lounge and Terrace is the perfect après ski destination. Plant yourself in one of the comfy chairs in front of the sizeable fireplace, order a glass of whisky and a selection of chocolates while enjoying the evening entertainment.
If you want to take in the fresh mountain air while savoring a glass of wine, the two crackling fire pits on the terrace will surely keep you warm as you appreciate as night sets in on Whistler.
Alternative: Cure Lounge at Nita Lodge
A Good Night’s Sleep At Nita Lake Lodge
Escape from all the hustle and bustle and settle into Nita Lake Lodge, a cozy wilderness lodge on the edge of a glacier-fed lake. This charming ski chalet has all the amenities to make your stay memorable: from a full service spa to on-site restaurants, and a variety of activities to enjoy in the surrounding area.
With complimentary snowshoe, canoe and kayak rental, you certainly won’t be bored during your stay. All the rooms are spacious and feature a seating area and basalt fireplace with views of the Creekside valley or Nita Lake.
The lodge is the perfect place to end your active day, and wake up rested the next day so you can enjoy everything Whistler has to offer.
Alternative: Adara Hotel
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27 Responses
Nita Lake Lodge sounds like a winner. It’s funny, we live so close and have never been to Whistler. Weird.
We had the same problem when living in London 🙂 We rarely explored anything outside the city. So after we moved to Vancouver, we made a huge effort to explore everything nearby. Whistler was first on the list 😀
I have been to Canada many times, but never to that side, gosh it looks amazing! It’s on my wish list! I have work connections in Toronto, next time I go I will definitely try and make it over there! That waffle looks pretty good too! Will share on Twitter! Rachael
Cool spot. I can add to your tips as I passed through there this summer.
1. Avoid going through town in your RV – especially the place where there is a low bridge.
2. Don’t take a big, heavy RV with a tow dolly on the Sea to Sky Highway north of Whistler.
Painful lessons. Fortunately, my rig made it under the bridge (barely) and my brakes held out on the 15 % grades on the Sea to Sky Highway. Beautiful drive, but terrifying in that type of vehicle.
I so want that waffle… but that’s probably 6 weeks of being on a diet speaking :p This place looks beautiful!!
When I have visited Whistler, I have stayed in vacation rentals. These lounges and spas sure are tempting.
Looks like a really nice trip!
Looks great. Headed there this summer.
Pinned this one! Can’t wait for my next Whistler trip. I’m from Seattle and love B.C. 🙂
Amanda – TheFashionToFollow.com
Looks amazing, you had me at hiking! The resorts look great, nice to have many choices.
That spa looks so great! We still haven’t gotten to Whistler yet and were in Oregon! Hoping to make it there soon, and use this post as guidance 🙂
Ahhhh so awesome! The Scandinave Spa and Crystal Hut would be my faves.
Seems like a peaceful, cosy place. Those pictures look amazing. Would not mind staying at the Nita Lake Lodge. Love the Lake view.
Your photos are stunning. I’ve never been to Whistler, but I might go now.
I have to say these places look great, but I’ve avoided going to Whistler because of how expensive it is.
We heard Whistler mentioned a lot when we lived in BC but we never made it up.
All the places look lovely and welcoming to spend some relaxing time.
Oh my gosh–that waffle looks amazing! I’d be happy sitting there stuffing my face all day! 🙂
Beautiful! I would love to go to Whistler! I would love the Mallard Lounge.
Those all look like amazing places! I’d love to check out the Scandinave Spa!
I had to look up in google where Whistler is since the places described were fascinating! Thanks for sharing!
Whistler is on my bucket list but more for just seeing the beauty and gorgeous mountains. I would pick relaxing at the Fairmont Chateau, and having afternoon tea there. I am a huge fan of the Whistler Resorts.
Oh man, that waffle is EXACTLY what I would want after a day in the mountains. Oh my gosh. It’s exactly what I want every day, regardless of whether or not mountains are involved. 😉
Nice! Will bookmark this 🙂
I would loveeee to go to Whistler! I am hoping to make it to Canada this year or the next and Whistler will be one of my high priorities! 🙂
Nice article, thanks so much for your sharing
Beautiful Pictures!! Whistlers looks amazing and worth visiting