When G and I started talking about what to do for our 25th Anniversary, Whistler was one of the first places that came to mind. The Canadian mountain resort town is located about an hour north of Vancouver, BC (and only 3.5 hours from our house) which makes it the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
If the name sounds familiar, you're probably remembering Whistler from the 2010 Olympics. While most events were held in Vancouver, the Luge, Bobsled and Ski Jump competitions happened at Whistler.
Most people come to Whistler/Blackcomb Mountains to ski, and while we have done that, our favorite time to visit is in the fall. It's less crowded, the weather is usually good, and the scenery is breathtaking.
We stayed at The Four Seasons Whistler, and I cannot say enough about the hotel and its staff. We were upgraded to a suite for our anniversary, and every person we dealt with was pleasant and helpful, and went out of their way to make sure we had a great time.
The views from our balcony were stunning.
The Aspen-like pedestrian village is a great place to wander, shop and eat.
On Saturday Whistler hosted a Mudarella Run, and thousands of women were waiting in line to ride the gondola up to the start of the course. I have no idea how these two were going to compete, but they were definitely having fun.
The areas surrounding Whistler have miles of hiking trails, so we set out for some adventure. The mountain is also home to a large population of black bears, and we saw five of these guys hanging out by the side of the road, getting ready for their long winter's nap. I have never been that close to a bear in the wild before. Yikes. Glad we were in the car.
Luckily we didn't run into any more bears on our hike, but we did find beautiful scenery at every turn.
With apologies to my Canadian friends, the American dollar is currently very strong in Canada, making it an affordable place for a relaxing weekend. The soul soothing beauty, delicious food, and friendly residents are icing on the cake.
Just watch out for bears.
Looks like a lovely time. You got some great photos.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever been to Jasper or Banff? They are even better than Whistler.
I know it is the perfect time for everyone from the States to visit. When I was in NY the exchange rate just killed me. Damn Canadian dollar.
bisous
Suzanne
Thanks Suzanne. I have been to Banff, to ski, and it was gorgeous! Canada is so beautiful.
DeleteHa! The bears! Scary.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so soul-soothing. I can just about breathe in that air. And glad you got a nice, upgraded place to stay! Good tip about the American dollar in Canada. I know it varies, but we're not very far from the border here. Maybe 2-3 hours, tops.
You should definitely head to Canada for some moose searching.
DeleteWOW! So freaking gorgeous!! That hotel is on my bucket list for sure!! Happy happy anniversary! 25 years is a milestone, girl--you are blessed!! XOXOXO
ReplyDeleteThank you Casey!
DeleteLana, I would have to skip those bears... lol... as for the scenery it is beautiful... BC is the one province I really want to see in Canada... It has everything... xox
ReplyDeleteI am happy to see you and your hubby had a really good time, that is awesome xox
Thanks Launna. We are lucky to live so close to this beautiful country!
DeleteGlad you came and spent your money over here! PLEEEEASE tell me you tried a BeaverTail??
ReplyDeleteUmmmmmmm.......
DeleteWhat beautiful pictures from your trip! Even the bear! Yikes! Happy Anniversary!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Laura!
DeleteYour pictures are breathtaking! Wow - you were so close to that bear! Sounds like an amazing trip!
ReplyDeleteJill
Doused In Pink
We had a great time - the bears were a little close, though.
DeleteIt looks like an amazing place to visit! I've never been to Canada, but when I do I will definitely be checking Whistler out! I love the photos!
ReplyDeleteRena, you definitely need to get to Canada. You would love it!
DeleteLooks beautiful there!
ReplyDeleteIt really is. I miss it already.
DeleteLooks like a great get-a-way/ anniversary celebration. One of these days I'll get there.
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely go. So beautiful.
DeleteSounds absolutely lovely and oh so beautiful! Congrats, friend! 25 is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous photos Lana! Your bear picture is truly award-worthy - and seeing a bear that close is certainly best done from the car! Glad you had fun - and that the hotel treated you to an upgrade!
ReplyDeleteThe upgrade was the best part. Glad we saw all the bears from the car!
DeleteI love Whistler! And I love the mountains! Fall is the perfect time for a visit. Beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane. It's one of our favorite places.
DeleteA little late to comment on this post, but you captured Whistler perfectly! We go several times a year since we live so close and it's such a great place to spend time. Glad you enjoyed yourself.
ReplyDelete