Visiting Whistler Before The 2010 Olympics?

As a resident, business owner and frequent skiier at Whistler, I have realized that there are "secrets", things to see and do that the average visitor to Whistler has NO idea about. I'll try to pass along a local's knowledge, but know that Whistler is a paradise all of its own - these secrets merely add to the magic!

Hotels can be $300 a night and up during ski season, and peak summer season - but three ideas have saved me money on accommodation. First, there is a condo booking agency called Resortquest that can offer off season specials - I stayed in a gorgeous townhouse a block from the village square, with hot tub, fireplace, kitchen, sleeping 4-6 people for $100 in the early fall - ask about any deals like that!

If you are sociable, and willing to both ENJOY and put up with the common areas of a bed and breakfast - Chalet Beau Sejour had bed and breakfast in a spectacular chalet looking out on the mountains for $90-125. Very social hosts, and a dining table looking out on the mountains with double sided fireplace and mulled wine while visitors from around the world discuss snow and ski conditions simply can't be beat!

Lastly, there are two hostels - the venerable Shoestring Lodge, just north of Whistler maybe ten blocks distance, and slated to be "developed" into townhouses before the Olympics, has beds for $25, as does the hostel across the Lake from Whistler - you may share a room with some interesting strangers, but that price leaves plenty of money for food and entertainment!

Whistler has an incredible array of high end restaurants, but one I found outstanding was the Edgewater Lodge, just north of Whistler a few miles. Check the picture in the website, combined with the Zagat quote "venison to die for" (they have their own venison farm) and you'll be on your way!

At the other end of the spectrum, the mall beside the Whistler Conference Center hosts Shakespeare's Pies - Australian meat pies for under $4 that you will come back for over and over, especially after visiting Whistler's bars and nightclubs!

Three bars stand out as amongst Whistler's best, and offer a unique experience. Tommy Africa's will attract the early 20s crowd, with glass DJ booth, the best local DJs and a zebra striped door! The Savage Beagle is a two level bar on the main walkway, with a crowded dance floor downstairs, and a "belly up to the bar" section upstairs. The "cougar bar" for 30s and up is Buffalo Bills, at the other end of the main walkway - live bands, great DJs and comedians have offered many great nights over the years.

Ski lift passes are often available at the 7-11 in Squamish or Vancouver on your way to Whistler for a discount that can be $10-20 per lift ticket. Lift lines are shortest at the Whistler Creekside lift, if you want to get going quickly, but I prefer the skiing at Blackcomb, the other mountain (they are joined at Whistler Village)

The best kept secrets about Whistler are the summer activities - there are a group of pristine lakes to swim or canoe, mountain bikes with full protection gear are rocketed to the top of the mountain for rapid or tricky, descents, and the ski hill has a glacier at the top that is kept open until August!

Oh yeah, some guys named Palmer and Nicholas have golf courses, and there are ski camps, tennis camps, zip trek lines, heli hiking, white water rafting, fishing, horseback riding, ATVs - there are a LOT of great things to do, but bring money!!

Enjoy it now, before the Olympics - because 2 weeks of staring at this on TV is going to make the world go crazy for Whistler!

Andrew Larder
Whistler, Whistler Accommodation, Whistler Lodging

---

A Dream Vacation

What is the meaning of a "dream vacation"? What is... Read More

Ormond Beach, FL: A Small Piece of Paradise

Within Volusia County, Florida, the small community of Ormond Beach... Read More

Journeying Through Dorset - & The Jurassic Coast

The county of Dorset on England's south coast is a... Read More

Simple Ways to Stretch Your Orlando Lodging Dollars

You've thought and dreamed about it for months, planning each... Read More

Town Homes for ALL Your Pleasure in Orlando, Florida!

Have you ever done something spontaneous? Are you in love... Read More

A Guide to Punta Cana Beaches

Punta Cana Beaches are among the most beautiful in the... Read More

Finding the Right Home Rental in Lake Tahoe

There are a few patterns to consider when looking for... Read More

Vancouver, Hidden Jewel Of The Pacific Northwest

Vancouver will receive a lot of attention as the 2010... Read More

Travel Cambodia ? Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat, Sihanoukville and Roads From Hell

Cambodia is a land on the mend. From 1977 through... Read More

Gloucestershire - History, Holidays, and Fine Food

Gloucestershire, pronounced Glostershire, is a pretty English county located south... Read More

Vacation / Honeymoons 101 - Planning for Perfect Weather on Your Trip

Did you ever worry when traveling about the weather? Most... Read More

A Look at Bahamas Vacation Resorts

Bahamas vacation resorts are great places to look into if... Read More

You Only Have One Life, Let Your Caribbean Dream Come True

Turning your dream to Reality?Buying in the CaribbeanBuying a home... Read More

Cheap Family Vacations

The real secret to cheap family vacations is to be... Read More

European Car Rental - Top Ten Tips for Europe Travel: Tip #3 Insurance

Car rental insurance has to be one of the most... Read More

Looking Closely at Pigeon Forge Vacation Packages

Vacation packages are a great way for travelers to book... Read More

Looking for a Vacation in Paradise? Try a Bahamas Vacation

Plan your next vacation where most people call paradise...the Bahamas... Read More

Are Your Family Vacations Fun and Relaxing?

How many of you have seen the classic Chevy Chase... Read More

The Charm of Pigeon Forge Chalets

A chalet is a traditional Swiss style house with a... Read More

Where to Find Lodging and Accommodation in Whistler, BC

Are you thinking about a great place to go for... Read More

Looking For A Holiday With A Difference?

Fancy holidaying somewhere unusual? How about a 7 day tornado... Read More

The Bed and Breakfast Experience

The bed and breakfast experience is unique. You get the... Read More

Travel Journals ? Preserve Your Travel Experiences

Traveling is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More

Is A Disneyland Vacation Right For You?

Disneyland became the very definition of a theme park and... Read More

Summer Vacations: 7 Universal Laws for Survival

Summer vacations - what better topic could there be for... Read More

Scottish Roadtrips -- Encountering Porridge with Salt and Other Dangers

Edinburgh and beyondRoadtrips around BritainIt's hard to overstate the poetry... Read More

Earning Rental Income from a Gatlinburg Cabin

Gatlinburg has a small but thriving community of property owners.... Read More

Timeshare Presentations: Scams or Opportunities

Timeshare presentations are tricky animals. They can either be an... Read More

Finding Vacation Rentals in North Lake Tahoe

The main difference between North and South Lake Tahoe is... Read More

Italy with Kids ? Seven Ways to Get the Most from Your Family Travel in Italy

Italy is a popular vacation destination for families because it... Read More

Is An All Inclusive Resort Right For You?

Destinations such as Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas, and Bahamas have... Read More

A Guide to Cozumel Vacations

What kind of traveler are you? Do you want everything... Read More

Alternatives for Business Travelers

"I'm coming home. I've been away too long. Been away... Read More