Saturday Sojourn...

Whistler, Canada

This week I noticed that Sniqueaway has a great deal on a place my husband and I have been wanting to visit for quite some time, Whistler, Canada.  Most folks know Whistler for all its great winter things to do, skiing, snowboarding, snow showing and cross country skiing, but since neither of us does those things we had started looking at it as a summer destination.  My husband loves to hike and fish and Whistler is known for its great Trout lakes, both Cutthroat and Rainbow, as well as Char, Salmon and Steel head.  Fishing is something he could easily spend a day or two doing, you can even  charter a helicopter or a float plane to get to more remote lakes.  If you are interested in fishing on your vacation be sure to check out the BC fishing website for information on licenses and restrictions. 

Not into fishing?  No problem.  How about a round of golf on one of the four courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Arnold Palmer and Robert Cupp?  With courses that open in the Spring and Whistler's Horstman Glacier open for skiing right through to mid-summer it is one of the few places in the world where you can ski and golf in the same day.

Here are a couple of great places to stay while visiting the area, first up is the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Center, rated number one at TripAdvisor.  This  boutique hotel offers Complimentary shuttle service, complimentary Internet, Laundry and dry cleaning services, Concierge service, Complimentary ski storage, free underground parking, heated outdoor salt water lap pool, two outdoor salt water whirl pools, a dry sauna, a cardio/Fitness center, two dining rooms and an in-house spa.   Pan Pacific hotels are partnered with quite a few different hotel, airline and dining reward programs, be sure to check them all out for the best deal for you and your family.  This five star hotel will run you about $199.00 per night for a one room Suite, but they have some specials being offered right now including their Summer early booking where you can get the third night free.

The next hotel is currently featured on Sniqueaway and is the Nita Lake Lodge, ranked number two on TripAdvisor, which is right at the base of Whistler mountain and right on lake Nita.  This hotel features a guest library, hot tub, a yoga studio, in-house spa, plunge pool, a games room, ski lockers (seasonal), complimentary Internet, in room gas fireplace, complimentary bikes and complimentary fishing rod rental.  Parking is $20.00.  The average for the one room suite is $267.00 - $306.00 per night, but with the Sniqueaway package its only $169.00 - $195.00 per night, a savings of $98.00 - $111.00 per day to spend elsewhere on your trip. 

Lets go shopping!  At the base of Whistler Mountain is Whistler Creekside which has quite a few shops, including the Rogers' Chocolate, open since 1855 you can pick up some yummy Victoria Creams that come in 22 flavours including blueberry, ginger and maple.  Need a little more outdoor wear?  Check out Roots for sweatshirts and other good things, a Canadian company that got its start in 1973.  Function Junction, a neighbourhood 10 minutes south of Whistler Village has a unique store, Home Hardware, which features unique home furnishings but the secret is to go upstairs and check out their fun selection of kitchenware, candles, rugs, small appliances and beautiful furniture.

Want more information on this great place, like whats at the top of the mountain and the Gondola that goes there? or maybe the zip lines that come back down?  Then visit the British Columbia tourist site for you free travel guide and be sure to check out the current great deals going on in and around the Whistler area.

Been to Whistler?  I would love to hear about your adventures!  Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

C.Q.