We decided to embark on a quick ski trip to Whistler, British Columbia. Whenever possible we try to avoid traveling during the holidays, so it was fitting that we departed the day after President’s Day. Little did we know, this journey would be filled with scenic beauty, culinary delights, and some great skiing despite poor conditions. From our flight to the slopes and everything in between, here’s a rundown of our Canadian adventure.
Contents
- 1 A Smooth Flight with Air Canada
- 2 Car Rental Adventure with Routes
- 3 The Enchanting Sea to Sky Highway
- 4 Whistler Village: A Cozy Mountain Hub
- 5 Starting the Day at Pangea
- 6 Après Ski at Garibaldi Lift Company
- 7 A Seafood Feast at Araxi
- 8 A Savory Snack at Peaked Pies
- 9 Ice Cream at COWS Whistler
- 10 Savoring Vancouver: A Culinary Finale to Our Ski Trip
- 11 Incredible Sushi Experience at Miku
- 12 Discovering Rodney’s Oyster House
- 13 Exploring Diverse Flavors and Culture of Vancouver
- 14 Wrapping Up Our Whistler Adventure
A Smooth Flight with Air Canada
Our adventure began with a smooth flight on Air Canada flying from LAX to YVR, we snagged a great deal by tracking and comparing flights through Expedia. For our departing flight we were on a newer Airbus A321 aircraft which made for a comfortable journey. Sometimes traveling with ski gear can be a pain. Fortunately the airline’s accommodating baggage policy allowed us to check our large Dakine Fall Line ski roller bag bag (with two pairs of ski’s boots and more gear inside) at the standard rate for my first checked bag, also brought my Dakine Heli Pro Ski Backpack and Yeti Water Bottle. Quick tip, remember to drink all the water, or empty your water bottle before getting in the airport security line.
Car Rental Adventure with Routes
We don’t always rent a car when we travel, but when we do, we try to find a deal. Choosing Routes for our car rental turned out to be a budget-friendly decision. Located off site from Vancouver airport, the shuttle service was convenient (pick-up location is on the departures level). Although they didn’t have the car we initially rented, we were thrilled with a complimentary upgrade to an All-Wheel Drive SUV, offering ample space for our ski equipment and luggage. Also, considering the rainy conditions, it was a safer and more comfortable ride.
The Enchanting Sea to Sky Highway
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) is a journey through nature’s Pacific Northwest art gallery. It takes about two hours, but with several viewpoints along the way, it felt like a blink. Each stop offered a new perspective of the stunning landscape, compelling us to pause and soak in the beauty. The rain, clouds and fog added a mystical touch to the scenery which we were glad we got to experience.
Whistler Village: A Cozy Mountain Hub
Whistler Village is a cozy mountain hub with its thoughtful design. If you’re staying near the base of Whistler mountain, it seamlessly integrates the essentials of a ski resort with the charm of a mountain town. Easy to navigate on foot, the village’s layout centers around the mountain base, and is filled with restaurants, bars and shops. It was convenient to walk from our hotel to the gondola, shops, and restaurants.
Starting the Day at Pangea
Although it was raining at the base of the mountain the day before, we knew it had been snowing at the peak. Our plan was to get an early start and get in line for the Whistler Village gondola. On our walk over, we found the perfect spot for a quick yet fulfilling breakfast – the Living Room at Pangea. They opened early, which worked perfectly for our morning schedule. The eggs benedict on avocado English muffins was just the energy we needed, along with some breakfast potatoes to top it off. It was just the right amount of food to get our day started.
Après Ski at Garibaldi Lift Company
After a day of skiing, there’s nothing like unwinding with good food and drinks. It was time for Après Ski at Garibaldi Lift Company, located at the base of Whistler on the second level of the building connected to the gondola station. They have a lot of great outdoor seating options, complete with fire pits and heaters, it was the ideal place to relax. The burgers, waffles fries and local beers were just what we needed after a day on the slopes. Something to note, the unique taste of their ketchup, a bit sweet and smokey, added an extra touch of flavor to our meal.
A Seafood Feast at Araxi
It was time for us to indulge in a more refined dining experience, so we opted for a seafood feast at Araxi. Known for its fresh fish and extensive seafood selection, it didn’t disappoint. The raw bar was a highlight, with a variety of local oysters each offering a unique taste, we sampled the Kisu, Little Wing, and Paradise oysters. We particularly enjoyed the Paradise oysters, they were medium in size and had a sweet fresh taste. The Seared Wild Scallops and Grilled Pacific Octopus were culinary delights, the differing textures between these bites was total perfection. Finally, Miso Marinated British Columbia Sablefish was the perfect end to a fantastic meal. It was an evening of indulgence that we’ll remember for a long time.
A Savory Snack at Peaked Pies
In search of a unique snack, we stumbled upon Peaked Pies. While they do offer some sweet treats, most are savory options, this was our introduction to the world of Australian meat pies. We tried several, including the intriguing Hopper (kangaroo meat, not for everyone). Our favorites were the Traditional Aussie (ground beef, onions & gravy) and also the Steak and Mushroom. Each pie was a savory delight, simple yet satisfying. It was a filling snack that added to our culinary exploration in Whistler.
Ice Cream at COWS Whistler
We were looking to satisfy our sweet tooth and decided it was time to check out the ice cream at COWS Whistler. Despite the cold night, we found ourselves waiting in line for their renowned ice cream. They had many unique flavors to sample like Cowconut Cream Pie, Royal Cownadian Mint and Gooey Mooey. The 15-minute wait was worth it, we stuck to more traditional creamy flavors like Peanut Butter Cup and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. It was a sweet indulgence that warmed our hearts in the chilly weather.
Savoring Vancouver: A Culinary Finale to Our Ski Trip
Our ski trip adventure in Whistler had come to an end, but we weren’t done eating our way through BC just yet. Rather than drive straight from Whistler to the airport, we decided to spend the full day before departing in Vancouver. A city known for its vibrant culinary scene and modern architecture, we managed to snag a great deal at Auberge Vancouver near the Waterfront, perfectly situated for our last culinary hurrah.
Incredible Sushi Experience at Miku
Vancouver’s reputation for outstanding sushi had us excited, and Miku came up more than once when speaking with locals. Just a short walk from our hotel, Miku promised an exceptional sushi experience, and it delivered beyond our expectations.
The highlight of our evening was the Kaiseki 6 Course Tasting Menu. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a journey through the finest flavors of the sea. Each course was a masterpiece, showcasing the freshest local fish and seafood. The traditional and innovative sushi preparations were a testament to the chef’s skill and creativity. Every bite was a celebration of the ocean’s bounty, leaving us in awe of the culinary artistry that Miku offered.
Discovering Rodney’s Oyster House
We enjoyed the local oysters so much that our quest led us to discover another local favorite, Rodney’s Oyster House. Known for its exceptional seafood, Rodney’s was the perfect place to indulge in our love for oysters one last time before we left. We tried a selection of local British Columbia oysters: Effingham, Sunseeker, Fanny Bay, and Beach Angels. Each variety had its unique taste and texture, making it a great experience for our taste buds. The freshness and quality of these oysters were unparalleled, and it was a joy to savor the best of British Columbia’s cold waters. One more thing about Rodney’s, they have a ton of different sauces to choose from, you’ll be ordering a lot of oysters if you want to try them all.
Exploring Diverse Flavors and Culture of Vancouver
Our day in Vancouver was about more than just sushi and oysters. We explored the city’s diverse culinary landscape, from bustling markets offering local produce to quaint cafes with their unique charm. Vancouver’s multicultural vibe was reflected in its food, and we relished every moment of it.
Wrapping Up Our Whistler Adventure
Our ski trip to Whistler, enriched with culinary explorations in Vancouver, was a perfect blend of adventure and gastronomy. As DINKs, we cherish these experiences that allow us to indulge in our love for travel, skiing, and good food. Vancouver was the ideal finale to our trip, leaving us with memories to savor until our next adventure.
Stay tuned for more tales from our travels, where we explore the world one ski slope and one dish at a time! check out our Whistler Ski Guide: Mountain Ski Guide: The Ultimate Powder Day at Whistler