We constantly feel lucky to live in Vancouver in so many ways. One of them is definitely having places like Whistler as our “back yard.”
A few weeks ago we loaded up our SUV and took a snowy drive to a mountain wonderland for the most magical winter vacation in Whistler.
Whistler is only about 2 hours by car from downtown Vancouver.
You can comfortably make it there without stops. We do however like to make a stop in Squamish for lunch just to break it up a little (especially for the kids)
If you’ve been to Whistler before, you’ll know there is no shortage of places to stay. This go around we stayed at the luxurious Pan Pacific.
The Pan Pacific actually has two locations only minutes away from each other.
Pan Pacific Village Center, which is in Whistler Village and Pan Pacific Mountainside which basically looks onto the mountain (you can look out your window and watch the skiers).
We stayed at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre and we would absolutely recommend it for any family.
First, they have an amazing heated pool and hot tubs, we all enjoyed those a lot. If you haven’t swam in a heated pool in the middle of winter, you haven’t really lived, it’s the most amazing feeling.
Second, it has a complimentary continental breakfast and I have to say that it’s probably the BEST breakfast I’ve had while staying at a hotel, the variety was amazing and everything was so fresh and delicious.
For the kids they have complimentary cookies and hot chocolate every day at 4pm while the adults can sip on the daily free alcoholic bevvy at the “Raven Room” lounge which is located just off the hotel lobby.
The hotel also has a spa located on their property.
I had the most relaxing facial at the Whistler Day Spa.
Not only did I leave feeling completely refreshed and pampered but I also learned a lot about my skin from Jessica .
We stayed in the 2 bedroom suite and it was so so perfect.
We love having a kitchen when we travel, SO much easier with kids. It’s also nice to have a separate room for kids so a) they can nap and b) you don’t have to tip tow at bedtime. During the kids naps we mostly lounged on the comfy armchair looking at the amazing view.
As for activities, there is no shortage of things to do no matter your age or interest when you’re in Whistler.
BUT one thing I would recommend to everyone (other than obviously skiing/snowboarding) is trying out the tube park.
The Coca-Cola Tube Park WAS the highlight of our trip.
I wasn’t sure if the kids would be scared but they LOVED THE LIFE OUT OF IT. I was actually more freaked out than the kids but if they could do it, I felt like I must face my fears, boy was it worth it. We totally thought that the 2 hours would be an overkill and it was barely enough, we left wanting more!
We also got to experience the First Nations Winter Feast & Performance at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
That was truly a one of a kind experience.
We got to dine on a traditional indigenous inspired menu and sip drinks complemented by Indigenous World Winery wines and craft beer from local breweries while being entertained through story telling, music, dance and more.
The kids were so so interested in the whole thing!! And all the food was beyond delicious and of course we didn’t leave without a beautiful souvenir to remember the evening by.
Now of course the main attraction of Whistler is skiing and snowboarding BUT even if you don’t you can still enjoy the amazing Peak to Peak Gondola ride and take in the majestic views!!!
- Take the Whistler Village gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain (don’t forger to snap a photo in front of the Olympic Rings!)
- Get on the Peak 2 Peak Gonadola to get to the Blackcomb Mountain and enjoy the breathtaking views.
- Don’t forget to treat yourself to a hot chocolate OR a beer at the top at the Rendevouz Lodge!!
- When your done exploring take the NEW Blackcomb Gondola to the Upper Village
Whistler is a very family friendly place with no shortage of things to do. Take a stroll down the village and enjoy all that the shops, stores and restaurants have to offer.
There are so many family friendly events happening, it’s really never a dull moment.
I think one of the highlights for Ava was going skating at the Whistler Olympic Plaza. If you’re feeling like a skate, the admission is FREE and rentals are only $6 if you don’t have your own skates.
We had SO much fun playing in the snow, we are already planning our trip back!!
XO,
Katusha
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