DESTINATIONS — CANADA
Summer peak
Whistler’s appeal spans more than skiing, discovers Nikki Bayley
IN WHISTLER HOURS
H
ear a mention of Whistler in British Columbia and
your first thoughts are likely to be of perfect-powder skiing and boarding on Olympic-class mountains. And you’d be right – Whistler Blackcomb excels as a winter location. But when the snow melts it also shines as a summer activity holiday destination. Claiming the crown as one of the world’s finest mountain bike hubs, Whistler also boasts stunning alpine and forest hiking, glacier-fed lakes for kayaking, rafting and swimming, as well as excellent kids’ facilities, spas, golf courses and destination dining. Just 90 minutes’ drive along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver, Whistler is just as exciting in the sunshine as it is in ski season, and worthy of a visit on a western Canada summer itinerary.
l DAY ONE 09.00: Start your day with a cup of Portland’s finest Stumptown
coffee and treats such as caramelised banana brownies or lavender and earl grey scones at the Purebread bakery. Once high on sugar and caffeine, snap selfies at the Olympic Rings on the plaza.
purebread.ca 10.00: Plunge into the ancient coastal temperate rainforest on a guided eco treetop walk with Ziptrek. On this fascinating 90-minute tour you’ll walk through the treetops along gently swaying boardwalks and learn about the forest and Whistler’s bid to become a sustainable community. A must for photographers, you’ll be surrounded by lush forest and imposing mountains in an area untouched since the last ice age. For those seeking something more action-packed, Ziptrek also runs zipline tours in the same area.
ziptrek.com 11.30: Ask to be dropped off at the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre on the way back. This fantastic spot showcases the art, history and culture of the Squamish and
Lil’Wat First Nations people who have lived on these lands for generations. Visitors are welcomed with a song and traditional music before being shown a short film. Then it’s time for a tour with a First Nations cultural ambassador followed by a hands-on experience with traditional crafts. On Tuesday evenings from May till September, traditional barbecues are held, with treats like cedar plank west coast salmon and bannock.
slcc.ca 13.15: Fuel up for a busy afternoon with lunch at Milestones, which has one of the best outdoor spaces in Blackcomb. Cheery service, good prices and a family-friendly menu make this Canadian chain a popular stop.
milestonesrestaurants.com 15.00: Paddle in a single or double kayak, or balance on a Stand Up Paddleboard on a guided excursion with Whistler Eco Tours along the lyrically-named River of Golden Dreams, which takes visitors from Alta Lake through the
Whistler Wetlands down a glacier river and on to the beautiful Green Lake. These three-hour trips take in stunning scenery with plenty of photo-friendly spots along the way.
whistlerecotours.com 18.00: Stop for post-paddle snacks and a drink at the Dubh Linn Gate pub at the base of Whistler Mountain. They have live music
Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre
23 April 2015 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 59
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PICTURES: DESTINATION BRITISH COLUMBIA/TOSHI KAWANO; ROBINO’NEILL
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